What we’re watching in July 2026

Here on Optus’ Well Connected blog, us writers love chatting about the latest TV shows and movies that are coming our way. Whether it’s the most exciting sci-fi flick, nail-biting drama or a sports doco on a team we grew up watching, we’re always keen on recommending that latest and greatest shows – along with a handy perk that could save you money on your streaming bill.

Available across select Optus plans is a perk that allows you to control your subscriptions in one place and unlock cost savings. Eligible streaming services include Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount+ and a long list of others.

You should definitely consider the perks listed above if you’re keen on saving money when streaming. If you’re more interested in what to actually watch, we’ve put together our top recommendations for the month across a range of streaming services.
Want to learn more about how to control your subscriptions? Travel on over to Optus SubHub.

Project Hail Mary (Prime Video, movie, July 2026)

A new film that debuted in 2026, Project Hail Mary adapts the book of the same from Andy Weir (also behind The Martian). Starring Ryan Gosling, the movie follows a former high school teacher who awakes on a spaceship with amnesia. He learns that he is part of a daring mission to save the sun from dimming, which would cause catastrophic conditions on Earth. He’s also the sole survivor of the mission as his ship continues toward the only star in Earth’s solar neighbourhood not affected by the same conditions as the sun.

I’m a massive sci-fi fan, and loved The Martian along with Interstellar, with this film seeming to fit well into the same genre of daring science fiction missions. I’m keen to watch this in July.

- Zachariah Kelly, Optus writer

The Hawk (Netflix, series, 16 July 2026)

There’s always something special when comedy and sports are thrown together and (hopefully) this series will be no different.

‘The Hawk’ stars Will Ferrell as Lonnie Hawkins, 2004’s number one golfer who’s struggling to come to grips with his dwindling career. His body is screaming for retirement, but his heart is telling him that he’s simply not done yet. Add onto this the pressure from his ex-wife and son, golf’s new star player, to step aside, the inevitability of a hilariously intense showdown is almost certain.

With one more major to win to complete golf’s Grand Slam, Hawkins refuses to believe that he’s anything other than one stroke away from the greatest comeback ever seen in golf history.

- Phil Logan, Optus writer

Little House on the Prairie (Netflix, Series, July 7)

I had initially thought that ‘Little House on the Prairie’ was simply a metaphor for ‘cute house in the middle of nowhere’ – but turns out this book and later multiple TV adaptations has been a beloved part of culture for decades and earned itself a status of being a classic and a must watch.

Of course due to its popularity (unbeknownst to my naïve self), it was only a matter of time that such an adored story and family would receive the reboot treatment – and if early reviews and public anticipation is anything to go by, it seems to be that the latest version made by Netflix is continuing the tradition of being wholesomely loved.

Set in the 1970s, Little House on the Prairie follows Charles and Caroline Ingall who decide to uplift their busy lives in Wisconsin to start a new chapter on the Western Frontier in Kansas with their three daughters. Although they hope to live a slower family life, the Ingalls quickly learn that they must adapt to rural culture fast and the unpredictable hardships that come with it - particularly with their neighbours and their own changing dynamics.

If you’re still unsure on what this seemingly simple story is about - think Gilmore Girls meets Little Women and throw in a supportive father and you’ve got Little House on the Praire.

Warning though: you may want to call your parents and thank them for an hour after each episode.

- Quade Au, Optus writer

72 Hours (Netflix, movie, July 24)

If you like a belly laugh with your movie nights, gather your favourite peeps and snacks round the TV and treat yourself to 72 Hours – a glorious fun fest starring US comedy giant, Kevin Hart.

In a very nicely done, slightly slapstick look at the human condition as we approach middle age, Hart plays a 40-year-old executive who ends up at a three-day bachelor party with twenty-somethings after being mistakenly included in their chat group. Hilarity ensues in a Hangover-esque series of events including pool parties on yachts, night club hijinks, great dancing, unforgettable vomiting, and of course the customary mix-up involving drugs and the underworld.

Look out for appearances from musical reality show powerhouse Teyana Taylor, and “Nacho” from Better Call Saul, Michael Mando, as the groovy-scary gangster. The group of twenty-somethings themselves are brilliant and have some of the best lines in the script, including some laugh out loud jokes making fun of Hart’s character. And beware the jellyfish moment, I laughed so much I nearly choked on my popcorn.

72 Hours might not be the first comical look at a man struggling with his age, but it’s certainly one of the funniest.

- Justin Coombs, Optus writer

What else is streaming in July?

While the above shows are what we’re most excited for, there’s a lot of other content that we’re keen on streaming.

Over on Netflix, Enola Holmes 3 is now streaming, the third movie in the series following the titular detective as she heads for a destination wedding, while drama ensues with her older brother Sherlock who she must rescue.

Meanwhile on Prime Video, fantasy anime From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman returns for its second season. Korean office romance See You At Work Tommorrow! Also streams this month, based on a hit webtoon.

On Kayo, the NRL, AFL, Formula 1, Supercars and MotoGP all continue, and over on Binge, New Zealand crime dramedy Ms. X premieres this month.