Wonder Watchlist

June brings yet another month of summer movies, while some were large disappointments, like the newest entry into the DCU, Supergirl, there were plenty of other films this month that ruled. It’s safe to say that my small audience on here enjoys these monthly lists of what I’ve been watching. And I have to admit that they are some of my favorites to write as well! It’s always a challenge at the end of each month to pick only a select few from my watchlist to highlight. Over on my Instagram, I make a list of every movie I watched during the month, ranked, so if you want more of that, check it out here!

Firstly, June was a rough month, but a lot of the films on this list helped me get through difficult times. And secondly, I missed a few of the newer releases that I’ll have to catch up on digitally. This month, my most anticipated film of the year, The Odyssey, releases, and I’ll be seeing it on July 13th, so keep your eyes peeled for that!

Note for readers: I just want to say thank you to everyone who has subscribed to my small corner of the internet. In the last month or so, I haven’t been as active because of some life struggles, and you all have stayed. I want to let you all know that it means the world to me, and I hope you continue to enjoy the work I put out.

Runner-ups: Cowboy, Basement People, Assault Girls, The Death of Robin Hood, and By Hook or by Crook.

Our Effed Up World (2026), Dir. Alice Maio Mackay

Synopsis: “Sheri thought her biggest problem in life was dealing with the recent loss of her beloved grandma. But when a mysterious entity crash lands in the woods, only she and her group of friends are what stands in the way of an insatiable, intergalactic hunger.”

My quick thoughts: Mackay’s films that I have watched so far, The Serpent’s Skin, and now Our Effed Up World, show that Mackay is an up-and-coming filmmaker who really knows how to hit you in the emotional jugular. Her newest outing is an interesting reflection on grief and landed really close to home for me. There’s a scene that plays out exactly like several of my dreams, especially after the deaths of both of my grandmas. One last conversation, to hear their voice one last time, because as time goes on, you forget what it sounds like. Placing the film in a sci-fi dilemma only shows how much grief changes someone, where threats from the unknown don’t compare to the fear of losing our loved ones.

My Own Private Idaho (1991), Dir. Gus Van Sant

Synopsis: “Two best friends living on the streets of Portland as hustlers embark on a journey of self discovery and find their relationship stumbling along the way.”

My quick thoughts: It has taken me way too long to watch this film, so I thought Pride Month was the perfect time to finally use the nice Criterion copy I have. Before watching, I really had no idea what it was about; all I knew was that it starred the incredible River Phoenix as Mike Waters. I felt a heavy sadness the entire time watching this, seeing a young man searching for a life, a purpose, and love. A life that seems to be barely floating along, yet you can’t take your eyes off him. I particularly enjoyed the dual perspectives on living on the street, shared by Mike and his close friend Scott Favor (Keanu Reeves). Where one is putting themselves through this for a rebellious pleasure, and the other because he has nowhere else to go. If you can snag it on the Criterion sale this month, I would highly recommend it, if you haven’t already!

Masters of the Universe (2026), Dir. Travis Knight

Synopsis: “A young man on Earth discovers a fabulous secret legacy as the prince of an alien planet, and must recover a magic sword and return home to protect his kingdom.”

My quick thoughts: I had been excited for this one since seeing the first few trailers. Sadly, I had never really been interested in this franchise until I literally saw the film. I got dogged on a few times during my summer movie watchlist posts, but I am having the last laugh because I totally loved this one. It was refreshing to watch a franchise film with a man at the center who was in touch with his empathy, yet able to set it aside to protect those around him. The castings, costumes, and use of real sets blew me away. It sucks that the film wasn’t as financially successful, but I hope that doesn’t deter the Amazon overlords from making more. I will also have you know that I immediately bought a He-Man action figure after watching this, and I don’t regret it.

Perfect Blue (1997), Dir. Satoshi Kon

Synopsis: “A pop singer gives up her career to become an actress, but she slowly goes insane when she starts being stalked by an obsessed fan and what seems to be a ghost of her past.”

My quick thoughts: I have no idea why it took me so long to watch Perfect Blue, but over a recent weekend, my fiancé bought the new steelbook and decided to cross it off my watchlist. This might be the best edited film I’ve seen. I remember audibly saying “holy shit” numerous times as scenes transitioned into one another in the most stunning ways. It’s an amazing film with a story that rings true still today. Where incels are ruining nearly every aspect of young artists’ lives, especially women. I found myself getting upset because of how intensely Kon gets his message across, not upset at him, but this being a reality for so many women from the past, and for many women who have yet to experience it. I can see why my best friend (and future podcast co-host, Chelsea) loves this film so much. It’s the gold standard not just of animation, but also of brutally realistic storytelling.

The Furious (2025), Dir. Kenji Tanigaki

Synopsis: “A father fights fiercely against ruthless kidnappers to save his abducted daughter.”

My quick thoughts: There really needs to be no debate on what is the best film to release in June that depicts sex traffickers and pedophiles getting annihilated, and it’s The Furious. What starts as a father and daughter spending their limited time together turns into an action-packed bloodbath. What I found so refreshing about this one is that the story focuses on what matters: securing justice for children affected by these crimes. Letting them in on the action in ways that show their fierce determination for survival, and two men who will stop at nothing to protect the women in their lives. Never does the film stray from its mission, and it’s better for it; it’s not a background plot point to usher in its hero. The fight scenes are one of the best aspects of the film, and they could’ve gone on twice as long, and it still wouldn’t be enough.

Thanks for reading another list of films that I loved. Let me know if you plan to check them out or have already crossed them off your watchlist.

Want more reviews? Click here!