5 Best Netflix Movies to Watch in Summer 2026: From Glencoe Crime to Action

While YouTube won't let us watch without showing one political party in the UK talking about what they will do, Netflix has got me covered this period.

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!

Which one are you adding to your "My List"? If you've seen Should I Marry a Murderer, did you recognize the A82 road sections they showed? It felt so surreal to see!

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