A Must Watch List for the Summer of 2024
Spring 2024 came and went with notable films like ‘Argylle’, ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’, ‘Night Swim’, ‘Challengers’ and so on. Now as we move forward into Summer, there are so many films that are eager for your attention, that need to be talked about and seen in theaters. Are you interested in Horror films like ‘The Watchers’? What about animated films like ‘Inside Out 2’ or ‘Despicable Me 4’? Or family movies like ‘IF’? This summer there are plenty of movies for everyone and these are just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s take a look at my Top 20 films that need to be seen in theaters this Summer.
‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’
Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth
Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth star in this prequel of the Mad Max Saga. Kidnapped as a young child by a biker gang led by the Warlord Dementus. Furiosa finds herself going through a series of events between two tyrants as she tries to make her way back home. Anya Taylor Joy brings out a whole different side of her that no one has seen before and Chris Hemsworth just looks so unrecognizable, his performance will shock the audience.
[Releasing May 24th]
2. ‘HitMan’
Starring Glen Powell and Adria Arjona
Glen Powell plays a professor named Gary Johnson who disguises himself at night as a fake hitman for the city police department. Things go into crazy and weird territory when he breaks protocol after meeting an attractive woman who comes to him for his help to get rid of an abusive husband as he finds himself falling in love with his own client.
[Releasing in theaters on May 24th and on Netflix June 7th]
3. ‘Babes’
Starring Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau.
Babes is a rated R comedy feature film by NEON that tells the story of a special bond between Eden (Ilana Glazer) and Dawn (Michelle Buteau). After going through a one-night stand, Eden receives an unexpected gift in her stomach and now must prepare to become a first-time mother. Seeking advice and guidance, she goes to Dawn for help and now must figure out how to balance motherhood and life altogether. This film is directed by Pamela Adlon who is making her feature film directorial debut.
[Releasing in theaters on May 17th]
4. ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’
Starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman
Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Hugh Jackman (the Wolverine) join the MCU as they must work together to defeat a common enemy. Due to the popularity of both of these characters, this film is expected to become a huge blockbuster hit over the summer and has the potential to be the best film of 2024. With the rumored cameos set to appear in this movie, bringing nostalgia to die-hard Marvel, X-Men and Fox fans around the world, Marvel and Shawn Levy (director) are both ready to deliver.
[Releasing in theaters on July 26th]
5. ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’
Starring Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez
Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez star as a couple whose car breaks down in a small, creepy town and then are forced to spend a night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues when they are greeted by three strangers who are trying to kill them with no mercy and no motive.
(Chapter 2 is expected to be released towards the end of this year, with Chapter 3 to be released sometime next Spring)
[Releasing in theaters May 17th]
6. ‘IF’
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, John Krasinski, and so many more
In this live-action comedy fantasy film written, produced, and directed by John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming stars as Bea. A 12-year-old girl discovers that she can see everyone’s Imaginary Friends and embarks on a journey with Cal (Ryan Reynold) as they work together to reconnect forgotten “IF”s with their kids. This movie is filled with great music, animation, and the editing style is so creative. This has the potential to be the surprise of 2024.
[in theaters May now]
7. ‘Inside Out 2’
Starring Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri and Paul Walter Houser
After we watched Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust running the child’s middle-school life, she now enters high school. With puberty checking in, along with the rest of a teenager’s attributes, we welcome new emotions like Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui, Envy, and Nostalgia. This movie continues the story of a normal child just growing up and witnessing it happening in animation style, seeing how much a family can heavily relate to this in real life, makes it an overall funny and entertaining movie for Pixar.
[Releasing in theaters June 14th]
8. ‘Twisters’
Starring Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos and Kiernan Shipka.
Haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado, Kate Cooper gets lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi, to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. She soon crosses paths with Tyler Owens, a charming but reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures. As storm season intensifies, Kate, Tyler, and their competing teams find themselves in a fight for their lives as multiple tornadoes converge over central Oklahoma. This film is a standalone sequel to the 1996 version of Twisters that starred Bill Paxton, Helen Hunt, Phillip Hoffman, Jami Gertz, and Cary Elwes. The 2024 version is expected to look more intense, fast-paced, and a whole lot more at stake with the tornadoes only looking much stronger.
[Releasing in theaters July 19th]
9. ‘Young Women and the Sea’
Starring Daisy Ridley and Lily James
Young Women and the Sea is based on a true story about a woman named Trudy Ederle, who, back in 1926, became the first woman to ever swim across the English Channel. During her journey, she is heavily tested by the weather and water conditions that tend to slow her down. A journey about dedication, commitment, and resilience. There’s no doubt Daisy Ridley will represent her character to perfection in this Disney film. Disney has had some previous success when creating movies based on true stories such as, Remember the Titans, Million Dollar Arm, and The Rookie, so this is expected to be yet another successful Disney film.
[Releasing to theaters May 31st]
10. ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’
Starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and Vanessa Hudgens
The Bad Boys franchise will be adding another installment this summer with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence set to reprise their roles as Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. In this new installment, when their late police captain gets linked to drug cartels, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett embark on a dangerous mission to clear his name. So you already know to expect great cinematography, being in Miami, insane stunts and explosions, and pure, hilarious dialogue between the two characters throughout the movie. This film is said to have amazing camera directing, it raises the bar to the highest level possible and Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are arguably the best duo in any action movie to date.
[Releasing in theaters June 6th]
11. ‘The Watchers'
Starring Dakota Fanning
Derived from a novel, Dakota Johnson takes the lead in this eerie blend of fantasy, horror, and mystery film as she portrays Mina, a 28-year-old artist marooned in a sprawling, pristine woodland in western Ireland. As she seeks refuge, she unwittingly finds herself stranded with three unfamiliar individuals, all haunted by enigmatic creatures that prowl the forest under cover of darkness each night. This film will be helmed by director Ishana Shyamalan, who will be making her directorial debut. Her father, M. Night Shyamalan is known for directing the Apple TV+ film Servant (2019) and Old (2021) so directing incredible horror and thriller films practically runs in the family so expect another successful one with The Watchers.
[Releasing in theaters June 14th]
12. ‘The Bikeriders’
Starring Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, Norman Reedus and Michael Shannon.
Following an accidental meeting, determined Kathy finds herself captivated by Benny, a member of the Midwestern motorcycle group known as the Vandals. However, as the club evolves into a perilous realm of brutality and crime, Benny faces a crucial decision between his allegiance to the club and his feelings for Kathy. This film will be directed by the great Jeff Nichols who is known for directing Take Shelter (2011) Mud (2012) and Midnight Special (2016). Nichols is clearly a man who loves making films in a country-themed setting, so if you are someone who loves a throwback-style country film, or a movie with Tom Hardy and Austin Butler, this one is made for you.
[Releasing in theaters June 21st]
13. ‘Horizon: An American Saga’
Starring Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Jamie Campbell Bower and Sam Worthington.
This is a 2-part film that chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American West. With Horizon, we have another country-style Western film made for cowboy/cowgirl fans. Another movie with excellent cinematography, directing, drama and action, this is expected to become a blockbuster type of film with the other half releasing later this year, so expect a definite cliffhanger.
[Part 1 releases in theaters on June 28th; Part 2 releases August 16th]
14. ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’
Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn and Djimon Hounsou.
Experience a time when the whole world went quiet to survive. This is an upcoming American apocalyptic horror film that serves as a spin-off prequel and the third installment in the A Quiet Place film series where John Krasinski returns as the writer and producer. The previous films that starred Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, back in 2018, introduced us to what an apocalyptic horror film would look like and became so successful that they created A Quiet Place: Part 2 in 2020 and now A Quiet Place: Day One, a highly anticipated film to be released this summer that is starring CinemaCon’s Breakthrough Actor of the Year, Joseph Quinn and CinemaCon’s Star of the Year, Lupita Nyong’o.
[Releasing in theaters June 28th]
15. ‘Despicable Me 4’
Starring Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, Miranda Cosgrove, Joey King and Kristen Wiig.
In this 4th installment of the widely successful Despicable Me franchise, Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad while the film also introduces “Mega Minions” for the first time as well, which are Minions with super powers and gives a fresh new idea for the franchise and for the audience to love. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara), and the family is forced to go on the run. The dialogue, the new characters and the settings are all expected to be better and funnier, so expect another successful ‘Despicable Me’ success this summer.
[Releasing in theaters July 3rd]
16. ‘MaXXXine’
Starring Mia Goth, Halsey and Lily Collins.
Set in 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the stars of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past. This is the third installment in the X film series and the direct sequel to X (2022). The initial movie, X, garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. Paying homage to earlier slasher flicks, it swiftly gained recognition as a classic in the horror genre, with its impact on future films widely acknowledged. Its precursor, Pearl, similarly received praise from critics, with some suggesting it even enhanced the storyline of its predecessor. Additionally, Pearl achieved box office success, further solidifying its place in cinematic achievement.
[Releasing in theaters by A24 on July 5th]
17. ‘Borderlands’
Starring Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Ariana Greenblatt, Jamie Lee Curtis and Cate Blanchett.
Based on the best-selling video game, this all-star action adventure film follows an infamous outlaw named Lillith (Cate Blanchett) who returns to the place where she grew up, the chaotic planet Pandora, and forms an unexpected alliance with a team of misfits to find the missing daughter of the most powerful man in the universe. A movie that’s expected to be filled with humor, action, and insane stunts. Those fans of video games like Fortnite or Team Fortress are sure to love this one. It has most, if not all, of the same aspects, and what other way of watching a live-action video game adaptation than having this star-studded cast portray these crazy and insane characters? This one is sure to be a blast! (pun intended)
[Releasing in theaters on August 9th]
18. ‘Trap’
Starring Josh Hartnett and Ariel Donoghue.
In this crime horror mystery film, a father and his teen daughter attend a pop concert only to realize they've entered the center of a dark and sinister event. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, who’s known for films like Knock at the Cabin, Glass, Split and Old. All movies that were so thrilling, they keep you on your toes, and his next one, Trap, is looking to do the same. Expect surprises, twists and turns as you experience a concert like no other.
[Releasing in theaters on August 9th]
19. ‘Alien: Romulus’
Starring Cailee Spaeny, Isabela Merced, Archie Renaux and Aileen Wu.
While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. This is the seventh installment in the Alien franchise and is set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986). If you are a fan of terrifying practical aliens, suspenseful scenes and a thrilling space ride, this film was basically made for you. It has the gory, it has the incredible vfx and this cast fits right in to perfection.
[Releasing in theaters August 16th]
20. ‘The Crow’
Starring Bill Skarsgard, FKA twigs and Danny Houston.
Based on the 1989 limited comic book series, Eric (Bill Skarsgard) and Shelly (FKA twigs) play lovers who get brutally murdered. Eric is resurrected and given the chance to save his true love by sacrificing himself and sets out to seek revenge on the people who killed them, crossing over between the worlds of the living and the dead to put the wrong things right. This film will arguably be Bill Skarsgard’s best performance to date. The makeup, the action sequences and the tone of this will leave you in complete awe after his performance in this certain film.
[Releasing in theaters August 23rd]
This summer is showing no shortage or lack of film options for movie fans. Whether you’re looking for comedy in Inside Out 2, horror in The Watchers, drama in A Quiet Place Day One, or romance in It Ends With Us, there will be plenty of options for everyone to be able to go to the cinemas and just escape reality to watch the magic happen on the big screen.