With the end of the semester just a reach away, you’re probably starting to make your summer plans. Below is a list of some anticipated movie releases (and the ones I’m most excited about) for summer 2023, so make sure to block off your calendar before scheduling any vacations!
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – May 5
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The third installation of the fan-favorite Marvel series is finally here! Even if you aren’t the biggest Marvel fan, the Guardians are a great team to start with. There are sure to be some laughs, tears and a lot of action!
- The Little Mermaid – May 26
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The Little Mermaid was my favorite Disney princess as a child, so I am eagerly awaiting this release! With a cast full of stars (Halle Bailey, Daveed Diggs and Melissa McCarthy, just to name a few) this adaptation is sure to be a hit!
- The Boogeyman – June 2
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I’m not the biggest horror fan myself, but I saw this trailer recently and it looked impressively frightening! The movie is based on Stephen King’s “1973” short story of the same name. If that’s your jam, be sure to check this one out!
- Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse – June 2
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This is probably the summer release I’m most excited about. It’s a sequel to 2018’s Into the Spiderverse (one of my top five favorite movies ever!) I’m so, so happy to see more fantastic comic book adaptations hitting theaters. If you choose to check this one out, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
- Strays – June 9
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A hysterical comedy from the creators of 21 Jump Street, this film follows a dog taking revenge on his owner after abandoning him. Although it sounds sad at first, a quick watch of the trailer tells a different story. With a cast that includes the likes of Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, this movie is likely to be the comedy of the summer.
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – June 9
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Another film I probably wouldn’t have been interested in seeing if it weren’t for the trailer! I’m not the biggest Transformers fan myself, but this movie looked like a great action-packed adventure to get the blood pumping.
- Pixar’s Elemental – June 16
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This movie is giving major Inside Out energy. All is well in the city that houses the people of the four elements until they begin to mix! This movie is sure to be a feel-good adventure for any age, so check it out!
- ThE Flash – June 16
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Another highly anticipated film for me. This movie is the beginning of DC Comics’ film universe reboot, so be sure to check this one out if you’re interested! From the trailer, this movie seems to be adapting the Flashpoint comic series. Also…if you aren’t already convinced, I have one more thing to add: Michael Keaton as Batman.
- Barbie – July 21
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HC Pitt writer Lauren D. (Greta Gerwig’s biggest fan) claims this “will be the Oscar-sweeping movie of the century.” If that’s not enough to make you interested, I don’t know what is.
- Oppenheimer – July 21
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Christopher Nolan’s next film is an adaptation of Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin’s novel American Prometheus. This movie is sure to be a cinematic retelling of the scientific invention of the atomic bomb.
- Disney’s Haunted Mansion – July 28
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This one’s for all the Disney adults out there! Be sure to check out Disney’s creepy, crawly horror-comedy, all foolish mortals are invited!
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – August 4
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Also never been the biggest TMNT fan myself (minus that one Epic Rap Battles of History), but the trailer for this looked great! But I’m generally just excited by the increase in computer-animated films hitting theaters.
- Blue Beetle – August 18
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Another one of my highly anticipated DC Comics releases! This will be the first live-action release for a beloved DC teen hero. The trailer looks funny, action-packed and the beginnings of a great superhero film.
- Honorable mention – Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi – April 28–May 4
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For my fellow Star Wars fans, be sure to check your local theater for showings of The Return of the Jedi in celebration of its 40th anniversary! Theaters in the United States will be showing the movie from April 28th to May 4th (Star Wars day!)
There are so many more movies in addition to this list coming to theaters this summer. Here is a comprehensive list in case I missed one of your potential favorites. Happy movie-watching!