While we all love soaking in the summer sun and running away for beachside vacations, we also need some ways to beat the heat and relax during the warmest months of the year. We all know Disney’s making a major splash this summer season with live-action versions of Aladdin and The Lion King plus the long-awaited Toy Story 4, but what else does the box office have in store for us throughout this summer?
Here are 7 summer flicks that you absolutely must see on the big screen!
The Sun Is Also a Star (May 17)
Based on Nicola Yoon’s novel, The Sun Is Also a Star will bring all the hopeless romantics to the box office (and to tears). The story focuses on a pragmatic Jamaican, Natasha Kingsley, and the unexpected twist of fate she experiences just before her family relocates. Natasha tries to beat the clock and fight against deportation while falling in love. Will the woman who doesn’t believe in love at first sight end up with the hopelessly romantic poet? Will her family stay stateside? Grab a ticket, a soda, and popcorn to find out!
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (May 17)
Things aren’t looking so good for our favorite hitman John Wick. He’s lost all protective services, and there’s a $14 million bounty for his head. This third chapter in the John Wick series will leave us on the edge of our seats as we watch him fight for his life on the streets of NYC. With a high-caliber cast and sexy Keanu Reeves as the lead, who wouldn’t be racing to the box office for this one?
Booksmart (May 24)
Teen nerds Amy and Molly pushed themselves throughout the four years of high school to earn top grades. Right before graduation, though, the academic overachievers set their eyes on a new challenge: cramming in all the fun of high school into just a single day. Will they see the fruits of their labor or cry over all they missed out on? You don’t want to miss this epic adventure (and a chance to relive the “glory days”).
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (June 7)
If Avengers: Endgame left you longing for more comic legends, perhaps you can fill that void with an entirely different enterprise? Dark Phoenix focuses on Jean Grey as she spirals out of control after a freak accident. After 20 years, we will see some of our favorite mutants face their most powerful foe to date – a member of their own family. Will this be the end of our beloved X-Men?
The Dead Don’t Die (June 14)
Something sinister is going on in the small town of Centerville, but nobody is prepared for the truth. Everyone finds themselves fighting for survival against the rising dead, although for many, it’s already too late. Don’t worry, though: this one isn’t straight-up horror and gore. If you loved Shaun of The Dead, this zombie flick is definitely for you!
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (July 26)
All you need to know about this film is who directed it: Quentin Tarantino. If that isn’t enough to get you planning out a spot to see it, I don’t know what will. Based in late-1960s LA, this film follows a television star and his stunt double as they try to navigate an evolving Hollywood scene. In addition to a big name director, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood features an A-list cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Dakota Fanning, Luke Perry, and Al Pacino.
Good Boys (August 16)
We all remember the awkward days of our pre-teens, right? Good Boys brings back those memories of fearing first kisses, trying to cover up your tracks before your parents got home, and pure childhood innocence. The laughs won’t end with this film brought to you by Seth Rogen and Company.
There are so many films hitting the big screen between May and August, so it was impossible for us to cover them all. There’s definitely something on this list for everyone, but if you’re looking for something more, check out this complete listing of summer films.