Top 10 Must Watch Movies and Shows of July 2025

Must Watch: July 2025

Welcome to WatchMojo, and in this installment of Must Watch, were looking at movies, shows, podcasts, and more that defined pop culture in July 2025.

#10: Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story (2025)

For many of us, July means one thing, and one thing only: shark programming! 50 years later, its still hard to top the original Jaws. Over the decades, there have been a few documentaries about the 1975 classics troubled production and unexpected impact. Reportedly, theres another documentary on the horizon with Jaws: Making a Splash in Hollywood. National Geographic beat that doc to release, though, with Jaws @ 50. Dubbing itself The Definitive Inside Story, this documentary stands out with a first-hand account from Steven Spielberg. Several others share their insight into how Jaws shaped a generation and is still influencing the industry. Ushering in the summer movie season as we now know it, there isnt a boat big enough to contain Jaws legacy.

#9: The Sandman (2022-25)Season 2

Speaking of legacy, recent allegations against author Neil Gaiman have called his into question. Some might attribute the controversy surrounding Gaiman to The Sandman ending, although Season 2 was reportedly always intended to be the last. Even after the first season drew in high viewership, Netflix was apprehensive about renewing, most likely due to the budget, costing $15 million per episode. The money is again on the screen in Season 2, which was split into dual volumes followed by a special. While another visual marvel with gothic atmosphere, the shows true life force is Tom Sturridge in a literal dream casting choice. Say what you will about Gaiman, but The Sandman is one of the many works thatll outlive its creator.

#8: Dandadan (2024-)Season 2

Even by anime standards, Dandadan is pretty balls to the wall. We mean that in more ways than one, as one of the inciting incidents sees a character lose his um, lets just say banana. As bonkers as the story gets, this Crunchyroll Anime Award-winning series is a surprisingly sweet coming-of-age story centered on the nerdy Okarun and the often scantily clad Momo. Their intense relationship is only made more complicated thanks to the presence of aliens, curses, and past loves. Season 2 piles onto the insanity with a sacrificial family, a giant snake worm, and a spirit named Evil Eye. The seasons first three episodes were released theatrically as part of a feature, but weve only scratched the surface of Yukinobu Tatsus source material.

#7: Billy Joel: And So It Goes (2025)

Earlier this year, the music world was saddened to learn that Billy Joel would be canceling his upcoming performances after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder. The news coincided with the release of Billy Joel: And So It Goes. As we see in the two-part documentary, this isnt the first time that Joel has fought for his life. In addition to exploring the deeper meanings behind hits like Piano Man and Uptown Girl, his life story dives into the financial, marital, and mental health struggles that Joel faced. The film isnt just told from Joels perspective, but those who know him intimately. For every critic who once wrote off Joel, youll find that the man and his music are far more complex.

#6: Eddington (2025)

Guys, movies set in 2020 can now be considered period pieces! Ari Asters Eddington takes us back to the early days of the pandemic as people declare war over masks, conspiracy theories poison social media, and authorities figures who should be keeping the peace instead add gasoline to the fire. For its first two acts, Eddington is an accurate time capsule of what many of us endured. The final act is where the director of Hereditary and Midsommar shows his truly twisted side. With the world still divided, Eddington is bound to infuriate audiences for different reasons, but we can all agree on one thing. When we reevaluate the evolving COVID subgenre years from now, Eddington will most certainly be a talking point.

#5: Dexter: Resurrection (2025-)

Some characters just wont stay dead. In Dexter Morgans case, were not complaining. While the original series was great at its peak, it had one of the worst finales ever. It seemingly found redemption in Dexter: New Blood, although that series didnt wrap up on the best note either. The past several months have given us two Dexter shows. Original Sin centers on a younger Dexter, while Resurrection officially brings the serial killer back for more blood. Michael C. Hall reprises his career-defining role, joined by some other familiar faces along with new ones like Uma Thurman and Peter Dinklage. Time will only tell if this will be the one that finally sticks the landing, but for now, Dexter is hitting his target again.

#4: Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-)Season 17

The Gang dropped by Abbott Elementary last January. The Its Always Sunny season premiere gave us the second-half of that crossover, complete with footage too profanity-laced for ABCs sensors. From there, the Paddys Pub proprietors get back to their usual antics, by which we mean criminal and morally bankrupt activity. Although its the seventeenth season, the show itself is turning twenty this year. Just as the series isnt showing its age, the Gang is demonstrating no signs of emotional growth. Even when they do, thats quickly yanked away. At this point, though, we wouldnt change anything. As funny as its ever been, Its Always Sunny remains a comedy staple that will hopefully last forever unlike some other shows.

#3: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015-)The Final Countdown!?!

One day, youre making a joke about your parent company bowing to the president standing in the way of a merger. The next, your show is cancelled, along with a more than 30-year-old franchise. CBS was apparently preparing to end The Late Show before Stephen Colbert accused the higher-ups of bribing President Trump. CBS also claimed this was purely a financial decision, supposedly losing $40 million annually. Many still find the timing suspicious, believing CBS wouldnt have canceled the highest-rated late-night show with someone else in the White House. While were sad The Late Show is ending, were excited to see how Colbert will use his platform over the following months. Hes not going quietly, and Jon Stewart isnt staying silent either!

#2: The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

Fourth times the charm! We guess the fifth time, depending on how you count the number of attempts? In any case, we can finally say that theres a good non-Incredibles Fantastic Four movie. Not only is First Steps by far the best film centered on Marvels first family, but between this and the underrated Thunderbolts*, the MCU is seeing a return to form. The MCU learns from its mistakes with First Steps, focusing on telling an engaging standalone story rather than trying to branch several others together. Marvel also avoids the missteps of past Fantastic Four movies, emphasizing the family dynamic, vibrant visuals, and environment that fully embraces its comic book roots. After several steps back, this is a huge leap forward.

#1: Superman (2025)

Marvel isnt the only superhero brand on the upswing. The DC Universe is off to a promising start with James Gunns Superman. From the opening scene, Gunn quite literally drops us into this universe of gods and monsters where Superman is just one of many meta-humans. Even as the Justice Gang forms in the background, Superman stands out as a symbol of hope. Of course, that makes him a prime target for the public, media, and billionaires like Lex Luthor. While the story pushes Superman to his physical limits, what distinguishes this film are the internal battles concerning responsibility, legacy, and how much authority one person should have. Just when you thought superhero fatigue killed the genre, Gunn gave it a shot in the arm.

What did you watch this past month? What do you still need to catch up with? Let us know in the comments.