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The recent pandemic saw the temporary shuttering of movie theaters, so filmmakers were forced to innovate. The result was a rise in direct-to-streaming movies. Audiences missed the theater experience but quickly became accustomed to watching new releases from the comfort of their own homes. The positive viewer response to direct-to-streaming releases birthed a new trend: popular streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu began releasing a more comprehensive range of original, exclusive films. Though movie theaters have since reopened, the streaming trend shows no signs of slowing down. In 2021, Netflix churned out new movies at a staggering rate, and the summer of 2022 will continue that momentum. Netflix subscribers can expect summer movies from virtually every genre, starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood. The Netflix summer lineup will feature comedies, dramas, documentaries, and even an animated film or two, with more potential titles to come.
10. Hustle Is A Classic Underdog Story
Hustle stars Adam Sandler as a washed-up basketball scout who finds new talent overseas. The talent he finds is a street basketball player, and they face an uphill battle in proving they have what it takes. It’s a feel-good underdog story – the perfect kind of film for the summer season. The sports drama also stars Queen Latifah and was produced by the team of Lebron James and Adam Sandler. Hustle premiers on Netflix on June 8th and will also be in select theaters.
9. Halftime Is A Documentary About J-Lo
Musical biopics are having a moment right now, and Jennifer Lopez is getting in on the action. Halftime is a factual documentary – not a dramatized account – and stars Jennifer Lopez herself. The film focuses on Lopez’s life thus far and discusses what’s next on the horizon for the megastar. The documentary will make its debut at the Tribecca Film Festival in June. “Jenny from the block” fans can then watch the documentary on Netflix starting June 14th.
8. Civil Details The Life Of An Influential Lawyer
Another excellent summer movie premiering this year is Civil, a documentary about Benjamin Crump. Crump is a high-profile civil rights attorney who champions social justice for African Americans. Crump’s life story is inspirational, and the film focuses on the impact he has had on the American judicial system in his career thus far. In addition, the film stars Crump himself, who will partially tell his own life story to audiences. Civil premieres on Netflix on June 19th.
7. Spiderhead Is An Exciting Sci-Fi Thriller
Chris Hemsworth is an Avengers favorite, but fans will also love him as Steve Abnesti in Spiderhead. This long-awaited thriller pairs psychedelic drugs with the intensely constricting experience of living in a maximum-security prison. The story was inspired by Escape From Spiderhead, written by George Saunders. The film’s creators also took inspiration from 1970s thrillers. The movie’s release date was a mystery for quite a while, but it will now premiere on June 17th.
6. Persuasion Retells A Jane Austen Story
Persuasion stars Dakota Johnson as Anne Elliot, a Victorian woman who gets a second chance at love. Cosmo Jarvis and Henry Golding star alongside Johnson. The basis for the movie is Jane Austen’s novel of the same name, written before her death. The movie captures the novel’s satisfying romance. Period pieces have become very popular in recent years, so there has been a lot of buzz surrounding this film. Persuasion will be available for streaming on July 15th.
5. The Gray Man Is Netflix’s Most Expensive Film
Action-thrillers are perfect summer movies, and The Gray Man delivers on that promise. The Gray Man is based on a Mark Greaney thriller novel and features many familiar faces. Rom-com favorite Ryan Gosling and Captain America himself, Chris Evans, star as a freelance assassin and his CIA counterpart. The men are on a mission to destroy each other. The film is reportedly the most expensive Netflix original ever made. The film makes its debut on July 22nd.
4. Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie Teams Netflix And Nickelodeon
The Netflix summer movie lineup certainly promises plenty of variety, including this animated film. Nickelodeon Studios and Netflix have teamed up to bring TMNT fans this new installment in the turtle saga. Fans can expect signature colorful Nickelodeon animation. The film is a follow-up to the television series of the same name and was highly requested by fans. Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie premieres on Netflix on August 5th.
3. Day Shift Is A Comedic Vampire Movie
Horror comedies are always enjoyable to watch, and Day Shift is no exception. Jamie Foxx stars as an everyman who finds himself in an unbelievable horror situation. Foxx’s character works hard to provide for his daughter by running his own pool cleaning business. However, the pool cleaning business is mostly just a front for his real job as a vampire hunter. The film also stars Snoop Dogg and Dave Franco. This hilarious summer movie premieres on August 12th.
2. The Man From Toronto Has A Star-Studded Cast
Woody Harrelson and Kevin Hart make a genius comedic duo in The Man From Toronto. The film is about a case of mistaken identity, with Kevin Hart hiring an assassin (Harrelson) to help him set things straight. Comedy actress Kaley Cuoco rounds out the top billing. Netflix acquired the rights to the film from Sony Pictures. The film won’t premiere on Netflix until August 12th, so fans will have to wait a little longer to get their laughs from this promising comedy.
1. Me Time Is A Zany Dad Comedy
Mark Wahlberg and comedian Kevin Hart team up in Me Time, an over-the-top comedy about a stay-at-home dad and his best friend. The two men embark on a kid-free, action-packed weekend of laughs and misadventures, which nearly turns their lives upside down. Trailers for the film look very promising so far, and fans are looking forward to the premiere of this movie at the end of the summer. The official Netflix release date is set for August 26th, as of now.