10 Must-See Movies in June 2023 (Theatres): The blockbuster season is officially here. May opened up doors for Hollywood’s big bets like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Fast X, and The Little Mermaid. Audiences responded well to the bait as the month was mostly a money-churning return for multiplexes. Both the goodbye to MCU’s band of misfits and the beginning of the end of the fast family saga opened up with great audience numbers.
However, if May was like the epilogue, June feels like the month of impressive turnarounds. While there are still a few things that will ring very loud in your ears – the latest Transformers is around the corner, the list will mostly comprise picks that can be definite good times at the theatres – be it a wide or limited release. Please note that the titles are based on their US Theatrical/Streaming Release, so their schedule may vary from where you live.
1. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Over a year after the events of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), Miles Morales, a.k.a Spider-Man, is once again thrust into an extraordinary adventure. Unexpectedly, his love interest Gwen Stacy, known as Spider-Woman or Spider-Gwen, seeks out his help to complete a vital mission that could save every universe of Spider-People from an impending catastrophe.
Miles, always up for a challenge, eagerly joins Gwen on this journey through the vast Multiverse. However, as they traverse different dimensions, they encounter myriad diverse and fascinating versions of Spider-People, each with unique powers and stories. Among them is Miguel O’Hara, a future incarnation of Spider-Man known as Spider-Man 2099, who serves as the leader of a legendary group of Spider-People known as the Spider-Society.
Tension arises as Miles finds himself at odds with Miguel and the Spider-Society regarding how to handle the imminent threat posed by the enigmatic villain, the Spot. The Spot, a formidable and manipulative enemy, possesses the ability to create portals to different dimensions, making him an unpredictable and dangerous foe. Miles believes in a more compassionate approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding and redemption, while Miguel and the Spider-Society lean towards a more aggressive strategy, prioritizing the protection of innocent lives.
As Miles and Gwen continue their mission, they face physical challenges and navigate the complexities of their relationship. The journey becomes a test of their courage, resilience, and bond strength as they are confronted with personal sacrifices and difficult decisions.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Animation
Runtime: 2h 20m
Release Date: Jun 2, 2023, Wide
2. Blue Jean
Premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, Blue Jean is the directorial debut of Georgia Oakley and stars Rosy McEwen, Kerrie Hayes, and Lucy Halliday.
It’s England, 1988. Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government looms over the nation, bringing with it a wave of discriminatory policies that threaten the lives and freedoms of marginalized communities. In this charged atmosphere, Jean, a compassionate and resilient gym teacher, finds herself caught in the crossfire and forced to live a double life.
As the passage of a law stigmatizing gays and lesbians draws near, Jean must navigate the oppressive social climate, concealing her own identity as a lesbian. In fear of losing her job and facing social isolation, she carefully guards her secret, yearning for a world where she can live authentically.
However, Jean’s carefully constructed façade begins to crumble with the arrival of a new student at the school. This enigmatic girl, who radiates confidence and self-assurance, becomes a catalyst for change in Jean’s life. Intrigued by the newcomer’s fearlessness, Jean is both inspired and terrified as she recognizes a reflection of her own hidden desires.
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
Runtime: 1h 37m
Release Date: Jun 9, 2023, Limited
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3. The Flash
In spite of the controversy surrounding the film and its lead star Ezra Miller, coupled with the reintroduction of a new slate of DC movies under Gunn’s vision, The Flash remains one of the year’s most anticipated movies for many.
One main reason must be the return of Micheal Keaton’s Batman and the prospect of the multiverse. The movie follows Barry Allen, the heroic speedster known as The Flash, who finds himself facing a heart-wrenching dilemma. Driven by grief and longing, he makes the fateful decision to travel back in time to prevent the murder of his beloved mother. However, this bold act sets off a chain of events that plunges him into an unforeseen alternate reality, one devoid of metahumans and teeming with unforeseen consequences.
Trapped in this unfamiliar world, Barry discovers that his actions have profoundly altered the course of history. Without the presence of metahumans, the planet is defenseless against the formidable General Zod, a Kryptonian warlord who has seized control and unleashed chaos upon humanity. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Barry understands that his mission extends beyond finding a way back home—it is to save this world from its impending doom.
Desperate for allies, Barry seeks out his younger self, a version of himself before he became The Flash. Together, they try to assemble a team capable of standing against Zod’s tyranny, leading them to an older and weathered Batman, a veteran crime-fighter burdened by his own past failures. Reluctantly, Batman joins their cause, driven by a desire for redemption and the greater good.
But their trio is not complete. They stumble upon a remote island where they encounter Supergirl, a castaway from Krypton, who has been living in seclusion. Hesitant at first, Supergirl, burdened by her own sense of loss, eventually agrees to join their fight against Zod, drawing upon her incredible powers to tip the scales in their favor.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Runtime: 2h 24m
Release Date: Jun 16, 2023, Wide
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4. Elemental
After debuting at the out-of-competition section at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, serving as the closing film, Elemental is all set to hit the theatres this June.
Set in the vibrant city of Elementa, where residents with the powers of fire, water, earth, and air coexist, two individuals are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection that transcends their elemental differences. Ember, a spirited and fiery young woman, and Kai, a laid-back and go-with-the-flow guy, are about to realize just how much they truly have in common.
With her passionate nature, Ember possesses an innate ability to control and manipulate fire. She is fiercely independent and driven by her desire to make a difference in the world around her. On the other hand, Kai is blessed with the power to manipulate water, reflecting his calm and adaptable personality. He values peace and harmony above all else, often flowing through life without attachment.
Their paths unexpectedly intertwine when they find themselves caught in the midst of a city-wide crisis, a threat that poses a danger to all the residents of Elementa. Forced to work together, Ember and Kai initially clash due to their contrasting approaches to life and their elemental powers. But as they face trials and challenges together, they discover that they share a deeper connection and a shared sense of purpose.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation
Runtime: 1h 33m
Release Date: Jun 16, 2023, Wide
5. Asteroid City
American wonder Wes Anderson returns with a cast that is too good to be true. Asteroid City is set at the anticipated Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention – a highly anticipated event that aims to unite students and parents from across the country for a weekend of fellowship and scholarly competition. However, everything is about to take an unexpected turn.
As attendees excitedly gather for the opening ceremonies, the world is shaken by a series of unprecedented and world-changing events, plunging the convention into chaos and uncertainty.
Amidst the backdrop of these extraordinary circumstances, the convention’s carefully crafted itinerary is abruptly disrupted. The original plans to explore the wonders of space, engage in educational workshops, and participate in friendly competitions are upended as a new reality takes hold. Students, parents, and organizers find themselves faced with a far greater mission—one that transcends the boundaries of their gathering.
As news of the global upheaval spreads, the convention becomes a nexus of information and a center for problem-solving. Students, who were once focused on academic challenges, must now pool their knowledge, creativity, and resourcefulness to address the unfolding crisis.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Runtime: 1h 44m
Release Date: Jun 23, 2023, Wide
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6. The Blackening
The Blackening blends elements of horror, suspense, and social commentary. This film was directed by Tim Story (known for Ride Along, Think Like A Man, and Barbershop), and co-written by Tracy Oliver (renowned for Girls Trip, Harlem) and Dewayne Perkins (notable for his work on The Amber Ruffin Show, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), transcends genre tropes and explores the notion of representation and identity within the horror genre.
Set during a Juneteenth weekend getaway, a tight-knit group of Black friends comes together to celebrate their shared heritage and freedom. However, their joyful reunion takes a terrifying turn when they find themselves unexpectedly trapped in a remote cabin, cut off from the outside world. As they navigate their increasingly dire situation, they discover that a twisted killer is among them, playing a sadistic game where their lives hang in the balance.
The Blackening delves into the complexities of identity, challenging traditional horror movie stereotypes head-on. As the friends grapple with the looming threat, they confront the sardonic question that has plagued the genre for years: “If the entire cast of a horror movie is Black, who dies first?” The film fearlessly subverts this narrative expectation, shattering preconceived notions and defying audience expectations.
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Runtime: 1h 36m
Release Date: Jun 16, 2023, Wide
7. Mad Heidi
The renowned Swiss Production from 2022 is finally coming to the state. The movie is about Heidi, a spirited young woman, who resides in the picturesque mountains alongside her boyfriend, Peter the Goatherd, and her wise grandfather, Alpöhi. Their idyllic life takes a dramatic turn when their peaceful existence clashes with the Swiss president and cheese magnate, Meili. Peter’s independent venture of selling his own cheese challenges Meili’s monopoly, sparking a chain of events that tests Heidi’s resilience and sparks a fight against cheese fascism.
As tensions escalate, Meili takes drastic action, fueled by anger and a desire to maintain his control over the cheese market. In a shocking act of cruelty, Goatherd Peter is unjustly executed before Heidi’s eyes by Commander Knorr, Meili’s loyal enforcer. Devastated and determined to seek justice, Heidi finds herself wrongfully arrested and imprisoned in a remote women’s facility nestled in the mountains.
Confined within the walls of the prison, Heidi endures a series of hardships and injustices. However, amidst the darkness, she forms an unexpected bond with Klara, her compassionate cellmate. Together, they navigate the oppressive environment and develop an unbreakable friendship. Drawing strength from their shared experiences, they vow to escape and bring an end to the reign of cheese fascists.
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Action, Adventure
Runtime: 1h 32m
Release Date: Jun 21, 2023, Limited
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8. No Hard Feelings
On the verge of losing her childhood home, Maddie (Jennifer Lawrence) stumbles upon a captivating job opportunity. A listing catches her eye, detailing a unique request from wealthy helicopter parents searching for a companion for their introverted 19-year-old son, Percy, before he departs for college. Intrigued by the prospect, Maddie decides to embark on this unconventional journey, unaware of the surprising twists and turns that lie ahead.
As Maddie delves into her role as Percy’s “date,” she quickly realizes that Percy’s introversion and social awkwardness present unforeseen challenges. Despite his initial hesitance to engage, Maddie discovers that Percy possesses a wealth of untapped potential hidden beneath layers of self-doubt and insecurities. Determined to help Percy embrace his true self, Maddie commits herself to break down his barriers and uncovering the vibrant spirit within.
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 1h 39m
Release Date: Jun 23, 2023, Wide
9. God is a Bullet
God Is a Bullet follows determined detective Bob Hightower (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), whose world is shattered when he discovers the lifeless body of his ex-wife and learns that a sinister cult has abducted his precious daughter. Fueled by a desperate need to rescue his daughter, Bob takes it upon himself to infiltrate the clandestine organization, plunging into a treacherous journey that will test his limits.
As Bob delves deeper into the cult’s inner workings, he crosses paths with Case Hardin, a resilient survivor played by Maika Monroe. Having escaped the cult’s clutches, Case becomes an unexpected ally for Bob. Together, they form an unlikely partnership through their shared determination and try to rescue Bob’s daughter and seek justice for the atrocities committed by the cult.
Guided by an enigmatic figure known as The Ferryman (Jamie Foxx), Bob and Case venture further into the dark underbelly of the cult. The Ferryman, a mysterious and resourceful individual with his own motivations, becomes integral to their mission, leading them down a twisted path toward redemption and closure.
Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller
Runtime: 2h 35m
Release Date: Jun 23, 2023, Wide
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10. Paris Memories
A.K.A Revior Paris, Paris Memories is a French drama that premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival under the Directors’ Fortnight. If you wish to check out movies that go beyond the natural language this June 2023 in theatres, you can see this evocative narrative that follows the journey of Mia (Virginie Efira), whose life is forever altered after a traumatic shooting incident.
The story begins on an enchanting date night filled with red wine and a thrilling motorcycle ride through the streets of Paris. However, their idyllic evening takes a devastating turn when a gunman unleashes chaos at a bistro, shattering Mia’s world.
Three months later, Mia finds herself trapped in a state of emotional numbness, unable to piece together the fragments of her memory from that fateful night. Struggling to reclaim her life and reconnect with her loved ones, Mia embarks on a mission to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the shooting. The bistro, where she sought refuge from the storm, becomes a symbolic sanctuary that draws her back time and again.
In her pursuit of understanding and healing, Mia forms unexpected bonds with fellow survivors who share her pain. Among them is the wry banker Thomas, portrayed by Benoît Magimel, and the resilient orphaned teenager Félicia, portrayed by Nastya Golubeva. Through their shared experiences and mutual support, these survivors find solace and strength in one another, forming a tight-knit community that transcends their individual traumas.
As Mia delves deeper into her quest for answers, she recollects a kind stranger who helped her through the harrowing attack. Fueled by a desire to ensure his survival and express her gratitude, Mia becomes determined to find him. In her search, she discovers the profound impact of human connection forged in the midst of tragedy.
