Outdoor fun — like trips to the beach, pool, and water park — is a huge part of what makes summer great. But once you’ve had your fill and need to chill, don’t forget — it’s summer movie season!
Of course, multiple local theaters have cool summer movie programming and deals for already-released kids’ movies (visit Regal Cinemas, The Grand Theatres, AMC Theaters, and The Prytania for details). But for those who love new summer blockbusters, here are eight of the most anticipated family-friendly summer movies to look forward to…
MAY 25
Solo: A Star Wars Story
We finally get to learn about Han Solo’s back story in this standalone Star Wars spinoff. Alden Ehrenreich stars as the young smuggler in the years prior to helping Luke and Leia take down the Empire.
JUNE 15
Incredibles 2
We pick up where we left off in 2004 (!), as the superpowered Parr family deals with Elastigirl’s return to fame, while Bob and the kids try to adjust to normal life. Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, and Samuel L. Jackson return in the starring roles.
JUNE 22
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard go back to the island to save the dinosaurs from a volcanic eruption in this latest chapter of the Jurassic Park franchise.
JULY 6
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Ant-Man/Scott Lang finally gets the partner he desperately needs in this Marvel sequel. Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas reprise their starring roles.
JULY 13
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
In this third installment, Dracula (Adam Sandler) and the family go on a cruise, where Drac falls in love with the ship’s captain. His daughter Mavis’ (Selena Gomez) is not pleased.
Eighth Grade
(*NOTE: This movie was unrated when this blog was initially published — it’s rated-R for mature content!) This coming-of-age comedy centers on a young teen (Elsie Fisher) who is trying to get through the last week of her awful eighth grade year.
July 27
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
The popular animated TV series jumps to the big screen as the Teen Titans dreams of Hollywood stardom get sidetracked by their evil nemesis Slade.
August 3
Christopher Robin
Ewan McGregor stars in this CGI/live-action film as the grown-up Christopher Robin from the A.A. Milne classic, who reunites with his old bear buddy to recapture the spirit of his youth.