The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be an exhilarating time for movie lovers, with a lineup of films that promise action, excitement, and nostalgia for every kind of audience. Hollywood’s blockbuster tradition, which dates back to Jaws in 1975, has since seen the summer months become the prime season for major releases. With Inside Out 2, Deadpool 3 (featuring Wolverine), and the Barbenheimer phenomenon already grabbing attention, the summer of 2025 will continue this trend with a slate of sequels, reboots, and original stories. Here’s a sneak peek at the top 10 films you won’t want to miss:
- Thunderbolts – May 2
Marvel Studios kicks off the summer with Thunderbolts, an action-packed superhero film bringing together a team of antiheroes on covert black-ops missions. Starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, and Wyatt Russell, the film promises a more grounded, high-stakes action thriller akin to The Suicide Squad. Marvel fans can expect intense missions and complex characters, making Thunderbolts a must-see.
- The Smurfs Movie – July 18
The Smurfs return to theaters with The Smurfs Movie on July 18, featuring a musical adventure led by Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette. Rihanna is not only voicing the iconic character but also producing and co-writing the songs. With South Park’s Pam Brady behind the script and Shrek director Chris Miller at the helm, this family-friendly film is set to be a musical delight for audiences of all ages.
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – May 23
Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, potentially his final appearance in the action-packed franchise. Continuing the storyline of artificial intelligence and missing submarines, this highly anticipated sequel picks up where Dead Reckoning Part One left off. With the title hinting at a grand finale, Mission: Impossible fans won’t want to miss this heart-pounding conclusion.
- Freakier Friday – August 8
Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis reunite for Freakier Friday, a sequel to the beloved 2003 comedy. This time, Anna and her mother Tess will switch bodies again—but with Anna now a mother herself. The nostalgic return of these iconic characters is sure to bring heartwarming laughs and a new twist on the classic body-swap comedy.
- F1 – June 27
F1, starring Brad Pitt, is set to deliver adrenaline-pumping action with a story about a retired Formula 1 driver mentoring a young rookie. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), this fast-paced racing drama is poised to bring high-speed thrills to the big screen. As Apple enters the blockbuster race, F1 is shaping up to be a major hit.
- The Naked Gun – August 1
The beloved Naked Gun series is getting a reboot, with Liam Neeson stepping into the role of Frank Drebin. Directed by Akiva Schaffer, the film promises to introduce a new generation to the slapstick comedy and outrageous antics that made the original a cult classic. Fans of absurd humor and police procedural spoofs will be eager to see what’s in store.
- Jurassic World Rebirth – July 2
Jurassic World Rebirth brings the dinosaur-filled franchise back to theaters with a fresh direction. Starring Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, this reboot could revive the franchise after the divisive Jurassic World Dominion. Directed by Gareth Edwards, Rebirth promises to breathe new life into the franchise while keeping the thrills and prehistoric creatures front and center.
- Superman – July 11
James Gunn’s Superman, set to debut on July 11, 2025, marks the start of a new era for the DC Universe. Starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, this reboot promises a lighter, more hopeful take on Superman, contrasting with the darker, brooding portrayals of the past. Gunn’s unique vision is expected to deliver a refreshing and escapist superhero experience.
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps – July 25
Marvel’s Fantastic Four is getting a reboot with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, releasing on July 25, 2025. Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s world, the film will introduce the iconic team with a cast including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm. Fans are eager to see how Marvel integrates the Fantastic Four into its growing cinematic universe.
- The Battle of Baktan Cross – August 8
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, The Battle of Baktan Cross is an action-packed thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Rumored to have a political edge, this blockbuster promises high-octane action, car chases, and intense spectacle, making it one of the summer’s most anticipated films.
The summer blockbuster season of 2025 is shaping up to be one for the books, with a diverse slate of films that promise thrills, heart, and unforgettable cinematic moments. From superhero spectacles to family-friendly musicals and action-packed reboots, there’s something for everyone. These exciting releases are poised to dominate the box office and make a lasting impact on the movie landscape.