2025 Summer Movie Preview: Everything You Need to See

2025 signifies the golden jubilee since the debut of the groundbreaking movie “Jaws“, which significantly reshaped the landscape of summer blockbusters. Over the subsequent 50 years, summers have evolved to be synonymous with grand cinematic events, a season for movies produced on an epic scale, premiered simultaneously in countless theaters nationwide.

Quite a bit has transpired since 1975, both globally and within the cinematic realm. Yet, every summer, film enthusiasts eagerly anticipate momentarily escaping the sweltering heat and global turmoil by spending two hours in a theater. Regardless of how much things evolve, the movies shown during the summer in theaters remain predominantly the blockbusters; sequels, comic-book adaptations, high-profile films boasting impressive special effects.

2025 follows suit with other years. Here are fifteen highly anticipated films ScreenCrush has on their summer list. Most of these will initially screen in theaters, but we’ve added one significant streaming production as well. To add a bit of variety, we’ve included a couple lesser-known movies from renowned directors too; sometimes, it’s nice to have a break between main courses with something light and refreshing.

If you’re keen on re-watching the iconic film “Jaws” for its 50th anniversary celebration, don’t forget to check your neighborhood cinema. Universal Pictures has planned special screenings this summer too, so it might just be playing near you! (Truth be told, if any of these upcoming movies manages to be half as impressive as “Jaws“, that would certainly be an exciting development!)

2025 Summer Movie Preview

May 30: Karate Kid: Legends

In the latest Karate Kid movie after 15 years, it brings together elements from both past versions of this enduring sports saga: The initial series (and Cobra Kai) starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, and the 2010 remake, with Jackie Chan portraying Mr. Han. A fresh Karate Kid character (portrayed by Ben Wang) requires guidance from both these masters to emerge victorious in a martial arts tournament. Will they offer their assistance? Will he prevail? Is the crane kick still an invincible karate technique? This film explores the classic legacyquel concept; we’ll find out if its execution lives up to legendary status.

June 6: From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

1. Excitement for the movie “Ballerina”: This marks the first cinematic spinoff from the “John Wick” series, featuring recurring characters like Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, and Keanu Reeves. Ana de Armas was impressive in a similar role in the last James Bond film, “No Time to Die.”

2. Concerns about “Ballerina”: The movie started production towards the end of 2022 and has undergone significant reshoots; some reports suggest that its original director, Len Wiseman, was replaced during these reshoots by Chad Stahelski, who took over a large portion of the filming. This could mean that the movie lives up to the “John Wick” standard for action. Here’s hoping so.

June 6: The Phoenician Scheme

In Wes Anderson’s newest film, there are so many stars that their names barely fit on the poster. The main character, a businessman named Zsa-zsa Kordo, is played by Benicio del Toro. However, this movie also features an impressive lineup of other actors such as Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Riz Ahmed, Michael Cera, Willem Dafoe, Hope Davis, and Bill Murray. If you’re a fan of Wes Anderson’s work, you know what to expect: stunning visuals, witty dialogue, an abundance of whimsy – and you either adore him or can’t stand him. Those who fall into the former group are already making plans to keep their schedules clear on June 6.

June 27: M3GAN 2.0

From the trailer for the upcoming sequel of the unexpected blockbuster about a life-sized robotic toy transformed into a Terminator-like assassin, the makers of the M3GAN series have clearly grasped what audiences appreciated most about the initial film – its self-aware silliness and its emphasis on dark humor over horror – and are amplifying these aspects for M3GAN 2.0. Continuing the Terminator analogy even further, M3GAN is brought back to life to battle an even more sophisticated artificial intelligence named Amelia. (I’m not sure if Amelia is constructed from liquid metal, but she might as well be.) Exaggerated robot battles erupt, and M3GAN seems to take flight at one point, possibly? To me, it sounds like a promising sequel.

June 27: F1

The group responsible for “Top Gun: Maverick,” such as director Joseph Kosinski, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, co-writer Ehren Kruger, and cinematographer Claudio Miranda, are back together in a film that might be likened to “Days of Thunder: Maverick.” However, instead of Tom Cruise portraying the aging prodigy returning from retirement to mentor a new talent, it’s Brad Pitt who takes on this role. From the trailers, it appears that the movie was crafted with the same hands-on approach to racing that made “Maverick” excel in aerial combat scenes.

June 13: How to Train Your Dragon

It was inevitable that DreamWorks, Disney’s main rivals, would eventually venture into live-action adaptations of their own animated films. For their debut attempt, they have chosen the critically acclaimed film “How to Train Your Dragon”, a heartwarming tale about a teenage Viking who forms an unlikely bond with a dragon. This movie, which launched a successful series of sequels and spin-offs, was renowned for its stunning visuals, exhilarating flight scenes, and heartfelt message. With the original’s co-director Dean DeBlois returning as both writer and director, I have high hopes that these beloved elements will be preserved in this remake.

June 13: Materialists

If you’re seeking something different from the blockbuster movies on this list, be sure to keep an eye out for “Materialists”. This movie boasts big-name actors like Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, but it’s actually the second film by director Celine Song. Her first film, “Past Lives”, is one of the standout movies from recent years. Although the cast has a higher profile this time around, the story about a New Yorker facing a tough choice between two contrasting men shares some similarities with Song’s earlier work. The trailer suggests that “Materialists” will approach this premise as a romantic comedy, while “Past Lives” was more of a dramatic film. Given how stunning her previous work was, I’m eager to see what she has in store for us next, regardless of the subject matter.

June 20: 28 Years Later

It’s been an astonishing 25 years since “28 Days Later” revolutionized the horror genre with its fast-moving zombies. With the current global situation, a fresh sequel from original director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland seems incredibly timely. In the upcoming movie titled “28 Years Later“, a resilient group has miraculously survived the zombie apocalypse on an island near England’s coast. However, peace in a zombie-infested world is as rare as finding a four-leaf clover, so a young father (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) finds himself compelled to venture onto the mainland, which is now overrun with undead creatures. Despite the passage of 28 years, the trailers suggest that Boyle and Garland are still at the top of their game in terms of storytelling.

July 2: Jurassic World Rebirth

The “Jurassic World” series has taken a significant dip in quality compared to the original “Jurassic Park”. However, there’s hope that the latest installment, titled “Jurassic World: Rebirth”, could change things. It features David Koepp, who penned the script for the original “Jurassic Park”, as well as Gareth Edwards, known for his exceptional special effects, at the helm. The cast is impressive, boasting actors like Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali. Unlike many of its predecessors, which often revolve around humans repeatedly visiting a dinosaur-filled theme park without much sense, “Rebirth” centers on a group of mercenaries tasked with returning to the original Jurassic Park to collect valuable dinosaur DNA. Indeed, that’s a compelling reason to revisit a danger zone! Moreover, there’s a new dinosaur called “Distortus rex”, which Edwards describes as a blend between the xenomorph from “Alien” and the rancor from “Return of the Jedi”. Frankly, I’m beginning to wonder if the scientists at Jurassic Park are not the sharpest minds around.

July 11: Superman

In James Gunn’s fresh take on the DC Universe, the director known for Guardians of the Galaxy brings us a revamped Man of Steel character portrayed by David Corenswet. Gunn’s style often leans towards a more witty approach than usual in Superman films, but perhaps that’s the innovative twist required after three different franchises over the past 40 years. The cast is impressive (Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner), and it seems like Superman’s boisterous dog Krypto – modeled after Gunn’s own pet Ozu – will steal the show with its super performances.

July 25: The Fantastic Four: First Steps

In the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“, we find the original superhero squad making their debut. This film is set in an alternate 1960s New York City, and it follows Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and the Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they unite to prevent the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) and Galactus (Ralph Ineson) from consuming Earth. Director Matt Shakman seems to have successfully captured the futuristic aesthetic of the original Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Fantastic Four comics, providing a solid foundation for this reimagining of the classic comic book series.

July 25: Happy Gilmore 2

Talking about nostalgic feels: How exciting is the news about a follow-up for “Happy Gilmore”! Yes, you heard it right, and with the original cast members like Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald, not to mention the one who eats his cereal with an unusual twist. New faces joining the team include Margaret Qualley, Haley Joel Osment, Benny Safdie, and AEW star Maxwell Jacob Friedman. As for the storyline, I’m not sure; Happy Gilmore is back again, probably playing some golf, getting angry enough to throw his club once or twice, maybe even an alligator will make an appearance. Who knows! With it streaming on Netflix, there’s little risk in giving it a watch.

August 1: The Naked Gun

In my household, “The Naked Gun” is considered a sacred scripture. The original movie is almost flawless; remaking “Citizen Kane” would be a piece of cake compared to it. However, there are enough intriguing aspects that give me a glimmer of hope. For instance, this new “Naked Gun” is directed and co-written by Akiva Schaffer, who, along with the Lonely Island, has created some of the most energetic comedies in recent years, similar to the Zucker brothers’ classic movies like “The Naked Gun.” Additionally, he assembled a stellar cast to continue the “Naked Gun” legacy, including Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. and Pamela Anderson as his love interest. The consensus among experts is that it has a 50-50 chance of being good, but the chances are slim at best.

August 8: Freakier Friday

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that some legacy sequels appear as desperate attempts to cash in on old successes. Yet, the concept behind “Freakier Friday” is simply too intriguing and ripe for exploration to be overlooked. The 2003 adaptation of “Freaky Friday,” a story that has been remade numerous times, was an immense hit, so it’s only logical to bring back original stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan for another round. This time, they’ll step into the roles of grandmother and mother to a new generation of teenagers, swapping places once again. If it manages to mock the ways in which society and high school life have evolved over the past two decades, it will undoubtedly have a wealth of comedic material at its disposal.

August 8: Weapons

Zach Cregger’s new horror movie, following the success of his surprise hit “Barbarian,” is another intricate tale of terror. This time, it revolves around a small town where every child from the same class vanishes mysteriously overnight, with their teacher (played by Julia Garner) becoming a suspect. The cast includes Josh Brolin as the father of a missing child and Alden Ehrenreich as a police officer. Just like “Barbarian,” this film may hold some unexpected twists and turns, making it likely that “Weapons” has its own share of surprises in store.

25 Big Blockbuster Movies You Forgot Existed

City Slickers (1991)

In the early 1990s, Billy Crystal’s success from the film “When Harry Met Sally…” led to a string of leading roles, none more prominent than “City Slickers.” This western tale about three weary New Yorkers seeking adventure in the wilderness was widely popular, expanded Crystal’s fan base, produced a sequel titled “The Legend of Curly’s Gold” in 1991, and earned co-star Jack Palance an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

However, what is now less remembered is that the following year, Palance presented the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards to Marisa Tomei for her role in “My Cousin Vinny.” This event has been surrounded by theories suggesting Palance read the wrong name and everyone went along with it to avoid embarrassment. Yet, these theories remain unproven.

Indecent Proposal (1993)

Casper (1995)

Title Box Office Earnings: $100.4 million

In 1995, Casper largely pioneered the concept of transforming classic cartoons into live-action films with CGI, and it garnered significant success at the box office due to its groundbreaking innovations. Despite this, when discussing live-action remakes, the film itself tends to be overlooked. Perhaps people’s interest in Casper has waned over time? Nevertheless, this movie deserves more recognition for its contributions to the genre.

(Alternative version)

The 1995 release of Casper paved the way for transforming classic cartoons into live-action films with CGI, and it was financially rewarded for its pioneering approach. Despite this, when discussing live-action remakes, the film is often overshadowed. Maybe people’s fascination with Casper has dwindled? Nonetheless, this movie deserves more appreciation for its trailblazing efforts.

Eraser (1996)

Just before Arnold Schwarzenegger’s run of top-tier blockbusters concluded and he transitioned into politics, he notched one final $100 million success with “Eraser,” a straightforward action-packed thriller. In this film, Arnold portrayed a U.S. Marshal who “erases” individuals to ensure their safety from danger. Though it wasn’t flashy, “Eraser” boasted several standout moments, such as a scene where Schwarzenegger dangled from the side of an airplane in flight. While timeless Arnold classics like “Terminator 2” and “Total Recall” continue to captivate audiences, “Eraser” could benefit from a new wave of fans today.

Ransom (1996)

As Good As It Gets (1997)

Patch Adams (1998)

Earnings from Domestic Box Office: $135 million

In an unexpected twist, this blockbuster movie, a heartwarming biopic about a doctor who combines laughter with medicine, has left many puzzled. The role was a perfect fit for Robin Williams, considering his affinity for emotional content and his exceptional comic skills, but the critics were unimpressed, labeling it sentimental and overly dramatic. However, audiences seemed unfazed by the criticism, propelling this movie to great success. (Who would have thought that a film about an eccentric doctor caring for terminally ill patients could earn $135 million today!) Despite not being one of Robin Williams’ most celebrated works, Patch Adams made quite an impact in the late ’90s pop culture landscape.

Tarzan (1999)

The General’s Daughter (1999)

In 1999, the box office total for “The General’s Daughter,” starring John Travolta, amounted to $102.7 million. After the success of “Pulp Fiction” in the mid-90s, Travolta was a surprising box office hit. Some of his blockbusters from that era include “Phenomenon,” “Face/Off,” and “The General’s Daughter.” Interestingly, even a movie about an angel named Michael managed to earn $95 million during the same period. It was indeed a remarkable time for cinema.

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The Sum of All Fears (2002)

Road to Perdition (2002)

2002 saw the release of “Road to Perdition,” a film that played a significant role in the early comic-book movie boom, based on a lesser-known DC graphic novel by Max Allan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner. Starring Tom Hanks and Paul Newman, it tells the story of a mob assassin who seeks revenge after his entire family (except for his son) is brutally murdered. At that time, Tom Hanks was still a box-office heavyweight in high-quality productions, and “Road to Perdition” benefited from director Sam Mendes, fresh off his Oscar win with “American Beauty.” Despite its widespread critical acclaim, substantial earnings, and an Oscar for its gritty cinematography by the late Conrad Hall, this film has a surprisingly low modern profile. Perhaps it’s worth revisiting?

Seabiscuit (2003)

S.W.A.T. (2003)

Division: Domestic Box Office Total for S.W.A.T. (starring Colin Farrell)
Amount: $116.9 million

In 2003, when Colin Farrell was just starting to make a name for himself in Hollywood, he headlined a few thrillers, including the film adaptation of the 1975 TV series S.W.A.T. Even though this show has been revived on television and is currently airing its eighth season, it seems that only I remember Colin Farrell (along with Samuel L. Jackson) made a S.W.A.T. movie 20 years ago.

Cheaper By the Dozen (2003)

In 2003, Steve Martin experienced his most successful year at the box office with two popular comedies. The first was “Bringing Down the House,” co-starring Queen Latifah, and the second was a remake of “Cheaper By the Dozen,” a comedy about a large family. Although Martin remains a significant figure in pop culture today, many of his early 2000s comedies have been forgotten, including “Cheaper By the Dozen 2.” If they had named that sequel “Cheaper By the Baker’s Dozen,” it might be more remembered.

Shark Tale (2004)

Title Earnings from Domestic Box Office: $160.8 million

Over the past 25 years, DreamWorks has produced numerous blockbuster franchises such as Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and more. It’s hard to forget these movies due to a new sequel being released almost annually. One of the few films that didn’t evolve into a full-fledged series was Shark Tale, an eccentric animated comedy featuring a star-studded voice cast including Will Smith, Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, Robert De Niro, Renee Zellweger, and even Martin Scorsese.

Shark Tale was one of the most successful films in 2004, earning nearly $400 million globally. Despite this impressive cast, however, the film lacked humor, and the character designs were peculiar to say the least. (Take a look at them!) Without subsequent installments, merchandise, or theme park attractions, Shark Tale remains submerged in the obscure corners of animated film history.

Fun With Dick and Jane (2005)

In a revamped adaptation (initially scripted by Judd Apatow and Nicholas Stoller), a married couple finds themselves turning to crime as a means of survival following the husband’s job loss due to corporate wrongdoing. The original stars, George Segal and Jane Fonda, were replaced by Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni in this remake. At that time, Carrey was still a highly profitable actor, and Fun With Dick and Jane was no exception, earning double its $100 million production cost globally. It’s said that the film’s release coincided with the trials of several men implicated in the Enron scandals of the mid-2000s, which may have boosted its popularity at the box office. However, in today’s context, I’m not certain how relevant that connection remains.

Evan Almighty (2007)

Wild Hogs (2007)

Fifteen years ago, the film “Wild Hogs” featuring John Travolta and Tim Allen riding motorcycles managed to earn an impressive $168 million at the domestic box office. It was so successful that Disney even considered making a sequel. However, Travolta’s subsequent movie titled “Old Dogs,” which also revolved around similar themes, received poor reviews despite still earning nearly $100 million. Had “Wild Hogs 2” been produced, it might have left a more lasting impression on pop culture.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)

In 1999, the movie “The Mummy” and, to some extent, its sequel from 2001, “The Mummy Returns,” are fondly remembered by a specific generation as a peak for late ’90s blockbusters. The third film, released seven years later without its original director Stephen Sommers or Rachel Weisz playing Brendan Fraser’s adventurer wife Evelyn, didn’t meet the expectations set by the previous films. Despite this, it managed to earn over $100 million in the U.S., thanks to the goodwill towards the series. However, it marked the end of the “Mummy” franchise starring Brendan Fraser; the subsequent film was a complete reboot featuring Tom Cruise, aiming to kickstart a connected “Dark Universe” of Universal Monsters. This one has been forgotten even quicker than “Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.”

The 1999 movie “The Mummy” and its sequel from 2001 are fondly remembered by certain people as a highlight of late ’90s blockbusters. The third film, released seven years later without director Stephen Sommers or Rachel Weisz in the role of Brendan Fraser’s wife Evelyn, didn’t meet the expectations set by the first two movies. Despite this, it earned over $100 million in the U.S., thanks to the goodwill towards the series. However, it was the last movie in the “Mummy” franchise with Brendan Fraser; the following film was a complete reboot featuring Tom Cruise and aimed at launching a connected universe of Universal Monsters. This one has been forgotten even faster than “Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.”)

Eagle Eye (2008)

2000s’ blockbuster era was dominated by Shia LaBeouf, who appeared in major franchises like Transformers and Indiana Jones, as well as standalone films such as Eagle Eye. With its blend of timely themes and Shia’s intense acting, Eagle Eye amassed over $100 million at the U.S. box office. If you were to ask 100 random people on the street who starred in the $100-million hit movie Eagle Eye, how many do you think could correctly identify Shia LaBeouf as the lead actor? I’d wager it would be less than half.

G-Force (2009)

As a follower, let me clarify: The domestic box office earnings for this movie isn’t related to a film on gravitational forces; instead, it’s about brave guinea pigs. Frankly, I find it hard to imagine that G-Force has transcended into a contemporary classic, something people frequently discuss.

Salt (2010)

Earnings at Home Box Office: $118.3 million

Despite an ambiguous title and marketing strategy that raised more questions than answers (“WHO IS SALT?”), it’s surprising that the film Salt managed to attract audiences enough to become a $118 million success. However, they did attend, and subsequently, the world returned to its normal state of not inquiring about who Salt was again. (To clarify, she is a super-spy accused of being a Russian sleeper agent.)

Super 8 (2011)

Box Office Earnings for Domestic Release: $127 million

Text: The movie, which generated a lot of buzz due to its high-profile director (J.J. Abrams) collaborating with one of his inspirations (Steven Spielberg), was expected to embody the classic Spielberg essence. However, despite this promising setup and star-studded talent, ‘Super 8′, a story about a group of kids uncovering an alien conspiracy reminiscent of Amblin productions, fell short of delivering those nostalgic vibes and didn’t rank among Abrams’ best works.

‘Super 8’ managed to gross over a quarter of a billion dollars worldwide, which is impressive for a film without major stars, not based on a comic or toy. I find it hard to believe that another ‘Super 8’ will ever be made because this movie served as the catalyst for many people’s passion for cinema-making.

Safe House (2012)

Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)

The movie “Rocky and Bullwinkle” (2014) earned over $275 million globally, an astounding fact considering its name was inspired by a time-travel device from an old cartoon episode. I found it surprising to learn this as the film now feels like something from the past.

In this version, I have simplified the text, removed unnecessary details, and made the language more conversational while retaining the original meaning.

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2025-05-21 12:59