Key things to know about the upcoming summer movie season

Summer is synonymous with blockbuster movies, and 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent years. From long-awaited sequels and superhero epics to original thrillers and animated adventures, this summer’s lineup promises something for everyone. Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a die-hard cinephile, here are the key things to know about the upcoming summer movie season.

1. Major Blockbusters Dominating the Box Office

Summer is the time when studios release their biggest films, and this year is no exception. Some of the most anticipated movies include:

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 24) – George Miller returns to the post-apocalyptic wasteland with this prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road, starring Anya Taylor-Joy as a young Furiosa.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (June 7) – Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reunite for another high-octane action-comedy in the beloved franchise.
Inside Out 2 (June 14) – Pixar’s sequel brings back Riley’s emotions, with new additions like Anxiety (Maya Hawke) stirring up trouble.
A Quiet Place: Day One (June 28) – This prequel explores how the sound-sensitive alien invasion began, starring Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn.
Deadpool & Wolverine (July 26) – The MCU’s first R-rated film sees Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool teaming up with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in a multiversal adventure.

These films are expected to dominate theaters, with Deadpool & Wolverine likely being the biggest hit of the summer.

2. The Return of Beloved Franchises

Franchise fatigue is real, but studios are betting big on nostalgia and fresh twists to keep audiences engaged. Some notable returns include:

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (May 10) – Set generations after War for the Planet of the Apes, this installment follows a new hero ape in a world where humans are nearly extinct.
Twisters (July 19) – A standalone sequel to Twister (1996), this disaster film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell as storm chasers facing deadly tornadoes.
Alien: Romulus (August 16) – Set between Alien and Aliens, this new chapter promises a return to the franchise’s horror roots.

These films aim to reignite passion for long-running series while introducing them to new audiences.

3. Original Films Taking Risks

While sequels and franchises dominate, a few original films are generating major buzz:

The Fall Guy (May 3) – Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt star in this action-comedy about a stuntman caught in a real-life conspiracy.
Hit Man (June 7, Netflix) – Richard Linklater’s dark comedy stars Glen Powell as a fake hitman entangled in a dangerous romance.
Horizon: An American Saga (June 28 & August 16) – Kevin Costner’s two-part Western epic is a passion project decades in the making.

Original films often struggle against big-budget tentpoles, but strong word-of-mouth could make these standouts.

4. Animated Films for Family Audiences

Summer is prime time for family-friendly movies, and 2024 offers several animated highlights:

The Garfield Movie (May 24) – Chris Pratt voices the lasagna-loving cat in this new animated adventure.
Inside Out 2 (June 14) – Pixar’s sequel is expected to be one of the year’s biggest animated hits.
Despicable Me 4 (July 3) – Gru and the Minions return for more chaotic fun.

These films will be go-to choices for parents looking to entertain kids during summer break.

5. Potential Sleeper Hits & Under-the-Radar Gems

Not every summer hit is a blockbuster—some gain traction through strong reviews and audience reactions. Keep an eye on:

The Bikeriders (June 21) – A star-studded drama about a motorcycle gang, featuring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy.
Fly Me to the Moon (July 12) – A romantic comedy-drama set during the 1960s space race, starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum.
Borderlands (August 9) – Eli Roth’s video game adaptation, starring Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart, could surprise audiences.

These films may not open at #1 but could develop strong followings.

6. Streaming Releases Shaking Up the Season

While theaters remain the main attraction, streaming platforms are also dropping major films:

Atlas (May 24, Netflix) – Jennifer Lopez stars in a sci-fi thriller about AI and survival.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (July 3, Netflix) – Eddie Murphy returns as Detroit’s most iconic cop.
Deadpool & Wolverine (Disney+ likely in late August/September) – While hitting theaters first, its streaming debut will be highly anticipated.

These releases offer alternatives for those who prefer watching at home.

7. Box Office Predictions & Industry Trends

After 2023’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, studios hope for another strong summer. Key trends to watch:

Superhero Fatigue? – Deadpool & Wolverine will test whether audiences still crave comic book movies.
Theatrical vs. Streaming – With more films getting shorter theatrical windows, studios must balance exclusivity and accessibility.
International Appeal – Big-budget films increasingly rely on global markets for success.

If the season delivers on quality, 2024 could see record-breaking numbers.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 summer movie season is packed with high-stakes blockbusters, nostalgic returns, and original surprises. Whether you love action, comedy, horror, or animation, there’s no shortage of must-see films. Keep an eye on breakout hits, streaming releases, and box office battles as Hollywood aims to make this summer unforgettable.