Top 10 Must See Movies and Shows of June 2025

#10: F1 (2025)

In 1990, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Tony Scott reteamed on Days of Thunder, which aimed to be Top Gun with race cars. 35 years later, Bruckheimer and Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski give us F1, which might as well be a Days of Thunder spiritual successor despite swapping Tom Cruise for Brad Pitt. Just as Maverick improved upon its predecessor, F1 drives circles around Days of Thunder. Not just in terms of characters, telling a familiar yet engrossing story about an aging driver proving theres still gas in his tank, but on a technical level as well. Just as Maverick made audiences feel like they were in the cockpit, F1 puts us behind the wheel, going over 100 mph without hitting the brakes.

#9: Atsuko Okatsuka: Father (2025)

You like dad jokes? Well, Atsuko Okatsuka has a few in her Hulu special. Even the title is something of a dad joke. Despite being known as Mother to her fans, Okatsuka feels more like a father. This dawned on Okatsuka upon realizing her husband is the only one who does the laundry at home. Okatsuka also talks about her own father, whom she didnt see much of growing up. You see, her mother and grandmother (kind of) kidnapped her when they immigrated to the U.S. Shes since reconnected with her father, finding humor in the whole experience. Okatsuka might not know how to work a washing machine, but if you need a second for a tandem bike, expect to laugh along the way.

#8: How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

Of all the live-action remakes of animated classics weve gotten this year - honestly, maybe the past several years - How to Train Your Dragon was easily the best. Perhaps thats because DreamWorks brought back one of the 2010 films directors, Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the two sequels. Unlike most of Disneys remakes, theres an evident admiration for and understanding of the source material. Some might argue its too faithful, as this is basically the same story. Regardless, its still a timeless tale. While telling it in live-action isnt an improvement per se, there is value in seeing Berk brought to life with immersive set pieces and state-of-the-art effects, not to mention strong performances from Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Gerard Butler.

#7: The Gilded Age (2022-)

Season 3

Like Julian Fellowes previous series, Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age centers on high society at the crossroads of change. As one generation dwells on keeping up appearances and preserving tradition, the next is more focused on that silly thing they call love. As some relationships bloom, others crumble, although divorce is easier said than done during this period, no matter how rich you are. Season 3 will tackle other social issues such as prejudice, the right to vote, and the temperance movement. It isnt just society as a whole thats headed for change. With the widowed Ada now possessing a majority of the wealth, Agnes position as head of the household is jeopardized in an era of progress that, like a locomotive, keeps moving forward.

#6: 28 Years Later (2025)

23 years later, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland return to the franchise that arguably set a new standard for every piece of zombie media that followed. The world is still essentially as we left it, with the Rage Virus showing no signs of slowing down. Yet, 28 Years Later is about change as a preteen copes with his mothers declining health, searching for a cure against a hopeless backdrop. Jodie Comer gives one of her most transformative performances while Ralph Fiennes plays a cryptic character right out of Apocalypse Now. Post-Apocalypse Now, if you will. On the whole, the film belongs to young Alfie Williams Spike, who comes of age as the infected continue to evolve.

#5: Elio (2025)

As much as cinephiles dump on sequels, reboots, and cinematic universes, the fact is that Hollywood isnt going to greenlight original movies if you (the audience) dont go to the theater. That said, Pixars Elio deserves to be doing better at the box office. What seems like a straightforward story about a misfit boy befriending aliens is a much more poignant meditation on loss, family, and finding your place in the universe. Maybe these themes werent properly conveyed in the advertising, or maybe the films very existence eluded you. Either way, we can only hope Elio can pull an Elemental, slowly but surely finding a following. Just as the titular Elio ventures where no human has gone before, we encourage viewers to embrace the unknown.

#4: Predator: Killer of Killers (2025)

Lets shift gears with a completely different animated film thats not for the whole family. If you were a fan of Dan Trachtenbergs Prey, though, this one is definitely for you. Trachtenberg teams with co-director Joshua Wassung of The Third Floor, Inc., which has primarily worked in visual effects, games, and theme park attractions. Predator: Killer of Killers marks the companys first animated feature, telling a collection of century-spanning stories with the Predators providing a common link. While this anthology expands upon the Predator lore, it never gets bogged down with exposition, relying more on visual storytelling and exhilarating action with characters we care about at the core. With two hits in a row, Trachtenberg has our anticipation for Predator: Badlands at an all-time high.

#3: Materialists (2025)

Materialists might seem like a conventional rom-com. While the film does contain romance and comedy, its far more adult and nuanced than the superficial fluff that mainstream Hollywood regularly churns out. If you were expecting something lighter, its an A24 film from Past Lives director Celine Song. Clearly, you didnt look beyond the surface, which, in a way, ties into the films themes. Dakota Johnson makes Madame Web a distant memory as Lucy, a merchant of true love who seemingly always knows the right thing to say. That is, until she does something wrong, not only making Lucy question her profession, but also her own love life. Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal are equally great in a love triangle with more than three facets.

#2: Phineas and Ferb (2007-15; 2025-)

Season 5

While the characters have appeared in other media, its been a decade since Phineas and Ferb initially ended. From the opening of Season 5, its as if no time has passed. With another summer commencing, we slip back into a formula that somehow never comes off as formulaic. Thats not only a testament to the timeless nature of the characters, but also this writing teams endless inventiveness. This first batch of episodes takes us to new depths via a submarine sub sandwich, as well as new heights with a giant pogo stick. Although the stories have kept the comedy fresh, Season 5 has also addressed lingering plot threads like Stacy learning Perry is a secret agent. Plus, we finally got Meap Me in St. Louis.

#1: The Life of Chuck (2025)

Director Mike Flanagan is no stranger to Stephen King. This adaptation of Kings novella isnt quite like anything Flanagan has tackled before, however. Although there is a supernatural element, Flanagan more or less leaves horror at the door, turning in his most life-affirming work. You might not think that at first, as the film opens on a note of gloom and doom. By beginning with the end, though, Flanagan leaves us with a desire to make the most of the time we have left. An ordinary day can become an unforgettable one with a spontaneous dance in the street. At a time when its easy to be cynical, The Life of Chuck dares to be sentimental and uplifting. Its a film we could all use.

What are some other June releases to catch up with in July? Let us know in the comments.