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During the hot weather (and summery showers!) the cinema offers a perfect escape into a multitude of worlds with engaging stories and stimulating reflections. We've picked out some of the best new films for young people coming out this month, showing in cinemas across the UK.
As well as great entertainment, these films explore pertinent themes such as identity and self-worth in superhero films Masters of the Universe and Supergirl, our relationship with technology in children's animation Toy Story 5 and AI documentary Synthetic Sincerity, young people's mental health in Welsh drama Effi O Blaenau and road movie 500 Miles, queer representation in historical drama Madfabulous and indie animation Lesbian Space Princess, and government transparency in sci-fi thriller Disclosure Day.
Masters of the Universe (12A) - in cinemas 6 June
This superhero-style sci-fi adventure follows Adam, a young man living a regular life on Earth, but whose origins and destiny belong on the alien planet Eternia. He must return to his home planet to reclaim his family legacy and save the world from the evil warlord and sorcerer Skeletor. When he holds his magic Sword of Power, he transforms into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe. Inspired by a 1980s action figure and animated series, this thrilling fantasy explores themes of self-worth, duty, and resilience.
Madfabulous (12A) - in cinemas 6 June
Being unapologetically yourself in Victorian times, an era defined by restrained social conduct, was no mean feat. Yet Henry Paget was determined to do just that. This biographical drama chronicles the extravagant and wildly flamboyant life of the young aristocrat as he arrives in rural North Wales to claim his inheritance as the 5th Marquess of Anglesey. Henry throws lavish parties and stages theatre productions, exploring his own gender expression and creativity through dance and opulent costumes. But scandal, class expectations and the consequences of his reckless spending make it hard to always be true to himself.
Disclosure Day (12A) - in cinemas 12 June
Almost 50 years after the genre-defining Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Steven Spielberg's latest science-fiction film revisits the idea of how humans would react to contact with extra-terrestrials. After Margaret, a TV weather reporter, experiences a mysterious fit live on air and finds she can speak a strange, other-worldly language, she teams up with Daniel, an alien believer, to prove the existence of extra-terrestrial life. But powerful forces conspiring to keep this a secret set out to silence the pair, whatever the cost. This gripping film probes wider discussions about conspiracies, the reporting of truth and empathy.
Synthetic Sincerity (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 19 June
In this playful and inquisitive documentary, a British filmmaker called Marc offers his back-catalogue of non-fiction footage to a university lab that is developing AI characters that look highly realistic. The idea is that his films will teach the AI to mimic the minute subtleties of human visual expression. In exchange, Marc gets to document the lab's work. The film raises big questions such as can manufactured authenticity feel even more convincing than a real person? Will the development of AI influence the way we look at human faces? And how might this technology affect cinema in the future?
Toy Story 5 (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 19 June
Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang are back! The toys love making happy memories with Bonnie and helping her grow, but the now eight-year-old child has a new object of fascination: technology. Bonnie has been given a Lilypad, an interactive, frog-shaped device, for school messaging and games. As her screen time spirals, the toys must fight to remain relevant and help their kid stay in touch with the real world. Nostalgic as it is topical, this heart-warming animation from one of the most beloved franchises about children and growing up champions wellbeing and meaningful connections.
You can watch all four previous Toy Story feature films for free* on Into Film+ Premium as well as several spin-off animations here.
Effi o Blaenau (15) - in cinemas 19 June
This hard-hitting Welsh-language drama set in Blaenau Ffestiniog follows a young woman called Effi, who spends her days caught in a cycle of unemployment, nights out and hangovers. Living in a town hollowed out by closed pubs and disappearing jobs, she longs for something more. A chance meeting with injured soldier Lee in a nightclub offers a glimpse of a different future, but the reality that follows is far more difficult. Both an intimate character study and sharp social commentary, the film explores poverty, motherhood and the lack of support facing young people in neglected rural communities.
Lesbian Space Princess (15) - in cinemas 19 June
Suitable for older teens, this madcap Australian animated comedy is a queer coming-of-age adventure released in time for Pride month. Saira is an introverted space princess who has lived a very sheltered life. Her world is turned upside down when her girlfriend Kiki, who happens to be a famous bounty hunter, breaks up with her. The plot thickens when Kiki is kidnapped by the "Straight White Maliens". Saira goes on a dangerous intergalactic quest to save Kiki, but can she get over her anxiety and self-doubt? Taking satirical swipes at misogyny and homophobia, the film is packed with visual gags and references to pop culture and classical animation.
500 Miles (12A) - in cinemas 26 June
Sheffield teen Finn and his younger brother Charlie have happy memories of holidays on the west coast of Ireland, where their mum's family is from. But after a traumatic event, their mum cut off contact with their grandfather John, and they haven't been back since. Now Finn and Charlie's parents' marriage is breaking down, and the boys fear they will soon be separated, so they run away from home to embark upon an eventful journey to visit their grandad. Along the way, they meet ukulele player Kait who helps them navigate by all means available, including buses, ferries and horses. 500 Miles is a story about family, grief and the importance of moving forward.
Supergirl (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 26 June
As glimpsed towards the end of Superman (available to watch for free* on Into Film+ Premium), Supergirl aka Kara Zor-El is another survivor of the demolished planet Krypton. But unlike her cousin who grew up with loving adoptive parents on Earth, Kara only really has her dog, and wanders aimlessly from planet to planet trying to drown her sorrows. After meeting a young alien girl who wants revenge for her father's murder, and after an unexpected adversary strikes a bit too close to home, Kara sets out on an interstellar quest for justice. With a fresh, edgy and rock-and-roll vibe, this superhero film nevertheless explores classic themes including responsibility, resilience and becoming your own hero.
How Do I Get Started?
To access Into Film+, all you'll need is an Into Film Account - it's completely free, and only takes a moment to set up. Into Film+ is free to use for all UK state schools that hold a valid Public Video Screening (PVS) Licence from Filmbankmedia.
Filmbankmedia PVS Licences are paid for on behalf of schools by all local authorities in England and by some local authorities in both Wales and Scotland. Into Film NI cover the license cost for some schools in Northern Ireland. For further information on licensing in your locality please see our FAQs.
If you're a state school in England that's funded by the Department for Education, you will automatically have access to Into Film+ Premium, which offers an extended catalogue of 900+ titles. Find out more about Into Film+ Premium in our FAQs.
If you don't have a PVS Licence, or aren't already covered, then a licence can easily be obtained from Filmbankmedia.
Filmbankmedia
Filmbankmedia licenses and distributes film and TV entertainment to many groups and is the licensing authority we work with to ensure schools, libraries and youth groups have the permissions to screen films from our catalogue.
Please note: Film is a powerful tool for learning, helping to develop critical thinking, empathy, and an understanding of different perspectives. Our films have been selected with consideration to age-appropriateness, safeguarding, the curriculum and statutory and non-statutory guidance to schools. Some of our films and resources include sensitive content which is highlighted in the guidance that Into Film provides with each film. Educators should carefully watch or read all elements of any content and must ensure they are following their own school's policies and guidelines prior to using films and resources in the classroom or in after-school clubs. The final decision to use any film or resource sits with teachers, who should decide what is appropriate for their students using their professional judgement and their knowledge of their students, their school context and their community. Teachers must follow their school's safeguarding protocol if a student is distressed or makes a disclosure as a result of the use of any film or other content.
* Screenings for an entertainment or extra-curricular purpose require a PVS (Public Video Screening) Licence from Filmbankmedia. State-funded schools in England are covered by the PVS Licence.
The core Into Film programme is free for UK state schools, colleges and other youth settings, thanks to support from the BFI, awarding National Lottery good cause funding, and through other key funders including Cinema First and Northern Ireland Screen.
