The 55 Best Movies To See This Year

Another long summer looms on the horizon, and with it our desire to escape to the air-conditioned sanctuary of the movie theater. If you thought 2024 was a strange year for movies, 2025 is already topping it with an eclectic mix of blockbuster sequels and mid-budget, adult-friendly titles. Whether our superhero fatigue will subside or intensify remains to be seen, but there’s reason to be cautiously optimistic (or morbidly curious, maybe): Marvel is releasing what could be the studio’s two most interesting movies in ages, while James Gunn’s new DC Universe is set to kick off on the big screen with Superman. But for every franchise tentpole, there is a wily thriller or original horror movie ready to take us by surprise.

This summer also brings highly anticipated new releases from acclaimed filmmakers – Ari Aster’s Eddington and Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme – as well as new genre titles from exciting burgeoning directors like Zach Cregger and Danny and Michael Philippou. With studios still fumbling in the wake of the historic WGA and SAG strikes, and the post-COVID reduction in theatrical release windows conditioning audiences to stay home and wait for digital rentals, there’s a lot riding on this year. Thankfully, there are so many exciting new movies hitting theaters this summer that we had trouble narrowing them down to just 55.

May

‘Another Simple Favor’ (May 1)

Official logline: Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) reunite on the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.

Why you should see it: A Simple Favor became a surprise cult hit when it was released in 2018. Director Paul Feig returns for the dark sequel, which also stars Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, and Elizabeth Perkins (replacing Hacks star Jean Smart as Emily’s mom). Amazon is sending the sequel straight to Prime Video, bypassing a potentially underwhelming box office run. –Britt Hayes

‘Rust’ (May 2)

Official logline: In 1880s Wyoming, recently orphaned Lucas Hollister (Patrick Scott McDermott) accidentally kills a rancher and is sentenced to hang. In a twist of fate, his estranged grandfather, the notorious outlaw Harland Rust (Academy Award nominee Alec Baldwin), breaks him out of jail and takes him on the run toward Mexico. As they flee across the unforgiving wilderness, the fugitive pair must outrun the determined U.S. Marshal Wood Helm (Josh Hopkins) and a ruthless bounty hunter named “Preacher” (Travis Fimmel).

Why you should see it: After numerous delays following the tragic on-set shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, it seemed as if Rust might not make it to theaters – not that anyone would blame the production for calling it quits. Nevertheless, director Joel Souza persisted, and the western thriller, which also stars Jensen Ackles and Frances Fisher, is coming to a theater near you. It’s impossible to know the extent to which Rust might have succeeded had Hutchins lived, and it’s almost as difficult to discern how the film will be received in the wake of her death. –BH

‘The Surfer’ (May 2)

Official logline: In the psychological thriller directed by Lorcan Finnegan, a man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son. But his desire to hit the waves is thwarted by a group of locals whose mantra is “don’t live here, don’t surf here.” Humiliated and angry, the man is drawn into a conflict that keeps rising in concert with the punishing heat of the summer and pushes him to his breaking point.

Why you should see it: Directed by Lorcan Finnegan (Vivarium), The Surfer is like the galaxy brain meme, with an escalating series of reasons to be excited: Nicolas Cage… as a surfboarding dad… in a psychological thriller… with an incredibly simple premise… and the runtime is only 99 minutes?! Heaven. –BH

‘Thunderbolts*’ (May 2)

Official logline: In Thunderbolts*, Marvel Studios assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes – Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker. After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, these disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. Will this dysfunctional group tear themselves apart, or find redemption and unite as something much more before it’s too late?

Why you should see it: Thunderbolts* is something of a gambit for Marvel following a run of underwhelming releases, including Captain America: Brave New World, a.k.a. Where Are Grandpa’s Pills?? But Marvel assembled an awesome cast – Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, and Lewis Pullman, among others – and an interesting creative team for Thunderbolts*, including Jake Schreier, a director known for his work on great TV series like Beef and Lodge 49; and screenwriter Joanna Calo of The Bear and Hacks fame. Thunderbolts* could be a stealthy home run for a studio that really needs it and a fandom that’s eager to fall in love with the MCU again. –BH

‘Fight or Flight’ (May 9)

Official logline: Exiled American agent Lucas Reyes (Josh Hartnett) is given one last chance to redeem himself – the assignment is to track down and identify a mysterious, international high-value asset known only as The Ghost on a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco. Complicating matters, the plane is filled with assassins from around the world who are assigned to kill them both. The pair must work together in a fight for their lives. At 37,000 feet, the stakes have never been higher.

Why you should see it: The Josh Hartnett renaissance continues in this comedic action thriller co-starring Katee Sackhoff (The Mandalorian) and Charithra Chandran (Bridgerton). Hartnett is really finding his niche in absurd and absurdly entertaining thrillers – and if that bleach-blond dye job is any indication, we’re in for a hell of a good time. Fight or Flight also marks the feature directorial debut of James Madigan, a visual effects artist whose credits include Iron Man 2 and The Da Vinci Code. –BH

‘Friendship’ (May 9, Limited; May 23, Nationwide)

Official logline: Suburban dad Craig falls hard for his charismatic new neighbor, as Craig’s attempts to make an adult male friend threaten to ruin both of their lives.

Why you should see it: At the risk of sounding reductive, Friendship looks like the feature-length version of a sketch from Tim Robinson’s I Think You Should Leave (complimentary). Friendship similarly takes an everyday concept or gripe (making friends as an adult is weird and hard), identifies the most awkward parts of it, and heightens them all the way to comedic Valhalla. Co-starring Paul Rudd, Friendship comes from first-time feature filmmaker Andrew DeYoung, a director whose credits include some of your favorite TV shows in recent memory: Dave, Pen15, and Shrill, among many others. –BH

‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ (May 16)

Official logline: The newest chapter in New Line Cinema’s bloody successful franchise takes audiences back to the very beginning of Death’s twisted sense of justice. Plagued by a violent recurring nightmare, college student Stefanie heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all.

Why you should see it: We’re overdue for a Final Destination resurgence, and with few other horror franchises in the mix and Saw XI off the table for the foreseeable future, it’s – dare I say? – nice to have a splattery horror sequel to look forward to. Horror franchises with deep lore and elaborate kills are a strange balm in particularly fraught times, offering audiences a cathartic release by confronting the absurdity of our own mortality. And this one takes things up a notch by exploring the origins of Death itself. Featuring one of the late, great Tony Todd’s final on-screen performances, it would simply be disrespectful to skip Bloodlines. –BH

‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ (May 16)

Official logline: A musician plagued by insomnia is pulled into an odyssey with a stranger who begins to unravel the very core of his existence.

Why you should see it: After polarizing critics and audiences alike with his seedy HBO series The Idol, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye has turned his sights to the big screen – and arguably a more compelling collaborator in Trey Edward Shults, the filmmaker behind Krisha and It Comes at Night. The most relevant title on Shults’ resume as it pertains to Mr. Tesfaye is the underseen (and underrated) Waves, which demonstrates the filmmaker’s knack for creating a propulsive, musically driven narrative. With Jenna Ortega in tow, Hurry Up Tomorrow should be interesting, at the very least. –BH

‘Fear Street: Prom Queen’ (May 23, Netflix)

Official logline: Welcome back to Shadyside. In this next installment of the blood-soaked Fear Street franchise, prom season at Shadyside High is underway and the school’s wolfpack of It Girls is busy with its usual sweet and vicious campaigns for the crown. But when a gutsy outsider puts herself in the running, and the other girls start mysteriously disappearing, the class of ’88 is suddenly in for one hell of a prom night.

Why you should see it: Netflix’s Fear Street trilogy was an unexpected delight that successfully walked the line between R.L. Stine’s more kid-friendly franchise and adult-oriented horror, perfectly capturing the tone of the author’s YA book series of the same name. Unlike the previous trilogy, which was more loosely based on the broader book franchise and its lore, Prom Queen is an adaptation of a specific title.

The cast alone is enough of a reason to click “play”: Ariana Greenblatt, India Fowler, and Katherine Waterston lead an ensemble that includes early ’00s fave Chris Klein, Suzanna Son (Red Rocket), and genre mainstay Lili Taylor. –BH

‘Fountain of Youth’ (May 23, Apple TV+)

Official logline: Fountain of Youth follows two estranged siblings (John Krasinski and Academy Award-winner Natalie Portman) who partner on a global heist to find the mythological Fountain of Youth. They must use their knowledge of history to follow clues on an epic adventure that will change their lives… and possibly lead to immortality.

Why you should see it: Guy Ritchie is thriving in the streaming era. Even if some of his recent films – The Gentlemen, The Covenant, Operation Fortune – haven’t been “your thing,” and even if you’re a hardline John Krasinski skeptic, it’s hard to deny the appeal of Fountain of Youth. Genuinely entertaining action-adventure movies are increasingly hard to come by, but the trailer has a real National Treasure-meets-Tomb Raider vibe (complimentary), and it seems like Ritchie is really cooking with this one. Look, no one on Earth believes that Natalie Portman and John Krasinski could be siblings, but we’re all willing to suspend our disbelief for a good time. That’s movie magic. –BH

‘Lilo & Stitch’ (May 23)

Official logline: A live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family.

Why you should see it: Disney’s hybrid remakes are technically successful, but rarely worth watching. Lilo & Stitch already feels a little different – in part because reimagining a furry little alien like Stitch necessitates the use of CGI, whereas replicating animated talking animals in “realistic CGI” only highlights why animation was always a better medium for Disney’s classic stories. With a cast that includes Tia Carrere, Billy Magnussen, and Zach Galifianakis, and the inherent adorability of the eponymous gremlin-like E.T., Lilo & Stitch is sort of hard to resist. Recent reports suggest that Snow White‘s failure has finally convinced Disney to ditch the live-action remakes, but if Lilo & Stitch is a massive hit, the studio will likely backtrack. Whoever wins, we lose. –BH

‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ (May 23)

Official logline: Every choice, every mission, has all led to this.

Why you should see it: Look, does anyone really believe this is the final reckoning for Tom Cruise and the Mission: Impossible franchise? Does it matter? Cruise and latter-day M:I architect Christopher McQuarrie have turned a successful action-thriller franchise into a must-see saga that consistently raises the stakes beyond what anyone thought possible when Brian De Palma released the first film 30 years ago. That’s right: Tom Cruise has been trying to die on the biggest screen possible for our entertainment for 30 years. The fact that Cruise and McQuarrie are still making exciting, compelling sequels that don’t feel like obligatory homework (cough, Marvel; cough cough, Fast & Furious) is sort of a miracle. –BH

‘Pee-wee as Himself’ (May 23, HBO / Max)

Official logline: A chronicle of the life of artist and performer Paul Reubens and his alter ego Pee-wee Herman. Prior to his recent death, Reubens spoke in-depth about his creative influences, and the personal struggles he faced to persevere as an artist.

Why you should see it: In the ’80s and ’90s, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was where little kids (and some parents) learned how to be curious and kind. Though ideologically similar, Pee-wee’s Playhouse felt like graduating to the hard stuff. Paul Reubens cultivated the more child-friendly aspects of his stage persona for a truly indelible kids’ show that unfortunately made his private life a public subject for debate. Produced by Josh and Benny Safdie, Matt Wolf’s two-part documentary explores the man behind the overgrown child, and features candid interviews with Reubens prior to his death. –BH

‘Bring Her Back’ (May 30)

Official logline: A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother.

Why you should see it: YouTubers-turned-filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou are gracing theaters once again with Bring Her Back. After the visceral and intense nightmare that was Talk to Me, the duo’s sophomore effort doesn’t look to be letting up on the gas in terms of its ambition and severity. With Sally Hawkins leading the A24 horror flick, the Philippou brothers are expanding their horizons with a higher-caliber cast and what looks to be more innovative and terrifying filmmaking techniques, bringing prestige horror scares to theaters this summer. –Ernesto Valenzuela

‘Karate Kid: Legends’ (May 30)

Official logline: When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother to attend a prestigious new school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.

Why you should see it: Karate Kid: Legends is shaping up to be essential viewing for every corner of the Karate Kid fanbase. Whether it’s fans of the original films and Cobra Kai, or the 2010 reimagining, Legends has positioned itself as a generational bridge in the form of a legacy sequel that will seemingly acknowledge everything that’s come before. With Ben Wang playing newcomer Li Fong, Legends should at the very least feature some exciting, highly choreographed fights – if the money shots from the two trailers released thus far are anything to go by. –EV

‘The Phoenician Scheme’ (May 30)

Official logline: The story of a family and a family business.

Why you should see it: It’s hard to believe it’s already time for our biennial dose of Wes Anderson. Was Asteroid City really two years ago? And can The Phoenician Scheme possibly be as good? The official logline tells us very little about the plot, which follows Benicio Del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda, “one of the richest men in Europe,” Mia Threapleton as Liesl, his daughter who is also a nun, and Michael Cera as Bjorn, their “tutor.” Really, it’s just incredible that it’s taken Anderson this long to cast Michael Cera in anything. Based on the trailer, The Phoenician Scheme appears to be splitting the difference between The Grand Budapest Hotel and The French Dispatch, with a typically impressive ensemble that includes Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Jeffrey Wright. –BH

June

‘Ballerina’ (June 6)

Official logline: Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.

Why you should see it: With the bright future of John Wick and its various spinoffs announced at CinemaCon 2025, it’s hard not to be excited about the first From the World of John Wick movie. Ballerina not only looks stylistically and aesthetically in line with Chad Stahelski’s mainline John Wick films, but it also showcases an entirely different side of the action, featuring Ana de Armas as a differently built but equally deadly assassin. For those worried about a drop in quality with spinoffs, Stahelski was heavily involved in shooting action sequences for the film (and reportedly directed extensive reshoots). –EV

‘Dangerous Animals’ (June 6)

Official logline: When Zephyr, a rebellious surfer, is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer and held captive on his boat, she must figure out how to escape before he carries out a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below.

Why you should see it: In addition to big tentpole blockbusters involving superheroes and capes, there are other, more diverse summer films for viewers to enjoy. The horror genre has carved out a space for itself in the summer movie season, ehen audiences can still enjoy serial killer thrillers and survival horrors involving terrifying animals, such as sharks. With Dangerous Animals, the two genres intersect to create what will undoubtedly be an enjoyable and twisted film. Jai Courtney’s strange and ritualistic relationship with sharks in a new movie from the director of The Devil’s Candy and The Loved Ones should be more than enough to pique the interest of curious horror fans. –EV

‘The Life of Chuck’ (June 6)

Official logline: A life-affirming, genre-bending story about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz.

Why you should see it: Mike Flanagan has made two great Stephen King adaptations based on novels famously difficult to adapt: Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep. Starring Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan, and a roster of Flanagan regulars, The Life of Chuck is a little different. Based on the King short story of the same name, Flanagan’s latest – as the synopsis suggests – is less of a strict horror film and more of a genre-fluid experience. Early reviews from the film’s premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival promise a surprisingly moving meditation on life and death and a killer dance sequence.

If you’re familiar with Flanagan’s filmography, including his excellent horror series on Netflix, then you probably aren’t surprised to hear that his new movie is poignant – remember the bent-neck lady reveal in The Haunting of Hill House? Giving The Life of Chuck an additional layer of meaning is the film’s dedication to writer and Kingcast podcast co-host (and dear friend) Scott Wampler, who died suddenly in May 2024 and has a small role in the film as an extra. –BH

‘Predator: Killer of Killers’ (June 6, Hulu)

Official logline: The anthology story follows three of the fiercest warriors in human history: a Viking raider guiding her young son on a bloody quest for revenge, a ninja in feudal Japan who turns against his Samurai brother in a brutal battle for succession, and a WWII pilot who takes to the sky to investigate an otherworldly threat to the Allied cause. But while all these warriors are killers in their own right, they are merely prey for their new opponent – the ultimate killer of killers.

Why you should see it: Three words: Predator. Aerial. Dogfight. Predator: Killer of Killers is an event picture that audiences can enjoy at home, building off the winning formula that Prey established by dropping the Predator into three distinct time periods. While each story likely could have warranted its own individual Predator film, Predator: Killer of Killers uses stunning animation to show how this franchise has innovated itself to remain relevant. 2025 is set to be the year of Predator. Following the release of Predator: Killer of Killers this summer, Predator: Badlands is scheduled to open on November 7. –Richard Fink

‘Deep Cover’ (June 12, Prime Video)

Official logline: Three improv actors are asked to go undercover by the police in London’s criminal underworld.

Why you should see it: Not a remake of the 1992 film of the same name starring Laurence Fishburne and Jeff Goldblum, but Deep Cover does have a high-concept comedy premise that would have been right at home in the 1990s. Directed by Tom Kingsley (the excellent 60th anniversary Doctor Who special “Wild Blue Yonder”) from a script by Jurassic World team Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly, and with a cast that includes an eclectic mix of talent like Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World), Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean), Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso), Ian McShane (John Wick), Paddy Considine (House of the Dragon), Sean Bean (Game of Thrones), and Sonoya Mizuno (Crazy Rich Asians) and this sounds like a promising summer comedy. –RF

‘Echo Valley’ (June 13, Apple TV+)

Official logline: Kate (Oscar winner Julianne Moore) is a mother struggling to make peace with her troubled daughter Claire (multi-Emmy nominee Sydney Sweeney) – a situation that becomes even more perilous when Claire shows up on Kate’s doorstep, hysterical and covered in someone else’s blood. As Kate pieces together the shocking truth of what happened, she learns just how far a mother will go to try to save her child in this gripping tale of love, sacrifice and survival.

Why you should see it: Apple has emerged as a major studio, releasing a strong slate of films based on original ideas with high-profile creative teams, including actors and directors. With Academy Award-winner Julianne Moore and Hollywood’s rising star Sydney Sweeney front and center, Echo Valley is the type of thriller that used to be commonplace in the summer movie season, but has sadly vanished in an era when only the biggest movies get released. With legendary director Ridley Scott on board as a producer and Beast director Michael Pearce at the helm, Echo Valley is a much-needed, more adult-oriented offering this summer. –RF

‘Elio’ (June 13)

Official logline: What if the thing you were searching for found you first? In Pixar Animation Studios’ big-screen comedic misadventure, alien-obsessed Elio discovers the answer to that question when he is transported to the Communiverse, an interplanetary paradise that is home to intelligent life from galaxies far and wide. But when he’s mistaken as Earth’s leader, he’ll have to form unexpected bonds, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and make sure he doesn’t lose the opportunity to live out his ultimate dream.

Why you should see it: Pixar has been wooing audiences for decades with stunning animation and heartwarming stories, and Elio looks like it plans to continue that trend. Elio whisks viewers to a whimsical depiction of space with a diverse set of alien creatures. While the full cast has not been confirmed yet, Brad Garrett and Jameela Jamil are just two of the comedians voicing aliens. There’s also a subplot that takes place on Earth between Elio and his aunt, which will surely end in Pixar’s typical heartwarming fashion. The aunt is voiced by recent Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña, who’s had a lot of experience in sci-fi films, including Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Trek, and Avatar. –Luke Macy

‘How To Train Your Dragon’ (June 13)

Official logline: On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

Why you should see it: 2010’s How To Train Your Dragon is nearly a perfect film. One of the only problems is that the adorable dragons can’t be real. The new remake brings viewers one step closer to life in harmony with dragons. How To Train Your Dragon combines real actors with CGI dragons as viewers are taken back to the Isle of Berk. The film is directed by Dean DeBlois, who directed the original, and stars Nick Frost and Gerard Butler (who plays the same character he voiced in the animated version). It’s not clear why DreamWorks felt the need to remake one of their best animated films, but the sequel’s already on its way. –BH

‘Materialists’ (June 13)

Official logline: A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.

Why you should see it: In 2023, Celine Song made her directing debut with Past Lives, one of the decade’s best films. Past Lives focused on two men who were both in love with the main character, and Song’s newest film looks like another riff on that concept. With Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal playing the leads, Materialists feels like Past Lives made for a wider audience. It’s a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies, A24, and even Marvel movies, considering who the leads are. –LM

’28 Years Later’ (June 20)

Official logline: It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.

Why you should see it: It wouldn’t be a sequel worth seeing without the return of 28 Days Later director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland, who has spent the nearly three decades since becoming one of our greatest genre filmmakers. Aptly timed, as the title suggests, 28 Years Later stars Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes (does this man ever sleep? And does he ever give a bad performance? Don’t answer the latter), Jack O’Connell, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The sequel is the first in a planned trilogy, with the second, the awesomely titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, already in development under the direction of Nia DaCosta – a talented filmmaker who deserves a win after Marvel threw her under the bus for The Marvels. –BH

‘Bride Hard’ (June 20)

Official logline: Badass secret agent Sam is tasked with one of her hardest missions yet – being a maid of honor for her childhood best friend.

Why you should see it: Bride Hard’s title is obviously a send-up of Die Hard, but the hook – a high-concept original action film anchored by a star – feels straight out of the late 1990s or early 2000s. It is certainly fitting that the film’s director is none other than Simon West, who directed 1997’s Con Air and 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. With titles like the John Travolta-led action drama The General’s Daughter, the 2006 remake When a Stranger Calls, and The Expendables 2, West is a reliable journeyman director – you know exactly what you’re getting. His movies aren’t high art, but they are often enjoyable to some degree. –RF

‘Sovereign’ (June 20)

Official logline: Inspired by real events, Sovereign is a tense and provocative true crime thriller about a father and his teenage son — Jerry and Joseph Kane (Nick Offerman and Jacob Tremblay) — who follow the Sovereign Citizen belief system, a deeply anti-establishment worldview rooted in distrust of government authority. As the pair travel across the country delivering self-taught legal seminars and pushing back against systems they believe have failed them, their journey brings them into conflict with Police Chief Jim Bouchart (Dennis Quaid), setting off a tragic chain of events that forces a reckoning with power, principle, and the limits of freedom.

Why you should see it: Very little has been revealed about the true crime thriller Sovereign, though its impressive cast of Dennis Quaid, Nick Offerman, and Jacob Tremblay should speak for itself. The feature directorial debut of Christian Swegal (another reason to keep an eye out for this one) is about anti-government extremists in a tense standoff with authorities, reminiscent of Jeremy Saulnier films like Green Room and Rebel Ridge. The intensity of the premise could make this one of the more grim watches of the Summer 2025 movie season, which could be more enticing depending on your tastes. –EV

‘F1’ (June 27)

Official logline: Dubbed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. 30 years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world. He’ll drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s hotshot rookie intent on setting his own pace. But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition – and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.

Why you should see it: F1 pairs the adrenaline-pumping action of Top Gun: Maverick with the behind-the-scenes chaos that made Drive to Survive a global obsession. Joseph Kosinski, whose talent for choreographing action made Maverick‘s fighter jets feel balletic, turns his lens to the racetrack, with Brad Pitt stepping into the driver’s seat. The film was shot during actual Grand Prix weekends using real cars and custom F1 rigs, giving it a visual authenticity that’s nearly impossible to fake. With Damson Idris as the hotshot rookie and a cast rounded out by Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon, F1 is equal parts sports saga and high-gloss action film. This one has the engine and the star power to go full throttle at the box office. –KS

‘M3GAN 2.0’ (June 27)

Official logline: Two years after M3GAN, a marvel of artificial intelligence, went rogue and embarked on a murderous (and impeccably choreographed) rampage and was subsequently destroyed, M3GAN’s creator Gemma (Allison Williams) has become a high-profile author and advocate for government oversight of A.I. Meanwhile, Gemma’s niece Cady (Violet McGraw), now 14, has become a teenager, rebelling against Gemma’s overprotective rules. Unbeknownst to them, the underlying tech for M3GAN has been stolen and misused by a powerful defense contractor to create a military-grade weapon known as Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno, Ahsoka), the ultimate killer infiltration spy.

But as Amelia’s self-awareness increases, she becomes decidedly less interested in taking orders from humans. Or in keeping them around. With the future of human existence on the line, Gemma realizes that the only option is to resurrect M3GAN and give her a few upgrades, making her faster, stronger, and more lethal. As their paths collide, the original A.I. bitch is about to meet her match.

Why you should see it: Two years ago, Blumhouse didn’t realize exactly what it had with M3GAN. When the first trailer debuted, the eponymous AI doll immediately became a hit with the girls and the gays, thanks in large part to M3GAN’s campy, choreographed dance-slash-murder sequence. It was apparent that Blumhouse was caught a little off guard; the studio released a PG-13 cut of the film, which was fun but ultimately lacked a much-needed R-rated edge. Blumhouse and returning director Gerard Johnstone are clearly locked in with M3GAN 2.0, which is fully embracing its camp status, from marketing that frames M3GAN as a horror diva to the sequel’s delightfully absurd throwback premise – there’s a new doll in town, her name is Amelia (no notes), and the only way to stop her is by reactivating our favorite deadly doll. When the trailer introduced Amelia with Britney Spears’ “Oops… I Did It Again,” I knew I needed this movie injected straight into my veins. –BH

‘Ponyboi’ (June 27)

Official logline: Unfolding over the course of Valentine’s Day in New Jersey, a young intersex sex worker must run from the mob after a drug deal goes sideways, forcing him to confront his past.

Why you should see it: Ponyboi is the kind of debut that doesn’t ask permission. Written by and starring River Gallo – marking the first U.S. feature with an intersex lead played by an intersex actor – the film blends pulp and poetry, shot in neon-drenched hues that pulse like a racing heart. Executive produced by Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry, Ponyboi was a breakout at Sundance 2024, where its blend of gritty tension and tender self-discovery stunned audiences. And yes, that’s Dylan O’Brien in a career-pivoting performance as the film’s seedy antagonist, proving he’s more than ready for the arthouse. Gritty, queer, and burning with purpose, Ponyboi is one of the boldest indies of the year. –KS

‘Sorry, Baby’ (June 27)

Official logline: Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on… for everyone around her, at least.

Why you should see it: You (or your dad) might know Eva Victor best from her role in Showtime’s Billions, but millennials are more familiar with her hilarious writing for Reductress and The New Yorker. After this summer, Victor will undoubtedly become best known for her feature directorial debut, Sorry, Baby, produced by Barry Jenkins. Victor also wrote and stars in the new A24 drama (alongside a top-notch cast that includes Naomie Ackie, Lucas Hedges, and John Carroll Lynch) as Agnes, a college professor coping with a recent sexual assault. Early reviews out of Sundance promise a darkly comedic, impressively observed character study that mints Victor as one of cinema’s next great filmmakers. –BH

July

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ (July 2)

Official logline: Five years after the events of Jurassic World: Dominion, the planet’s ecology has proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures within that tropical biosphere hold the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.

Why you should see it: Director Gareth Edwards helped bring newfound relevance (and even reverence) to Godzilla in the West, lighting the spark for what is now known as the Monsterverse with his 2014 interpretation of the movie monster. Now, the Rogue One director is taking the reins of the Jurassic World franchise with Rebirth. Surrounding himself with veterans, like original Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp, and capable blockbuster talent, like Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, Edwards’ Rebirth could be a much-needed course correction after the poorly received Jurassic World: Dominion. Hopefully, this seventh installment is a bold swing for the fences that also provides the entertainment expected from summer blockbusters of this caliber. –EV

‘The Old Guard 2’ (July 2, Netflix)

Official logline: Andy (Charlize Theron) and her team of immortal warriors are back, with a renewed sense of purpose in their mission to protect the world. With Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts) still in exile after his betrayal, and Quynh (Veronica Ngô) out for revenge after escaping her underwater prison, Andy grapples with her newfound mortality as a mysterious threat emerges that could jeopardize everything she’s worked towards for thousands of years. Andy, Nile (KiKi Layne), Joe (Marwan Kenzari), Nicky (Luca Marinelli) and James Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) enlist the help of Tuah (Henry Golding), an old friend who may provide the key to unlocking the mystery behind immortal existence

Why you should see it: The Old Guard was the blockbuster movie audiences needed during the COVID-19 pandemic when they couldn’t go out to the theaters. It has been five years since the original film, and like Extraction 2, this long-awaited follow-up to a popular Netflix action film really needs to set itself apart from the competition: theatrical releases. Thankfully, most of the original cast are returning, along with big names like Uma Thurman and Henry Golding. While original director Gina Prince-Bythewood is not returning, Victoria Mahoney is replacing her in the director’s chair. This marks Mahoney’s first film in 14 years, following her debut, Yelling to the Sky. The Old Guard 2 looks to deliver a holiday weekend action extravaganza that can be enjoyed from the comfort of one’s home. –RF

‘Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight’ (July 11)

Official logline: Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight thrusts us into the tumultuous world of 8-year-old Bobo, whose childhood unfolds on her family’s Rhodesian farm, now Zimbabwe, as the Bush War rages to its bitter end. Set against this violent backdrop, and seen through her eyes, we witness the family’s desperate attachment to Africa’s soil and the deep, festering scars of a war that reshapes both land and soul.

Why you should see it: Embeth Davidtz is known best for her roles in Schindler’s List, Matilda, and Mad Men. Over 30 years after landing her breakout roles in Hollywood, Davidtz returns to her South African roots for her feature directorial debut, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, based on Alexandra Fuller’s bestselling memoir about growing up in Rhodesia. Davidtz also costars alongside newcomer Lexi Venter in the thought-provoking drama, which is set during the collapse of colonialism and examines racial tensions through the eyes of a child. –BH

‘Superman’ (July 11)

Official logline: Superman embarks on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent.

Why you should see it: With films like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, James Gunn is the best superhero filmmaker in the business. The new Superman movie will give us Gunn’s take on one of the most iconic superheroes, while also setting up the new DC Universe in one of the most anticipated films of the year. Based on the trailers, it looks like Gunn’s aiming for a more lighthearted version of the character than the one seen in Man of Steel. Many actors who are expected to appear in future DC films will make their debut, including David Corenswet (Superman), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner), Milly Alcock (Supergirl), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), and more. The movie also looks like it will have an interesting version of The Daily Bugle, with Rachel Brosnahan, Skyler Gisondo, Beck Bennett, and Wendell Pierce all playing roles there. Plus, Superman has an adorable version of Superman’s dog, Krypto. –LM

‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (July 18)

Official logline: When five friends inadvertently cause a deadly car accident, they cover up their involvement and make a pact to keep it a secret rather than face the consequences. A year later, their past comes back to haunt them, and they’re forced to confront a horrifying truth: someone knows what they did last summer… and is hell-bent on revenge. As one by one the friends are stalked by a killer, they discover this has happened before, and they turn to two survivors of the legendary Southport Massacre of 1997 for help.

Why you should see it: On the surface, reviving I Know What You Did Last Summer feels like a cheap cash grab, an attempt to capitalize on the legacy sequel trend and particularly the resurgence of the Scream franchise – the same way the original I Know What You Did Last Summer capitalized on the slasher trend following the release of Scream in the 1990s. However, what makes this continuation a movie to watch out for is director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose distinct style mixes dark comedy with a uniquely female perspective. Her original series Sweet/Vicious, her script for Unpregnant, and her two past directorial efforts – Someone Great and Do Revenge – not only show a strong artistic vision but also the type of filmmaker who can successfully blend drama, comedy, and thrills to revive I Know What You Did Last Summer. –RF

‘Eddington’ (July 18)

Official logline: In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and mayor (Pedro Pascal) sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.

Why you should see it: After the audacious psycho-drama of Beau Is Afraid, we should probably know better (I should probably know better) than to have any expectations for a new Ari Aster film. And yet I was still surprised by the first teaser for Eddington. Billed for months as a western thriller, the latest from the director of Hereditary and Midsommar is set during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, a period that’s understandably difficult to reflect or elucidate on. Leave it to Ari Aster to revisit a time of mass psychosis, persistent dread, and unrelenting malaise; a time when disillusionment with our governments and systems became more pronounced. 2020 is when we went from living in a world punctuated by awful news to a cycle dominated by “unprecedented” developments. That’s a lot of discomfort to sit with, which is exactly what makes Eddington so appealing as a genre film. –BH

‘Smurfs’ (July 18)

Official logline: When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe.

Why you should see it: The lovably blue Smurfs are getting their third try this century at a movie franchise, and this one might be interesting. It’s an animated musical with jokes that modernize the characters, and it’s inspired more by the original Belgian comic book (yes, really) than previous iterations. If that doesn’t sound appealing enough, the film also has some major names in the cast: Rihanna, Kurt Russell, John Goodman, Sandra Oh, Nick Offerman, Octavia Spencer, and Nick Kroll, to name a few. –LM

‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (July 25)

Official logline: Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family – Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

Why you should see it: The Fantastic Four are a major part of Marvel history. They’re often referred to as “the first family,” because they were the first team introduced in Marvel Comics. However, The Fantastic Four hasn’t had much success on the big screen, between the unreleased Roger Corman film and the subpar 2000s adaptations. The Fantastic Four: First Steps gives the superhero team a new chance for success, reimagining them in a retro-futuristic 1960s setting. Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic is a little surprising, but Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn are perfect fits for the rest of the team. The film pits them against one of their biggest foes, Galactus, although John Malkovich also seems to have a mysterious role as another villain. The Fantastic Four: First Steps will also be a pivotal movie for the fate of the MCU, as it sets up the introduction of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. –LM

‘Happy Gilmore 2’ (July 25, Netflix)

Official logline: Happy Gilmore makes a big splash when he returns to the golf course.

Why you should see it: Adam Sandler’s comedies aren’t for everybody, but Happy Gilmore is one of the good ones. Sandler’s loud and chaotic energy perfectly clashes with golf’s calm atmosphere, making for some memorable moments. The comedian has had impressive success with his Netflix films (like Hustle and Murder Mystery), so surely he’ll score a few laughs with this sequel. While it’s sad that the late, great Carl Weathers can’t return as the iconic Chubbs, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and more will be reprising their roles from the original. Sandler also has a few tricks up his sleeves, inviting surprising newcomers like Margaret Qualley, Bad Bunny, Benny Safdie, and Travis Kelce to the green. –LM

‘Oh, Hi!’ (July 25)

Official logline: Iris has met her perfect guy, Isaac, and is enjoying their first romantic getaway together – what could go wrong? This clever and charmingly odd dark comedy takes on the highs and lows of modern dating and the ways it makes us all a little crazy.

Why you should see it: The cast of Oh, Hi! is more than enough to warrant interest. Molly Gordon (Theater Camp), Logan Lerman (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Geraldine Viswanathan (Thunderbolts*), and John Reynolds (Search Party) are all captivating stars who have excelled in similar character-centric comedies before. Ever since Oh, Hi! debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, reviews have highlighted Sophie Brooks’ film as a refreshing update to the romantic comedy genre. The rom-com used to be a staple of the summer movie season and the theatrical experience, but the genre has largely migrated to streaming platforms. Thankfully, Sony Pictures Classics’ acquisition of Oh, Hi!, which has been given a proper summer release, shows there is still hope for the genre. Oh, Hi! has the potential to be a late summer surprise, like The Big Sick and (500) Days of Summer before it, but with a darker twist. –RF

August

‘The Bad Guys 2’ (August 1)

Official logline: Everyone’s favorite felons are back, and this time, they’ve got company. In the new action-packed chapter from DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed comedy smash about a crackerjack crew of animal outlaws, our now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.

Why you should see it: The Bad Guys books can be found in almost any elementary school library, and they’re popular for a reason. The anthropomorphic animals are repeatedly thrust into situations where it’s hard for them to act good, resulting in some silly outcomes. DreamWorks’ first adaptation of the book series was fantastic, with some stunning animation that stood out from the rest of the studio’s films. The Bad Guys also has some incredible action sequences, and based on the trailers, the sequel will have even more of that. The cast includes some great actors, with Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Awkwafina, and Anthony Ramos voicing the main characters. The Bad Guys 2 will be an excellent choice for a family trip to the movies this summer. –LM

‘The Naked Gun’ (August 1)

Official logline: Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world!

Why you should see it: The Naked Gun is almost too good for a remake. The classic spoof comedy has entertained audiences for decades, and making a new film without Leslie Nielsen just feels wrong. Luckily, the new Naked Gun is in good hands, with Seth MacFarlane producing and Akiva Schaffer (one-third of The Lonely Island comedy group) directing. It’s also less of a remake and more of a legacy sequel, with Liam Neeson playing the son of Nielsen’s Frank Drebin and Paul Walter Hauser playing the son of Ed Hocken. The first trailer already revealed some of the hilarious new jokes for the film, which include Neeson disguising himself as a schoolgirl and a fourth-wall-breaking jab at O.J. Simpson. –LM

‘Together’ (August 1)

Official logline: Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie (Dave Franco and Alison Brie) find themselves at a crossroads as they move to the country, abandoning all that is familiar in their lives except each other. With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh.

Why you should see it: Together, as I wrote in my review at SXSW, is the best movie about relationships in years. Real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco star in Michael Shanks’ feature directorial debut, which is both a dark comedy about being in a hetero relationship with a man, and a visceral body-horror film about the dangers (and benefits… ?) of codependency. Shanks expertly identifies the squirm-inducing spaces where humor and horror overlap, and the result is a movie that will really get under your skin. –BH

‘Sketch’ (August 6)

Official logline: Still reeling from the unexpected loss of his wife, a single dad (Tony Hale) navigates uncharted territory when his daughter’s comically dark, scribbled drawings begin to come to life and wreak havoc on their small town.

Why you should see it: First-time director Seth Worley has seemingly made a heartfelt horror comedy film with Sketch, which is surprisingly being released by Angel Studios, the studio behind the controversial Sound of Freedom. Comedic talents Tony Hale and D’Arcy Carden take center stage in what’s been described as a winning combination of monster horror and witty humor, making Sketch a genre-bending film that sounds worth checking out. The best horror movies have a combination of good scares and emotional depth, something that Sketch seems to have in spades. –EV

‘Freakier Friday’ (August 8)

Official logline: Tess and Anna discover that lightning may indeed strike twice as they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge.

Why you should see it: The 2003 remake of Freaky Friday is an underrated Disney classic, a hilarious body-swap comedy with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan delivering award-worthy performances of each other. It certainly wasn’t the first movie to use body-swapping, but it still paved the way for films like Freaky and Jumanji: The Next Level. Even Quentin Tarantino loves Freaky Friday. This is all just to say that whoever gave Freakier Friday the green light has excellent taste. The sequel promises to be another delightful adventure with twice the amount of body-swapping. Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon, Stephen Tobolowsky, Chad Michael Murray, and more return from the 2003 film. There are also some exciting new additions to the cast, including Manny Jacinto (The Good Place) and Vanessa Bayer (Saturday Night Live). –LM

‘Weapons’ (August 8)

Official logline: When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.

Why you should see it: Zach Cregger has already made a name for himself as the director of Barbarian and producer of this year’s techno-horror film Companion. Now, the future Resident Evil director is pulling a John Carpenter with Weapons, a film which he is directing, writing, producing, and even composing the music for. The disturbing premise is backed by a stack of talent, with Josh Brolin and Julia Garner leading the film and Oppenheimer‘s Alden Ehrenreich also in the mix. Weapons is sure to feature some of the same plot-twist-heavy horror that made Barbarian such a hit, and could cement Cregger as one of the great genre directors working today. –EV

‘Clika’ (August 15)

Official logline: Aspiring small-town musician Chito (Jay Dee) is determined to make it big. When a clip of him performing one of his songs goes viral, he seizes the opportunity and pushes to carve out a place for himself in the new wave of Mexican-American music… and ultimately gets caught in a game more dangerous than anticipated. In a story of ambition, tradition, and self-discovery, Chito is ultimately forced to confront the choices he’s made in his relentless pursuit of the American Dream.

Why you should see it: Clika pulses with the chaotic energy of a YouTube video gone too far. Set against the backdrop of regional Mexican trap culture, this South Texas thriller has the urgency of Uncut Gems and the swagger of a breakout mixtape. With producer Charlize Theron backing the project and rising star Jay Dee delivering a lead performance that’s raw and magnetic, Clika explores fame, identity, and survival in the algorithm age. It’s gritty, stylish, and teeming with vérité realism – think Hustle & Flow meets TikTok virality. –Kai Swanson

‘Nobody 2’ (August 15)

Official logline: Hutch Mansell’s family vacation turns into a bloody mess when he encounters a gang of thugs.

Why you should see it: Bob Odenkirk is back, and somehow more feral than before. The sleeper-hit Nobody gets its inevitable sequel, and this time it’s leaning all the way into its darkly comic, bone-crunching world. Directed again by Ilya Naishuller (Hardcore Henry), Nobody 2 promises even more fluid action, a deeper look into Hutch’s mysterious past, and a cast of eccentric assassins you’ll probably end up rooting for. If John Wick is the opera, Nobody is the garage band version: messier, sweatier, and weirdly more fun. –KS

‘Eden’ (August 22)

Official logline: Set between the two World Wars, Eden unravels the shocking true story of a group of disillusioned Europeans who abandon civilization, convinced that society is corrupting humanity’s true nature. Seeking paradise, they settle on a remote, uninhabited island in the Galápagos – only to discover that the greatest threat isn’t the brutal climate or deadly wildlife, but each other. As tensions spiral and desperation takes hold, a twisted power struggle unfolds, leading to betrayal, violence, and the chilling, still-unsolved deaths of half the colony.

Why you should see it: Based on a true story, Eden is equal parts philosophical thriller and psychological survival drama, and it looks like Ron Howard’s most visually ambitious work in years. With Ana de Armas, Jude Law, and Vanessa Kirby anchoring a fraught triangle of power, ego, and disillusionment, the film dives into the colonial fantasy of utopia with a slow, simmering dread. Shot on location with a naturalistic lens, Eden is The Beach meets The Master; a cautionary tale that asks if the real danger was nature, or human nature. –KS

‘Caught Stealing’ (August 29)

Official logline: From visionary Darren Aronofsky and starring Austin Butler, Caught Stealing, written by and based on the books by Charlie Huston, follows Hank Thompson, a former baseball player, as he’s unwittingly plunged into a wild fight for survival in the downtown criminal underworld of ’90s NYC.

Why you should see it: Darren Aronosky has always been a polarizing filmmaker (complimentary), but even his most ardent defenders found it hard to justify The Whale – Brendan Fraser’s great performance notwithstanding. In a recent interview, Aronofsky said he wanted to make something “fun” after The Whale, so at least we all seem to be in agreement that he needed to do something completely different. Aside from the ’90s setting, Caught Stealing seems like a throwback in style and tone for the director who gave us Requiem for a Dream, and certainly feels more akin to that era of filmmaking than anything Aronofsky has made in the intervening years. –BH

‘The Roses’ (August 29)

Official logline: Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch): successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing – as Theo’s career nosedives while Ivy’s own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites. The Roses is a reimagining of the 1989 classic film The War of the Roses, based on the novel by Warren Adler.

Why you should see it: Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman facing off in a remake of The War of the Roses? Yes, please. Directed by Jay Roach (Bombshell, Recount), The Roses updates the original’s black comedy for the era of influencer marriages and weaponized domesticity. The chemistry is venomous, the satire scathing, and the set design… dangerously tasteful. Colman and Cumberbatch are chewing up the scenery from one gorgeous locale to the next. –KS

‘The Toxic Avenger’ (August 29)

Official logline: A horrible toxic accident transforms downtrodden janitor Winston Gooze into a new evolution of hero: THE TOXIC AVENGER!

Why you should see it: Macon Blair’s reboot of The Toxic Avenger is finally seeing the light of day after first premiering at Fantastic Fest in 2023. Both longtime Troma fans and newcomers to the B-movie genre should take an interest in this film, as its unconventional “superhero” origin premise makes the Deadpool films look tame and family-oriented in comparison. With Peter Dinklage as the titular hero, expect bodily fluids and gore to reign supreme. Moreover, Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood ham it up as the villains of the film, providing an incentive for those who aren’t into traditional summer blockbusters and want something more intense. –EV

‘Strange Harvest’ (Summer TBD)

Official logline: Detectives are thrust into a chilling hunt for “Mr. Shiny” – a sadistic serial killer from the past whose return marks the beginning of a new wave of grotesque, otherworldly crimes tied to a dark cosmic force.

Why you should see it: Stuart Ortiz, one half of the directing duo known as the Vicious Brothers, continues the lost media/analog horror trend they previously explored in Grave Encounters for his latest film, Strange Harvest. The mockumentary-style format could appeal to both fans of the horror genre and those who enjoy watching episodes of Dateline, providing a sense of immersion that will keep viewers engrossed. Strange Harvest seems like the kind of brutal summertime viewing that could serve as a brief reprieve from the usual blockbuster fare. –EV