Criterion Crazy: June 2026 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
Well, this might be a record. The Criterion Collection have unveiled their June 2026 slate and there is a staggering nine titles being released (technically over ten films, considering the Eclipse set included). This is extremely generous of the Criterion Collection, and I am sure that this month will make everyone happy in different ways. All I can say is I smell one of those flash sales from around the corner; we are due one this time of year, are we not? We’ve got some modern films that might become classics some day, renowned titles from all over the world, and two entries in one of the most twisted filmographies of all time (who is now a half-dozen films deep in the Collection, mind you). Well, we have nine of these picks to get through, so let us not waste any more time.
The Favourite: Hairspray (1988)
While far from the first John Waters film to be included in the Criterion Collection, it is nice to see that one of his greatest — and most accessible — films, Hairspray, has finally been inducted. If you are unfamiliar with the Pope of Trash himself, this film would be the place to start (his works are certainly not for everyone). Available on 4K and Blu-ray, this version of Hairspray comes with quite a few bonus features that will help newbies become even more familiar with Waters as a person and director. These include audio commentary by him and star Ricki Lake, a behind-the-scenes documentary, a variety of interviews, the featurette Get to Know John Waters, and deleted scenes. I firmly believe that this will be a hot item within the Collection that you will not want to miss.
Wait… That Wasn’t Filthy Enough: Desperate Living (1977)
Should you like Hairspray and want to search for more of Waters’ works, well, I suppose there’s nothing like diving right into the deep end with one of his deeper cuts (and easily one of his most twisted films). The underrated Desperate Living — the last part of the unofficial “Trash Trilogy” — is a thousand times less conventional than Hairspray and — like most Waters films — is not for the faint of heart; existing fans of his should eat this film up right away (especially with that delectable dish on the cover art, courtesy of the late Peter Hujar). Available on 4K and Blu-ray (be prepared if you go all the way with 4K on this one), Desperate Living won’t have quite as many features as Hairspray, but it will certainly do. Its bonuses include commentary with Waters and star Liz Renay, various interviews, a visual tour of the Baltimore location used (any Waters fan will know how important Baltimore is in his films), and an Italian dub track (why not).
Best Newer Release: It Was Just an Accident (2025)
While Iranian director Jafar Panahi does have one other Criterion affiliated title (No Bears was released as a part of Criterion’s contemporary slate), it has taken far too long for him to have an official Criterion Collection film. That film is last year’s It Was Just an Accident: a blistering political thriller that has placed the veteran auteur on the maps of many (if he wasn’t there already). Available on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K (so anyone can pick this film up), I will say that it is nice that It Was Just an Accident is such a strong film (one of the best of its year), because there aren’t many features that will be available. What you will get are a conversation between Panahi and director Ramin Bahrani, and footage from the 2025 Cannes press conference (the same festival where the film won the Palme d’Or). That’s it. Not even a Criterion essay. I’m wondering if the lack of behind-the-scenes content or additional materials are due to Panahi’s safety (his works are deemed illegal by Iran); nonetheless, you’d be buying this one essentially for the film and the film alone (but what a damn good film it is).
A Staple of African Cinema: West Indies: The Fugitive Slaves of Liberty (1979)
Med Hondo’s Soleil Ô is already a part of the Criterion Collection, but it is about time that a lesser known film of his, West Indies: The Fugitive Slaves of Liberty, got the Criterion treatment as well. A staple of Mauritian cinema, West Indies will likely become one of those Criterion sleeper hits that become a favourite film for many cinephiles that they didn’t even know they needed in their lives previously. Available only on Blu-ray, West Indies will feature a few archival interviews, a sit-down with African film scholar Aboubakar Sanogo, and a classic Criterion essay by critic Ashley Clark. There aren’t many features here, sure, but this is one you’ll want to blind buy if you are a fan of international arthouse cinema — take my word for it.
Under-Seen Choice: High Art (1998)
A sterling film by Lisa Cholodenko and featuring what might be Ally Sheedy’s best performance, High Art is arriving just in time for Pride Month; this is quite a strong entry in 90s queer cinema. Available only on Blu-ray, this release of High Art feels curated for those who already adore the film and Cholodenko’s work. These features include her short film Dinner Party, audio commentary by Cholodenko, various interviews, and an essay by critic B. Ruby Rich. From the beautiful box art to the reasonable affordability, if you are wanting to discover more queer dramas from the nineties movement, this would not hurt to take a gamble with; I have felt that this film has been slept on for years.
It’s Time to Upgrade: Charade (1963)
I’m surprised this 4K upgrade hadn’t happened already. That isn’t because Charade is one of the most popular Criterion purchases of all time (it was actually my very first one as a late teenager), but because the film is notoriously in the public domain and has been for decades (hence why you can legally watch it on YouTube, for instance). I sincerely mean this when I say that Stanley Donen’s Charade is one of my all time favourite films, and my pick for the greatest comedy (or comedy-adjacent) film ever made. I have watched this film probably over fifty times. Despite the grizzly nature (this is a masterful genre bender that combines screwball, romance, thriller, and mystery elements), this is my comfort film that I will never get tired of. Even after all of that, this film looks phenomenal and is far more stylish and eye-catching than you may imagine. What I’m saying is you had better believe I am buying this 4K. If you have somehow never watched this film, either make one of the best blind buys of your life, or simply watch Charade on the ten trillion platforms that have it available (again, public domain). You’ll thank me.
Let’s Keep Upgrading: Five Easy Pieces (1970)
I do love how attentive Criterion has been with the New Hollywood movement, and this 4K upgrade of Five Easy Pieces is another indication of such. Featuring Jack Nicholson’s breakout role (well, after Easy Rider, at least), Five Easy Pieces is a classic from its time that I know would look magnificent with the restoration upgrade. I would say that should affordability be a concern, I think a film that pulls off grain really well like Five Easy Pieces will be fine on Blu-Ray or even DVD.
Let’s Not Forget About Eclipse: Carlos Saura’s Flamenco Trilogy
The Eclipse series strikes again with another fundamental lesson of film theory and history. What I see as a tribute to the late Spanish titan Carlos Saura (who recently passed away in 2023), this trilogy of dance films from Saura is sure to be a fantastic introduction to any newcomers. Featuring Blood Wedding (1981), his take on Carmen (1983), and El amor brujo (1986), this small, affordable set will be a wonderful gift for any fans of eighties cinema, music-driven works, and Spanish auteurs; even if that gift is for yourself. Should you like what you have stumbled upon, you will have dozens of Saura classics to dig through afterward.
Finally, Criterion Premieres: Magellan (2025)
Criterion has been killing it with their contemporary choices. The latest entry is slow-cinema icon Lav Diaz’s Magellan: what is already shaping up to be amongst the best films of the year (unless you consider it a 2025 film, given its film festival releases, of course). Anchored by a brilliant performance by one of modern cinema’s greatest actors (Gael García Bernal), this take on Magellan is nothing short of exquisite and gargantuan. This one is a must for arthouse nuts like myself. Just be warned that three hours is short by Diaz’s standards (and I am dead serious).
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.