The Complete Guide to Summer Movies 2025: An In-Depth Look at the Season’s Biggest Films

The Complete 2025 Summer Movie Guide: A Deep Dive into the Season’s Most Anticipated Films

After a spring of some surprising hits and bristling disappointments at the box office, summer is somehow just around the corner. With it, of course, comes a fair share of big-budget popcorn flicks, as well as a collection of curious smaller movies that may just capture the cultural conversation. But the question always remains in the post-pandemic world: what films will convince potential audiences to leave the comfort of their homes to sit in a theater for the communal experience of moviegoing? Along with the promise of cool air-conditioning, here is an in-depth list of best-bets for summer theater escapes.

‘Karate Kid: Legends’ (May 30)

What would the summer be without sequels that bridge generations? This latest entry in the storied franchise, stemming from the classic 1984 film which spawned multiple sequels and a popular Netflix series, will feature the ‘OG’ Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio, alongside Jackie Chan, who fulfilled the Mr. Miyagi duties in 2010’s reboot. They are joined by up-and-comer Ben Wang as their new protégé in a continent-spanning story that aims to unite all corners of the franchise.

’28 Years Later’ (June 20)

After chronicling the “Days” and “Weeks” following the onset of a devastating zombie outbreak known as the Rage Virus, original 28 Days Later helmer Danny Boyle returns to direct this third installment nearly three decades after his original masterpiece. You can get ready for more hyperrealistic and ghoulish thrills, with a new cast of stars including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes fighting for their lives in a world forever changed by the pandemic.

‘F1’ (June 27)

Summer is for those fast-moving, action-packed flicks, and this one looks like a surefire entry in that category, coming from the successful team behind Top Gun: Maverick. Brad Pitt dons a helmet as a retired Formula One driver who makes a stunning comeback to mentor a young prodigy, which means you can cue the moments of profound life advice intercut with eye-popping, authentic fast-car footage filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends. The film also stars acclaimed actors Javier Bardem and Damson Idris.

‘Jurassic World 4’ (July 2)

The sequel season continues with this fourth entry in the rebooted franchise based on Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking dino epic Jurassic Park from 1993. This installment launches a completely new storyline and introduces a fresh cast of characters, led by Scarlett Johansson, Wicked star Jonathan Bailey, and two-time Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali, who will undoubtedly face off against a whole bevy of sharp-toothed, many-a-clawed extinct predators.

‘Superman’ (July 11)

The storied DC character is getting new life (after Henry Cavill, Brandon Routh, and Christopher Reeve previously donned the red cape) in this refreshed vision from “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn, which officially launches his new DC Universe. “Pearl” actor David Corenswet is our new Clark Kent/Kal-El, with Rachel “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Brosnahan portraying the intrepid reporter Lois Lane in a film that promises to bring a new sense of hope and classic heroism back to the genre.

‘The Fantastic Four’ (July 25)

Riding on the Man of Steel’s coattails is the retro foursome coming from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, in what amounts to the third major motion picture effort to bring the super-group to life. This highly anticipated version stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Marvel’s First Family, with a 1960s-inspired aesthetic that promises a unique visual style for the MCU. Here’s hoping this one is truly fantastic.

‘The Roses’ (August 29)

This reimagining of the classic late-’80s black comedy “War of the Roses” (which starred Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas in top form) features the immense talents of Benedict Cumberbatch and Oscar-winner Olivia Colman. They portray a once-loving, picture-perfect couple who are now completely, and uproariously, at odds as their bitter divorce escalates into a full-blown war within their own home, with the always-welcome Allison Janney also featuring.

‘Caught Stealing’ (August 29)

From director Darren Aronofsky, who is responsible for acclaimed films like “Requiem for a Dream” and “Black Swan,” comes this gritty period piece set in the criminal underworld of 1990s-era New York City. The film features “Elvis” star Austin Butler as a washed-up ex-baseball player who finds himself caught up in a series of nefarious and dangerous criminal doings that spiral far beyond his control, costarring Zoë Kravitz and Liev Schreiber.