All the Movies You Shouldn’t Miss This Summer

The smell of summer is in the air, and with all of the heat and joy of the summer season also comes newfound freedom—meaning all of the time in the world to watch summer movies.

And this summer is going to be jam-packed with amazing new releases you won't want to miss. From adrenaline-packed action flicks to animation, superhero flicks and everything in between, there'll be a little something for everyone—including those who aren't quite ready to hit the theaters yet and would prefer to stay home. Keep scrolling to check out our most highly anticipated picks.

Top Gun: Maverick (Out May 27)

36 years after the release of the original Top Gun, its sequel, Top Gun: Maverick hits theaters later this month, and critics are already saying the new film blows the old one out of the water. It follows Tom Cruise's Maverick, a test pilot who's spent 36 years avoiding an advancement in rank and who is recruited for a critical mission. The film also shares an interesting parallel with Tom Cruise's decades-long career as an actor, and whether or not you've seen the original, this seems like a worthy successor that any action film fan can enjoy.

 

The Bob's Burgers Movie (Out May 27)

As long-time fans of Bob's Burgers, we couldn't be more excited that the show is getting a movie with a theatrical release, and the film looks like it'll offer exactly the hilarious hijinks lovers of the series have come to know and love. In the movie, the Belcher family only has seven days to pay their rent and keep their business afloat. That's not too unusual for the family, but when a huge sinkhole opens up in front of the restaurant, it throws a big wrench in their plans. Did we mention this one's also a musical?

 

Also read about: If You Identify With Tina Belcher, You'll Definitely Relate to These 16 Things

 

Jurassic World Dominion (Out June 10)

Jurassic World Dominion follows up Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, which saw the destruction of Isla Nublar, and the release of its dinosaurs out into the world. Now, humans must learn to coexist with dinosaurs or meet their doom. This one brings back the iconic characters Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler and Ian Malcolm from the original film, and we can't wait to see how this bold trilogy ends.

 

Lightyear (Out June 17)

We all know about the Toy Story version of Buzz Lightyear, but who was the real Buzz Lightyear, really? Lightyear is a fascinating interpretation of the character and his origin story, with Chris Evans voicing Buzz on an intergalactic adventure as he gets teleported into the future and is forced to find a way back home. If we love it half as much as we love the Toy Story movies, it's sure to be a smash hit.

Jerry & Marge Go Large (Out June 17)

Love movies based on a true story? Jerry & Marge Go Large follows Jerry Selbee, a retired man who's lived a quiet, risk-free life, until he discovers a unique loophole in the Massachusetts lottery. He recruits his wife—and the whole town—to get in on a scheme to rake in millions and benefit everyone, until a group of college kids with the same idea threaten to take them down. The film stars Bryan Cranston and is out exclusively on Paramount+ starting June 17.

 

Elvis (Out June 24)

Seeing as Elvis was directed by Baz Luhrmann, the man responsible for Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby and Romeo + Juliet, we already know it's going to be movie musical magic. Starring Austin Butler as Elvis Presley himself, the film shows the star's rise to fame under manager Colonel Tom Parker, with just a sprinkle of fantasy thrown in to make for something we've never seen before.

 

Also read about: 15 Sad Netflix Movies for Teens Who Need a Good Cry

 

Minions: The Rise of Gru (Out July 1)

The Despicable Me and Minions movies have been a cult phenomenon for more than a decade now, but this summer, we'll finally get to see Gru's entire origin story. The film follows Gru as he attempts to join a supervillain group called the Vicious 6, but when his interview goes awry, they come after him—and he'll have to turn to an unlikely source for help.

 

Thor: Love and Thunder (Out July 8)

Thor: Ragnarok has to be one of our favorite Marvel flicks of all time, so we have high hopes for its sequel, Thor: Love and Thunder. There's so much epicness in the trailer we don't know where to begin. From Thor's return to form to his team-up with the Guardians of the Galaxy and Valkyrie being the official ruler of New Asgard, there's a ton to take in. And that's not even to mention Jane Foster as the new Thor!

 

The Sea Beast (Out July 8)

The Sea Beast is a gorgeously animated film following a young girl who stows away on the ship of a famous sea monster hunter. During their journey, she forms an unexpected bond with the ship's crew mates—as well as the mighty beast of the seas itself. This one looks stunning, and better yet, the movie will premiere on Netflix, so you'll be able to watch it from the comfort of your own home.

 

Nope (Out July 22)

Ready to be absolutely terrified? Nope follows James and Jill Haywood, two ranchers who train horses for Hollywood in a small and isolated town in California. After a mysterious and baffling event hits their town, they're left shaken, and with zero clue as to what just happened—except that it's one big nope. The film comes from director Jordan Peele, who brought us the clever and terrifying films Get Out and Us, and this one might just be the best yet.

 

DC League of Super-Pets (Out July 29)

We're obsessed with the fact that the DC Universe has superpowered pets, and their upcoming animated film DC League of Super-Pets is all about them. When Lex Luthor captures the Justice League, Superman's dog, Krypto, takes it upon himself to rescue them with a team of shelter pets with superpowers. It's irresistibly cute for both animal lovers and superhero fans.

 

Also read about: 12 Thrilling Movies for Teens Who Love a Good Mystery

 

Bodies Bodies Bodies (Out Aug. 5)

We love it when black comedy and horror collide, and Bodies Bodies Bodies looks like it'll be a new classic in both genres. It follows seven friends having a house party in a mansion when a hurricane strikes. As the storm progresses, their relationship dynamics are put to the test, and to pass the time inside, they start playing a murder-in-the-dark game called "bodies bodies bodies." When the game goes bad, they end it, only to find that a real murder has taken place—with the group realizing that one of them must be the killer.

 

Luck (Out Aug. 5)

Luck is an animated film following Bob, a black cat who exists in the land of good and bad luck, and is partially responsible for the fates we encounter every day. When a young woman accidentally stumbles into the land of luck, she teams up with Bob to pave her own way, and discover the true meaning of luck. This one will be streaming exclusively on Apple TV, so you won't even have to leave home to see it!

 

Can't get out to a theater at the moment? Click HERE to discover our favorite movies for teens on Netflix.