The halfway point of the year has passed, and what better way to kick off the second half of the movie year than with Eddie Murphy? The icon reprises his beloved role as Detective Axel Foley in *Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F*, and the fourth installment in the *Beverly Hills Cop* franchise is already a hit for Netflix. However, *Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F* is only one of the thousands of movies on Netflix, many of which are underseen and undervalued. Below, you’ll find five underrated movies to stream this July, including a charming comedy featuring multiple Sandlers, a crime thriller with an Oscar winner, and the final film of a celebrated trilogy.
You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023)
*You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah* stars Adam Sandler, but it’s not the type of movie you’ve come to expect from the legendary comedian. Sandler is not even the focal point; that distinction belongs to his daughter, Sunny. Best friends Stacy Friedman (Sunny Sandler) and Lydia Rodriguez Katz (Samantha Lorraine) dream about sharing an epic bat mitzvah. And nothing would make Stacy’s day more than sharing a dance with her crush, Andy Goldfarb (Dylan Hoffman). However, Stacy’s love life takes a rough detour when Lydia surprisingly starts to date Andy. To make matters worse, Stacy can’t agree with her parents (Sandler and Idina Menzel) on bat mitzvah plans. Stacy’s best day ever has now turned into a debacle. Directed by Sammi Cohen, *You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah* is an endearing coming-of-age story about first love and friendship, two universal themes we’ve all faced in our lives. Stream *You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah* on Netflix.
Back to the Future Part III (1990)
*Back to the Future* is a perfect movie, full stop. *Back to the Future Part II* is a worthy sequel. *Back to the Future Part III* is good, but it never receives the recognition it deserves because it’s a step down from its predecessors. That ends now. After Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) disappears in the DeLorean, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) learns his friend now lives in the Old West in 1885. Marty discovers Doc was murdered by Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson), Biff’s great-grandfather. To save him, Marty travels back to 1885 to prevent Doc’s murder from ever happening. However, a defective DeLorean and Doc’s newfound love complicate Marty’s return to 1985. Embrace the final chapter in a fun, adventure-filled trilogy. Stream *Back to the Future III* on Netflix.
The Highwaymen (2019)
Kevin Costner loves his Westerns. From *Dances with Wolves* and *Silverado* to *Open Range* and *Yellowstone*, Costner has been one of the most prominent voices in the genre over the last 40 years. Costner’s even risking his financial future with *Horizon: An American Saga*. Mixed in between *Yellowstone* and *Horizon: An American Saga* is *The Highwaymen*, John Lee Hancock’s 2019 movie starring Costner and Woody Harrelson. Though listed as a crime thriller, *The Highwaymen* has many trademarks found in a Western — good versus evil, lawmen facing outlaws, and a Midwestern setting. Former Texas Ranger Frank Hamer (Kevin Costner) is hired to track down two criminals: Bonnie and Clyde. Hamer recruits his former partner, Benjamin Maney Gault (Harrelson), to join him in the hunt. Do these two wily veterans have what it takes to bring down the notorious fugitives? Stream *The Highwaymen* on Netflix.
The Redeem Team (2022)
The U.S. Men’s Olympic basketball team is regarded as one of the best units in the world. When Team USA began using NBA players in 1992, the U.S. dominated the Olympic competition, winning three straight gold medals. At the 2004 Olympics, that streak ended when the U.S. won the bronze medal. The lack of a gold medal was considered a failure and an embarrassment. Following the loss, Team USA overhauled its entire selection process, brought in Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski as head coach, and went to work preparing for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. In 1992, the American players were known as “The Dream Team.” In 2008, the group became “The Redeem Team.” This behind-the-scenes documentary is a must-watch for any hoops junkie, as it depicts how Team USA triumphed after its darkest hour. Stream *The Redeem Team* on Netflix.
Aftersun (2022)
Warning: *Aftersun* might break your soul. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch it. It’s a powerful mediation on grief and the memories we have of our loved ones. *Aftersun* also marks one of the most impressive directorial debuts of the last five years. Written and directed by Charlotte Wells, *Aftersun* follows 11-year-old Sophie (Frankie Corio) on holiday in Turkey with her father, Calum (Paul Mescal), who recently separated from her mother. The film is a flashback as an adult Sophie (Celia Rowlson-Hall) reflects on what she remembers about her father and their time together. Around Sophie, Calum gives off the vibe of a happy, loving father, but in private, he’s a broken man who struggles with depression and his mental health. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, and devastating all at the same time. You’ll never hear “Under Pressure” the same way again. Stream *Aftersun* on Netflix.
