Summer is quickly approaching and many are left deciding what to do with their much-needed time off. After a hectic year, relaxing while watching a movie seems like a great way to spend the summer vacation. Directors, producers, actors, and film crews have worked hard all year to bring action, romance, fantasy, animation, and comedy straight to the projector.
Needless to say, we have worked equally hard to bring you the ultimate list of movies coming out this summer. So, without further ado, grab your popcorn and add the following movies to your to-watch list.
1) Fast X
With the addition of “Fast X,” the Fast & Furious franchise features 12 movies, two short films and an animated series. Directed by Louis Leterrier, “Fast X” follows Dom Torreto (played by Vin Diesel) and his family confronting the most lethal opponent they have faced yet. This opponent emerges from Dom’s past and is fueled by pure revenge to shatter Dom’s world — destroying everything and everyone in it.
Starring Jason Momoa, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson and John Cena, the movie will be set in the present day with various flashbacks from previous movies. Featuring exotic locales and luxurious vehicles, this movie is packed with plenty of action, and will release on May 19th, 2023 in theaters.
2) The Little Mermaid
“The Little Mermaid”, directed by Rob Marshall, is a Disney live-action remake of the original 1989 animated film of the same name. The movie follows a rebellious 16-year-old Ariel (Halle Bailey) on her journey to discover life beyond the sea. Ariel’s father, King Triton (Javier Bardem), forbade his daughter from visiting the surface. However, Ariel persists and falls in love with a human prince, Price Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). To stay with her prince, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the evil sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy). Unfortunately, the deal goes wrong and Ariel must fight to protect herself, her family, and her new-found love. The film will include beautiful storytelling and cinematography met with moving songs and phenomenal acting. “The Little Mermaid” will be released on May 25th, 2023 in theaters and eventually on Disney+.
3) Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”, directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson, is the sequel to the 2018 film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Following the events of the first movie, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) are catapulted across the Multiverse. Throughout their journey, Miles and Gwen encounter a team of Spider-People that are trying to handle a new threat.
The two groups of heroes clash about how to handle the threat and Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders. At that very moment, Miles is tasked with defining what it means to be a hero and how to save those he loves the most. The film includes amazing soundtracks, different animation styles, and new worlds filled with new Spider-People. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” will be released on June 2nd, 2023, in theaters, Disney+, and Netflix.
4) Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Directed by Steven Caple Jr., “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” will be the 7th movie in the Transformers series. The movie takes place in the year 1994 and follows a pair of archeologists who find themselves in the middle of an ancient conflict between three newly introduced robot tribes: the Maximals, the Predacons, and the Terrorcons.
The film will show its audience a battle between good and evil through a linear narrative. Audiences can expect action-packed scenes with explosions and complex special effects. “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” will be released on June 9th, 2023 in theaters.
5) The Flash
“The Flash” directed by Andrés Muschietti, is a film based on the iconic DC Comics superhero of the same name. Flash (Ezra Miller) uses his superpower of superhuman speed to travel back in time and change the events of his past. Flash attempts to prevent the murder of his mother but instead, alters the future.
Unintentionally, he becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod (Michael Shannon) has returned. General Zod was first introduced in the comics as a Kryptonian war criminal and as the adversary of the superhero Superman. General Zod threatens destruction, which leaves Flash with no other option but to persuade an alternate version of Batman to join him in his attempt to stop General Zod. Fans should expect an alternate universe, thrilling action-packed scenes, and the creation of a completely new timeline. “The Flash” will be released on June 16th, 2023 in theaters and later on HBO Max.
6) Elemental
Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental”, directed by, Peter Sohn takes place in the Element City. This is a community in which entities formed of the four elements (water, air, wind, and earth) cohabit. The story follows the fire element, Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis), and the water element, Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie). Although they seem like an unlikely pair, the two embark on a journey to discover how much they have in common. The movie will be an impactful yet comedic tale about friendship challenges, struggle, and sacrifice. “Elemental” will be released on June 16th, 2023, in theaters and later on Disney+.
7) Asteroid City
“Asteroid City” directed by Wes Anderson, is a science fiction romantic comedy-drama film set in 1955. The film follows students and parents who head to a fictional desert town for the annual Junior Stargazer convention where world-changing events ensue.
Expect amazing acting in a movie filled with many recognizable actors, such as Tom Hanks, Maya Hawke, Margot Robbie, Scarlett Johansson, and many more. Audiences should also expect an entertaining storyline and aesthetically pleasing cinematography. “Asteroid City” will be released on June 16th, 2023, in theaters.
8) Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
​​​​​​“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” directed by James Mangold, will serve as the fifth and final movie in the Indiana Jones film series. Archeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) races to retrieve a dial that can alter the course of human history. On his journey, Jones is accompanied by his goddaughter, Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). Together, they soon find themselves faced with Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen), a former Nazi official involved in the 1969 Apollo program who wants to retrieve the dial himself to change the outcome of past decisions. Fans should expect an incredible adventure that will end the Indiana Jones franchise. “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” will be released on June 30th, 2023 in theaters and later on Disney+.
9) Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1
“Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1”, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, is the newest addition to the Mission Impossible franchise and will serve as the 7th movie in the series. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is an agent working for the Impossible Missions Force. Hunt leads his team of expert operatives on missions to solve thrilling international cases.
As seen in previous movies, Hunt is not hesitant to break the rules, putting his life on the line for what is right. Fans can expect stunning cinematography completed with special effects and thrilling stunts. “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1” will be released on July 12th, 2023 in theaters.
10) Barbie
“Barbie”, directed by Greta Gerwig, is the first live-action Barbie movie and the newest addition to the franchise. The story follows the iconic Barbie doll (Margot Robbie) after being expelled from Barbieland for not being perfect enough. Barbie proceeds to go on an adventure in the real world and hopes to be able to come back and save her world.
By the time she finally accomplishes that, she realizes what it truly means to be perfect. Fans of the franchise should expect various references to previous movies, shows, and Barbie dolls filled with stunning visuals. “Barbie” will be released on July 21st, 2023 in theaters.
11) Oppenheimer
Directed by Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” is a biographical film that follows an American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), and discusses his role in the development of the atomic bomb. The physicist worked with a team of scientists during the Manhattan Project.
The movie is loosely set to mirror the book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy by J. Robert Oppenheimer. Audiences should expect a thrilling yet informative tale set in Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II. “Oppenheimer” will be released on July 21st, 2023 in theaters.
12) Haunted Mansion
Directed by Justin Simien, “Haunted Mansion” is Disney’s newest live-action reimagining of Eddie Murphy’s 2003 film of the same name. The movie follows single mom Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her son Travis (Chase Dillon) enlisting the aid of a team to help exorcise their newly bought mansion, destroying the ghosts lingering throughout. Gabbie hires a tour guide (LaKeith Stanfield), a psychic (Tiffany Haddish), a priest (Owen Wilson), and a historian (Danny DeVito) to accomplish this goal. The audience should expect a comedic yet thrilling movie with astonishing acting and scenery. “Haunted Mansion” will be released on July 28th, 2023 in theaters and later it will become available on Disney +.
13) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”, directed by, Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears, is the newest addition to the TMNT franchise. Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.), Donatello (Micah Abbey), and Raphael (Brady Noon) have spent years sheltered from the human world. The movie follows the Turtle Brother’s journey to win the hearts of New Yorkers and finally be accepted into society as normal teenagers. To do this, April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri) helps them take on a crime mob that is a threat to New Yorkers. However, things go wrong when an unexpected army of mutants is unleashed upon them. Fans of the franchise should expect an action-packed film with beautiful illustrations. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” will be released on August 4th, 2023 in theaters.
14) Blue Beetle
Directed by Angel Manuel Soto, “Blue Beetle” is a comic book-based film about a superhero of the same name. The movie follows Mexican teenager Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) who receives various abilities through contact with a mysterious robotic scarab. The scarab fuses with his spine, giving him super-human durability, strength, flight, and energy.
Most importantly, Jaime is bestowed with incredible armor that is capable of unpredictable powers. These newly gained abilities forever change his destiny as he becomes Blue Beetle. Fans of the DC franchise should expect a brand-new storyline with incredible graphics and acting. “Blue Beetle” will be released on August 18th, 2023 in theaters.
15) Strays
“Strays”, directed by Josh Greenbaum, is a comedy following various talking dogs. A naive but lovable dog named Reggie (Will Ferrell) was abandoned in the city streets by his low-life owner, Doug (Will Forte). Without anyone to turn to, Reggie joins a Boston Terrier and his gang of strays.
Reggie and the gang are determined to seek revenge, embarking on an adventure to get Reggie home and make Doug pay for what he did. Audiences should expect a funny and spontaneous story about revenge and triumph. “Strays” will be released on August 18th, 2023 in theaters.
Hopefully, some of these amazing movies have made your list by now. What movie are you most excited about watching this summer? Comment below!
