After the fabulous month that July was, especially for theatre-going audiences, August 2023 will have a host of movies that are tailor-made for couch potatoes like me. The following is a selection of those movies that will hit streaming this August 2023. While they are not a direct recommendation, please take this list as a suggestion for those movies you may check out this month.
8. The Monkey King
Release Date: August 18, 2023
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Monkey King is an action-packed family comedy that unfolds the epic quest of a charismatic Monkey and his enchanted fighting Stick. Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey as they set out to conquer not just 100 formidable demons but also face off against an eccentric Dragon King. However, Monkey’s most formidable foe lies not in the external world but within himself – his own ego!
Amidst the breathtaking battles and awe-inspiring magic, a heartwarming tale unfolds as a spirited young village girl crosses paths with Monkey. Despite his self-centered attitude, she fearlessly challenges him and opens his eyes to the profound truth that even the tiniest pebble can create ripples that resonate across the world.
7. Love in Taipei
Release Date: August 10, 2023
Where to Watch: Paramount+
Love in Taipei follows the journey of Ever Wong, a spirited young woman portrayed by the talented Ashley Liao. Ever’s summer plans take an unexpected twist when her parents surprise her with a cultural immersion program in the vibrant city of Taipei. Little did she know that this experience was no ordinary study trip but a summer-long adventure known as “Loveboat,” where locals and students partake in a liberating and unforgettable journey.
Stepping into this exciting world Ever is mesmerized by the vibrant tapestry of Taiwanese culture, and her heart soon becomes entangled in a delightful conundrum. As two alluring and contrasting young men vie for her affection, she finds herself torn between their magnetic charms. While one is the embodiment of tradition, embodying the essence of ancient history, the other represents the embodiment of modernity, pushing the boundaries of creativity and change.
As the summer unfolds, Ever is not only navigating the realm of romance but also battling against her parents’ soaring expectations. Fueled by her newfound passion for dancing, she must summon the courage to break free from the confinements of convention and follow the true desires of her heart.
6. You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah
Release Date: August 25, 2023
Where to Watch: Netflix
Stacy and Lydia, inseparable best friends since they were little, had always shared a big dream together – to have the most extraordinary and unforgettable bat mitzvahs. These two young souls were more than ready to step into a new chapter of their lives, embracing their Jewish heritage with joy and grace.
However, as the date of their bat mitzvahs approaches, fate plays a mischievous twist for them. Enter Ethan, the charming and popular boy from their middle school. Both Stacy and Lydia have secretly developed a crush on him, leading to some hilarious and awkward situations as they try to navigate their feelings while keeping their friendship intact.
You Are Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah brews drama in the form of middle school politics, and Stacy and Lydia find themselves caught in the whirlwind of cliques and rivalries.
5. Vacation Friends 2
Release Date: August 25, 2023
Where to Watch: Hulu
In this uproarious sequel, Vacation Friends 2, we catch up with newlyweds Marcus and Emily, who are now happily married after the events of the previous film. When Marcus unexpectedly lands an all-expenses-paid trip to a luxurious Caribbean resort, he seizes the opportunity to invite their wild and uninhibited best friends, Ron and Kyla, who are also newly married with a baby.
Eager to relive their carefree days, the foursome embarks on what they believe will be a perfect vacation. However, things take an unexpected turn when Kyla’s eccentric and unpredictable father, Reese, is released from San Quentin and decides to surprise them by showing up unannounced at the resort. Chaos ensues as Reese’s arrival disrupts Marcus’ carefully planned meeting with the resort owners to bid on a lucrative construction contract for a hotel in Chicago.
As the vacation friends struggle to keep Reese’s antics under control, they find themselves entangled in a series of outrageous misadventures.
4. Miguel Wants to Fight
Release Date: August 16, 2023
Where to Watch: Hulu
In the midst of a neighborhood where conflict and hostility have become an unfortunate norm, Miguel stands out as someone who has managed to avoid getting entangled in fights. He has always embraced a peaceful approach to life, preferring understanding over confrontation. But fate has a way of throwing unexpected challenges their way, and Miguel’s life is about to take a dramatic turn.
A series of unpredictable events converge, shattering the tranquility of Miguel’s existence. Suddenly, he and his close-knit group of friends find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of misadventures. As they navigate this new and chaotic reality, they’ll discover the true extent of their resilience and friendship.
3. Red, White & Royal Blue
Release Date: August 11, 2023
Where to Watch: Prime Video
In the world of glamour and power, two extraordinary young men stand at the center of attention. Lex Claremont-Diaz, the magnetic son of the President of the United States, possesses not only stunning good looks and undeniable charisma but also a burning passion for diplomacy and international relations. Britain’s Prince Henry, on the other hand, exudes an aura of regal charm, hiding a sensitive soul behind his royal facade, and harbors dreams of making a meaningful impact on society.
Despite their shared traits, Lex and Henry find themselves at odds, each carrying deep disdain for the other. The long-running feud between them has remained confined to whispers and rumors, insignificant until a fateful and public altercation during a crucial royal event. The incident explodes across tabloids, threatening to drive a dangerous wedge between U.S. and British relations and casting a dark shadow over the diplomatic landscape.
In a frantic effort to save face and prevent a potential international crisis, their families and advisors devise a drastic plan. They orchestrate a staged “truce” between the rivals, compelling Lex and Henry to play nice for the cameras. Reluctantly, they comply, locked into a facade of cooperation that belies the animosity they both feel.
Lex and Henry find themselves in the spotlight as the charade unfolds, with every move scrutinized by the world. But amidst the pretense, something unexpected happens – the icy tension between them begins to thaw. Forced to spend time together, they discover layers beyond their public personas, peeling back the masks they wear to reveal vulnerable and authentic selves.
2. Heart of Stone
Release Date: August 11, 2023
Where to Watch: Netflix
Meet Rachel Stone, an enigmatic intelligence operative with a razor-sharp mind and nerves of steel. Within the high-stakes world of global peacekeeping, she is a formidable force, always a step ahead of her adversaries. But now, the very foundation of her organization trembles, and Rachel finds herself at the epicenter of a crisis that could alter the balance of power forever.
In the shadows, a dangerous game unfolds as a malevolent force seeks to dismantle the global peacekeeping organization. Their ultimate target: the organization’s most valuable and potent asset, a mysterious and potent force for maintaining world order. Rachel, the only woman entrusted with this monumental responsibility, becomes the last line of defense between her organization and an unprecedented threat.
1. Medusa Deluxe
Release Date: August 4, 2023
Where to Watch: MUBI
In the enchanting city of London, a dazzling gathering of exceptionally gifted and ambitious hairstylists from all corners of the world converges for the most prestigious competition of their careers. Amidst the glittering lights and electrifying energy, dreams of fame and success soar high, but little do they know that treachery lurks in the shadows, waiting to strike.
As the anticipation builds to a crescendo, tragedy befalls the competition when one of their own is shockingly found murdered just moments before the judging begins. Panic and suspicion spread like wildfire among the hairstyling prodigies as they are now forced into a twisted journey of sleuthing through the labyrinthine neon-lit halls and backstage dressing rooms.
Medusa Deluxe poses to be one of the most interesting movies to hit streaming this August 2023.