With summer movie season heating up, a fresh wave of blockbusters is about to light up theaters. From returning franchises to bold new entries, the landscape looks even more exciting than usual. Some are banking on franchise reinvention, others on pure spectacle, but each one has a shot at being the film we’ll still be talking about by the time autumn rolls around.

Thunderbolts* (May 2)

Marvel’s recent slate of films has faced growing criticism, with many fans feeling that the franchise has lost its way. Yet, this upcoming film seems poised to shake things up and bring a fresh direction to the MCU. The marketing has emphasized its commitment to a more cinematic approach, with a heavy focus on the crew’s history in arthouse cinema. This shift might be the change Marvel desperately needs.

What excites me most is the cast—particularly Sebastian Stan, fresh off his first Oscar nomination, and Florence Pugh, who appears to be going full Tom Cruise in this. The film could mark a shift for the MCU—not just another CGI-heavy action spectacle, but a more thoughtful entry in the franchise, one that blends blockbuster thrills with a grounded, nuanced approach.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (May 23)

Speaking of Tom Cruise, if there’s one film on the list I’m most excited for, it’s this one. Ethan Hunt is back in what promises to be the most explosive entry in the Mission: Impossible series. Marketed as the definitive conclusion to the saga, it looks to bring everything to a head with high-stakes action, and deep personal stakes for our characters. The trailers have promised an emotional ride, with the high-octane thrills we’ve come to expect from the series.

This will undoubtedly be one of the most epic blockbuster finales in recent memory, and the addition of new talent like Tramell Tillman only adds to the intrigue. If the film can balance its heart-pounding action with meaningful depth, it’ll be a fitting end to a franchise that has redefined the modern action movie. This one is a must-watch.

Ballerina (June 6)

Set in the world of John Wick, Ballerina steps into some big shoes. Chad Stahelski was a driving force behind the original series’ success, so his absence is definitely noted. But if this film can channel even a fraction of that style and precision, it could land somewhere alongside the likes of Nobody or Sisu—tight, stylish action with just enough bite.

Ana de Armas leads this one, and she’s reason enough to stay interested. Despite limited screen time in No Time to Die, she completely stole the show for me. She’s got a magnetic on-screen presence, and this film looks like it’s giving her room to run with it. If the action choreography delivers and the tone stays grounded, Ballerina could be a sleek, satisfying detour in the Wick universe.

How to Train Your Dragon (June 13)

Out of all the summer blockbusters, this is the one I’m least excited for. The trailers make it seem as though it’s a simple recreation of the original, offering little in terms of fresh material or ideas. For a series that started off so strong, it’s a shame this remake falls into the trap of retreading old ground without bringing anything new to the table. It feels like an opportunity missed, especially considering the vast potential of the How to Train Your Dragon world.

That said, I’m still open to being surprised. The marketing hasn’t done much to win me over, but I’ll reserve judgment until the film hits theaters. Perhaps there’s something more beneath the surface, and it could surprise me with a fresh take on the material. Only time will tell.

F1 (June 27)

One movie that might fly under the radar this summer is set in the high-speed world of Formula 1 racing. While the film doesn’t come with a built-in franchise, it has the potential to be something truly special. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, who has already shown his mastery of visual storytelling with Top Gun: Maverick and Tron: Legacy, this film promises to deliver striking cinematography and edge-of-your-seat thrills. Kosinski is a director known for crafting immersive, technically dazzling environments, and bringing that sensibility to professional racing is an exciting prospect.

If you’re looking for a movie that combines heart-racing action with strong visual sense, this could be the dark horse of the season. It may not be a household name yet, but F1 has the right director and the promise of a thrilling story, and it could easily emerge as one of the most exciting films of the summer.

Jurassic World: Rebirth (July 2)

I’m cautiously optimistic about this new entry in the Jurassic franchise. The last trilogy had its moments but overall struggled to live up to the legacy of its predecessors. This time around, though, the creative team seems to be aiming for a course correction. Gareth Edwards is stepping in as director, bringing with him a proven knack for visual grandeur and grounded spectacle seen in Rogue One and The Creator.

Perhaps even more promising is the return of screenwriter David Koepp, who penned the original Jurassic Park back in 1993. His involvement suggests a return to the franchise’s roots, with a stronger emphasis on suspense and horror. The early buzz hints at a darker, more atmospheric tone, which could give the series the shot in the arm it needs. If Edwards and Koepp can recapture that sense of awe and dread, this could be the most exciting installment in years.

Superman (July 11)

Shaping up to be one of the most exciting films of the summer. From the looks of the trailer, it promises to be vibrant, epic, and visually stunning. The sweeping orchestral score, combined with some impressive camera tricks, sets the stage for a grand cinematic experience. However, my hope for this film lies in its tone. James Gunn has a tendency to layer his films with irony and sarcasm—something that worked well in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. But Superman is a different kind of hero, and needs a tone that feels heartfelt and sincere.

Superman has long been an iconic figure, and this new take has the potential to redefine him for a modern audience. If Gunn can strike the right balance of fun and sincerity, this could become one of the definitive portrayals of the Man of Steel. The stakes are high, and I’m hoping that this film will live up to its promise and deliver a Superman we can all root for.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25)

Might be another sign that Marvel is finally turning a new leaf. For years, Marvel’s first family has struggled to find its footing on the big screen. After multiple attempts that failed to capture the magic of the source material, this new entry offers some real hope. One of the most intriguing aspects is its period piece approach, which sets it apart from previous adaptations. This fresh take, combined with an intriguing production design, gives the film a distinctive feel that could make it stand out in the crowded superhero genre.

The cast is compelling, and there’s a sense of optimism that Marvel may finally be getting it right. After years of misfires, this could be the Fantastic Four film fans have been waiting for. If Marvel can nail the balance between heart and spectacle, this could be the beginning of a successful new chapter for the team, bringing them the recognition they’ve long deserved on the big screen.