Epic is an over-used word in cinema, but David Lean’s four-hour 1962 journey with T.E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole) into the Arabian desert is surely the gold standard for films grand in scale and design. It’s been more than 50 years since Lean chronicled the exploits of Lawrence, an unconventional British officer who struck out alone during World War I with the aid of Bedouins (including Omar Sharif in his most famous role) to fight the Turks.
As the summer season gives way to Labor Day and the avalanche of quality Oscar contenders that lie on the other side, Netflix is unwittingly doing its part to make sure that people get out and go see the good stuff. Turns out it’s a grim month for new movies on the streaming service. Still, some of the noteworthy titles are as major as it gets: It might be sacrilege to watch Lawrence of Arabia on your laptop, but it’ll be nice to have the option to jump in there and check up on how things are going in the desert. Moonrise Kingdom is essential viewing for your next lazy Sunday, and About Elly—a masterpiece that once seemed as though it would never reach these shores—is now available at the click of button. Here are the five most exciting new movies on Netflix this month, plus a complete list of everything that’s being added to the site.