Your June 2024 watchlist

At this point, there’s no such thing as a bad movie month. Just this May, we were treated to a worthy continuation to the “Planet of the Apes” saga and a well-received spin-off to the Oscar-winning “Mad Max: Fury Road.” This June, the box office continues to excite with the arrival of the likes of a long-awaited “Bad Boys” reunion and the return of our favorite color-coded emotions. Here are the best films coming this June.

Read more: The 2024 edition of the Japanese Film Festival Online features 20+ films—for free

“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” – June 5

BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE – Official Trailer (HD)

With the world’s most iconic slap well behind us, Will Smith reprises his role as Detective Mike Lowrey in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” Joined by Martin Lawrence, our veteran stars are caught staring down the end of the barrel as they seek to clear the name of their long-time friend Captain Howard while on the run as wanted criminals.

Joining Smith and Lawrence in the film series’ fourth installment are Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, Tiffany Haddish, and Joe Pantoliano. One of the most awaited films this month is directed by Adil & Bilall.

Read more: An arctic expedition to Longyearbyen, the northernmost human settlement on earth that over 200 Filipinos call home

“Glitter & Doom” – June 5

The season’s hottest queer musical revolves around a summer romance between Doom and Glitter. Their relationship is tested by the realities of growing up when Doom struggles to find success as a musician while Glitter has the opportunity to pursue a career as a circus performer.

The Tom Gustafson-directed “Glitter & Doom” stars Filipino actor Alex Diaz along with Alan Cammish, Ming Na-wen, Missy Pyle, and Tig Notaro.

“The Watchers” – June 5

In her directorial debut, Ishana Night Shyamalan’s “The Watchers” finds 28-year-old artist Mina stranded in a forest in western Ireland. Finding temporary solace in the company of three strangers, their safety is threatened by the existence of unknown creatures that are watching their every move.

“The Watchers” stars Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouere, and is produced by M. Night Shyamalan.

“Hit Man” – June 7 (on Netflix)

Following strong performances as the ever-charming Ben and navy hotshot Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin, Glen Powell continues his box-office run as a professional make-believe hit man. Inspired by a true story of a professor sidelining as a fake hitman for sting operations, complications arise when he falls in love with a client he was meant to catch—pushing him to maintain both his act and their budding romance.

“Hit Man” stars Powell and Adria Arjona, and is written and directed by Richard Linklater.

“Inside Out 2” – June 12

There’s only one thing scarier than moving to San Francisco: high school. Years following a turbulent period in Riley’s young life, the momentous occasion for any teenager is accompanied by the untimely arrival of new emotions. And although the first “Inside Out” taught us about the value of coexisting emotions, Anxiety, the new kid on the block, is not looking to make friends.

Maya Hawke voices Anxiety while Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Tony Hale, and Liza Lapira reprise their roles as Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust respectively. The latest of the two films is directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen.

“Fruitcake” – June 12

Joshua Garcia, Heaven Peralejo, Jane Oineza, Empoy, Ria Atayde, Dominic Ochoa, Alex Diaz, Mark Paterson, Victor Anastacio, KD Estrada, Enchong Dee, and Queeny star in the season’s upcoming feel-good romantic comedy. “Fruitcake” is written and directed by Joel Ferrer.

“Love You as the World Ends” – June 12

This Japanese apocalyptic drama follows Hibiki Mimiya after the loss of his partner Kurumi Ogasawara. Joined by a rag-tag group of survivors, Hibiki traverses through the country in search of his daughter Mirai, who is held by an extremist group in dire search of a cure to the zombie outbreak.

“Love You as the World Ends” stars Takeuchi Ryoma, Takahashi Fumiya, Hotta Mayu, and Suga Kenta, and is directed by Shintaro Sugawara.

“I Am: Celine Dion” – June 25 (on Prime Video)

Directed by Academy Award nominee Irene Taylor, “I Am: Celine Dion” shares a peek into the iconic star’s battle with a rare neurological disorder that has prevented her from doing what she loves.

“A Quiet Place: Day One” – June 26

A prequel to the groundbreaking thriller that has silenced cinemas worldwide, “A Quiet Place: Day One” shows us the beginning of the end for civilization as we know it. The third installment in the post-apocalyptic horror franchise stars Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, and Djimon Hounsou, and is directed by Michael Sarnoski.

“Marupok AF” – June 26

Based on a true story that went viral on Twitter, “Marupok AF” follows a sociopathic mastermind hell-bent on hurting a hopeless romantic’s dating life. One of the most intriguing films this year stars EJ Jallorina, Royce Cabrera, and Maris Racal, and is directed by Quark Henares.

“Horizon: An American Saga” – June 28

Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Jena Malone, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Luke Wilson star in the first installment of four films that Costner is directing and funding himself.

“A Family Affair” – June 29 (on Netflix)

We’ve seen fathers lose their minds over a seemingly undeserving boyfriend—think Bryan Cranston versus James Franco in “Why Him?” Now, let’s watch Joey King go crazy over an unlikely and steamy relationship between her mother (Nicole Kidman) and her boss (Zac Efron).

Read more...