We finally made it to June. The year is somehow almost halfway over. The summer is in full swing. Kids are out of school. Swimming pools are open. Blockbusters are hitting the big screens. However, we’re not here to talk about the new movies hitting the theaters. We are of course here to talk about the best movies available to stream from the comfort of your own couch. So without further adieu, here are this month’s selections.
Netflix: Dune (1984)
In anticipation of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two hitting theaters later this year, why not check out David Lynch’s wonderful adaptation from 1984. Lynch famously doesn’t love to talk about this movie, but there is so much here to be talked about. The vibe of Lynch’s Dune is very different from the vibe established by Villeneuve for his version. It’s a bit more punk rock. It leans more into the fantastical elements of the Dune universe. It’s wholly wonderful and an incredibly delightful change of pace for modern movie fans.
FOR FANS OF: Dune (2021); Mulholland Drive; Lawrence of Arabia
Prime Video: Attack the Block (2011)
John Boyega fighting aliens in a London housing project complex is truly one of the most enjoyable movie experiences out there. This is famously the role that essentially landed Boyega his big break as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. His performance in this film is absolutely stellar and the film itself is great fun. A perfect mix of comedy, action, and heart. The alien design is fresh and original. The story is perfectly lean. And the characters are charming beyond belief. As our friends across the pond would say, it’s bloody good fun.
FOR FANS OF: Super 8; Nope; Prey
Max: Persona (1966)
This is our first edition of ‘Movies to Stream’ post the bizarre change from “HBO Max” to just “Max”. Despite my fears that the name change would also come with an alarming change in content available, Max still features some of the best options for streaming classic movies. Many may have been removed, but some have stayed. One the remaining greats is Ingmar Bergman’s Persona. Fair warning: this movie will challenge you. However, if you’re up to the task, the reward is incredible. This movie is a sexy, haunting, dazzling look at identity. Truly one of the most remarkable movies you will ever see.
FOR FANS OF: mother!; Eyes Wide Shut; Black Swan
Hulu: Best in Show (2000)
Before they shared space on the small screen as Johnny and Moira Rose, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara were making audiences laugh out loud together on the big screen. The best of their collaborations has to be Best in Show, which offers a hilarious and odd look into the world of dog shows. The mixture of mockumentary filmmaking and improvisational humor makes for comedic gold. All of the performances are absolutely golden, but this is ultimately the Eugene Levy show. Christopher Guest is a criminally underrated comedic director and should be blessing us with more hilarious films.
FOR FANS OF: This is Spinal Tap; Waiting for Guffman; Anchorman
Disney Plus: Avatar: The Way of the Water (2022)
This recommendation is less about the actual movie and more about all of the great behind the scenes features that are also available. In the age of streaming, we’ve unfortunately lost out on the thrill of DVD extra features. A film like Avatar: The Way of the Water is such a marvelous feat of filmmaking, it’s hard to not wonder how any of it come together. Seeing the magic that was made by the technical crews here begs the question “how the hell did they do that?” This movie needs special features that give us a sense of this world was created. Luckily for us, Disney Plus not only features the film itself, but extensive behind the scenes items that fully enrich our enjoyment of the film.
FOR FANS OF: Avatar; Terminator 2: Judgment Day; Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Thus wraps another edition of Movies to Stream. Hopefully this offers a good mix of options. Something for movie fans of all shapes, sizes, and stripes.
Make sure you check out all of these awesome options and let us know what you think. Also be sure to let us know the best hidden gems you’ve streamed recently. Share in the comments and help us expand the list!
