What to watch on Netflix in June 2021

We don’t want to jinx it, but we couldn’t help noticing that the sun is finally — finally — out. After endless weeks of murky, miserable drizzle, this is a happy day, indeed. And yet; one of the (few) benefits of the murky drizzle is that it does give us all an excuse to hunker down with the latest bingeworthy Netflix series, or that film we’ve been dying to watch.

If cosy nights and Sunday afternoons with Netflix aren’t something you’re quite ready to give up yet, even with the much-heralded advent of the sun, we know that feeling. Socialising in the sun is lovely, but we all need a chance to recharge every now and again; so, with that in mind, we’ve rounded up our selection of the best films, documentaries and TV shows arriving on the streaming service this June.

If you haven’t yet had your fill of zombies with Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead (who knew there were so many ingenious ways to kill zombies?), then Season 2 of Black Summer will have you sorted. We don’t want to give too much away, but we’ll just set the scene: it takes place in the same universe as Z-nation — but it’s a prequel to that much-beloved zombie series. Years before the events of the existing show, a mother teams up with a group of strangers; all intent on making it through the zombie apocalypse and back to their loved ones.

We assume you all saw this fictional tribute to the Beatles when it first came out in 2019? In which case, it’s about time you saw it again: because this is guaranteed to be the feel-good Netflix film of the summer. With direction by Danny Boyle, a screenplay by Richard Curtis (a match made in heaven if ever there was one) and a narrative depicting what might happen if everyone in the world forgot the Beatles except for one aspiring singer-songwriter: well, we don’t know what more you’d want from a film, really.

The title says it all, really; a documentary about Elvis?! We’re convinced. But just in case you’re not: this is probably the most honest, real depiction of Presley’s life there is. It came about through discussions between Priscilla Presley (Presley’s ex-wife) and Jerry Schilling (music industry professional and close friend of Presley’s). Directed by Thom Zimny, who’s previously worked on documentaries depicting the life of Bruce Springsteen, this documentary film depicts Presley’s life through his music. A must watch, if ever there was one.

Does David Attenborough ever take a break? The man’s an inspiration to us all, and this latest Netflix addition is as valuable and vital as ever. Here, Attenborough teams up with scientist Johan Rockström to draw attention to the collapse of the earth’s biodiversity; and to raise crucial awareness of how the crisis can still — just about — be averted.

Don’t you hate those nights of tossing and turning, when you just can’t get to sleep? In which case, this may not be one for you; it’s a sci-fi horror film in which humanity’s ability to sleep has been instantly eliminated. Insomnia on a global scale? Terrifying. The solution might just lie with one person: the young daughter of a former soldier. Without a doubt, it’s a tense, unnerving thriller that may — ironically — leave you struggling to sleep.

If you haven’t heard of Joe Wicks, we frankly don’t know where you’ve been for the past few years. The now world-famous coach has transformed the fitness landscape through his accessible, inspiring workouts; and now, they’re coming straight to Netflix. It doesn’t quite fit in with our hunkering down, ‘relax and restore’ approach to our favourite streaming platform; but after tuning into just one of these HIIT workouts, we can pretty much guarantee you’ll be left feeling fresher, happier and stronger.

If the idea of a black hole in space gives you the shudders, you’re not alone there. It’s a pretty terrifying phenomenon, when you stop to think about it — all the more terrifying because it’s totally unknowable. What, exactly, is a black hole? Well, that’s exactly the question that this documentary tackles — featuring Stephen Hawking, no less. It’s worth watching just to see him at work.

Spooky is the name of the game here; this is a thriller that’ll have every hair rising on the back of the neck. High school student Ronnie Chase died on prom night; but five years later, his past girlfriend — Melissa Moody — turns up at the Chase family home saying she’s pregnant, and that Ronnie is the father. With a screenplay from Eric Garcia, this spine-chilling thriller is not one to miss.

We assume you’re familiar with the original Karate Kid — but then again, if the past year has shown us one thing, it’s that we shouldn’t assume anything. So we’ll put our assumptions to one side, and fill you in on this reimagining; when 12-year-old Dre Parker (played by the brilliant Jaden Smith) crosses the path of a neighbourhood bully, he finds an unlikely friend in maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who also happens to be a kung fu master. Han teaches young Dre the art of self-defense; and as for the rest? You’ll have to give it a watch.

This two-part docuseries, courtesy of ITV, gives privileged access into not only the life of Prince Charles, but also into his private domain: the Duchy of Cornwall. In case you’ve ever wondered what, exactly, the Duchy of Cornwall actually is: it’s an ancient Royal estate that the Prince of Wales has built up over 50 years. Now, it’s a billion pound business that supports not only Prince Charles and his immediate family, but also his numerous charities.

More of a books man? These seaside novels are the books to read this summer…

Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more