Suddenly, it's May and it feels like summer 2021 is right around the corner. It feels completely insane that we are already nearly six months into this year, but we are and that means that the always-anticipated summer movie season is soon approaching. Last summer, movie theaters were closed and lots of new movies were delayed or simply never made it to the big screen, instead going straight to streaming services. Movie theaters are once again operational throughout the country, and people are slowly making their way back.
But thanks to the success of new releases on streaming services like HBO Max, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, lots of this summer's new movies will be released in theaters and online simultaneously. We are totally here for it, too, because what that means is more options for parents who either want to treat their kids to a family movie night or head out to the theater for a date night this summer.
There are so many long-awaited new films coming out this summer, and it's promising to be a super-fun season for movie lovers. From film adaptations of famous Broadway shows to fast-paced action flicks, there's so much for us to look forward to this summer. Here, we're sharing 21 movies that film fans should be on the lookout for this summer, which for our purposes, we're considering from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
'Cruella'
Release Date: May 28, 2021
The much-anticipated live action Disney film, Cruella, starring Emma Stone is set to premiere this MDW. The film, of course, is a retelling of the classic story 101 Dalmatians, from the point of view of villain Cruella De Vil, and we're betting it's going to be one of the biggest events for in-person box office sales in more than a year.
'A Quiet Place: Part 2'
Release Date: May 28, 2021
Although her husband John Krasinski won't be onscreen this time around, Emily Blunt will reprise her role in the long-awaited sequel to 2018's A Quiet Place. However, John did direct the second film and write the screenplay. It follows Evelyn Abbott and her children as they venture from their hideaway, dodging the deadly creatures that have taken over the world, and a slew of other threats.
'Changing the Game'
Release Date: June 1, 2021
A sports documentary sure to intrigue sports fans of all ages especially as the world gears up for the Summer Olympics, director Michael Barnett's Changing the Game, chronicles the unique challenges of transgender high school athletes. The film focuses the experiences of three athletes and their fights for civil rights and inclusion in sports.
'The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It'
Release Date: June 4, 2021
The third installment in The Conjuring franchise, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It will see Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as paranormal detectives Ed and Lorraine Warren. Based on the true story chronicled by the real-life Warrens, it's the story of the first time in US history a murder suspect claimed possession as a defense.
'Ghostbusters: Afterlife'
Release Date: June 11, 2021
Paul Rudd will star in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which is sure to be another fun opportunity for families to enjoy a movie night together. The film is intended to be a sequel to the original 1980s movie and features cameos from a number of the original actors, including Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd.
'The Misfits'
Release Date: June 11, 2021
The Misfits starring former 007, Pierce Brosnan will be out this Summer as well. It's about a renowned thief who is recruited to participate in a big-time gold heist that has to be executed perfectly, or else the implications could be detrimental to his life and that of many others.
'In the Heights'
Release Date: June 11, 2021
The long-awaited film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit Broadway musical, In the Heights, starring Hamilton's Anthony Ramos, will hit theaters this June. Much to the delight of eager fans, the film's release has actually been pushed up a week after being delayed multiple times over the past year.
'Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway'
Release Date: June 18, 2021
Another one for the kiddos, Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway is coming out just in time for summer break. In this animated film, Peter Rabbit has been domesticated and grows bored with his everyday life, prompting him to run away in search of some adventure. This throws his entire family in a tailspin.
'Luca'
Release Date: June 18, 2021
The film Luca will be animation studio Pixar's first release since Soul in December 2020. It's the story of a young boy who befriends a sea monster who has the unusual ability to disguise himself as human, and it's sure to capture the hearts of the whole family, as Pixar films have the tendency to do.
'The Sparks Brothers'
Release Date: June 18, 2021
The Sparks Brothers is filmmaker Edward Wright's debut documentary. It tells the story of the rock band Sparks, which Wright has framed as "your favorite band's favorite band," and considers one of the most overlooked and underrated music groups in history. The film features commentary from musicians including Flea and Beck.
'F9'
Release Date: June 25, 2021
The Fast & Furious crew is back for a ninth installment in the film franchise. As is always the case with this action film franchise, fans are anxiously awaiting its summer arrival. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Jordana Brewster, and Charlize Theron will all reprise their roles in what is sure to be a film full of death-defying stunts and intense, edge-of-your-seat action scenes.
'The Forever Purge'
Release Date: July 2, 2021
One of the only films coming out ahead of Independence Day, which has historically been a blockbuster movie weekend, The Forever Purge will be the fifth and final installment in the horror movie franchise. Will Patton, Ana de la Reguera, and Josh Lucas will star in the film, but not many details about the plot have been released yet.
'Black Widow'
Release Date: July 9, 2021
The Marvel Universe will welcome fans back with the release of Black Widow, of course starring Scarlett Johansson. The film will serve as the Russian superhero's origin story and bring moviegoers to from her beginnings in the KGB to present-day New York City where she undertakes seemingly impossible missions.
'Space Jam: A New Legacy'
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Another much-anticipated release, the Space Jam sequel starring LeBron James is expected to come out in July. In Space Jam: A New Legacy, LeBron will take the spot of retired NBA star Michael Jordan, who appeared in the original film, and join Bugs Bunny and the Looney Toons on one wacky adventure.
'Cinderella'
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Kay Cannon's live-action remake of the classic tale Cinderella, starring singer Camila Cabello in the lead role, was set to premiere in April but got pushed back to a July release. The film will undoubtedly offer up at least a few stellar musical numbers for fans of the genre.
'Hotel Transylvania: Transformania'
Release Date: July 23, 2021
Perfect for a midsummer family movie day (or night), Hotel Transylvania: Transformania will be out this July. The fourth of the films about the kooky lives of animated characters Drac, Mavis, and little Dennis, this installment of the popular films starring Andy Samberg and Selena Gomez will be the last.
'Jungle Cruise'
Release Date: July 30, 2021
Starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Emily Blunt, Jungle Cruise is based on the Disneyland ride of the same name. The comedy-adventure film is about a river cruise boat and its passengers and crew who end up sailing through a jungle full of dangerous animals and an unknown supernatural force.
'Old'
Release Date: July 30, 2021
From renowned director M. Night Shyamalan, Old starring Gael Garcia Bernal is set to premiere at the end of July. The film is a super-spooky thriller about a family who goes on vacation to a tropical island and realize shortly after arriving that their destination seems to be causing them all to age rapidly.
'The Suicide Squad'
Release Date: August 6, 2021
Starring Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, and John Cena, The Suicide Squad will see supervillains including Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, and Peacemaker as they're taken from Belle Reve Prison and recruited into the top-secret Task Force X, and tasked with completing various missions throughout the world.
'Respect'
Release Date: August 13, 2021
This August, singer, actress and American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson, will star in the Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect. The film will chronicle the life of the legendary singer from her childhood singing in church through to her epic rise to fame and the peak of her career in music.
'Candyman'
Release Date: August 27, 2021
Horror movie fans have been anxiously awaiting Jordan Peele's remake of the 1990s classic Candyman for what seems like forever. The film which stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is actually more of a sequel than a remake and sees one of the original film's characters return to the scene and uncover the legend of the "Candyman" for himself.
