20 Upcoming Movies to Watch in Theaters This Summer

This summer is going to get more exciting with some of the best movies of the year in various genres. Check out the upcoming movie releases in May to hit theaters. 

Image Credit: HT Tech

The summer season has already kicked off and May is almost here. As the season of pool parties, vacations, and good movies is here; it is time to hit the cool theaters this summer to quench your thirst for cinemas. Summer 2024 is offering a handful of movies for movie buffs of all ages and tastes. Perhaps, it is time for you to look at the top 20 upcoming movies releasing this summer so that you can secure theater tickets for yourself, your friends, and your loved ones.

  1. Jeanne du Barry 

Release Date – May 2

If you are a fan of royal controversies and politics and of course Johnny Depp then it is a must-watch movie for you. French filmmaker and actress Maïwenn is the main creator behind this project which is currently creating a huge anticipation among the movie makers. ‘ Jeanne du Barry’ is based on a historical plot where Depp plays the character of King Louis XV and Maïwenn plays the role of Madame du Barry who becomes a favorite person of the King. While their love scandalizes the court, the film beautifully explores the women’s intelligence and rise in society while portraying the dynamics of love with a royal touch.

  1. The Fall Guy

Release Date – May 3

it is hard to find a bad movie starring Ryan Gosling because there isn’t any. This time, the actor is joined by Emily Blunt and both of them have done a great job in Fall Guy. After the clash with Barbenheimer, this movie seems like a reunion for both celebrities and their acting career. This high-octane action comedy movie is directed by David Leitch who has previously co-directed many popular movies in the same genre such as Deadpool 2, Bullet Train, and yes, John Wick. The movie also provides a greater tribute to the stunt performers in the film industry without whom no action movie is possible.

  1. Tarot

Release Date – May 3

A lot of people fancy Tarot cards and some of them use them to tell fortune. However, nobody would have thought that these cards and their powers could bring the undead. Tarot is going to be one of the best horror movies this summer where a bunch of college friends find themselves stuck in a death circle. The only wrong thing they did was break the cardinal rule of not using others’s deck. The movie features four new and young artists namely, Avantika Vandanapu, Harriet Slater, Wolfgang Novogratz, and Jacob Babalon.

  1. I Saw the TV Glow

Release Date – May 3

A24’s success in horror films is spreading new wings with this upcoming movie called ‘I Saw the TV Glow’, This movie is directed by Jane Schoenbrun who created a modern rendition of television horror. In the film, a teenage boy named Owen finds a mysterious glow in the late-night show which was introduced by his classmate. Through the show, Owen finds a crack in reality, and his visions are changed with a greater sense of horror and mystery. This film is surely going to be spooky, hooky, and greatly engaging.

  1. Lost Soulz

Release Date – May 3

This feel-good movie was selected for the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. This movie follows a protagonist named Sol who is an aspiring rapper. Proceeding with a group of genZ musicians, this movie explores the struggles of modern music artists and the generation. However, celebrating life and music; Sol joins a wonderful journey through Texas and bonds with a group of people with whom he creates music together. Bold, beautiful, and wholesome; this film can be enjoyed by film enthusiasts of all ages. It comes with infections and musical performances as well.

  1. New Life

Release Date – May 3

There is a dedicated fanbase for the apocalyptic movies and News Life can make them all hooked. This film has gained more than 97% positive reviews on Rotten Tomato by the critics. The story focuses on a mysterious woman who is being constantly hunted by the person who is sent by the CDC.

  1. Wild Cat

Release Date – May 3

Wild Cat is an interesting movie based on American novelist Flannery O’Connor. This biopic shows the struggles of O’Connor to publish the first novel that she wrote. The film also creatively explores many other short stories written by the writer. It is an honest portrayal of O’Connor by Ethan Hawke who cast her daughter Maya Hawke as the lead character, the novelist. The audience will also witness the remarkable acting skills of Philip Ettinger, Cooper Hoffman, Liam Neeson, Vincent D’Onofiro, Steve Zahn, and many others.

  1. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Release Date – May 10

This is the fourth film in the franchise which takes place 300 years after Caesar’s death in ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’. This this film, the ape king Proximus Caesar wrongfully utilizes Caesar’s teachings and utilizes knowledge and other technologies as well as weapons by humans to oppress other clans of chimpanzees and other apes. The story revolves around the main character chimpanzee hunter Noa along with a highly adventurous journey.

  1. Poolman

Release Date – May 10

Chris Pine is the finest actor in the industry however mainly known for the movies like Star Trek and Wonder Woman. This time, he is not only the actor but also the director of the upcoming movie ‘Poolman’ which is releasing on May 10. He has also co-written the script for the movie along with Ian Gotler. The film deals with a man who works in a pool and uncovers the mystery behind a water heist which makes him no less than a hero. While the movie has received much criticism at the film festival, co-star DeWanda Wise stood up for it and said, “I just relished it. I loved it so much.”

  1. Gasoline Rainbow

Release Date – May 10

This is an amazing approach by the Documentary duo the Ross Brothers who stepped into the world of narrative fiction. This film deals with five teenagers who start their journey for their one last adventure to the Pacific Coast. The film is all set to release on May 10 and will be also premiering on streaming services from May 31st.

  1. IF

Release Date – May 10

IF stands for Imaginary Friend which is another directorial work by John Krasinski. After the widely claimed success of A Quite Place, John has decided to come up with a family-friendly movie that is not gore and full of humor. Everyone will find Ryan Reynolds in his character of a neighbor named Cal of a girl named Bea, played by Cailey Flemming. Just like the title of the movie suggests, this film is all about imaginary friends. It is one of the high-profile movies with some of the best voice actors.

  1. Back to Black 

Release Date – May 17

There is something about musical biopics that always makes them special. Whether it is Rocketman, or The Doors of the 8 Miles, musical biopics have always shed more light on the other side of the artist and this summer, you can enjoy the life story of Amy Winehouse with the upcoming movie ‘Back to Black’. The movie is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, the same person who directed ‘50 Shades of Grey’. The iconic role of Winehouse is played by Marisa Abela who has done an incredible job. It is tragic that the legend had to go too soon but her fans can rejoice her through this movie which is releasing on May 17.

  1. The Strangers: Chapter 1

Release Date – May 17

‘The Strangers’ was released back in the summer of 2008 and spooked a lot of horror fans. It took them 10 more years just to come up with a sequel. However, this time after 16 years; the movie franchise is back with the trilogy this time and chapter 1 will be released soon. The movie as well as the trilogy project is directed by Renny Harlin who is also revered for his other horror movies like ‘Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master’. There is an anticipation among the fans that the other two chapters will be also released this year.

  1. Babes 

Release Date – May 17

There are a lot of movies that deal with womanhood with a greater sense of struggle and empowerment and the upcoming movie ‘Babes’ is the best example of that. Pamela Adlon has come up with this film as a feature film director who has previously garnered much attention with her award-winning comedy ‘Better Things’. Ilana Glazeris was featured in one of the lead roles and has also helped to co-write the movie. Similarly, there is also Michelle Buteau who played the character of the best friend. The bonding between them and the emotive essence in the movie will surely make you cry.

  1. You Can’t Run Forever

Release Date – May 17

Lionsgate has a tendency and a good reputation for offering some of the best action and thriller movies and this upcoming film is one of the greatest examples of that. This film offers a throwback to the early 90s and 2000s with some good old-fashioned thriller. Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons has played the character of a man or a sociopathic killer who is hunting a kid, a tormented teenager through some dense wood. The movie consists of a disturbingly satisfying essence which is further enhanced by Simmons’ great acting skills.

  1. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Release Date – May 24

There are a lot of fans of the movie franchise Mad Max and this time, it the about the story of the rebel, Furisoa. ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ was a huge box office success back in 2015 and the movie earned much critical acclaim. This time, Anya-Taylor Joy is playing the younger version of Furiosa which was previously performed by Charlize Theron in the past film. There will be also Chris Hemsworth who played the character of the Warlord Dementus. The trailer has already created much anticipation with some power-packed action scenes.

  1. The Garfield Movie

Release Date – May 24

Do you know what else releasing on May 24? Yes, that’s right! Everyone’s favorite cat that hates Mondays and loves lasagna is back, the Garfield. Garfield has become fluffier, funnier, and even more charismatic is his own ways. Chris Pratt is offering a voice for the Catto in this upcoming CGI animated film. It seems like director Mark Dindal has a thing for cats!

  1. The Young Woman and the Sea

Release Date – May 31

This film is based on a book with the same name which was published back in 2009. Starring Daisy Ridley, the movie is based on American swimming champion Gertrude Ederle who first won the gold medal at the 1924 Olympic Games. In 1926, this woman made a record by swimming 21 miles across the English Channel. Joachim Rønning has directed the film and believes this film is going inspire a lot of people. He is currently working on a forthcoming project, Disney’s Tron: Ares.

  1. In a Violent Nature

Release Date – May 31

In a Violent Nature easily belongs on the top list of horror movies to watch this summer. Directed by Chris Nash movie, this film will make you ready for a bloodbath with complete slasher essence. Nash has done an amazing job in directing this movie with a blend of horror and poetry. The utilization of perspective is well used in this film which offers a different dimension in horror.

  1. Ezra 

Release Date – May 31

It is time to talk about the legend you can find Robert De Niro is some wholesome comedy in this movie along with Bobby Cannavale who played the character of a standup comedian named Max Bernal. De Niro has played the role of his old father and the film deals with their relationship and the struggles of it. Co-parenting their autistic son Ezra and the emotive essence with plenty of comedic relief makes this movie a must-watch for everyone. All of them together start a journey on a cross-country road trip that brings a change with ample self-contemplation.