Film lovers can enjoy a packed schedule of summer blockbusters this year. Whether you want the thrill of a fast-paced action movie or a family-friendly flick to enjoy with children, there’s something for everyone at the cinema over the next couple of months. 

Here are eight excellent reasons to plan a day out to the cinema. 

1. Asteroid City

Filmmaker Wes Anderson’s latest film is filled with stars, including Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie, and Tilda Swinton. It premiered at Cannes Film Festival to positive reviews – the Guardian described it as an “exhilarating triumph of pure style”. Blending science fiction with comedy and drama, the film concerns a student astronomers convention in 1955 when a world-changing event occurs. 

Asteroid City is released on 23 June.

2. The Flash

Superhero films show no sign of losing popularity at the box office. The latest instalment from the DC Extended Universe follows speedster Barry Allen as he travels back in time to prevent his mother’s murder. Development of a film featuring the Flash began in the 1980s, so fans of the comic book hero will no doubt be flocking to the cinema on release day. 

The Flash is out on 16 June.

3. Oppenheimer 

Oppenheimer tells the story of the “father of the atomic bomb”, physicist Robert Oppenheimer. Directed by Christopher Nolan and with Cillian Murphy taking the lead role, discover more about the scientist who led the Manhattan Project during the second world war, but then came under scrutiny due to his communist connections. 

You can watch Oppenheimer in cinemas from 21 July. 

4. The Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion has been a popular ghost train at the Disney theme parks for more than 50 years. Now, it’s the basis of a film of the same name. Single mum Gabbie purchases a mansion, only to discover that it’s inhabited by ghosts. She hires a tour guide, psychic, priest, and historian in a bid to help her exorcise them – it’s a perfect family-friendly option for a spooky story. 

The Haunted Mansion is released on 11 August. 

5. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 

Harrison Ford is back with the fifth instalment of the Indiana Jones franchise – more than four decades after the original Raiders of the Lost Ark was released. In 1944, intrepid archaeologist Indiana Jones prevents Nazis from obtaining a mysterious dial known as the Antikythera – 25 years later, his adventures for the dial continue. You can expect to see the hallmarks of the franchise, from archaeological treasures to booby-trapped caves. 

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will be in cinemas from 30 June. 

6. Barbie

Margot Robbie becomes the world’s most famous doll in Barbie, with Ryan Gosling taking on the role of Ken. The over-the-top comedy went viral months before its release thanks to its colourful trailer. Despite being playful, it is surprisingly emotional and thought-provoking as the main character is expelled from Barbieland for being less than perfect. Filmgoers will definitely recognise some of the details from dolls from their childhood too, from bright yellow rollerblades to Barbie’s dream house. 

Barbie is released on 21 July. 

7. The Little Mermaid

The highly anticipated remake of the Little Mermaid is a great choice for families with young children, or adults that want to enjoy a movie filled with nostalgia, this summer. The live-action remake aims to reinvent iconic roles and is filled with visual effects as you explore under the sea, and, of course, there are plenty of songs from the original animated film that you’ll want to sing along to. 

The Little Mermaid was released on 26 May. 

8. Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1

Yet another sequel to hit cinemas this year is the seventh Mission Impossible film. Just the trailer, with Tom Cruise jumping out of a plane, tells you that it’s set to be action-packed. This time, spy Ethan Hunt embarks on a dangerous mission to track a weapon before it falls into the wrong hands and threatens all of humanity. 

You can watch Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 in cinemas from 14 July. Part two of Dead Reckoning will be released in June 2024.

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