Estimated read time: 7-8 minutes
Anyone who knows me, or has read any of my writing on this website or others, knows I am a movie fan. I love the movies. I don't love every movie, but I love the art of storytelling, the spectacle of cinema, film scores that are the symphonies of our era, and the theater experience.
I know not everyone is with me on this front, and that's OK. I get the comfort and beauty of sitting on your couch at home and the ability to pause the movie to get more snacks or for a bathroom break. I love that, too, but there is something about seeing a movie in the theater.
Going to the movies was my favorite thing to do as a kid. My heart would race in anticipation of the house lights dimming, the THX intro blowing out my eardrums, and waiting for that first trailer of some movie I had never heard about. While I have always loved going to the theater I have to admit, summer was my favorite time of year. Sure, I loved playing outside, running through sprinklers, and scrounging up as much change as I could to get my bike with my buddies and ride to the rec center and swim in the overcrowded pool. But the real reason I loved the summer was for summer-movie blockbusters.
My dad subscribed to Entertainment Weekly and every year, in early May, it would release the "Summer Movie Preview." I would check the mail daily, waiting for the issue to arrive. When it did, I'd run inside and thumb through every page, learning about each new movie coming out and marking my mental calendar of the release date.
Yes, to answer your question, I was a huge nerd. But I don't care, because I loved the summer movie slate. Summer has given us huge blockbuster favorites like "Jaws," "Speed," "Independence Day" and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."
My enthusiasm for the summer movie season has waned some as an adult, but my love of movies and the cinematic experience has not.
What movies do we have to look forward to this summer? From imaginary friends to giant tornadoes — there may be something for everyone.
Here's a peek at summer 2024's movies.
May
"IF": May 17
There are a few family films to look forward to this summer and John Krasinski's "IF" kicked them off. A departure from "A Quiet Place" (Krasinski's earlier directorial effort), this new film seems to boast a creative and fun trip to the theater.
"Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga": May 24
This highly anticipated prequel to the "Mad Max" franchise, directed by George Miller, delves into the backstory of the fierce Furiosa, played this time by Anya Taylor-Joy, as she navigates the treacherous wasteland.
"The Garfield Movie": May 24
Going toe-to-toe, or toe-to-paw with "Furiosa" is "Garfield." The lasagna-loving feline is back on the big screen with Chris Pratt lending his voice to the iconic orange kitty.
June
"Bad Boys: Ride or Die": June 7
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their roles as Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett in yet another "Bad Boys" sequel. When a new threat emerges, the dynamic duo must once again team up to take down the bad guys.
"The Watchers": June 7
Ishana Shyamalan, the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan, is following in her father's footsteps and releasing her own psychological thriller, "The Watchers." The film follows a young artist who gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night.
"Inside Out 2": June 14
Pixar returns with another emotional journey into the mind in this highly anticipated sequel to the beloved animated film. Join Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust as they navigate new challenges, adventures, and emotions.
"Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1": June 28
Shot here in Utah, "Horizon" tells the story of pre- and post-Civil War expansion in the American West over a 15-year span. This is just Part 1 of Kevin Costner's bold epic.
"A Quiet Place: Day One": June 28
The terrifying world of silence returns in this prequel to the hit horror film. Discover the origins of the deadly creatures and witness the first days of the apocalypse as humanity fights for survival.
July
"Despicable Me 4": July 3
Get ready for more Minion mayhem in the fourth installment of the animated franchise. Gru and his lovable minions embark on a new adventure filled with laughter, mischief, and heartwarming moments.
"Fly Me to the Moon": July 12
This movie may be under-the-radar to some, but it stars Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson as they are tasked with filming the moon landing just in case the real thing doesn't go as planned.
"Twisters": July 19
Remember "Twister?" It was one of those summer movies when I was a kid I was excited to see. Am I excited for "Twisters"? Not like a young and kind of chubby John was, but who knows? Maybe it'll be OK.
"Deadpool & Wolverine": July 26
Deadpool is back for a third round, but this time he has Wolverine and Disney along for the ride. Don't plan on that meaning the hard R rating will be left in the past.
August
"Harold and the Purple Crayon": Aug. 2
Based on the beloved children's book, "Harold and the Purple Crayon" follows the imaginative adventures of a Harold who makes it into our world with his magical crayon.
"Trap": Aug. 9
M. Night Shyamalan has his own film coming out this summer. The movie centers around a father who has taken his daughter to a pop concert but becomes concerned as he finds out a serial killer has been identified and police are on the way. He's not worried about being in danger from the killer because he is the killer.
"Borderlands": Aug. 9
Based on the popular video game, "Borderlands" promises to be an irreverent action flick filled with jokes, scoundrels and treasure.
"Alien Romulus": Aug. 16
The "Alien" franchise is back for another round. I'd lay out the plot for you, but we've heard it before: Space travelers come face-to-face with the most terrifying life form in the universe as they scavenge a derelict space station.
"Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2": Aug. 16
This is Part 2 of Costner's sweeping epic. Hopefully Part 1's three-hour run time left us wanting more to jump into Part 2.
"Reagan": Aug. 30
Dennis Quaid steps in as President Ronald Reagan in a new biopic from the director of "Soul Surfer."
