12 Summer Movies That Actually Look Good

It’s late April, which means summer movies are about to be unleashed onto audiences, young and old, from the first week of May through the last week of August.

While doing some research for this preview, I noticed that many of this year’s most interesting-looking big studio summer films are either sequels or reboots. There are barely any original stories—only Ari Aster’s “Eddington,” Zach Cregger’s “Weapons,” Joseph Kosinski’s “F1,” and Trey Edward Shults’ “Hurry Up Tomorrow.”

I found 12 studio films that might shake up the summer. I’m not counting the wonderful indie and foreign films—many of which I’ve already seen at various festivals—that will be released over the next few months, like Albert Serra’s incredible “Afternoons of Solitude.”

The preview I’ve put together highlights the films I’m most looking forward to. You won’t find “How to Train Your Dragon,” “M3GAN 2.0,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” or “Smurfs Musical,” even though I’m sure some folks are excited for those. I’ve also tried to limit IP-heavy content, which means titles like “Thunderbolts,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” “Fantastic Four,” and “Jurassic World Rebirth” didn’t make the cut.

“Mission: Impossible 8 – The Final Reckoning” (May 23)
Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in this high-octane conclusion to the “Mission: Impossible” saga. Test scores have been good, and the latest cut is said to near the 3-hour mark. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film promises stunts and intricate espionage, with a focus on the personal stakes for Hunt as he faces his most formidable adversary yet. The franchise aims to deliver a fitting end to its legacy, but will it be able to meet expectations with that $400M budget?

“28 Years Later” (June 20)
Danny Boyle revisits the world of “28 Days Later” with this sequel set nearly three decades after the original outbreak. The film explores the long-term effects of the Rage virus on both survivors and the environment, delving into themes of societal rebuilding and the persistence of human nature. Shot on an iPhone 15, the $80M film has already completed a sequel, next January’s “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.”

“F1” (June 27)
Apple’s upcoming $300M drama delves into the high-speed world of Formula 1 racing, focusing on the intense rivalries, personal sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of victory. With a star-studded cast led by Brad Pitt and a hot director at the helm, “F1” has been internally screened to enthusiastic responses — to the point where Apple quickly hopped on board Kosinski’s next project, a UFO thriller.

“Weapons” (August 8)
Zach Cregger's genre-bending horror epic intertwines multiple narratives surrounding the mysterious disappearances of children in a small town. The film features a diverse ensemble cast, including Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, and Alden Ehrenreich. Cregger, following the success of his previous work, was granted substantial creative control, including a $10 million deal and final cut privilege. Test scores have been great for the film.

“Eddington” (July 18)
Ari Aster’s contemporary Western-noir, set during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, is set to premiere at Cannes in May. A high-wire gamble for Aster, this is a film that’s bound to stir heated conversation. Joaquin Phoenix stars as Sheriff Joe, an ambitious lawman with aspirations beyond his current role, while Pedro Pascal portrays the town's mayor, Ted. Emma Stone plays Louise Cross, Joe's wife, and Austin Butler appears as Vernon Jefferson Peak. The narrative delves into themes of civil unrest, political tension, and societal fractures, reflecting the anxieties of the pandemic era.

“Superman” (July 11)
The iconic superhero returns in James Gunn’s reboot, offering a fresh take on Clark Kent's journey from Smallville to Metropolis. There’s a lot riding on this one, and although test screenings have been mixed, there’s no denying the excitement surrounding this Warner Bros. gamble, which is supposed to kickstart Gunn’s DCU and mark a path forward for a slew of other superhero movies this decade.

“The Naked Gun” (August 1)
Paramount Pictures’ reboot of the classic comedy franchise “The Naked Gun” has great early buzz. Directed by Akiva Schaffer (“Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping”), it stars Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the original protagonist played by Leslie Nielsen. The film also features Pamela Anderson and Paul Walter Hauser. We could use a great comedy right now, and this might turn out to be the medicine needed.

“Hurry Up Tomorrow” (May 16)
Based on Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye's album, this psychological thriller follows an insomniac musician on a surreal journey of self-discovery. Exploring themes of fame and identity, the real reason to get excited about this one is its director, Trey Edward Shults, who has shown great promise with his first three films (“Krisha,” “It Comes at Night,” and “Waves”). The recently released trailer also hinted that the film will have vision to spare.

“Materialists” (June 13)
Celine Song's sophomore effort, after her acclaimed “Past Lives,” is a romantic comedy that delves into the complexities of love. The film stars Dakota Johnson as Lucy, a successful New York City matchmaker who finds herself caught in a love triangle between her ideal suitor, played by Pedro Pascal, and her imperfect ex, portrayed by Chris Evans. A24 is set to distribute.

“The Phoenician Scheme” (May 30)
Wes Anderson's upcoming film is a comedic espionage tale that delves into the eccentric world of Zsa-Zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), a wealthy European arms and aviation magnate who survives six plane crashes and chooses to bequeath his empire to his only daughter, Liesel (Mia Threapleton), a nun skilled with knives. The film features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston, Jeffrey Wright, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Co-written with Roman Coppola, “The Phoenician Scheme” promises Anderson's signature visual style and storytelling.

“Bring Her Back” (May 30)
This upcoming supernatural horror film is directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, the duo behind the acclaimed “Talk to Me.” Set to be released by A24, the film follows a brother and sister who uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother. The cast includes Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, and Jonah Wren Phillips. The trailer hints at a demonic ritual involving the resurrection of a child, featuring unsettling imagery and cryptic messages.

“Caught Stealing” (August 29)
Darren Aronofsky’s latest is a gritty crime thriller that plunges into the chaotic underworld of 1990s New York City. Based on Charlie Huston’s novel, the film follows Hank Thompson (Austin Butler), a washed-up former baseball player turned bartender who becomes entangled in a perilous conspiracy after caring for his neighbor’s cat. As he navigates a labyrinth of criminals and betrayal, Hank must confront his past and survive a deadly game of cat and mouse. The ensemble cast includes Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Bad Bunny, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Action Bronson.