While June — and the summer as a whole — is slightly light on major blockbuster events, plenty of independent and arthouse features are making their way to theaters. “Inside Out 2” is likely the most significant release based on Pixar‘s tried and true strength at the box office, with “A Quiet Place: Day One” being another contender. But elsewhere, there are plenty of exciting and attention-grabbing films getting their theatrical runs.
From plenty of festival favorites from this year and last, such as “Kinds of Kindness,” “Janet Planet,” and “Tuesday,” to first-time horror features with “The Watchers,” new potential year favorites are arriving each week. We’ve yet to hit the full swing of the summer release season, but this seems like a good indicator of how the summer is going to go.
“Am I Ok?”
Dakota Johnson and Sonoya Mizuno star in the film “Am I Ok?” from directors Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne. Written by Lauren Pomerantz, the story follows Johnson’s Lucy as she comes to terms with her sexuality while coping with the news that her best friend, Mizuno’s Jane, is moving. Jermaine Fowler, Kiersey Clemons, Molly Gordon, June Diane Raphael, Tig Notaro, and Sean Hayes also star (read our review).
Release Date: Available to stream June 6 on Max.
“I Used To Be Funny”
Rachel Sennott stars in the comedy-drama “I Used to Be Funny” as a standup comedian who struggles with depression and PTSD. Directed by Ally Pankiw, the film follows her following an incident where a young girl who she used to serve as a nanny goes missing. Olga Pesta, Sabrina Jalees, Caleb Hearon, Jason Jones, and Dani Kind all star (read our review).
Release Date: In theaters June 7 via Utopia.
“Tuesday”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus moves to a more dramatic role in the fantasy drama “Tuesday.” Directed by Daina O. Pusić in her feature directorial debut, the film centers on the relationship between a mother and daughter who, while guided by Death in the form of a macaw, must face the truths and hardships of the daughter’s terminal illness. Lola Petticrew, Leah Harvey, and Arinzé Kene also star (read our review).
Release Date: In theaters June 7 via A24.
“The Watchers”
Ishana Night Shyamalan makes her directorial debut with the supernatural horror film, “The Watchers,” produced by her father, M. Night Shyamalan. The film follows a young woman who, while stranded in a forest in western Ireland, becomes trapped alongside three strangers who are stalked nightly by mysterious creatures. Dakota Fanning stars alongside Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouéré.
Release Date: In theaters June 7 via Warner Bros. Pictures.
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die”
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return for “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” the fourth installment in the franchise. Directed by Adil & Bilall and written by Chris Bremmer and Will Beall, the film follows the two detectives as they investigate corruption within the Miami PD, forcing them to work outside of the law in order to solve the case. Joe Pantoliano, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Jacob Scipio, and DJ Khaled all star (read our review).
Release Date: In theaters June 7 via Sony Pictures Releasing.