First, I must make clear that these movies are ordered by their release date, not by the expected quality or crowd power of each movie. There are boundless movies to be released this summer that look like a great time, but this list is the ten I think will attract the most buzz.
April 26: Avengers: Endgame
This movie holds the record for the most tickets sold in advance of all time, currently, and it is no secret why. This is the end-all of Marvel’s painstakingly, rewardingly crafted years-long plan. Avengers: Infinity War left audiences devastated, Captain Marvel reinvigorated audiences, and it is hard to guess how Engame will leave audiences. If it is in such peril as Infinity War, at least there is Spider-Man: Far From Home to soothe audiences.
May 10: Pokemon: Detective Pikachu
This is the summer for live adaptations, as Disney has shown, but Warner Bros. is going on a unique path with Detective Pikachu that looks like a blast! Ryan Reynolds is a perfect fit for the iconic role of Pikachu, bringing his trademark snark and swagger in a way that still feels true to the character who so many hold dear. This looks like a wild ride that I personally cannot wait for.
May 24: Booksmart
Critically acclaimed movie and stage actress Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut is one for the over-achievers, and what happens when two high school seniors decide they need to run wild. The girls may not run as wild as their popular peers, but the trailers by themselves are already zany, entertaining roller-coasters.
May 31: Rocketman
This Elton John biopic was no doubt helped along by the success of Bohemian Rhapsody. In my humble opinion, this movie looks even more imaginative and eye-opening than the movie that may have made the way for it. The Kingsman alum Taron Egerton headlines as Elton John, and I predict a powerhouse performance from the trailers that have been released so far.
June 7: Late Night
Mindy Kaling brings her unique, spirit-heightening energy to every project she is involved in. Kaling writes, and co-stars in this movie alongside legendary Emma Thompson. Amazon Studios brings us this Kaling-led film that will surely be quick-witted, as Kaling’s projects always are, as well as inspiring and able to bring on the laughs.
June 21: Toy Story 4
Personally, Jordan Peele is not the first name that would come to my mind when thinking of this next installment of the Toy Story franchise. However, he and former comic partner of Key & Peele, Keegan-Michael Key, are just two of the stars with names attached to this film. This film centers on the character from the last installment, Bonnie, and will hopefully keep the charm and whimsy from its predecessors.
July 5: Spider-Man: Far From Home
By the time this film is released, it is safe to assume audiences will be hungry for a Marvel pick-me-up. Holland’s Peter Parker brings a bounce to the character, and this movie looks like it will be no change from that. After the events of Infinity War, one may wonder at what point in the universe this movie will be set. Nonetheless, I anticipate with the same glee Holland brings to Peter Parker.
July 12: Stuber
Kumail Nanjiani and Dave Bautista headline this summer comedy that mixes genres with the thriller and action variety. Nanjiani recently starred in the first episode of Jordan Peele’s The Twilight Zone as a comedian, which he is, and did an excellent job with the dramatic role. This movie looks fast-paced, witty, and like the most high quality buddy comedy of the summer.
July 19: The Lion King
This seems to be the second most highly-anticipated movie of the summer, after Marvel’s Infinity War. This cast has more stars than the Milky Way, and enough nostalgia to ride on that it may even surpass Infinity War in ticket sales. We will see. Either way, this live-action remake looks like it will be excellent, hopefully serving the original well.
July 26: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
This is the ninth film by Quentin Tarantino, and boasts a cast full of A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and others. This is a black comedy film, the first since Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault incidents came to light, and the first film of Tarantino’s to not be associated with Weinstein. Good on Tarantino! Aside from that, this film looks excellent for its story, cast, and of course, directing.