2018 is proving to be a year for crowd-pleasing movies, and the list of summer blockbusters includes plenty of familiar faces.
Yes, sequel fever is at work, but those of us with a nostalgic side welcome these films with open arms. Watching Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried in Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! is sure to feel like we’re spending time with old friends. Whether it’s a new Star Wars story or a family of superheroes like The Incredibles 2, we’re looking forward to seeing the filmmakers’ fresh take on familiar characters and their new experiences.
For fans of original movies, female comic powerhouses Kate McKinnon and Mila Kunis have paired up to bring us the spy comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me, which is sure to be a good time. In addition, Dwayne Johnson will be leaping off an impossibly high ledge in Skyscraper, wreaking havoc on the emotions of those of us terrified of heights.
Here’s our list of the best movies coming to a theater near you starting in May.
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May 4
Overboard
Kate (Anna Faris) is hired to clean carpets for Leonardo (Eugenio Derbez), a rich, self-centered jerk. When he gets thrown overboard his own yacht, it becomes the perfect opportunity for Kate to get revenge. We adore Faris and her ability to do physical comedy — so we know this one won’t disappoint. Even better, based on the trailer, it seems she’s got great chemistry with Derbez. That will be fun to watch.
May 25
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Finally, an origin story movie for Han Solo, this time played by Alden Ehrenreich. We get to learn how young Han met Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) as they adventure into a dark world of crime. We’re looking forward to this movie because of our 30-year relationship with Han Solo — this character feels like an old friend. Also, we just can’t get enough of his swagger.
May 26
The Tale
After coming across a short story she wrote in middle school, Jennifer Fox (Laura Dern) is forced to take a disturbing new look at her first sexual experience. This film premieres on HBO. We love Dern in anything, but she’s been killing it as of late, especially in the hit series Big Little Lies. This is just one more way to watch her interpret a complicated woman who’s still is looking to grow and find herself.
June 1
Adrift
Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin play two avid sailors who find themselves sailing directly into one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history. Based on a true story, we are inspired by two people who had the courage to stare death in the face and survive.
June 8
Ocean’s 8
You know the Ocean’s heist movies, but this one has an outrageous all-female group of crooks including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter. This is an amazing cast — period! These are some of the best leading actors around, and watching them play off each other in such a fierce female film? That will be a treat.
June 15
The Incredibles 2
Our favorite family of superheroes is back, only this time Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) is left alone to take care of the unpredictable Jack-Jack. After waiting 14 years to visit with the extraordinary Parr family, our anticipation of this film is at an all-time high.
Tag
When five highly competitive friends engage in an elaborate game of tag that takes them across the entire country, one friend’s wedding may get disrupted. The film is based on an article from The Wall Street Journal and stars Isla Fisher, Jon Hamm and Jeremy Renner. Hamm and Renner usually play very dramatic roles, and finally, we will get to see them have a little fun.
June 22
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Crazy, beastly dinosaurs are left unchecked on Isla Nublar, but when the island’s dormant volcano begins erupting, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) try to save the ancient reptiles from a second extinction. The reason we’re excited for this? Dinosaurs, duh.
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July 6
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Fatherhood is tough when you’re a superhero, but when a global crisis threatens human survival, Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) is called to work alongside The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) to save the planet from destruction. We adore Rudd as Ant-Man, but adding Lilly as The Wasp just ups the stakes and feels more inclusive to women.
July 13
Skyscraper
Dwayne Johnson plays U.S. war veteran Will Sawyer, who finds himself atop the tallest building in Hong Kong only to discover it’s been set on fire. No one can do intense, hyperphysical action scenes like Johnson, who probably did a lot of his own stunts. This movie is sure to keep us on the edge of our seats.
More: Dwayne Johnson Has Chosen His Birth Doula: Jimmy Kimmel
July 20
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!
The big stars (Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Lily James, Colin Firth, Cher) are back, and so are the ABBA songs, but it’s Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) who’s having the big life change: She’s preparing for motherhood. The thing we’re anticipating most is the music — what ABBA songs are they going to include? Will there be any original songs? We can’t wait to find out.
July 27
Mission: Impossible — Fallout
When the CIA begins to question Ethan Hunt’s (Tom Cruise) loyalty, he sets out on a mission to prevent a global catastrophe and protect his name. And when it comes to action, Tom Cruise never disappoints.
Aug. 3
The Spy Who Dumped Me
We all know dating can be tough, but dating a spy can be deadly. And funny. When Audrey (Mila Kunis) discovers her boyfriend is a spy, she pairs up with her best friend Morgan (Kate McKinnon) to they race through Europe with deadly assassins hot on their trail. We’re excited to see the chemistry between Kunis and McKinnon as they traipse through our favorite European locations. Jealous!
Disney’s Christopher Robin
Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) is all grown up and finds he’s lost his sense of wonder and imagination. Luckily, his cuddly friends from the Hundred Acre Wood reenter his life to provide inspiration. McGregor seems likes the perfect actor to portray such a beloved character/person. We know he’ll bring as much comedy as he will heart.
Aug. 17
Crazy Rich Asians
Constance Wu stars in this rom-com about a young woman who discovers she’s about to marry the richest man in Asia. But can she win the love of her groom’s overprotective mother? After watching Wu dazzle on Fresh Off the Boat, we’re so ready for her to take on a feature film.
Aug. 24
Slender Man
Five teenage girls perform a ritual to summon evil powers. What they get is a horrific, thin man with a featureless face who lives to kill. This looks like a mix of terror and girl empowerment gone very wrong — it’s something we’re not sure we’ve ever seen before.
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