Summer Movie Preview: 39 Movies You Need to Know About

We may not officially be in Summer yet, but if you take a look at the upcoming releases, it's clear that Summer blockbuster season is about to be here. With The Amazing Spider-Man 2 coming out this weekend and other superhero movies like the next X-Men on its tail, the biggest movies of the year are about to be unleashed. It's not all about the big stuff, though — much-anticipated comedies like Neighbors and Sex Tape are on the horizon, along with indies we've been hearing about since Sundance. Check out our guide to see when everything is coming out and why we're excited for each!

— Additional reporting by Maggie Pehanick

01
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Sony Pictures

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

  • Who's starring: Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are reprising their roles as Peter Parker/Spider-Man and Gwen, respectively, with Dane DeHaan as Harry Osborn and Jamie Foxx as Electro.
  • Why we're interested: The first Amazing Spider-Man proved itself to be a worthy reboot, so we can't wait to see what happens next, and we're dying to see more of Garfield and Stone's cute chemistry.
  • When it opens: May 2
  • Watch the trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
02
Walk of Shame

Walk of Shame

  • Who's starring: Elizabeth Banks plays newscaster Meghan, and James Marsden is her bartender love interest.
  • Why we're interested: Banks is consistently hilarious in every comedy role she's gotten, and she makes this morning-after escapade look like one we want to go on.
  • When it opens: May 2
  • Watch the trailer for Walk of Shame.

Source: Sidney Kimmel Films

03
Neighbors
Universal Pictures

Neighbors

  • Who's starring: Zac Efron stars as frat boy Teddy, and Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne are the married neighbors he terrorizes.
  • Why we're interested: Not to totally objectify him, but um, look at that Efron picture. But really, Rogen has a tendency to star in side-splitting Summer comedies, and this looks no different. Plus, we're huge fans of Byrne in comedy roles.
  • When it opens: May 9
  • Watch the trailer for Neighbors.
04
Chef

Chef

  • Who's starring: Jon Favreau stars as a chef who opens a food truck; Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Vergara, and Robert Downey Jr. have supporting roles.
  • Why we're interested: It's been a while since actor turned director Favreau has had a lead role, and we miss his the affable charm. Plus, the trailer looks mouthwatering.
  • When it opens: May 9
  • Watch the trailer for Chef.

Source: Open Road Films

05
Godzilla
Warner Bros.

Godzilla

  • Who's starring: Bryan Cranston is a scientist facing down the iconic monster, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a soldier sent in for battle.
  • Why we're interested: It's right there in the title: Godzilla! The previews look chilling and not cheesy, and frankly, we miss Cranston on Breaking Bad.
  • When it opens: May 16
  • Watch the trailer for Godzilla.
06
Million Dollar Arm
Disney

Million Dollar Arm

  • Who's starring: Jon Hamm is a sports agent recruiting cricket players for Major League Baseball, Lake Bell is his leading lady, and Bill Paxton, Alan Arkin, and Aasif Mandvi are supporting.
  • Why we're interested: Jon Hamm is mesmerizing as Don Draper, but we love to see him mix it up and have a little fun on screen. Plus, we hear he and Bell have great chemistry.
  • When it opens: May 16
  • Watch the trailer for Million Dollar Arm.
07
X-Men: Days of Future Past
20th Century Studios

X-Men: Days of Future Past

  • Who's starring: All the mutants! Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Jackman, Evan Peters, Ellen Page, Anna Paquin, Ian McKellan, Halle Berry, and Patrick Stewart are all reprising their roles.
  • Why we're interested: Young is meeting old in the new movie, and who wouldn't want to see old Magneto meet young Magneto? Plus, we have to nurture our girl crush on Lawrence.
  • When it opens: May 23
  • Watch the trailer for X-Men: Days of Future Past.
08
Blended
Warner Bros.

Blended

  • Who's starring: Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler pair up once again as single parents who find themselves on a family vacation together years after a failed date.
  • Why we're interested: Inevitably, sparks fly whenever Sandler and Barrymore get together, even when they're pretending to hate each other.
  • When it opens: May 23
  • Watch the trailer for Blended.
09
Maleficent

Maleficent

  • Who's starring: Angelina Jolie is starring as the titular villain, horns and all. Elle Fanning plays Princess Aurora (with Vivienne Jolie-Pitt making her onscreen debut as the younger version), and Juno Temple, Brenton Thwaites, and Sharlto Copley also star.
  • Why we're interested: Um, have you seen the trailer for this movie? What about the teasers? The poster? A random movie still? Everything about it looks sleek, and to be honest, a little scary. We cannot wait to see Jolie bring on the evil.
  • When it opens: May 30
  • Watch the trailer for Maleficent.
10
A Million Ways to Die in the West
20th Century Studios

A Million Ways to Die in the West

  • Who's starring: Seth MacFarlane wrote, directed, and is starring in this goofy Western, alongside with Amanda Seyfried, Neil Patrick Harris, and Charlize Theron.
  • Why we're interested: We're not ashamed to admit we love the irreverent humor of Ted and Family Guy, and there's nothing better than seeing an Oscar winner like Charlize Theron have a little fun.
  • When it opens: May 30
  • Watch the trailer for A Million Ways to Die in the West.
11
Obvious Child

Obvious Child

  • Who's starring: Jenny Slate plays a young woman who gets pregnant on the rebound.
  • Why we're interested: The ultracharming trailer won us over with SNL alum Slate's charm, and we're intrigued by the way it flips the romantic comedy on its head.
  • When it opens: June 6
  • Watch the trailer for Obvious Child.

Source: A24

12
Edge of Tomorrow
Warner Bros.

Edge of Tomorrow

  • Who's starring: Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt play soldiers stuck in a time loop, forever caught in a vicious battle between humankind and aliens.
  • Why we're interested: We love Blunt as a total badass, but there's something about seeing Cruise in action-star mode that's exactly what we need in a Summer flick.
  • When it opens: June 6
  • Watch the trailer for Edge of Tomorrow.
13
The Fault in Our Stars
20th Century Studios

The Fault in Our Stars

  • Who's starring: Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort play Hazel and Augustus, two teens struggling with cancer . . . and falling in love. Laura Dern, Sam Trammell, Mike Birbiglia, and Nat Wolff costar.
  • Why we're interested: Well, we can't cry all our tears just watching the trailer over and over again, now can we? Seriously though, the book is so achingly sweet and sincere, we really need to see this love story play out on screen.
  • When it opens: June 6
  • Watch the trailer for The Fault in Our Stars.
14
22 Jump Street
Columbia Pictures

22 Jump Street

  • Who's starring: Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are back as Schmidt and Jenko, only this time, they're going to college. Other returning cast members include Nick Offerman, Dave Franco, Rob Riggle, and Ice Cube.
  • Why we're interested: The first movie was hilarious, and judging by the trailer, we're confident this follow-up can hold the comedy torch. We all need a little more Schmidt and Jenko in our lives, you know?
  • When it opens: June 13
  • Watch the trailer for 22 Jump Street.
15
How to Train Your Dragon 2

How to Train Your Dragon 2

  • Who's starring: Jay Baruchel again voices Hiccup, as he discovers an ice cave with hundreds of new dragons. Cate Blanchett voices his estranged mother, while Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, America Ferrera, Kristen Wiig, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Kit Harington also voice characters.
  • Why we're interested: The first movie is clever and entertaining (even for adults), and just look at that voice cast!
  • When it opens: June 20
  • Watch the trailer for How to Train Your Dragon 2.
16
The Rover

The Rover

  • Who's starring: Robert Pattinson plays an injured man left behind when his gang steals a loner's (Guy Pearce) car in the middle of the Australian outback.
  • Why we're interested: Pearce is great and all, but this is all about Pattinson. We know, we know, Twilight's over, but it's just nice to see his display some range!
  • When it opens: June 20
  • Watch the trailer for The Rover.

Source: FilmNation

17
Jersey Boys
Warner Bros.

Jersey Boys

  • Who's starring: Broadway star John Lloyd Young plays Frankie Valli, alongside Boardwalk Empire's Vincent Piazza.
  • Why we're interested: The hit stage musical captured one of our favorite oldies bands, so we want to see how it translates — and how director Clint Eastwood does with a musical!
  • When it opens: June 20
  • Watch the trailer for Jersey Boys.
18
Think Like a Man Too

Think Like a Man Too

  • Who's starring: Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union, Michael Ealy, and Adam Brody.
  • Why we're interested: Hart is always funny, and this sequel follows the group of friends to Vegas for a wedding, but bachelor and bachelorette high jinks come first.
  • When it opens: June 20
  • Watch the trailer for Think Like a Man Too.

Source: Screen Gems

19
Transformers: Age of Extinction
Paramount Pictures

Transformers: Age of Extinction

  • Who's starring: Mark Wahlberg and Bates Motel's Nicola Peltz.
  • Why we're interested: Two words: Wahlberg's arms. OK, those and the fact that there is a dinosaur transformer. Hopefully all those things will inject some freshness into this franchise.
  • When it opens: June 27
  • Watch the trailer for Transformers: Age of Extinction.
20
They Came Together
Lionsgate

They Came Together

  • Who's starring: Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd play love interests, while Wet Hot American Summer alums like Chris Meloni and Ken Marino costar. Plus, there's also Bill Hader and Ellie Kemper!
  • Why we're interested: This comedy promises to relentlessly satire the romantic comedy, but come on, we love Rudd and Poehler so much we'd see just about anything with them paired up.
  • When it opens: June 27
  • Watch the trailer for They Came Together.
21
Tammy
Warner Bros.

Tammy

  • Who's starring: Melissa McCarthy is the unhinged title character, and Susan Sarandon is the grandmother who accompanies her on a road trip.
  • Why we're interested: McCarthy is a reliably funny star, and her character, Tammy, looks like another memorably hilarious one for the books.
  • When it opens: July 2
  • Watch the trailer for Tammy.
22
Begin Again
The Weinstein Company

Begin Again

  • Who's starring: Keira Knightley is the ex-girlfriend of a rocker (Adam Levine), and Mark Ruffalo is the down-on-his luck record exec who wants to help her make music.
  • Why we're interested: Besides Levine as a scruffy rocker, we love the idea of Knightley and Ruffalo bonding over music.
  • When it opens: July 4
  • Watch the trailer for Begin Again.
23
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
20th Century Studios

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

  • Who's starring: Jason Clarke, Keri Russell, and Gary Oldman are the surviving humans after apes have taken over.
  • Why we're interested: Hey, we want to find out what happened to Caesar!
  • When it opens: July 11
  • Watch the trailer for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
24
A Long Way Down

A Long Way Down

  • Who's starring: Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette, Aaron Paul, and Imogen Poots play strangers who become friends after resolving to wait to kill themselves.
  • Why we're interested: This is based on a Nick Hornby novel, and adaptations of Hornby's books tend to make excellent films (High Fidelity, About a Boy).
  • When it opens: July 11
  • Watch the trailer for A Long Way Down.

Source: Magnolia Pictures

25
Wish I Was Here
Focus Features

Wish I Was Here

  • Who's starring: Zach Braff stars as a soul-searching dad, Kate Hudson plays his wife, and Joey King is his daughter.
  • Why we're interested: We're not ashamed to say that we still love Garden State, and this is Braff's second shot as writer/director/star. Will it be the moody hipster Summer hit we hope it is?
  • When it opens: July 18
  • Watch the trailer for Wish I Was Here.
26
Hercules
Paramount Pictures

Hercules

  • Who's starring: Modern-day Hercules Dwayne Johnson is taking on the title role, while John Hurt, Ian McShane, and Joseph Fiennes also star.
  • Why we're interested: Everything about The Rock playing Hercules sounds awesome. And if you haven't watched him bellowing "I. AM. HERCULEEES!" in the trailer, you need to do so now.
  • When it opens: July 25
  • Watch the trailer for Hercules.
27
Sex Tape

Sex Tape

  • Who's starring: Jason Segel and Cameron Diaz play a married couple whose sex tape accidentally goes viral.
  • Why we're interested: This funny pair is a winning combo, and the raunchy subject matter seems both envelope-pushing and hilarious.
  • When it opens: July 18
  • Watch the trailer for Sex Tape.

Source: Screen Gems

28
Magic in the Moonlight
Sony Pictures Classics

Magic in the Moonlight

  • Who's starring: Emma Stone and Colin Firth are love interests, while Marcia Gay Harden and Hamish Linklater also costar.
  • Why we're interested: Woody Allen's film is set in the 1920s on the French Riviera, and has Stone and Firth as romantic leads. We're in.
  • When it opens: July 25
29
Guardians of the Galaxy
Disney

Guardians of the Galaxy

  • Who's starring: Chris Pratt plays Peter Quill, aka Starlord; Zoe Saldana is Gamora; Vin Diesel is a treelike humanoid; and Bradley Cooper voices a raccoon. Together, they protect the galaxy in amateur, somewhat comedic ways.
  • Why we're interested: Chris Pratt's abs are out of this world in the trailer, but besides that, this looks like the funniest Marvel movie yet. As long as it doesn't sacrifice action for humor, this could be a hit.
  • When it opens: Aug. 1
  • Watch the trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy.
30
Get On Up
Universal Pictures

Get On Up

  • Who's starring: Chadwick Boseman is playing James Brown in the biopic, which follows the famous soul singer from childhood to stardom. Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Nelsan Ellis (True Blood), and Craig Robinson are also starring.
  • Why we're interested: The cast is promising, and there's nothing better than heading to the theater and getting quality storytelling with a side of rousing music.
  • When it opens: Aug. 1
  • Watch the trailer for Get On Up.
31
What If

What If

  • Who's starring: Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan are a pair of best friends whose relationship may be teetering the the direction of romance.
  • Why we're interested: Zoe Kazan is like the quirky, indie-loving best friend we never had, and hello? Daniel Radcliffe. We're there.
  • When it opens: Aug. 1
  • Watch the trailer for What If.

Source: CBS Films

32
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Warner Bros.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

  • Who's starring: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Whoopi Goldberg, and Abby Elliot play humans opposite a bunch of, let's say "interesting," adolescent turtles.
  • Why we're interested: If you were alive for any part of the early '90s, you know a thing or two about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While you may not be too hot on the idea of a remake, you'll still want to check out these new turtles.
  • When it opens: Aug. 8
  • Watch the trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
33
The Hundred-Foot Journey
Dreamworks

The Hundred-Foot Journey

  • Who's starring: Helen Mirren plays a chef who has to acknowledge the culinary genius of a young Indian man.
  • Why we're interested: Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg are producing this adaptation, which totally has the feel of this year's Eat Pray Love.
  • When it opens: Aug. 8
  • Watch the trailer for The Hundred-Foot Journey.
34
Lucy
Universal Pictures

Lucy

  • Who's starring: Scarlett Johansson plays the title character, a woman who's forced to a drug mule, then discovers certain new strengths.
  • Why we're interested: Johansson was so good in last month's Captain America: The Winter Soldier that we're ready to see her kick butt yet again.
  • When it opens: Aug. 8
  • Watch the trailer for Lucy.
35
Let's Be Cops
20th Century Studios

Let's Be Cops

  • Who's starring: New Girl costars Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr., plus The Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev.
  • Why we're interested: We've seen the buddy cop movie, but never the buddy cop movie in which the buddies aren't actual cops. Plus, these two are two of our favorite funny New Girl cast members, so we're excited to see what they do outside of the loft.
  • When it opens: Aug. 13
  • Watch the trailer for Let's Be Cops.
36
The Giver
The Weinstein Company

The Giver

  • Who's starring: Brenton Thwaites is Jonas, who receives the title of "giver" from the previous one, played by Jeff Bridges. Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes, and Taylor Swift all costar.
  • Why we're interested: We can't wait to see how this memorable YA novel is adapted for the big screen. Will it be super bleak? Will it live up to Lois Lowry's classic?
  • When it opens: Aug. 15
  • Watch the trailer for The Giver.
37
The Expendables 3
Summit Entertainment

The Expendables 3

  • Who's starring: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Statham, and Kellan Lutz, to name a few.
  • Why we're interested: Guns and guns! The big-weapons and big-arms sequel is good for one thing: fun.
  • When it opens: Aug. 15
  • Watch the trailer for The Expendables 3.
38
If I Stay
Warner Bros.

If I Stay

  • Who's starring: Chloë Moretz plays high schooler Mia, a victim of car wreck who grapples with staying on earth.
  • Why we're interested: Have you watched this trailer yet? It's heart-shattering. It's just the thing to give us a good cry after our tears have dried post-Fault in Our Stars.
  • When it opens: Aug. 22
  • Watch the trailer for If I Stay.
39
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
The Weinstein Company

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For

  • Who's starring: Bruce Willis and Jessica Alba reprise their roles, while newbies Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Lady Gaga join the noir franchise.
  • Why we're interested: The first movie was an artful thrill ride, and we want to see if the Frank Miller-infused tale still has the edge, nine years later.
  • When it opens: Aug. 22
  • Watch the trailer for Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.