Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
With all the new titles headed to your favorite platforms this month, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder where the best stuff is hiding. Streaming giant Netflix is delivering their consistently-quality content for June, and the amount of movies and shows hitting the service over the course of these next 30 days is mind-boggling. If you’re a little stressed about how to navigate this stream, don’t worry – we’re here to guide you.
June’s offerings include a handful of familiar flicks and new releases that are bound to strike your streaming fancy. We’re just here to give you a little nudge in the right direction – this is the critically-acclaimed content you’ve been waiting for. These are the 12 highest-rated movies arriving on Netflix this month, listed by their Rotten Tomatoes Critic Scores. You can thank us later.
'Saving Banksy'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 100
This lively, unique documentary tells the story of an art collector who attempts to save a Bansky painting from the auction block and destruction, despite the fact that the artist himself never wanted his work to be sold in the first place. Voices from prominent figures on both sides of the argument paint a compelling picture and take a deep dive into the dynamic world of graffiti and street art as a whole, and the debate regarding the commercialization of street art continues to be a hot button topic.
'The Queen'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 97
Helen Mirren won an Academy Award for Best Actress for playing Queen Elizabeth II in this riveting drama, and it’s not hard to see why. This British biopic chronicles the traditionally-stoic Queen’s reaction to the death of Princess Diana and the public response that ensued. Though the Royal Family initially deems it best to close their doors and mourn privately, it soon becomes evident that the British people need to be comforted by their leaders – particularly the Queen.
'Daughters of the Dust'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 97
This visually-stunning, massively influential drama tackles heavy themes in an innovating, poetic manner. The 1902-set drama examines the Gullah culture of the islands of the coast of South Carolina and Georgia and the way that African traditions of spirituality and family were maintained well into the 20th century on these islands. This dreamy film has also been credited with inspiring Beyoncé’s Lemonade – so don’t skip it.
'My Left Foot'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 97
This incredibly moving biopic documents the life of Irishman Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis), a painter and writer born with cerebral palsy who learns to do these things with the only limb he can control – his left foot. Day-Lewis earned a Best Actor Oscar for his vulnerable, completely committed performance as Christy. This depiction of a real-life miracle will make you cry, laugh, and marvel at the nature of human resilience.
'Moana'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 96
Disney’s latest animated triumph tells the story of the eponymous Moana, the young daughter of the chief of a Polynesian tribe who sets out with legendary demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to become a master wayfinder and save her island’s people. Beautifully animated and stocked with songs you won’t be able to get out of your head for weeks, this sweeping adventure film is fun for the whole family.
'Full Metal Jacket'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 95
Stanley Kubrick‘s iconic war film examines the effects of the military mentality and war as a whole on Vietnam-era Marines, and its quotable lines and unforgettable performances have inspired countless other works and parodies. This tight, disciplined, honest look at the way war seeps into the collective conscience of its participants is a classic.
'Young Frankenstein'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 93
Celebrate the late, great Gene Wilder by indulging in one of his most delightful works of comedy, Mel Brooks‘ Young Frankenstein. This hilarious black-and-white spoof of Mary Shelley’s classic tale finds the grandson of Victor Frankenstein (that’s fronkensteen, by the way) trying to escape the legend’s shadow, but all this changes when he discovers his grandfather’s diary and begins replicating his experiments – and creates his own monster.
'Zodiac'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 89
David Fincher shows us how storytelling is done with this criminally underrated slow-burn thriller that documents the hunt for the still-uncaught Zodiac Killer. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, and a slew of other wildly talented actors, this patient, unsettling flick will sneak up on you in unexpected ways.
'The Sixth Sense'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 85
This eternally-quoted thriller isn’t referenced all the time for nothing – M. Night Shylaman’s iconic flick delivers every good twist and turn you could ever hope for, all while chilling you to the bone with a unique sense of storytelling. Starring Bruce Willis and an insanely adorable Haley Joel Osment, this startling, intelligent film will leave you reeling.
'The Stanford Prison Experiment'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 83
Based on the real research of Dr. Zimbardo, this historical drama depicts Zimbardo’s famous work as he selects 24 male students to take on randomly assigned roles as prisoners and guards in a mock prison located in the Stanford psychology building’s basement. Featuring a strong ensemble cast that really makes it feel like the real deal, this absorbing, unsettling flick is incredibly thought-provoking. The results of the experiment – which saw the guards take advantage of their power and abuse the prisoners – remain eerily relevant today.
'Suite Française'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 75
Set during the early years of World War II and the Nazi occupation of France, this romantic war drama follows star-crossed lovers Lucile (Michelle Williams), a French villager, and German soldier Bruno von Falk (Matthias Schoenarts). While Lucile initially tries to resist her interest in Bruno because her husband is a prisoner of war, the close quarters soon lead them into a powerful romance as they cope with the ongoing devastation of the war.
'Trolls'
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 74
The happiest Troll ever born must team up with a grumpy companion to rescue her friends, and adorable, musical hilarity ensues on their journey. This endearing animated flick featuring the vocal talents of stars like Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, and Anna Kendrick is fun for the whole family.
