Every month, dozens of movies arrive on Netflix, but it can be a hassle keeping track of all the great content that comes and goes. Don’t fret though, we’re going to break down the best new movies on Netflix each month to help you decide on what to watch. These are the best of what’s coming to Netflix in June, 2020.
Stuck on Floor 7 ½
Being John Malkovich (1999)
Being John Malkovich • Renegade Cut
I like to think of Being John Malkovich as maybe the most ill-conceived movie ever made. Malkovich summed it perfectly in saying “Either the movie's a bomb and it's got not only my name above the title but my name in the title, so I'm fucked that way; or it does well and I'm just forever associated with this character.”
But somehow, despite its inane premise, Being John Malkovich worked -- it worked so well in fact that it received three Academy Award nominations, and more than tripled its budget at the box-office.
New Movies Out on Netflix
Conclusion
Writer Charlie Kaufman and director Spike Jonze show us how to creatively use surrealism in film in Being John Malkovich.
We Gotta’ Go Back
Back to the Future Trilogy
Complete Back to the Future Timeline
The influence of the Back to the Future franchise on filmmaking can’t be quantified. Just think about how iconic elements of the production design are from props (hoverboard, custom DeLorean) to wardrobe (Marty McFly sneakers, Doc Brown goggles) to everything in between.
It’s been 35 years since the release of Back to the Future, but we’re still seeing it’s lasting impact on popular culture today. Whether you’ve never seen them or seen them a dozen times, the Back to the Future films are simply popcorn pleasers for audiences of all ages.
New Movies Out on Netflix
Conclusion
To go forward, sometimes you have to go back -- evidence by the surprisingly nuanced stories of Back to the Future.
That Rainbow Connection
The Muppets (2011)
The Muppets ‘Man or Muppet’
The 2011 The Muppets movie is lowkey one of the most underrated movies of the last decade and one of the top new movies on Netflix. Jason Segel and Amy Adams star in the film alongside iconic characters like Kermit, Ms. Piggy and the Swedish Chef.
The music in the film is joyous from start to finish. Songwriter Bret McKenzie even won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Man or Muppet.”
New Movies Out on Netflix
Conclusion
Take a break from the grind of daily life, sit back, relax and enjoy the crowd-pleasing The Muppets.
Infamous Horror-Flick
Possession (1981)
Possession • Trailer
The late 70’s into the early 80’s saw the release of a lot of “style-over-substance” horror movies, such as Suspiria (1977), House (1977) and yes, Possession (1981).
Although few of the horror movies from this period received rave reviews upon release, many have accrued a cult following -- Possession is no exception. Possession follows the story of a couple in the midst of a divorce who are subjugated to the brink of insanity by a horrifying monster.
Latest Movies on Netflix
Conclusion
If you’re in the mood for a dark and moody horror-flick, look no further than Andrzej Żuławski’s Possession.
Life Finds a Way
Jurassic Park (1993)
Jurassic Park and the Spielberg Oner • Subscribe on YouTube
Steven Spielberg is one of the best in the business at making big-budget popcorn thrillers that are accessible and enjoyable to all ages. Out of all of Spielberg’s “blockbusters,” Jurassic Park is perhaps the greatest.
The practical effects in Jurassic Park were groundbreaking, the acting masterclass, and the direction was, as usual, signature Spielberg.
Best New Movies on Netflix
Conclusion
Jurassic Park is without a doubt one of the very best Steven Spielberg movies.
Let’s Talk Shop
Barbershop (2002)
Barbershop Clip
For a lot of people, the barbershop is sacred ground. It’s a place where you talk sports, catch up with old friends, and yes, get your hair cut. But it’s something far more important than a place where you get your haircut -- it’s a cultural cornerstone.
The 2002 movie Barbershop explores this unique setting through drama and comedy. Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer star in the film and both give excellent performances.
Best New Movies on Netflix
Conclusion
Barbershop is an often hilarious and somewhat touching look at the characters who work at a fictional barbershop in the South Side of Chicago.
Love is a Many-Splendored Thing
Grease (1978)
Grease ‘You’re The One I Want’
Grease was a huge box-office in 1978, grossing more than $360 million dollars against a $6 million dollar budget. And although the film’s story wasn’t groundbreaking by any means, it was generally well-regarded by critics.
Today, Grease is perhaps most well-known for its catchy soundtrack and iconic costumes. John Travolta and Olivia Newton John brought the main characters Danny and Sandy to life so energetically that their performances are still being talked about to this day.
Latest Movies on Netflix
Conclusion
Grease is widely regarded as one of the best musicals ever made.
Where the Magic Happens
Magic Mike (2011)
Magic Mike • Trailer
One of the reasons why so many admire director Steven Soderbergh is because you never know what kind of movie he’s going to make next. Sure, he’s made a living making heist movies like Ocean’s Eleven and Logan Lucky, but he’s also made downright unexpected films like Unsane and The Girlfriend Experience.
But perhaps Soderbergh’s most unexpected hit was 2011’s Magic Mike -- a film that was loosely based on star Channing Tatum’s experiences as a young male-stripper.
New Movies Out on Netflix
Conclusion
Magic Mike grossed more than 20x its budget a the box-office and received considerable praise from critics.
Ambulance Chaser Extreme
Nightcrawler (2014)
Eyes of an Anti Hero • Subscribe on YouTube
Dan Gilroy’s feature directorial debut Nightcrawler is one of the best films of the 21st century. There’s a good chance that critics will one day look back upon Nightcrawler as a film of prescient importance, much like they do with Paddy Chayefsky’s Network.
Jake Gyllenhaal stars in Nightcrawler as the insidious anti hero Lou Bloom -- a man who will do whatever it takes to turn himself into a success.
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Conclusion
Nightcrawler is a brilliant film about the deconstruction of the American dream.
A Space Adventure
Zathura (2005)
Zathura • Trailer
In 1995, Joe Johnston adapted the hit children’s book Jumanji into a feature film. Ten years later, a spiritual sequel to Jumanji was released, with the “jungle board game” swapped out for a science-fiction version.
This film, titled Zathura, proved to be a hit with most critics, although it barely broke even at the box office. Jon Favreau directed Zathura, which included a cast of Josh Huthcherson, Dax Shepard, Jonah Bobo and Kristen Stewart.
Best New Movies on Netflix
Conclusion
All things considered, Zathura isn’t half-bad as a kids movie or as commercial science-fiction.
Complex Family Drama
Wildlife (2018)
Wildlife • Trailer
Paul Dano’s directorial debut Wildlife is an intimate portrait of a family at a crossroads with itself. Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan star in the film as two doomed lovers who fall out of a once close marriage.
Both Gyllenhaal and Mulligan received considerable praise for their performances. Wildlife was adapted by Dano from a novel of the same name by Richard Ford.
Best New Movies on Netflix
Conclusion
Wildlife gives the audience an unabashed look into the terror of domestic living. Without a doubt, it’s one of the top new movies on Netflix in September.
World War II Masterpiece
Schindler’s List (1993)
Schindler’s List ‘Eye Trace • Subscribe on YouTube
Full disclosure, I think Schindler’s List is the greatest film ever made. No other film has made me as emotional, sobered, or horrified as Spielberg’s holocause masterpiece.
Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Sir Ben Kingsley all give the best performances of their careers in the film. Spielberg’s decision to shoot in black and white was bold but brilliant. Steven Zaillan’s script is sprawling yet always engaging. Not to mention that John Williams' score is maybe the greatest film score of all-time.
Best New Movies on Netflix
Conclusion
To watch Schindler’s List is to watch the darkest days of human history -- which is something we absolutely must do. As the saying goes, if we turn a blind eye to history, then it’s bound to repeat itself.
Bond Reboot
Casino Royale (2006)
Casino Royale • Trailer
Out of all of the Daniel Craig Bond films, one could argue that Casino Royale is the best. Most critics consider Casino Royale and Skyfall the better two of Craig’s four Bond films -- personally I think Casino is far and away the best.
No Bond movie is complete without a dastardly villain. In Casino Royale, the villain is played by the always excellent Mads Mikkelsen. Casino Royale is definitely one the great new movies on Netflix this month.
Best New Movies on Netflix
Conclusion
Thanks to some great performances from Daniel Craig, Mads Mikkelsen, and Eva Green, and a sharp script from Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Paul Haggis, Casino Royale is engaging throughout.
Sci-Fi Spectacular
Midnight Special (2016)
Midnight Special • Trailer
Director Jeff Nichols hasn’t missed on any of his first five features: Shogun Stories, Take Shelter, Mud, Loving, or Midnight Special -- and although there’s plenty of debate as to which film is his best, most sci-fi fans would say that it’s Midnight Special.
Midnight Special mixes the “UFO-chaser” feel of movies like Close Encounters of The Third Kind and the heavy themes of contemporary sci-fi classics like Annihilation to immersive effect. All of this is to say that if you like science-fiction, you’ll probably love Midnight Special.
Latest Movies on Netflix
Conclusion
Midnight Special marked the fourth consecutive teaming-up of director Jeff Nichols and star Michael Shannon.
A Space Adventure
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Making of How to Train Your Dragon 2
How to Train Your Dragon 2 succeeds on the back of its touching narrative and state-of-the-art 3D animation. All three How to Train Your Dragon movies are treats, but many consider How to Train Your Dragon 2 the best of the bunch.
Another strength of How to Train Your Dragon 2 is its all-star cast, which features Jay Baruchel, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrara and Gerard Butler, among others.
Best New Movies on Netflix
Conclusion
How to Train Your Dragon 2 is proof that big-budget animated movies don’t need to be formulaic.
UP NEXT
Best Movies on Netflix
Some great new movies are coming to Netflix in May, 2020, but perhaps you’re still looking for something else to watch. Don’t worry, check out our list of the best movies of all time that are on Netflix! We update this list as movies come and go from the service so make sure to check back each month,
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