The Ultimate 2016 Summer Movie Guide

Updated on 6/15/2016 at 4:00 PM

We have entered into an epic Summer. It's a Summer filled with stars like Chris Evans, Margot Robbie, Zac Efron, Melissa McCarthy, and Johnny Depp. We'll enter worlds the likes of which you've never seen, and we'll revisit some that you've been missing. Charming indies, highly anticipated comic-book adapations, and freaky horror flicks are all on the release schedule — all you have to do is buy a ticket and get your butt into a seat. Now is the time to prepare yourself for all the biggest (and smallest!) movies hitting theaters in the coming months. And before you get too excited, make sure you've seen all the movies that Spring has to offer!

Finding Dory

The scoop: Your favorite forgetful fish is returning to the big screen in her own spinoff from Finding Nemo. Ellen DeGeneres will once again voice Dory, whose world is turned upside-down when she begins remembering small things.
Release date: June 17
Watch the trailer.

Central Intelligence

The scoop: How have Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart not starred in a buddy comedy together yet? It seems like a travesty! The two have paired up for Central Intelligence, about an accountant (Hart) whose former schoolmate-turned-CIA agent (Johnson) takes him on an outrageous mission.
Release date: June 17
Watch the trailer.

Swiss Army Man

The scoop: Yes, this is the movie in which Daniel Radcliffe plays a farting corpse. Paul Dano also stars as a man who is stranded on a deserted island, until he comes across the aforementioned corpse and finds some creative ways back to civilization.
Release date: June 17
Watch the trailer.

Independence Day: Resurgence

The scoop: Will Smith is out and Liam Hemsworth is in for Independence Day: Resurgence, which is coming out almost exactly 20 years after the original film. Hemsworth is great and all, but can you blame us for being even more excited to see Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman again?
Release date: June 24
Watch the trailer.

The Neon Demon

The scoop: Sure, Nicolas Winding Refn's artistic drama was booed at Cannes, but plenty of other films have been given the same treatment over the years! Elle Fanning stars as a hopeful model in the film, which also stars Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks, and Jena Malone.
Release date: June 24
Watch the trailer.

Wiener-Dog

The scoop: If you love dogs (specifically dachshunds), you'll get a kick out of this movie about the many lives that one dog manages to touch during he lifetime. Ellen Burstyn, Kieran Culkin, Julie Delpy, Danny DeVito, and Greta Gerwig all star.
Release date: June 24
Watch the trailer.

The Fundamentals of Caring

The scoop: Netflix snatched up this Selena Gomez-starring drama when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year. Paul Rudd stars as a caregiver who gets more than he bargained for with his first client.
Release date: June 24 on Netflix
Watch the trailer.

Free State of Jones

The scoop: Matthew McConaughey is taking on the role of Newton Knight, a Southern farmer who opposes the Civil War in this film, based on a true story. Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, and Keri Russell are all costarring in the gritty battle film.
Release date: June 24
Watch the trailer.

Hunt For the Wilderpeople

The scoop: If you've seen any of the work by New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows), then you'll love the familiar style of Hunt For the Wilderpeople. The comedy, about a kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the forest, opened to rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival, meaning this just might be this Summer's indie darling.
Release date: June 24
Watch the trailer.

The Shallows

The scoop: Blake Lively becomes shark bait in this freaky thriller. Part Open Water and part Jaws, The Shallows follows a woman who is stranded on a rock after injuring her leg. The only thing that stands between her and the shore is a gigantic shark, so . . . should be a fun swim.
Release date: June 29
Watch the trailer.

The Legend of Tarzan

The scoop: We can't think of anyone better than Alexander Skarsgard to bring Tarzan to life, and not just because of his abs. Well, partially beause of his abs. Margot Robbie is starring opposite him as Jane, and we already know they have a pretty steamy sex scene.
Release date: July 1
Watch the trailer.

The BFG

The scoop: Roald Dahl's classic children's book is coming to the big screen, courtesy of director Steven Spielberg and Disney. Little Ruby Barnhill is playing Sophie, a girl who befriends a Big Friendly Giant (voiced by Mark Rylance). Bill Hader, Jemaine Clement, and Rebecca Hall are also starring in the family-friendly adventure film.
Release date: July 1
Watch the trailer.

The Purge: Election Year

The scoop: The Purge series is taking advantage of election year and the Fourth of July for the third movie in the franchise. This one stars Elizabeth Mitchell as a senator running on the platform that the Purge must be outlawed. You can imagine what the Purgers think of that on their annual night of debauchery.
Release date: July 1
Watch the trailer.

The Secret Life of Pets

The scoop: This animated movie looks damn adorable! Louis C.K. provides the voice of dog Max, who can't believe it when his human brings home a new dog (voiced by Eric Stonestreet) and his apartment suddenly feels a lot smaller. Ellie Kemper, Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart, and more of your favorite funny people are all voicing characters, as well.
Release date: July 8
Watch the trailer.

Equals

The scoop: Kristen Stewart and Nicholas Hoult made headlines for their very sexy love scene when this premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, but that's not the only reason to see this drama. It takes place in the future when humans are void of feelings, and the trailer alone looks very sensual.
Release date: July 1
Watch the trailer.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

The scoop: All you should need to know about this movie is that Zac Efron and Adam DeVine are playing brothers, but I'll tell you more since this is a guide, after all. The two star as the titular Mike and Dave, who are in need of some respectable dates to a wedding. They end up with Aubrey Plaza and Anna Kendrick, a couple of hot messes pretending to be the girls of their dreams.
Release date: July 8
Watch the trailer.

Captain Fantastic

The scoop: Ever thought about uprooting your life and raising a family away from the pressures of society? That's what Viggo Mortensen's character does in Captain Fantastic, a quirky indie movie that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. Kathryn Hahn, Steve Zahn, and Missi Pyle in supporting parts all but ensure you'll love this movie.
Release date: July 8
Watch the trailer.

The Infiltrator

The scoop: Bryan Cranston is the leading man in this crime drama based on the true story of a US customs official who infiltrates Pablo Escobar's drug ring. Diane Kruger, John Leguizamo, and Amy Ryan are all costarring in the film, which needs to be on your watch list if you love Narcos.
Release date: July 13
Watch the trailer.

Ghostbusters

The scoop: Not only is this reboot of the classic franchise focused on strong female characters (played by Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, and Kate McKinnon), but Chris Hemsworth also plays a big ol' dummy in it! Slimer 2.0 might be terrifying, but the women (and Kevin) will save the city.
Release date: July 15
Watch the trailer.

Café Society

The scoop: Woody Allen's latest film is a small but star-studded affair. Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg headline the film about a man who becomes entranced with Hollywood in the 1930s, but the movie also features Steve Carell, Blake Lively, Corey Stoll, and Anna Camp.
Release date: July 15
Watch the trailer.

Star Trek Beyond

The scoop: It's already time for another Star Trek movie! The trailer isn't out yet, but we do know that Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, and Simon Pegg will return in their respective roles. We also know Idris Elba is playing the villain, which should be enough to get you to the theater.
Release date: July 22
Watch the trailer.

Ice Age: Collision Course

The scoop: Definitely plan on taking the kids to see the next installment of the Ice Age franchise. Scrat gets lost in space while following an acorn and accidentally triggers some world-altering events for our team of prehistoric animals.
Release date: July 22
Watch the trailer.

Lights Out

The scoop: Hope you're really excited to get no sleep after this horror flick, starring Teresa Palmer as a woman who returns home to find out that the evil spirit that once plagued her has now latched itself onto her brother.
Release date: July 22
Watch the trailer.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie

The scoop: Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are back as Edina and Patsy, the two chain-smoking characters who rose to fame on the original British series. In the film revival, they attempt to land Kate Moss as a client, only to get blamed for her disappearance.
Release date: July 22
Watch the trailer.

Jason Bourne

The scoop: After taking a break from the Bourne franchise during 2012's The Bourne Legacy, Matt Damon is back as the iconic badass in the fifth film of the series. Julia Stiles is reprising her role as well, and Alicia Vikander, Tommy Lee Jones, and Vincent Cassel are the new kids on the block.
Release date: July 29
Watch the trailer.

Yoga Hosers

The scoop: Lily-Rose Depp and Harley Quinn Smith had small roles in 2014's Tusk, but they're back in their own very Canadian spinoff, also directed by Kevin Smith. Justin Long, Austin Butler, Adam Brody, Haley Joel Osment, Tyler Posey, and Lily-Rose's parents, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis, are all appearing!
Release date: July 29
Watch the trailer.

Bad Moms

The scoop: Kristen Bell and Mila Kunis play tightly wound suburban mothers who snap under the pressure of being perfect parents. Thankfully, Kathryn Hahn is there (as a mother who could not care less about appearances) to get them to start enjoying life again.
Release date: July 29

Suicide Squad

The scoop: David Ayer's dark and twisted antihero movie isn't just one of the most anticipated movies of the Summer — it's one of the biggest films of the year. We already have a number of details about it, including the pictures and the crazy-impressive cast, which includes Margot Robbie, Will Smith, and of course, Jared Leto as the Joker.
Release date: Aug. 5
Watch the trailer.

The Founder

The scoop: McDonald's is an American institution, but do you know the story behind it? You might be surprised to find out how the company was originally founded by a man who had no relation to the actual McDonald family. Michael Keaton plays Ray Kroc in the film, also starring Nick Offerman, Linda Cardellini, Laura Dern, and B.J. Novak.
Release date: Aug. 5
Watch the trailer.

Nine Lives

The scoop: Kevin Spacey plays a businessman whose soul is magically transferred into a cat in this family comedy, which is certainly a real movie and not at all a joke. Seriously, Jennifer Garner is in it. It's an actual movie, and it'll probably make you laugh.
Release date: Aug. 5
Watch the trailer.

Sausage Party

The scoop: This movie is animated, but it is definitely not for children. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are behind this tale of a group of food items who dream about one day getting adopted by a nice family, only to find out that what happens once you leave the grocery store is actually horrifying. The voice cast is basically everyone in Hollywood, including James Franco (of course), Edward Norton, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Salma Hayek, and Michael Cera.
Release date: Aug. 12
Watch the trailer.

Joshy

The scoop: A ton of your favorite comedians (think Adam Pally, Thomas Middleditch, Nick Kroll, and Jenny Slate) star in this dark comedy about a wild weekend. How dark? Well, it begins with a suicide. We'll get a better feel for the tone once a trailer is released!
Release date: Aug. 12

Pete's Dragon

The scoop: If the 1977 film Pete's Dragon holds a special place in your heart, you should give Disney's live-action remake a shot. Bryce Dallas Howard, Karl Urban, and Robert Redford are starring in the film, which revolves around an orphan (Oakes Fegley) and his best friend, a dragon.
Release date: Aug. 12
Watch the trailer.

The Hollars

The scoop: Not only is John Krasinski the star of this indie film, but he directed it! Anna Kendrick, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Charlie Day all costar in the movie, about a man who returns to his hometown after finding out that his mother (Margot Martindale) has a brain tumor. It's not as heavy as it sounds; it's a comedy.
Release date: Aug. 12

Ben-Hur

The scoop: Paramount has remade the 1959 classic into a whole new film, starring Jack Huston as the titular slave out for revenge. Morgan Freeman, Pilou Asbaek (who will turn up on Game of Thrones this season), and Rodrigo Santoro all costar.
Release date: Aug. 19
Watch the trailer.

War Dogs

The scoop: Jonah Hill and Miles Teller take on the roles of two young arms dealers who get in way over their heads. The comedy is based on a true story, which was profiled by Rolling Stone in 2011. It may sound heavy, but it looks really funny.
Release date: Aug. 19
Watch the trailer.

The Space Between Us

The scoop: Looking for a good YA fantasy? Asa Butterfield and Britt Robertson play two teens from different planets (literally) who fall for each other. There are already a couple pictures out, and we're waiting on the trailer!
Release date: Aug. 19

Southside With You

The scoop: Just in time for President Obama's final months in office, Southside With You chronicles his first date with Michelle LaVaughn Robinson, the woman who would become his wife and the first lady. Stay tuned for a trailer!
Release date: Aug. 19
Watch the trailer.

Captain America: Civil War

The scoop: Chris Evans is picking up his shield for the third Captain America movie. A bunch of the usual suspects (plus some new faces) will star in the film, which finds Captain America squaring off against Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man. The most exciting part, however, might be that the new Spider-Man is making his debut.
Release date: May 6
Watch the trailer.

The Darkness

The scoop: Kevin Bacon and Radha Mitchell play parents who return to their home after a vacation to the Grand Canyon. Pretty soon it becomes apparent that they might have brought home more than a few tacky souvenirs with them when a supernatural force starts terrorizing their family. File this under "scary supernatural things."
Release date: May 13
Watch the trailer.

Money Monster

The scoop: George Clooney and Julia Roberts have teamed up with director Jodie Foster for this political thriller in which a financial guru (Clooney) is taken hostage on live TV.
Release date: May 13
Watch the trailer.

High Rise

The scoop: Tom Hiddleston and his naked bod star in this strange drama, based on J.G. Ballard's novel. He plays a new resident of a very tall building, and his life begins to spin out of control when he is introduced to his neighbors (Sienna Miller, Elisabeth Moss, Jeremy Irons, and Luke Evans).
Release date: May 13
Watch the trailer.

The Lobster

The scoop: If you had to pick an animal to transform into, what would you pick? Colin Farrell's character faces this very serious decision in The Lobster, a surreal drama in which he must find a mate or be turned into an animal. Rachel Weisz, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, and John C. Reilly all costar.
Release date: May 13
Watch the trailer.

Love & Friendship

The scoop: If you're a Whit Stillman fan, this should be on your must-see list. Kate Beckinsale and Chloë Sevigny star in the sophisticated comedy set in the 18th century and based on Jane Austen's Lady Susan.
Release date: May 13
Watch the trailer.

The Nice Guys

The scoop: We're all due for a dose of Ryan Gosling. He's returning to the big screen for this cop comedy, costarring Russell Crowe. It's set in 1970s Los Angeles, meaning we're probably going to get some truly groovy fashion moments from both of them. (See above.)
Release date: May 20
Watch the trailer.

Angry Birds

The scoop: When you play Angry Birds on your cell phone, do you ever think to yourself, "Man, I wish this was a movie?" If so, you're in luck. And yes, those green pig monsters are the villains.
Release date: May 20
Watch the trailer.

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising

The scoop: Zac Efron is no longer causing trouble for Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne in the Neighbors sequel, but luckily he's still without a shirt. This time, a sorority moves in next door to Kelly (Byrne) and Mac (Rogen), headed up by party girl Shelby (Chloë Grace Moretz).
Release date: May 20
Watch the trailer.

Maggie's Plan

The scoop: You'd have to be pretty cynical not to be impressed by the cast list for this comedy: Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke, Julianne Moore, Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph, and Travis Fimmel (whom Vikings viewers will recognize!) topline the film. Gerwig plays a woman who decides to have a baby on her own, but soon finds that her life has gotten quite complicated.
Release date: May 20
Watch the trailer.

X-Men: Apocalypse

The scoop: Jennifer Lawrence, Evan Peters, and more of your favorite mutants are reprising their roles for the latest X-Men film. They're battling an ancient villain called Apocalypse, played by franchise newcomer Oscar Isaac.
Release date: May 27
Watch the trailer.

Alice Through the Looking Glass

The scoop: Johnny Depp is again donning his face paint and jumbo hats opposite Mia Wasikowska in Tim Burton's follow-up to 2010's Alice in Wonderland. If you thought the original was trippy, just wait.
Release date: May 27
Watch the trailer.

Me Before You

The scoop: If you haven't already read Jojo Moyes's bestselling novel, it's time to pick up a copy! The film adaptation stars Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) and Sam Claflin, and everything you need to know is right here. Did we mention grown-up Neville Longbottom is in it?
Release date: June 3
Watch the trailer.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

The scoop: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, and the turtles are returning in this follow-up to the 2014 reboot. This time around, Stephen Amell is playing hockey-masked vigilante Casey Jones. (So it's basically a movie version of Arrow, only with turtles.)
Release date: June 3
Watch the trailer.

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

The scoop: What's better than Andy Samberg on Brooklyn Nine-Nine? Andy Samberg playing an over-the-top popstar in a feature-length film written by him and his Lonely Island team. Brace yourself for cameos from Adam Levine, Usher, and Snoop Dogg!
Release date: June 3
Watch the trailer.

Now You See Me 2

The scoop: Time for another round of extreme magic! Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Mark Ruffalo, and Dave Franco are all coming back for this sequel to the 2013 movie, plus newcomer Lizzy Caplan. The best news is that Daniel Radcliffe has joined the cast, though given his appearance in the trailer, we don't expect him to be doing any Harry Potter-style magic.
Release date: June 10
Watch the trailer.

The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Experiment

The scoop: Is there anything more frightening than a horror movie that begins with the words "based on a true story"? If The Conjuring scared the sh*t out of you (in a good way), then you'll want to see the follow up, inspired by another documented haunting.
Release date: June 10
Watch the trailer.