Fourth of July Movie Guide: What to See Over the Long Holiday

Hoping to take up residence in a cozy seat in the movie theater this Fourth of July? We don't blame you: it's hot, and there are some great flicks out right now — and thanks to some of those big blockbusters, movie theaters are officially back after two years of limited success due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hop in a fighter jet with Tom Cruise or wield a sword alongside Joey King through these offerings: Here's your handy guide to the latest Summer movies.

"Lightyear"
Pixar

"Lightyear"

Disney and Pixar's film "Lightyear" serves as an origin story of sorts for beloved "Toy Story" astronaut, Buzz Lightyear. This time, the space ranger is voiced by Chris Evans, and is embarking on a dangerous adventure that has our hero facing off against legions of robots and alien creatures.

"Lightyear" was released on June 17 and is playing only in theaters, now.

"The Princess"
Hulu

"The Princess"

Looking for the stay-at-home option? Travel back in time with King for her high-energy, tough as nails turn as a fiesty royal with a sword in Hulu's "The Princess." Directed by Le-Van Kiet, "The Princess" follows as King fights back when she discovers the man to which she's bethrothed turns out to be a cruel sociopath.

"The Princess" is available to stream on Hulu starting on July 1.

"Top Gun: Maverick"
Paramount Pictures

"Top Gun: Maverick"

Head into the danger zone, three decades later, with Tom Cruise. If you've somehow not yet made it to the theater for "Top Gun: Maverick" — which many have declared this summer's best movie — it's not too late to catch up with Navy aviator Pete Mitchell as he teams up with late partner Goose's son (Miles Teller).

"Top Gun: Maverick" was released on May 27 and is still in theaters only.

"Elvis"
Warner Bros.

"Elvis"

Austin Butler's highly-anticipated turn as Elvis Presley earned $31.1 million in its box office debut to close out June — it's also earning rave reviews. Of course, many are familiar with Presley's ultimately tragic story, with Baz Luhrmann's film revisiting the singer's life as told by his deceitful manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks. The film also covers Presley's relationship with his wife Priscilla Presley, played by Olivia DeJonge.

"Elvis" was released on June 24 and is playing in theaters only.

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"Mr. Malcolm's List"

Attention "Bridgerton" fans: Anxious in-between seasons of the period drama? Never fear, Mr. Malcolm's List has officially premiered to fulfill all your glamorous balls and pall-mall needs. The film features Zawe Ashton as Julia Thistlewaite, who's jilted by Sope Dirisu's Mr. Malcolm for not checking off every item on his must-have list for his bride (sound familiar, Anthony Bridgerton?). When Mr. Malcolm connects with Julia's friend Selina Dalton (Freida Pinto), however, the wannabe wife is none to happy — and enacts a plan for revenge.

"Mr. Malcolm's List" was released on July 1 in theaters.

"Minions: The Rise of Gru"
Universal Pictures

"Minions: The Rise of Gru"

In for something a little more lighthearted — and yellow? "Minions: The Rise of Gru" brings back "Despicable Me"'s beloved creatures and big bad guy Gru, voiced again by Steve Carell. This animated outing tells "the untold story of one 12-year-old's dream to become the world's greatest supervillain," aka Gru.

"Minions: The Rise of Gru" hit theaters on July 1.