BPR Top Picks – What to Watch in June 2024

June is shaping up to be an exciting month for movie enthusiasts, with a diverse lineup of must-watch films and series. From a highly anticipated addition to a beloved sci-fi franchise and a heartwarming animated sequel to a darkly comedic anthology and an epic Western saga, there’s something for everyone.

The Acolyte (June 4, Disney+)

One of our top picks for June is “The Acolyte,” an eagerly anticipated addition to the Star Wars universe. Created by Leslye Headland for Disney+, this American science fiction television series is set at the end of the High Republic era, a timeline that precedes the events of the main Star Wars films. “The Acolyte” delves into a Jedi investigation of a series of enigmatic crimes, promising a thrilling narrative that expands the franchise’s rich lore. The ensemble cast boasts talents such as Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, and Carrie-Anne Moss, among others. Fans can look forward to the premiere on June 4, 2024, with the first two episodes available immediately and the remaining six episodes releasing weekly, making “The Acolyte” a must-watch event this summer.

Inside Out 2 (June 14, Theatrical release)

(Picture credit: IMDb)

Another June highlight is “Inside Out 2,” an upcoming animated coming-of-age film from Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures. This sequel to the beloved 2015 film “Inside Out” is directed by Kelsey Mann in his feature directorial debut, with Mark Nielsen producing and a screenplay by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein. The film sees the return of original cast members Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Diane Lane, and Kyle MacLachlan, alongside new voices including Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, and Kensington Tallman. The film expands on Pixar chief creative officer Pete Docter‘s original concept of emotions, exploring a broader range as Riley, now a teenager, faces new challenges. The story takes a twist as the familiar emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—contend with the arrival of Anxiety and potentially other new emotions, leading to unexpected changes in their internal world.

Kinds of Kindness (June 21, Theatrical release)

(Photo credit. IMDb)

“Kinds of Kindness,” an absurdist black comedy anthology film, is another standout in Budapest Reporter‘s top picks for June. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and co-written with Efthimis Filippou, the film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer. “Kinds of Kindness” is set for release in the United States on June 21. The film, described as a “triptych fable,” presents three loosely interconnected stories. The first segment, “The Death of R.M.F,” centers on a man attempting to reclaim control over his life after severing ties with his powerful boss. The second segment, “R.M.F. is Flying,” explores the paranoia of a man who suspects his recently returned spouse is an imposter. The final segment, “R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich,” follows a cultist on a quest to locate someone with the power to resurrect the dead. With its unique blend of dark humor and surreal storytelling, the film promises to be a thought-provoking and unconventional cinematic experience.

Horizon: An American Saga (June 28, Theatrical release)

“Horizon: An American Saga” is a grand, four-part epic Western film that stands out in Budapest Reporter‘s top picks for June. Co-written with Jon Baird and helmed by Kevin Costner, who also stars in the film, this ambitious project features a star-studded ensemble cast including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jeff Fahey, Will Patton, Tatanka Means, Owen Crow Shoe, Ella Hunt, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Thomas Haden Church. Chapter 1 of the saga premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 19, and is set for theatrical release in the United States on June 28. with Chapter 2 following on August 16, 2024. Meanwhile, filming for Chapter 3 commenced in May 2024, and Chapter 4 is currently in development. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, “Horizon: An American Saga” depicts the tumultuous period of westward expansion. The series promises a sweeping narrative that explores the trials and tribulations of this transformative era in American history.

Cover photo: Lucasfilm/Disney+