3 Movie Masterpieces You Need to Watch on Netflix in July 2026: ‘Scream' and More

We all have different ideas about what a "masterpiece" is and what qualifies as one.

Watch With Us believes a movie masterpiece is both unique and stands the test of time – it doesn't need to be perfect, it just needs to be memorable.

Netflix just added a bunch of movies we think qualify as masterpieces that are worth streaming – yesterday, today and tomorrow.

The Cate Blanchett drama Tár and the horror classic Scream with Neve Campbell and Drew Barrymore have their fair share of admirers, while the ‘90s gangster picture Donnie Brasco starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp is an underrated gem worthy of attention.

‘Tár' (2002)

Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) isn't your ordinary California teenager. Her mother was brutally killed a year ago, and she still hasn't gotten over it. When a series of brutal murders rocks her small town, Sidney begins to suspect they might be related to her mother's death. Those suspicions are confirmed when an anonymous caller begins taunting her with a deadly game of horror movie trivia. If she answers correctly, she gets to hear another question, but if her answer is wrong, it's lights out for Sidney.

An instant hit in 1996, Scream defined an era for horror movies, spawning six successful sequels and one unsuccessful MTV show over three decades. None of them compares to the original, which is still as sharp, funny and entertaining as it was 30 years ago. What makes Scream unique among its horror brethren is that it's not particularly scary; it works more as a thriller than a traditional slasher like Halloween. The cast and script are top-notch, but it's director Wes Craven who makes Scream a modern masterpiece. He knows how to generate suspense, build character and deliver laughs at just the right moment.

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This story was originally published July 18, 2026 at 12:05 PM.