15 Movies to Watch in August

      The dog days of summer have come. While distributors are holding back their major releases for fall, August still offers a selection of treats, including some B-movie thrillers, meta narratives, and an unexpected release from one of cinema's great directors.

      15. The Dog Stars (Ridley Scott; Aug. 28)

      Even with a milestone 90th birthday approaching next year, Ridley Scott shows no signs of slowing down. His upcoming film, The Dog Stars, will be out this month, marking his first release since 2024’s Gladiator II. Featuring a cast that includes Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, and Allison Janney, this post-apocalyptic drama has generated modest buzz since its original spring release was pushed to the quieter month of August, but we remain eager to see what the director delivers.

      14. Coyote vs. Acme (Dave Green; Aug. 28)

      Having completed filming in early 2022, Dave Green’s Coyote vs. Acme has encountered more challenges than the Road Runner itself. After Warner Bros. Discovery initially decided to shelve the film as part of a tax write-off, they eventually made the decision to sell it to distributors. Ketchup Entertainment, which also released The Day the Earth Blew Up, has stepped in to ensure its release at the end of summer.

      13. Idiots (Macon Blair; Aug. 28)

      After gaining recognition with Blue Ruin, Macon Blair showcased his directing skills with I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, and he returned to Sundance this year with his new project. Idiots (formerly titled The Shitheads) features Dave Franco, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Mason Thames, Kiernan Shipka, Nicholas Braun, and Peter Dinklage. Kent M. Wilhelm noted in his Sundance review, “This relatable road movie premise fits into a rich cinematic tradition, leading to various subgenres like the screwball escort tale, where contrasting personalities often clash while striving for a shared goal. Whether the mission is reaching someone in Greece or catching a train to Yuma, it’s a cherished trope that reappears every few years. In 2026, writer-director Blair revitalizes it with Idiots, navigating a chaotic plot in his comedy about prisoner transport, balancing humor with moments of emotional depth.”

      12. Union County (Adam Meeks; Aug. 14)

      Following his enjoyable role in I Love Boosters earlier this summer, Will Poulter’s next part is one of his most impactful and dramatic performances. Adam Meeks’ feature debut, Union County, which debuted at Sundance this year, shows Poulter alongside Noah Centineo as siblings coping with the opioid crisis in their community. Reviewer Jake Kring-Schreifels stated, “Last summer, during The Bear's fourth season, Will Poulter made quite an impression walking into the show's Chicago restaurant. This reaction is familiar for the tall British actor—as his striking blue eyes and charming accent have often drawn attention. Regardless of his role, he brings an undeniable energy to a scene. However, in Union County, Meeks’ assured directorial debut, Poulter adopts a more subdued persona. As recovering addict Cody Parsons, he appears disheveled and downtrodden, effectively shedding his usual vibrant energy.”

      11. Buddy (Caspar Kelly; Aug. 28)

      After captivating audiences with his surreal piece Too Many Cooks, Casper Kelly ventured into film with the Sundance premiere Buddy, starring Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Topher Grace, Keegan-Michael Key, Michael Shannon, and Patton Oswalt. In his Sundance review, Caleb Hammond remarked, “Mixing elements of Barney and Blue’s Clues, Buddy features a large pink unicorn, accompanied by anthropomorphized household objects, imparting lessons to children in each episode. The colorful sets, children’s ’90s outfits, and the songs echo Kelly’s keen awareness of the visual and narrative conventions he playfully subverts.”

      10. Filipiñana (Rafael Manuel; Aug. 28)

      One of the most visually accomplished directorial debuts showcased at Sundance this year, Rafael Manuel's Filipiñana, supported by Jia Zhangke, unfolds in a Philippine country club where a 17-year-old “tee-girl” begins to reveal a hidden culture of misogyny and violence among the elite and clientele. With striking visuals crafted by cinematographer Xenia Patricia, Manuel skillfully peels back the layers of beauty and systemic issues, exposing a nation's inequalities.

      9. Dreams in Nightmares (Shatara Michelle Ford; Aug. 21)

      After an impressive debut with Test Pattern, which garnered nominations from both the Gotham and Independent Spirit Awards, Shatara Michelle Ford returned to the festival scene in 2024 with Dreams in Nightmares. Reviewer Jourdain S