Netflix’s June slate is a rare win for parents who are tired of the "background noise" animation and the hollowed-out blockbusters that usually dominate the summer. This month, the algorithm is actually serving up something with meat on its bones, led by a quiet indie masterpiece and a high-seas sequel that doesn't feel like a cash grab.
TL;DR
June 2026 is all about Color Book, a stunning, heartfelt look at neurodivergent fatherhood that belongs on every family's watchlist. For the "big summer movie" itch, The Sea Beast 2 delivers world-class animation and genuine stakes, while the upcoming The Gray Man 2 (dropping June 30) looks set to be the loud, popcorn thriller of the season for families with older teens.
If you only watch one thing this month, make it this one. After making waves on the festival circuit over the last two years, Color Book has finally landed on Netflix, and it is a masterclass in "quiet" storytelling. The film follows a devoted father, Mason, as he navigates a single day in Metro Atlanta with his son, BJ, who has Down syndrome.
This isn't a "disability movie" in the way Hollywood usually makes them—there's no soaring, manipulative score or forced tragedy. It’s shot in beautiful Black and white, focusing on the texture of their relationship and the specific, everyday hurdles of parenting a neurodivergent kid. It’s the kind of movie that invites you to slow down.
Why it’s a Screenwise win: It’s a perfect bridge for co-watching with kids in the 10+ range. It builds empathy through experience rather than a lecture. If your kid is used to the frantic pace of typical streaming fare, this is a great "palette cleanser" that shows them how much power a simple story can have.
The first Sea Beast was a massive surprise hit because it felt like a throwback to the big, earnest adventures of the 90s. The sequel keeps that energy alive. Jacob and Maisie are back, and the world-building has expanded to include even more massive, terrifyingly beautiful creatures.
What makes this series work is that it doesn't talk down to kids. The stakes feel real, the "beasts" aren't just misunderstood pets, and the animation remains some of the best in the business. It’s visually dense—the kind of movie where you want to pause and look at the background details.
The move for this one: If you haven't seen the original The Sea Beast recently, do a double feature. The continuity matters here, especially regarding the relationship between the hunters and the monsters. It’s a great way to talk about how "history" is often just the story the winners decided to tell.
Based on the teaser trailers, the Russo Brothers are leaning even harder into the "global cat-and-mouse" vibe for the sequel. Ryan Gosling is back as Sierra Six, and from the look of the stunt choreography, they’ve upped the budget significantly.
Since this hasn't dropped yet, we're looking at a "high-intensity thriller" window. The first movie was a hard PG-13 with significant stylized violence. Expect the same here. It’s not a "family movie" for the elementary set, but for a Friday night with a 15-year-old, it’s exactly the kind of high-octane distraction that works.
Set to release later this summer (keep an eye out for an August date), Netflix’s animated take on Roald Dahl’s nastiest couple looks incredible in the first-look footage. Directed by Phil Johnston (Wreck-It Ralph), it seems to capture that specific Dahl blend of grotesque humor and genuine heart.
The Literacy Angle: This is a prime opportunity for some "Reading Rope" work. If your kid is excited about the trailer, grab The Twits book and read it together first. The book is short, punchy, and hilarious. Comparing the "ugly thoughts" descriptions in the text to how the animators brought them to life is a great way to build narrative comprehension.
Stop letting the "Next Episode" timer make the decisions for you. When a movie like Color Book ends, let it sit for a minute.
Conversations to start:
- For Color Book: "What was a moment where Mason felt like he was winning as a dad? What was a moment where he felt like he was failing?"
- For The Sea Beast 2: "If you were Jacob, would you still be a hunter, or would you have walked away entirely?"
- For The Twits (when it drops): "Does being 'ugly on the inside' actually show up on the outside like Dahl says?"
The hardest part of Netflix in 2026 isn't finding content—it's the "scroll paralysis." We recommend picking two movies for the month and making them an event. Put the phones in the other room, grab the good popcorn, and actually watch the thing.
If you’re looking for more specific age-based recommendations beyond this month’s new drops, check out our best movies for kids list.
Q: Is Color Book appropriate for younger kids? It’s rated PG and is technically "safe," but it’s a slow-paced, Black-and-white drama. Most kids under 10 will likely find it "boring" because it lacks the visual spectacle they’re used to. It’s a better fit for middle schoolers and up who can appreciate the emotional nuances.
Q: Do I need to watch the first Sea Beast before the sequel? Yes. While the action stands on its own, the emotional payoff and the political subtext of the world rely heavily on the events of the first film. It’s worth the rewatch.
Q: Is The Gray Man 2 okay for a 12-year-old? If they’ve seen the first one and handled the Bourne-style violence fine, they’ll likely be okay here. It’s heavy on gunplay and explosions, but light on gore and "dark" psychological themes. It’s an action movie, through and through.
Q: When does The Twits come out? Netflix hasn't given us a hard date yet, but it’s expected to drop in late summer 2026. Based on the production cycle, August is the most likely window.
Don't let the June heatwave melt your brain into a puddle of "suggested for you" garbage. Color Book is the soul of the month, and The Sea Beast 2 is the heart. Start there.
