Even if you're scheduled to work over the long Fourth of July weekend, hopefully you'll at least have a couple hours to sneak off to the movies. There are so many films in theaters this Summer [1], and you owe it to yourself to see at least one. A few movies are opening on July 1 (including Independence Day: Resurgence [2]), and there are a few that have been in theaters for weeks that are still perfect for a viewing with your pals. Here's your guide to what to see, who to take, and who to leave at home with the fireworks and ribs.
The Legend of Tarzan
- Who to take: Your friends who heard about that sexy sex scene [3] and are stoked to see Alexander Skarsgard shirtless [4] for two hours.
- Who to leave: Kids; while Disney's version is perfectly G-rated, this one is a little more risqué.
- Watch the trailer [5].
The BFG
- Who to take: Anyone who loves Roald Dahl's 1982 book about a girl who travels to the land of giants and befriends a particularly friendly one.
- Who to leave: Unless they're emotionally attached to the book, adults without kids may want to skip this one.
- Watch the trailer [6].
The Purge: Election Year
- Who to take: Your pals who loved the first two movies in the franchise.
- Who to leave: Parents, kids, and anyone who doesn't even want to see what it would be like if anarchy reigned the streets for a night.
- Watch the trailer [7].
The Shallows
- Who to take: Your cool cousins and friends who still watch Jaws every Summer.
- Who to leave: Your siblings who still won't go in the water on family vacations because of that time you made them watch Open Water. (You monster.)
- Watch the trailer [8].
The Conjuring 2
- Who to take: Your significant other, because you'll need someone to bury your head into during this freaky sequel to 2013's horror hit.
- Who to leave: Your friends who watched the first movie entirely through their fingers — if you're not into horror at all, it's just not worth it. Also leave the kids; this one is rated R.
- Watch the trailer [9].
Finding Dory
- Who to take: Literally everyone you know; this is the most family-friendly movie out there right now.
- Who to leave: People who thought Finding Nemo was overrated.
- Watch the trailer [10].
Central Intelligence
- Who to take: That friend who needs to see every movie that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars in and also owns season one of Ballers on DVD.
- Who to leave: That other friend who is always going on about how buddy comedies are played out.
- Watch the trailer [11].
Free State of Jones
- Who to take: Your parents, who love Matthew McConaughey [12] and are always up for a good historical drama.
- Who to leave: Your friends who fall asleep during period films; sticklers for historical accuracy.
- Watch the trailer [13].
Now You See Me 2
- Who to take: Friends who keep telling you how underrated Now You See Me is, plus anyone who unconditionally loves Daniel Radcliffe [14].
- Who to leave: Your other friends who were totally and completely bored by the first movie.
- Watch the trailer [15].
Independence Day: Resurgence
- Who to take: Anyone who wants to see Liam Hemsworth and Jeff Goldblum trade verbal spars and take on a terrifying batch of aliens.
- Who to leave: Kids under 13, plus anyone who still refuses to accept that Hollywood rebooted their favorite 1996 blockbuster.
- Watch the trailer [16].