Film Appreciation Friday: Summer's New Releases

It's the most wonderful time of the year for movie-goers.

No, we're not talking about the winter holidays. The summer solstice is today, which means summer movie season has officially begun. It's time to grab a bucket of popcorn and check out the newest blockbuster at your favorite theater. The film industry has already kicked off this time of year with weekly new showings, and there's sure to be something for everyone. From long-awaited sequels to breakout indie films, summer is where every genre gets its spotlight. 

So whether you're a film buff, a casual viewer, or just looking for an air-conditioned escape from the heat, this is your sign to see what's playing at your local cinema. Let's check out some of June's newest releases and see what's coming up later this month.

Materialists

Released: June 13, 2025  |  Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama  |  Rating: R

New York City's upscale dating world is the setting of Materialists, written and directed by Celine Song (best known for Past Lives). Dakota Johnson stars as Lucy, a sharp New York matchmaker who insists on only dating the wealthy. When she meets Harry (Pedro Pascal), who's as handsome as he is affluent, everything seems perfect. That is until her ex, struggling actor John (Chris Evans), reappears in her life. Caught between comfort and connection, Lucy must decide what love really means. The film blends wit, heart, and sharp commentary on money, relationships, and modern dating. With standout performances and emotionally honest moments, Materialists is a stylish, thoughtful twist on the traditional rom-com.

How to Train Your Dragon

Released: June 13, 2025  |  Genre: Fantasy, Action, Family  |  Rating: PG

Directed, written, and co-produced by Dean DeBlois (who led the beloved animated trilogy), How to Train Your Dragon reimagines the original story in live-action. Set on the rugged island of Berk, it follows Hiccup (Mason Thames), the inventive son of Chief Stoick (Gerard Butler, reprising his role), as he befriends the mysterious Night Fury dragon, Toothless. Their bond challenges generations of Viking prejudice and sparks a journey toward unity and peace. The live-action How to Train Your Dragon takes you back to Berk with eye-popping realism, stunning visual sequences, and a deeply human heart. It’s a powerful return to the series' original story of courage, friendship, and finding strength in the unlikeliest of bonds.

28 Years Later

Opens: June 20, 2025  |  Genre: Horror, Thriller  |  Rating: R

Set nearly three decades after its predecessor, 28 Weeks Later (2007), 28 Years Later revives the franchise with a chilling new evolution of the Rage Virus. The series' original director (Danny Boyle) and writer (Alex Garland) reunite and combine the horror genre with timely social commentary, echoing themes of quarantine, control, and fractured communities. The film follows a young boy named Spike who leaves his remote island home to find help for his dying mother, only to uncover a horrifying truth: the infected have evolved. As survivors cling to what little hope remains, Spike discovers that humanity itself might be just as dangerous as the virus. 28 Years Later reimagines the apocalypse, not just as a virus, but as what we become in its aftermath.

ELIO

Opens: June 20, 2025  |  Genre: Adventure, Sci-fi, Family  |  Rating: PG

Pixar's newest animated adventure follows Elio Solis, an imaginative 11-year-old who spends his time dreaming about space and feeling out of place on Earth. But when he's accidentally beamed up into the Communiverse, an intergalactic organization representing planets across the universe, he's mistaken for Earth's official ambassador. Now, the fate of Earth's reputation is in the hands of a kid who's hasn't made it through a school day without zoning out. As Elio stumbles through alien diplomacy and cosmic challenges, he discovers the confidence he's been searching for all along. Colorful, funny, and sprinkled with celebrity voice cameos (Zoe Saldaña, Jameela Jamil), Elio is all about identity, connection, and finding your place in a vast and unfamiliar world.

F1: The Movie

Opens: June 27, 2025  |  Genre: Action, Drama, Sport  |  Rating: PG-13

From Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and producer Lewis Hamilton comes F1, an adrenaline-fueled drama that brings the intensity of Formula 1 to the big screen like never before. Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former F1 legend called out of retirement to mentor rising star Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). As they join a struggling racing team, the two must navigate rivalries, egos, and the brutal pressure of the world's fastest sport. Shot during real Grand Prix races with actual F1 cars and tracks, F1 blends breathtaking realism with emotional storytelling. With a pulse-pounding score by Hans Zimmer (The Lion King, Interstellar, Dune), stunning cinematography, and authentic racing sequences, F1 is more than just a sports film; it's a story about legacy, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

M3GAN 2.0

Opens: June 27, 2025  |  Genre: Slasher, Action, Comedy  |  Rating: PG-13

Following the events of the first film, M3GAN 2.0 returns two years later to dive deeper into the blurred lines between artificial intelligence and human emotion. The world has since embraced AI companions, but when a new, upgraded version of M3GAN resurfaces, she begins to evolve beyond her original design with a mission no one can control. Allison Williams returns as Gemma, now working to shut down a growing wave of rogue AI units, while Violet McGraw reprises her role as Cady, who's caught between grief, loyalty, and fear of the "friend" who once protected her. This sequel amps up the suspense, social commentary, and signature dark humor while exploring what happens when the technology designed to keep us safe decides we're the problem.

June has brought a wide range of new releases to the theaters. From heartfelt comedies and ambitious reimaginings to captivating thrillers and high-stakes dramas, this summer offers something for every type of movie-goer. Whether you're eager to dive back into a favorite film series, check out the buzz surrounding new releases, or just beat the heat for a bit, it's the perfect time to head to the theater.