If you’re looking to enjoy some high-quality storytelling, you’ve come to the right place. From chilling true crime that hits literally close to home for us in the Highlands to high-octane action and family favorites, here are 5 Netflix movies and series you need to watch at the beginning of summer.
1. Should I Marry a Murderer? (Limited Series)
My Rating: 4/5 This one hits incredibly close to home for me. As many of you know, we have spent a lot of our time exploring the Scottish Highlands, particularly around Glencoe and this story happened at Bridge of Orchy. Seeing these familiar, beautiful landscapes as the backdrop for such a dark story was bone-chilling.
The Storyline: This three-part docuseries tells the harrowing true story of Dr. Caroline Muirhead, a forensic pathologist from Glasgow.
In 2020, she met a charming Scottish farmer named Alexander "Sandy" McKellar on Tinder. They fell in love fast, but shortly after his proposal, Sandy confessed to a dark secret: in 2017, he and his twin brother, Robert, had killed a charity cyclist, Tony Parsons, in a hit-and-run on the A82 near Bridge of Orchy. The Cast & Production: Featuring real interviews with Caroline Muirhead and her parents, the series is produced with a gripping, noir-style narration that keeps you glued to the screen.
The Ending: The news carried this story heavily when the brothers were finally sentenced in 2023 after Caroline bravely led the police to the secret grave on the Auch Estate using a red bull can to mark the spot.
It’s a haunting look at how a "dream man" can turn into a nightmare.
2. Thrash (2026)
My Rating: 3/5 If you want a survival thriller that makes you scream at the screen, Thrash is it. It’s a "sharknado" style disaster movie but with a much higher budget and more tension.
The Storyline: When a Category 5 hurricane floods a coastal town, a group of survivors is trapped in rising waters—along with a swarm of aggressive bull sharks.
The Cast: Starring Phoebe Dynevor (of Bridgerton fame) as Lisa, a pregnant woman trying to escape, and Whitney Peak as Dakota.
My Take: I found the pregnant lady (Lisa) quite frustrating. She pushed Dakota—the girl helping her—in a way that felt incredibly selfish. I understand she was in survival mode, but the way she pleaded for others to risk their lives while she stayed safe was a bit much. Dakota stays to help, but I didn't buy her "loyalty" at first; eventually, even she realizes she needs to look out for herself when things get truly tough.
3. War Machine (2026)
My Rating: 5/5 This is easily one of the best action movies Netflix has released in years. It’s intense, gritty, and technically impressive.
The Storyline: During the final stages of U.S. Army Ranger selection, a group of elite recruits is dropped into a remote wilderness for a training exercise.
Things go south when they encounter a mysterious, relentless technological threat—a giant alien robot that begins hunting them one by one. The Cast & Crew: Directed by Patrick Hughes (The Hitman's Bodyguard) and starring the powerhouse Alan Ritchson (from Reacher) as "81." The supporting cast includes Dennis Quaid and Stephan James.
Why watch it: Ritchson’s performance as a soldier dealing with PTSD while fighting a mechanical beast is phenomenal. It’s a 5/5 must-watch for any action fan.
4. Swapped (2026)
My Rating: 5/5 I honestly enjoyed this new kids' movie more than I expected! It is a beautifully animated buddy comedy that feels fresh and funny.
The Storyline: Set in "The Valley," an ecosystem where creatures are part-plant and part-animal, a small woodland creature (Ollie) and a majestic bird unexpectedly swap bodies.
Being natural enemies, they are forced to work together to survive and find a way back to their original selves. The Cast: A stellar voice cast featuring Michael B. Jordan, Juno Temple, and the hilarious Tracy Morgan.
Production: Produced by Skydance Animation and directed by Nathan Greno (Tangled).
The world-building is stunning, and the humor actually lands for adults too.
5. You, Always (2026)
My Rating: 4/5 A delightful, comfort-watch romance that feels like a warm summer breeze. If you like "best friends to lovers" tropes, this is for you.
The Storyline: Ethan, a search-and-rescue member, has been best friends with Jen for years.
When Jen starts dating a charming author, Ethan is forced to confront his long-buried feelings. The Cast: Starring Adrian Grenier (Entourage) and Jessica De Gouw.
The Vibe: It’s a bit "international romance" style, filmed in beautiful locations in Australia. While it has some of those typical "annoying argument" tropes, the chemistry between the leads makes it a perfect summer evening watch.
| Movie/Series | Genre | My Rating | Why Watch? |
| Should I Marry a Murderer? | True Crime | 4/5 | Local Highland history & chilling narration. |
| War Machine | Action/Sci-Fi | 5/5 | Alan Ritchson is a beast; top-tier tension. |
| Swapped | Animated/Kids | 5/5 | Great for families; beautiful animation. |
| You, Always | Romance | 4/5 | Perfect summer "feel-good" vibes. |
| Thrash | Thriller | 3/5 | Great sharks, but frustrating characters! |
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