Summer blockbusters might not always be my go-to genre, but there’s something undeniably thrilling about the spectacle, the hype, and the sheer ambition of these cinematic events. Whether it’s the fantastic visuals, the return of beloved franchises, or the promise of an unforgettable popcorn experience, I can’t help but get caught up in the excitement. Five films in particular have captured my attention, and even if they’re not all destined to be critical darlings, I’ll be in the theater watching them.

Thunderbolts (release date: May 2, 2025)

Marvel’s Thunderbolts is the wildcard of 2025’s summer lineup—a movie nobody was asking for but one that could surprise us if done right. The concept is intriguing: a team of antiheroes and reformed villains (Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, and Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent, among others) forced into a black-ops mission. It’s Suicide Squad meets The Dirty Dozen, with Marvel’s signature polish—or at least, what used to be their signature polish.

The problem? Some recent MCU entries have been disappointingly formulaic, plagued by weak scripts and CGI sludge. Can Thunderbolts break the streak? Director Jake Schreier (Robot & Frank) brings an indie sensibility, which could help—if Marvel lets him take risks.

I’m torn. The cast is stellar, and the premise has potential. But Marvel’s recent track record makes it hard to be optimistic. If Thunderbolts leans into its R-rated, morally gray roots, it could be a refreshing shake-up. Is it just another quippy, paint-by-numbers team-up? Well, at least we’ll get more Bucky content.

Mission: impossible: reckoning part two (release date: May 23, 2025)

This movie is poised to be one of the biggest movies of 2025, promising to deliver the explosive, death-defying stunts and high-stakes espionage that have defined this legendary franchise. With Tom Cruise returning as Ethan Hunt for what’s being billed as his final mission, expectations are sky-high. Director Christopher McQuarrie has teased that Reckoning Part Two will tie up loose ends from Part One while delivering even more jaw-dropping action. But here’s the real question: Is this the end? As much as the studio claims this is Ethan Hunt’s last ride, I’m skeptical.

Hollywood doesn’t retire billion-dollar franchises—it reboots, reimagines, or spins them off. Could Mission: Impossible continue with a new lead? A prequel? A streaming series? You can bet that Paramount is already brainstorming ways to keep this train moving. Still, if Reckoning Part Two delivers a satisfying conclusion (while leaving the door just cracked open), it could be a perfect sendoff. At least, it will be until the inevitable revival. Either way, I’ll be there on opening day—partly for the spectacle and partly to see if this "final mission" is truly the last.

Jurassic World: new dawn (release date: July 2, 2025)

Jurassic Park is easily one of the most intriguing blockbusters of summer 2025—a franchise at a crossroads. Let’s be honest: The original Jurassic Park is great, but the last trilogy—despite its box office success—was a mess. Between lazy writing, overused CGI, and Chris Pratt’s increasingly cartoonish dinosaur-whispering, it felt more like a theme park ride than a gripping survival story.

Now, with a fresh cast (Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) and a director known for his work on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Gareth Edwards), New Dawn promises a darker, more grounded take. The plot is under wraps, but whispers suggest a return to the original’s tension and awe—fewer trained raptors, more thrills. Still, I’m not fully convinced. Reboots are risky, and Jurassic has stumbled before. Will this be the revival the franchise needs, or just another cash grab with better actors? Either way, my curiosity is stronger than my skepticism. If New Dawn can capture even a fraction of Spielberg’s magic, it might just justify its existence. But what if it’s more of the same? Well, at least the dinosaurs will look cool.

Superman: legacy (release date: July 11, 2025)

Let me be honest—Superman has always been a tough sell for me. He’s practically invincible, morally flawless, and, well… a little cheesy. Most modern takes either drown in self-serious gloom or lean too hard into camp. But Superman: Legacy has one major thing going for it: James Gunn.

Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy proved he could balance heart, humor, and spectacle—something the DC movies desperately need. But his Suicide Squad reboot, while stylish, left me cold with its forced edginess. So which Gunn shows up here? Early rumors suggest Legacy will focus on a younger, more relatable Clark Kent, which could work—if Gunn resists the urge to undercut emotional moments with his trademark irreverence.

I’m cautiously optimistic. If anyone can make Superman feel fresh, it’s Gunn. But if this just becomes another quippy, CGI-heavy mess, it’ll prove even Krypton’s last son isn’t bulletproof to bad writing. Either way, I’ll be watching—if only to see if Gunn can finally make me care about the Big Blue Boy Scout.

Fantastic Four (release date: July 25, 2025)

Of all 2025’s blockbusters, Fantastic Four might be the most precarious. It feels like this franchise has been cursed—many failed adaptations have left even die-hard fans skeptical. Now, with Marvel finally taking the reins and an A-list cast (Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm), the pressure is sky-high.

On paper, this should work. But superhero fatigue is real, and the MCU’s recent struggles don’t inspire confidence. Can director Matt Shakman (WandaVision) capture the family dynamic and retro-futuristic wonder that defines the FF? Or will this drown in multiverse baggage and corporate Marvel house style?

The bigger question: Do audiences still care? With Superman: Legacy and Thunderbolts also hitting theaters, Fantastic Four risks getting lost in the superhero shuffle. Marvel’s betting big—but after so many misfires, even great casting might not be enough to reignite excitement. I’ll watch, but I’m bracing for disappointment. Prove me wrong, Marvel.