Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a cinephile’s dream. And we gathered the juiciest details on some of the most buzzed-about titles you’ll want to mark on your calendars. Think of this as your ultimate pre-movie-festival hype guide: we’ve distilled the essential plot beats, cast highlights, and creative forces behind each film. Let’s dive into the wild world of summer 2025 cinema.
How to Train Your Dragon (June 13)
DreamWorks’ beloved 2010 animated classic that kicked off a multi-film franchise is getting a live-action makeover—and yes, Toothless will look more lifelike than ever. Mason Thames (fresh from The Black Phone) stars as Hiccup, the clever young Viking who stumbles upon a dragon and decides it’s better as a friend than a foe. Nico Parker joins him as Astrid, another dragon enthusiast and potential romantic interest, while Gerard Butler (who voiced Stoick in the original) returns—this time on screen—as Hiccup’s father and village chief. Expect state-of-the-art CGI to bring that iconic Toothless design into full, jaw-dropping reality.
Behind the camera is Dean DeBlois, the very same filmmaker who co-created the original animated trilogy. While the first film spanned Hiccup’s journey from boyhood to adulthood, this live-action take zeroes in on that pivotal first encounter between Hiccup and Toothless—when the kid chooses compassion over tradition and changes Viking lore forever. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing dragons up close in a “real” world, buckle up: this one’s built for maximum awe.
Materialists (June 13)
After sweeping critics off their feet with the emotionally resonant Past Lives, writer-director Celine Song steps into the rom-com arena with Materialists. Picture Dakota Johnson as a high-powered professional matchmaker who, ironically, can’t seem to get her own love life on track. Enter Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans as two very different suitors vying for her attention: Pascal brings that charismatic might-have-been billionaire energy, while Evans throws in that irresistible “ex-boyfriend who still might have a shot” vibe. It’s a delicious reversal—our love guru is the one in need of counsel.
Song’s knack for nuanced character work shines here, too. While genres change, her ability to stare down the complexities of modern romance remains top-notch. Fans of the bittersweet notes in Past Lives will recognize that same sensitivity, but this time with plenty of laughs, on-screen chemistry, and the odd existential crisis when you realize the person plotting perfect matches for others can be fumbling in her own dating life.
Elio (June 20)
Pixar’s next animated adventure takes us beyond Earth’s atmosphere in classic heart-and-humor style. Eleven-year-old Elio is the ultimate space geek—he’s convinced there’s life out there somewhere in the cosmos, even if everyone else thinks he’s just dreaming. Well, plot twist: he’s right. Intergalactic leaders beam him up, assuming he’s humanity’s official representative, and suddenly Elio finds himself trying to prevent a universe-level meltdown. Cue the adorable aliens, the epic visuals, and that signature Pixar blend of small-town kid meets literally the biggest stage imaginable.
Co-directors Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina (geniuses behind Bao, Turning Red, and Coco) have crafted a rainbow-colored odyssey that’s equal parts kid-in-a-candy-store wonder and existential “what-if” sci-fi. Voice talent includes Yonas Kibreab bringing youthful enthusiasm to Elio, with veterans like Zoe Saldaña, Brad Garrett, and Jameela Jamil rounding out an ensemble that ensures every line crackles with personality. If you love heartfelt family stories wrapped in cosmic spectacle, prepare to beam up your emotions.
28 Years Later (June 20)
Danny Boyle returns to the world of terrifying, rage-fueled “infected” in this long-awaited third chapter. It’s been nearly three decades since we last saw the fast-moving infected terrorize the populace, and now Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays a dad trying to keep his son (Alfie Williams) safe in a society still haunted by viral horrors. Joining them in the non-infected camp are heavy hitters Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes, battling not just zombies but the lingering trauma and moral quandaries of a world forever changed.
Boyle co-pens the script with Alex Garland, his collaborator from the original 28 Days Later, ensuring that signature blend of pulse-pounding action and unsettling atmosphere. If you thought the rage virus was gone for good, think again—these creepers are back, faster and madder than ever. Warning: you might want to keep the lights on for this one.
F1 (June 27)
Rev your engines—Brad Pitt is trading digital espionage for the high-octane world of Formula One in this adrenaline-fueled drama. Pitt plays Jack “Maverick” Mercer (okay, maybe not Maverick—but close enough), a legendary driver who hung up his helmet after a crash that still gives him nightmares. Enter Damson Idris, the next-gen wonder kid with all the raw talent but none of the experience. Pitt’s character is coaxed out of retirement to mentor the rookie as they navigate cutthroat races, personal demons, and the ever-looming threat of fame slipping through their fingers.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski (the man behind Top Gun: Maverick), F1 promises to capture the visceral roar of engines and the emotional gravity of life in the fast lane. With Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Shea Whigham rounding out a stellar cast, this looks less like a standard sports movie and more like an epic saga with tires burning rubber and hearts on the line. And yes, rumor has it they filmed during real Grand Prix weekends—so authenticity is off the charts.
M3GAN 2.0 (June 27)
Back by “popular” demand (i.e., fright-hardened fans begging for more homicidal robotics), M3GAN 2.0 returns with the same gleefully creepy AI doll, upgraded and unleashed on an unsuspecting world. Amie Donald once again embodies that hair-raising doll, while Allison Williams and Violet McGraw reprise their roles as the humans caught in her web of sinister cuteness. The tagline? “She’s been plugged in, and she’s coming for you.”
Gerard Johnstone, who orchestrated the mechanical mayhem in the first installment, slides back into the director’s chair. While plot details are under wraps, expect more of M3GAN’s trademark loose-limb dance moves, deadpan smiles, and homicidal tendencies—plus a deeper dive into what happens when AI goes off-network and infiltrates every gadget in your home. PPE recommended.
Jurassic World Rebirth (July 2)
Just when you thought dinosaurs had stomped off into extinction, Scarlett Johansson leads a daring mission to capture and study the last living dinos roaming the wild. As a globe-trotting paleontologist—or maybe a clandestine dino-hunter—Johansson’s on a quest for DNA secrets that could rewrite everything we know about these prehistoric beasts. But, of course, things spiral out of control when dinosaurs break free, teeth gnashing in slow-motion, jaws snapping, and chaos unfolds like a hurricane.
Directed by Gareth Edwards (the indie mastermind behind Monsters and the Rogue One legend), this installment reunites David Koepp (screenwriter for the original Jurassic Park) with Spielberg’s executive production magic. Joined by Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, this all-star ensemble races against time (and hungry velociraptors) to keep the world from sliding down the slippery slope of dino-domination once again.
Superman (July 11)
DC’s next cinematic era officially takes flight with Superman, helmed by James Gunn, the visionary now steering the DC Universe 2.0. Rather than rehash the classic origin tale, Gunn dives straight into Clark Kent and Lois Lane’s lives as journalism partners in the Metropolis Daily Planet—while still giving us that iconic Man of Steel in all his caped glory. David Corenswet suits up as the new Superman, bringing fresh optimism and raw energy to the role. Opposite him is Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, delivering that trademark tenacity and wit. And don’t miss Nicholas Hoult channeling sinister brilliance as Lex Luthor—plus, be on the lookout for deep comic-book Easter eggs, including Krypto making his grand live-action debut.
With Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, and more rumored to show up, Superman is shaping up to be a geek juggernaut. Gunn’s script promises a tapestry of fan-favorite characters woven into a story that honors the mythos while charting new territory. If you grew up devouring DC comics and muttering “I want to believe,” this summer you’ll get your wish in spandex.
Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25)
Marvel’s First Family is finally sliding into the MCU after decades of false starts. Fantastic Four: First Steps skips the origin story (we all know how they got superpowers) and plunges right into the 1960s—when Reed Richards (again in this list, Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) are still figuring out how to stretch and vanish at will. Joseph Quinn lights up the screen as Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, flaming everything in his path, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach stumbles into the rocky role of Ben Grimm, the Thing with a heart as big as his rocky exterior.
Director Matt Shakman (WandaVision, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) brings his keen eye for character chemistry, promising to capture that family dynamic, witty banter, and world-saving stakes. With David Koepp back in the writing room (also again in this list, the OG Jurassic Park scribes), expect tight action sequences, snappy dialogue, and maybe a few cameo teases for future Avengers mash-ups. Hardcore comic fans: this is the one you’ve been clutching your vintage back issues for.
Happy Gilmore 2 (July 25)
Stop the presses—Happy Gilmore is back! Adam Sandler reprises his role as the foul-mouthed hockey player-turned-golf-warrior, now older, maybe wiser, but still swinging sticks and fists in equal measure. From the trailer, we’ve already spotted cameos by Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce (yep, real-world celebs joining the chaos), and it’s safe to assume Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) hasn’t retired from hating our hero. Expect outrageous on-course antics, over-the-top rivalries, and Sandler’s signature brand of quotable one-liners.
Directed by Kyle Newacheck (who knows how to blend broad comedy with heart), Happy Gilmore 2 will stream exclusively on Netflix—so you can watch Happy’s latest quest to prove that loudmouth manic energy can still conquer a pro golf circuit that’s gotten more refined since the ’90s. Let’s just say: if you thought Happy’s swing was wild before, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Freakier Friday (August 8)
Almost two decades after the ‘03 remake stole hearts (and grossed big), Freaky Friday returns for round two—with Jamie Lee Curtis stepping into mom-mode once more and Lindsay Lohan (handed the role to her on-screen kid, Julia Butler) in the body-swap bonanza. Director Nisha Ganatra is promising fresh comedic twists, new characters (hello, Manny Jacinto and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), and a healthy dose of mother-daughter chaos—because yes, teenagers and their moms still have no clue how to understand each other.
Fans of the original will rejoice seeing Curtis and Lohan’s hilarious chemistry back in action, even as the story updates itself for a new generation. Expect social media mishaps, TikTok challenges gone awry, and that same delightful “what would it be like if I literally walked in my mom’s shoes for a day?” premise—only amped up for 2025. So grab your BFF, order takeout, and prepare for belly laughs galore.
Caught Stealing (August 29)
Darren Aronofsky dives into late-’90s New York City’s gritty underbelly with this crime thriller based on Charlie Huston’s novel series. Austin Butler plays Hank Thompson, a former baseball star down on his luck who gets lured into a world of mob money and mistaken identities. Zoë Kravitz adds fire as his EMT girlfriend who wants out, while Vincent D’Onofrio, Regina King, Bad Bunny, Liev Schreiber, and more round out the star-studded ensemble. Expect fast-paced action, tense stand-offs, and enough ’90s nostalgia (floppy disks, boy bands, dial-up modems) to transport you back to a New York where crime was king and every subway stop could be your last.
Aronofsky—known for mind-bending, visceral storytelling—promises a raw, unflinching look at how far people will go when desperation drives them. The Lower East Side becomes a character in its own right, a neon-lit labyrinth of danger where every corner hides a new menace. If you loved Requiem for a Dream or Black Swan, gear up for a roller coaster of tension, moral ambiguity, and the kind of storytelling that leaves you questioning who you can trust—on-screen and off.
There you have it—just a sampling of the jaw-dropping, heart-thumping, laugh-out-loud, and utterly mind-blowing experiences coming to theaters (and streaming platforms) this summer. From Viking dragons to cosmic ambassadors, from killer dolls to soul-searching superheroes, summer 2025 is an embarrassment of cinematic riches. Whether you’re all about the visual spectacle or you live for the emotional cores these stories deliver, make sure your calendar is cleared—because you won’t want to miss a single frame. See you at the movies (and may the popcorn always be fresh)!