21 Movies We Can’t Wait to See This Summer

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This summer offers a chance to step away from current issues and find solace, whether it’s at the cinema or on your couch with streaming platforms vying for your attention. During these next few months, expect an abundance of sequels and remakes, as is common during this season; make sure to pencil in the new installments and continuations of the Mission: Impossible, Happy Gilmore, Lilo & Stitch, The Parent Trap, and Predator series. If you’re not in the mood for light-hearted entertainment, Ari Aster and Danny Boyle have prepared some unusually dark thrills to balance things out. For those with a preference for art-house cinema, offerings from Sundance, Cannes, and Toronto festivals await.

Here are twenty upcoming films we’ve earmarked for release this summer: a mix of grand blockbusters, creative independent productions, and heartwarming comfort flicks that we’re hopeful will provide some enjoyment amidst the current uncertainty.

May

Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning

May 23
In theaters

Impossible – Fallout” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the last film in the series. Over these 30 years of espionage action, the word “impossible” has been just as meaningless. The eighth part continues from where the seventh left off three summers ago, with Ethan Hunt, our tireless secret agent, still pursuing a dangerous algorithm (not Netflix, but rather an enemy of the traditional cinema experience that Tom Cruise still supports). However, consistency is not crucial in the “M:I” franchise. An appreciation for grandiose, risky, daring stunts is what truly matters.

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The Phoenician Scheme

May 30
In theaters

In terms of style, Wes Anderson’s films are easily recognizable. Each one has its unique charm, distinct from the others. For instance, his latest adventure, which focuses on a wealthy tycoon (Benicio del Toro) and his offspring (Mia Threapleton), offers a peek into his business empire. The casting is part of what sets this film apart, with actors like Riz Ahmed and Michael Cera joining the expanding ensemble. Initially, there was talk that del Toro would appear in every scene of the movie, but it seems Wes Anderson might have reconsidered this restriction. Nonetheless, The Phoenician Scheme is shaping up to be one of the must-see films of summer for those who can discern a film like Asteroid City from another like Isle of Dogs.

Also coming in May

– On May 23, catch “Lilo & Stitch”, “Fear Street: Prom Queen” on Netflix, “Fountain of Youth” on Apple TV+, “The Last Rodeo” in theaters, and “Bad Shabbos” in select theaters.
– Mark your calendars for May 30 to watch “Karate Kid: Legends”, “Bring Her Back” in theaters, “Bono: Stories of Surrender” on Apple TV+, and “Tornado” in theaters.

June

The Life of Chuck

June 6
In theaters

2025 promises an abundance of Stephen King adaptations, ranging from the absurdly humorous “The Monkey” during last winter, to the gloomy “The Long Walk” this fall, and up next is Edgar Wright’s reimagining of “The Running Man”. Notably, 2025 will also see the screen debut of “The Life of Chuck”, a departure from King’s usual spooky tales. This film, which won the Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, is a three-part metaphysical story told in reverse chronological order, starting with the apocalypse and ending with a coming-of-age sequence (with Tom Hiddleston showcasing his dance skills somewhere along the journey). “The Life of Chuck” represents King at his most emotionally introspective and philosophical. It’s one of the more faithful adaptations of his work, a specialty of writer-director Mike Flanagan, who has also successfully adapted “Gerald’s Game” and “Doctor Sleep”.

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Predator: Killer of Killers

June 6
Hulu

In what seems to be a surprising turn of events, the notoriously well-hidden alien hunter known as the Predator appears to be quite prominent these days. He’s returning once again, this time with not just one but two new sequels directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who earlier transported the sci-fi franchise to the 18th century through “Prey”. In his fresh take on the series, the director presents an animated anthology centered around the Predator; each story sees him facing off against a different human warrior (a Viking, a ninja, a WWII pilot) from various time periods. If you’re craving more of the iconic figure with dreadlocks, he’s rumored to be the lead character in Trachtenberg’s upcoming live-action “Predator: Badlands”, set for release this fall. Now it’s the Xenomorph’s turn to adapt.

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Materialists

June 13
In theaters

In a decade marked by fewer daring premieres, playwright Celine Song’s poignant narrative, “Past Lives,” stands out for its conceptual grandeur, following the reunion of childhood sweethearts across different eras and continents. For her next project, Song directs “Materialists,” a love triangle featuring Dakota Johnson as a professional matchmaker torn between two charming male leads, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans. The glossy veneer of “Materialists” has sparked some controversy, with critics suggesting that the title hints at commercial motivations. However, given the scarcity of adult-oriented romantic films, it’s arguable that Song is simply providing a viable alternative. Moreover, freeing these three gifted actors from their Marvel superhero roles could be an astute career move. The film’s appealing visuals promise to ward off a sophomore slump and potentially leave audiences as smitten as critics were with “Past Lives.

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28 Years Later

June 20
In theaters

Approximately 28 years have passed since Danny Boyle revolutionized the zombie genre with a fast-paced, digital reimagining, causing some discontent among fans of George A. Romero. Now, Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland are back together for another independent sequel (neither were part of the 2007 film, “28 Weeks Later”). This new story follows a father and son navigating a world still infested with violent zombies, as well as potentially dangerous human survivors. However, don’t anticipate seeing Cillian Murphy reprise his role in this sequel; reports of his return were premature. Regardless, we’re eager to sprint, not shuffle, back into Boyle and Garland’s post-apocalyptic world; their portrayal of humanity destroyed by rage feels more chilling now than it did in the less apocalyptic times of 2002.

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Elio

June 20
In theaters

Who hasn’t fantasized about aliens as a lonely child? Haven’t we all gazed at the stars and wished for an escape to a more exciting reality? Essentially, that’s the essence of Pixar’s Elio, a tale about a preteen boy who longs for freedom from earthbound boredom, only to find himself in deep trouble once friendly extraterrestrials confuse him for an ambassador from Earth. What excites us most is not just the storyline but the pedigree behind it: The film is directed by the creators of Coco and Turning Red, who are two of Pixar’s most successful productions since their output was consistently golden.

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F1

June 27
In theaters

Similar to Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt is a timeless box office attraction – an everlasting superstar who can launch a film regardless of his personal circumstances when the spotlight isn’t on him. This could be the reason why director Joseph Kosinski chose to work on F1, where Pitt takes on a role reminiscent of Maverick as a veteran race car driver returning from retirement to mentor a talented newcomer (Damson Idris). The storyline seems like typical sports movie fare, but with the high-speed racing sequences looking like intense spectacles of rubber and metal, it could place viewers in the driver’s seat just as Kosinski’s previous project immersed audiences in the cockpit.

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Sorry, Baby

June 27
In theaters

In a unique blend, Eva Victor’s directorial debut, “Sorry, Baby“, tackles heavy topics with a refreshingly light tone. This captivating film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival to widespread acclaim and was quickly snapped up by A24 following a competitive bidding war. The actress, comedian, and social media sensation, Victor, portrays a college professor grappling with a past trauma; the unconventional script weaves its narrative through Victor’s distinctive, dryly humorous perspective, offering an unexpected dose of humor as it delves into the character’s tumultuous life and relationships. Although it didn’t win Sundance’s top award, “Sorry, Baby” certainly sparked the most intriguing discussions and admiration.

Also premiering in June

1. As a movie enthusiast, I’m excited to catch these upcoming films:
– From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (June 6)
– I Don’t Understand You (June 6)
– The Ritual (June 6)
– Barron’s Cove (June 6)
– Dangerous Animals (June 12)
– How to Train Your Dragon (June 13)
– Echo Valley (June 13)
– Bride Hard (June 20)
– Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore (June 20)
– Sovereign (June 20)
– Familiar Touch (June 20)
– Happyend (June 20)
– M3GAN 2.0 (June 27)

July

Jurassic World Rebirth

July 2
In theaters

In a unique way of expressing it, the release of Jurassic World Dominion was catastrophic for this series, but why are we thrilled about Rebirth? Primarily because part seven is in the hands of Gareth Edwards, a director known for epic blockbusters like Rogue One and the 2014 version of Godzilla, a massive, high-budget kaiju spectacle that paid homage to the original Jurassic Park. Edwards is one of the rare contemporary Hollywood directors who masterfully wields a Spielbergian touch in terms of scale and perspective. With him at the helm, we’re ready to join the characters and return to the lost world once more.

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Superman

July 11
In theaters

In simpler terms, the character known as Superman, who was previously portrayed in the Snyderverse, has been replaced by a newcomer named David Corenswet. This new version of Superman is being introduced in James Gunn’s plan to revamp the DC movie universe within Marvel Studios. The upcoming film promises humor, massive monsters, a lively Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan), a villainous Lex Luthor (portrayed by Nicolas Hoult), a newspaper called The Daily Planet, the Fortress of Solitude, a team of lesser superheroes, and an endearing CGI superdog named Krypto. What seems most appealing about this new Superman is his potential to bring a sense of hope, much like how Christopher Reeve portrayed him in the past. Isn’t it refreshing to think about a lovable Superman?

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Eddington

July 18
In theaters

Ari Aster, known for creating chilling horror films such as “Hereditary” and “Midsommar”, might have continued making such dark movies throughout his career. However, this innovative filmmaker has chosen to explore other genres by allowing the grim emotions behind those terrors to permeate them. His upcoming work, “Beau Is Afraid”, starring Joaquin Phoenix as a sheriff in New Mexico and Pedro Pascal as the local mayor during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, is being marketed as a contemporary western. Some might find it too soon to confront that bleak period in history, but if there’s anyone who can portray the appalling ugliness of America in 2020, it would be Aster.

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The Fantastic Four: First Steps

July 25
In theaters

Discussing Pedro Pascal, he’s seemingly omnipresent. If you miss him in “Materialists”, “Eddington”, and the latest season of “The Last of Us”, there’s still a chance to see him flex his CGI muscles as Reed Richards in Marvel’s recent endeavor to transform the first family into box-office sensations. Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn join the cast of astronaut-turned-superheroes defending an alternate Earth from the planet-consuming Galactus. It won’t be difficult for this “Fantastic Four” to surpass the low expectations set by past cinematic interpretations of these characters. The real challenge will be injecting a touch of light, nostalgic excitement into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a franchise that could benefit from a refresh or, at least, a renewed sense of the extraordinary.

—

Happy Gilmore 2

July 25
Netflix

Contrary to popular belief, Adam Sandler has made fewer sequels than one might expect. Despite his career resembling a factory churning out content, especially since teaming up with Netflix, the comedian seldom revisits old roles. This leaves us curious about his decision to once again don the jersey for a long-awaited continuation of one of his early successes. However, it remains to be seen if the Sandman still possesses the passion to portray a hockey player turned golfer fueled by his quick temper. The trailer for this belated sequel is surprisingly calm, hinting at the possibility of a more subdued Happy Gilmore, who may return to sports but avoid physical altercations on the green. It seems even the most aggressive man-children soften with time.

Also premiering in July

➼ The sequel to “The Old Guard” will be available on Netflix starting July 2.
➼ “Heads of State” will premiere on Amazon Prime Video from July 2.
➼ “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires” will debut on Disney+ from July 11.
➼ “I Know What You Did Last Summer” will hit theaters on July 18.
➼ Also premiering in theaters on July 18 is “The Smurfs”.

August

Naked Gun

August 1
In theaters

Move along, folks! There’s nothing extraordinary happening here – it’s just Frank Drebin’s son taking over (not the bumbling cop portrayed by Leslie Nielsen on both the big and small screen for nearly two decades). Liam Neeson snagged the role due to his knack for deadpan humor and perhaps a name resemblance. The initial trailer for this sequel, boasting a clever O.J. Simpson gag, indicates that directors Akiva Schaffer and Seth McFarlane have grasped the comedic potential. However, whether Naked Gun will make an impact in the 2025 box office remains to be seen. Frankly, it doesn’t matter! This is our turf. And these are our jokes.

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Freakier Friday

August 8
In theaters

Disney is hoping that the amusing concept of body-swapping, which was popular in 2003 with the release of “Freaky Friday”, still has some appeal. In this new sequel to a remake, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprise their roles as mother and daughter, who find themselves magically swapped due to cosmic forces. The unique aspect of this sequel is that Lohan’s character now has a daughter and stepdaughter; all four women eventually get involved in the body-swapping chaos, making it a metaphysical game of musical chairs with twice the fun. It seems like an entertaining option for families across generations, although perhaps a bit more complex than the straightforward lesson in empathy that the original “Freaky” provided.

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Weapons

August 8
In theaters

The intriguing Barbarian introduces Zach Cregger as a writer-director with impressive structural skill. Judging by his latest project, he’s taken things up a notch and become even more daring. This upcoming mystery thriller features Julia Garner (soon to appear in Fantastic Four), playing a teacher whose entire elementary school class vanishes mysteriously one evening, making her the focus of angry and bewildered parents. Some find this exciting, while others are worried, given that Cregger has acknowledged Paul Thomas Anderson’s expansive, three-hour Magnolia as an inspiration. Similarly, the news that he won final cut rights to the film after a tough bidding battle raises eyebrows. The fate of the missing children remains unknown, but it seems Weapons might be delving into a broader theme about educational witch hunts – a topic that resonates in today’s turbulent America of 2025.

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Highest 2 Lowest

August 22
In theaters

September 5
Apple TV+

For film enthusiasts, the upcoming movie “Highest 2 Lowest,” directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington for the first time since “Inside Man” almost two decades ago, is certainly worth anticipating. This Oscar-winning film finds Washington portraying a mogul grappling with a difficult moral decision: choosing between his empire and a child’s life, a storyline adapted from Evan Hunter’s novel and Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film “High and Low.” Given that this movie marks Lee covering another legendary director’s work, and considering it will be released in the summer – a time slot Lee successfully utilized with “BlacKkKlansman” previously – it’s an event not to be missed.

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Eden

August 22
In theaters

In a surprising twist, one wouldn’t typically associate eccentricity with a movie directed by Ron Howard, known for films like “A Beautiful Mind,” “Cinderella Man,” and “Frost/Nixon.” However, it is this touch of madness that has earned his recent film the Vulture seal of approval. The stars, including Jude Law, Vanessa Kirby, Ana de Armas, Sydney Sweeney, and Daniel Brühl, have embraced their unhinged roles in this true tale of dramatic clashes among European settlers on a Galápagos island. As Bilge Ebiri from our team noted after watching the film at last fall’s festival, “He’s finally allowed himself to lose his mind.” This could be one of Howard’s best decisions in years, and maybe someday we’ll forgive him for some past mistakes.

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Caught Stealing

August 29
In theaters

Title Suggestion for a Crime Thriller: “Dirty Slugger: A ’90s New York Underground Chronicle”

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Austin Butler as the troubled former baseball player, alongside Regina King, Liev Schreiber, Zoë Kravitz, Griffin Dunne, Vincent D’Onofrio, Carol Kane, and musical artists Bad Bunny and Action Bronson.

Adapted by Charlie Huston from his own novel, “Caught Stealing” appears to be a fresh departure for director Darren Aronofsky, who’s stepping away from biblical narratives (“Mother!”, “Noah”) and stories of physical torment (“The Wrestler”, “The Whale”) to explore the alluring underworld escapades that were popular during his rise to fame. As a native New Yorker, Aronofsky has hinted at an abundance of eccentric city characters, with Matt Smith’s flamboyantly mohawked portrayal possibly just scratching the surface.

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The Toxic Avenger

August 29
In theaters

Two years following its triumphant debut at film festivals, Macon Blair’s remake of the infamous splatter comedy “The Toxic Avenger” by Troma is finally hitting theaters. The delay in release seems to be due to distributors being hesitant about the abundant gore – a factor that could attract a specific group of horror enthusiasts, often referred to as ‘sickos’. For those not part of the Lloyd Kaufman fan club, the film’s unique appeal lies in Peter Dinklage portraying the protagonist, a timid janitor who becomes a vengeful vigilante after an accident with radioactive waste. “The Toxic Avenger” offers a refreshing alternative to superhero movie overload, providing a raw, B-movie experience as we transition from blockbuster to awards season.

Also premiering in August

1. The Bad Guys 2 – Opening in theaters on August 2nd
2. Sketch – Hitting theaters on August 6th
3. Fixed – Streaming on Netflix starting August 13th
4. Nobody 2 – In theaters from August 15th
5. Honey Don’t – Arriving in theaters on August 22nd
6. Americana – Showing in theaters from August 22nd
7. Relay – Coming to theaters on August 22nd
8. Clika – In theaters starting August 25th
9. The Roses – Opens in theaters on August 29th

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2025-05-20 20:58