Watch List: The Films & TV to Stream or See This Summer
There’s something about summer that invites us to slow down and pay closer attention—to the stories we choose, the images we carry with us, the characters we let into our lives. This season, we’re skipping the noise and leaning into what lingers: carefully crafted cinema, standout performances, beautifully written series, and directors with something to say.
From sun-soaked love stories to psychological dramas that stay with you, this is our curated selection of films and television worth watching now. Some are made for quiet nights in. Others deserve the full cinema treatment. All of them offer something more than just entertainment—they offer perspective, presence, and sometimes, a little magic.
June
Materialists | directed by Celine Song
Celine Song follows up her quietly piercing debut Past Lives with something altogether more playful—though no less sharp. Materialists is a romantic satire set in a very moneyed New York, where love, class, and power entangle themselves in ways both sparkling and uncomfortable.
Dakota Johnson plays a woman navigating life and desire in a world obsessed with status. She’s poised, clever, and just cynical enough to survive in a system that rewards image over feeling. What begins as a love triangle becomes something more complicated: a study of modern materialism, emotional currency, and the seductive power of choosing comfort over chaos.
Why you need to watch it:
Because Celine Song has proven she can say more in a single glance than most directors do in an entire script. And because Dakota Johnson, in her element, brings both irony and depth to a role that feels written for right now.
The Life of Chuck | by Mike Flanagn
Mike Flanagan, known for his masterful adaptations of Stephen King's works, shifts from his usual horror roots to deliver a poignant, life-affirming narrative in The Life of Chuck. Based on King's novella from the If It Bleeds collection, the film unfolds the story of Charles Krantz in reverse chronological order, tracing his life from death back to childhood.
Tom Hiddleston stars as Chuck, bringing depth and nuance to a character whose ordinary life is portrayed with extraordinary tenderness. The film also features performances by Jacob Tremblay, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, and Mark Hamill, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Chuck's experiences.
Why you need to watch it:
The Life of Chuck is a meditation on the beauty found in everyday moments and the profound impact of a single life. Flanagan's direction invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys, making it a must-see for those seeking cinema that resonates on a deeply human level.
The Phoenician Scheme | by Wes Anderson
Wes Anderson returns with The Phoenician Scheme, a stylized espionage tale that intertwines family dynamics with global intrigue. The film follows Zsa-zsa Korda, portrayed by Benicio del Toro, a wealthy European magnate involved in arms and aviation. After his death in a plane crash, his fortune is unexpectedly left to his daughter Liesl, a nun played by Mia Threapleton . As Liesl navigates her new role, she becomes entangled in a web of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.
The ensemble cast includes Michael Cera as Bjorn, Liesl's tutor, along with Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bryan Cranston, and Jeffrey Wright . Anderson's signature visual flair is evident, with meticulously crafted sets and a narrative that balances whimsy with depth.
Why you need to watch it:
The Phoenician Scheme offers a fresh take on the spy genre, blending Anderson's distinctive aesthetic with a compelling story about inheritance, identity, and the complexities of familial bonds. It's a cinematic experience that promises both visual delight and thoughtful reflection.
F1 | by Joseph Kosinski
From the director of Top Gun: Maverick, F1 is a high-octane drama that delves into the world of Formula 1 racing with unprecedented authenticity. Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former F1 prodigy from the 1990s whose career was derailed by a devastating crash. Decades later, he's drawn back to the sport by his old teammate, Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), to mentor rookie driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) for the struggling APXGP team.
The film boasts a stellar cast, including Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Sarah Niles, and features real-life F1 drivers and teams, adding to its immersive experience. Shot during actual Grand Prix events, F1 captures the visceral thrill of racing, complemented by a dynamic soundtrack featuring artists like Ed Sheeran, Rosé, and Doja Cat.
Why you need to watch it:
F1 isn't just about speed; it's a story of redemption, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With its combination of gripping performances, authentic racing sequences, and a pulsating soundtrack, it's a cinematic experience that transcends the sports genre.
28 Years Later | by Danny Boyle
Danny Boyle returns to the universe he helped define with 28 Years Later, the long-awaited third installment in the 28 Days Later saga. Reuniting with writer Alex Garland and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, Boyle crafts a post-apocalyptic narrative that delves into the enduring impact of the Rage virus nearly three decades after its initial outbreak.
The film follows a group of survivors residing on a fortified island, connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When a father and his son venture into the mainland, they uncover a world transformed by the virus, encountering mutated infected and the remnants of humanity's resilience and despair.
The ensemble cast features Jodie Comer as Isla, a pregnant woman striving to protect her family; Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Jamie, her scavenger husband; and Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson, a survivor with a complex past. Additional cast includes Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, and Edvin Ryding, each contributing to the film's exploration of survival and identity in a fractured world.
Why you need to watch it:
28 Years Later offers a poignant reflection on humanity's capacity for endurance and adaptation in the face of relentless adversity. With Boyle's visionary direction and a compelling narrative, the film promises a cinematic experience that is both harrowing and deeply human.
And Just Like That... | by Michael Patrick King | Max
The third season of And Just Like That... returns with familiar faces and fresh narratives, delving deeper into the lives of Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte as they navigate love, friendship, and personal growth in their 50s. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) embarks on a new literary journey, channeling her experiences into a novel that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. Her relationship with Aidan (John Corbett) remains a focal point, exploring the complexities of rekindled romance and the challenges of blending past and present.
Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) finds herself at a crossroads, balancing her career at Human Rights Watch with newfound romantic possibilities, while Charlotte (Kristin Davis) grapples with the evolving dynamics of her family as her children, Lily and Rock, come into their own. The season also introduces new characters, including Mary (Rosie O'Donnell) and a role portrayed by Patti LuPone, adding depth and intrigue to the ensemble.
Why you need to watch it:
Because And Just Like That has grown into its own kind of honesty. It’s messier than its predecessor, more self-aware, and sometimes beautifully offbeat—but that’s exactly the point. This season gives us women who are still learning, still evolving, and still dressing like they have something to say. It’s not about being who they once were—it’s about figuring out who they are now, with all the joy, grief, romance, and reinvention that real life brings. And honestly? That feels pretty refreshing.
The Gilded Age | by Julian Fellowes | HBO
Julian Fellowes returns with the third season of The Gilded Age, continuing to explore the opulence and societal shifts of 1880s New York. As the old guard weakens, the Russell family stands poised to ascend the social hierarchy. Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) sets her sights on securing a prestigious marriage for her daughter Gladys, while George Russell (Morgan Spector) embarks on a risky venture that could revolutionize the railroad industry—or ruin him.
The season delves into themes of ambition, love, and societal expectations. Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) continues to challenge norms by pursuing a teaching career and a relationship with Larry Russell, despite familial pressures. Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) navigates a budding romance with Dr. William Kirkland, confronting issues of colorism within the Black elite. Meanwhile, Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon) assumes control of the household, leading to tensions with her sister Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski).
Why you need to watch it:
Because no one does power plays in silk quite like The Gilded Age. This season is juicier, more layered, and even more visually decadent. The stakes feel higher—socially, emotionally, and romantically—and if you’re someone who loves watching women strategize from velvet parlors while wearing jaw-dropping hats, this is your summer comfort show. Every episode is a feast: for the eyes, the heart, and the part of you that still believes elegance and ambition can coexist.
Stick | by Jason Keller | Apple TV+
From the creative mind of Jason Keller (Ford v Ferrari), Stick is a heartfelt sports comedy that explores redemption, mentorship, and the unexpected bonds formed on the fairway. Owen Wilson stars as Pryce Cahill, a former golf prodigy whose career was derailed by a public meltdown two decades ago. Now, facing personal and professional setbacks, Pryce finds a chance at redemption by mentoring Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), a 17-year-old golf phenom with a troubled past.
The ensemble cast includes Marc Maron, Mariana Treviño, Lilli Kay, Judy Greer, and Timothy Olyphant, each bringing depth and nuance to this story of second chances. Adding authenticity to the series are cameo appearances by professional golfers Collin Morikawa, Keegan Bradley, Max Homa, and Wyndham Clark, as well as broadcasters Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman.
Why you need to watch it:
Because Stick offers more than just laughs; it delivers a poignant narrative about resilience and the transformative power of mentorship. With Wilson's signature charm and a compelling storyline, the series invites viewers into a world where the game of golf becomes a backdrop for personal growth and unexpected camaraderie.