9 must-watch movies coming to cinemas in August

Stephen Porzio

While Barbenheimer may have finally happened, there is still lots to look forward to in cinemas in August.

The month’s offerings include multiple comedies, a superhero flick, a video game adaptation, a horror satire and not one but two aquatic adventures. Check out our list of August’s cinema releases right here:

Meg 2: The Trench – 4 August

The movie that JOE boldly predicted a few months ago would be “the greatest movie ever made”, Jason Statham’s rescue diving hero returns to fight more massive prehistoric sharks in this sci-fi action horror sequel.

Joy Ride – 4 August

This comedy directed by one of the writers of Crazy Rich Asians follows four female friends (one of which is played by recent Oscar-nominee Stephanie Hsu) as they travel to Asia in search of one of their birth mothers and wind up becoming embroiled in various shenanigans.

Gran Turismo – 9 August

Directed by District 9’s Neill Blomkamp and featuring amongst its cast David Harbour and Orlando Bloom, Gran Turismo is based on the popular racing video game series of the same name. However, what makes it different than most video game adaptations is that it is actually inspired by true events. It will recount the story of Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), a teenager whose gaming skills gave him a chance to become a professional race car driver.

Haunted Mansion – 11 August

A terrific ensemble cast – Danny DeVito, LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Rosario Dawson and Tiffany Haddish to name just a few – headlines this horror comedy based on the Walt Disney theme park attraction of the same name.

Strays – 18 August

In this sweary live-action comedy, an abandoned dog named Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell) teams up with other strays to get revenge on his mean former owner (Will Forte).

Blue Beetle – 18 August

This DC superhero flick tells the story of Jamie Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a young man granted superpowers via an ancient alien biotechnological relic.

The Blackening – 25 August

Having already received very positive reviews after its US release earlier this year, this satirical horror follows a group of black American friends staying at a cabin in the woods where they find themselves targeted by a masked killer.

Theater Camp – 25 August

Co-directed by and starring Molly Gordon (The Bear), this comedy focuses on the eccentric staff of a theater camp in upstate New York who must band together with the beloved founder’s clueless son (Jimmy Tatro) to keep the thespian paradise afloat.

The Dive – 25 August

This survival thriller follows two sisters (Louisa Krause and Sophie Lowe) whose underwater dive at one of the world’s most remote spots becomes a fight to the death.