10 Must-See Original Movies Coming Summer 2025

by

For more than two decades, Marvel has kicked off the summer blockbuster season by releasing movies such as Thunderbolts*. Summer movie seasons are characterized by major franchise films, with top-earning productions often being reboots, sequels, or adaptations of books and comics. The upcoming 2025 summer lineup follows this trend, featuring highly anticipated releases like Superman, Jurassic World: Rebirth, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Despite the multitude of Internet Protocol addresses (IPs) referring to countless films, a significant number of original movies continue to be produced and premiered during the summer film season. Studios such as A24, Mubi, Focus Features, Disney, and Apple are taking bold steps with unique titles that span genres from romantic comedies to horror flicks and animated productions. There’s truly something for every moviegoer’s taste. In the past, original movies formed the backbone of summer movie releases, and a combination of high-budget adaptations and innovative new stories provides a balanced diet for film enthusiasts.

Interested in catching some unique cinematic experiences? Here’s a list of 10 films slated for release this summer, arranged chronologically, so be sure to jot down the dates!

10
‘The Phoenician Scheme’

May 30

Wes Anderson has gained recognition as a prominent director capable of convincing studios to fund unique ideas, and his upcoming film titled “The Phoenician Scheme” seems destined to capture everyone’s attention. This story revolves around Zsa-Zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), a wealthy businessman who designates his only daughter, Sister Liesl (Mia Threapleton), as the sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a fresh venture, he and his daughter find themselves in the crosshairs of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and relentless assassins. The blend of dark comedy and espionage thriller elements is uniquely Wes Anderson’s creation.

Despite Anderson’s movies not often competing in box office size compared to other renowned filmmakers, his singular, idiosyncratic style consistently captivates viewers seeking authenticity. Similar to previous Anderson summer releases like “Moonrise Kingdom” and “Asteroid City”, “The Phoenician Scheme” sees Anderson imbuing a genre or narrative type customarily linked with the summer season—in this case, a globe-trotting escapade—with his signature, comforting ambiance. While not every viewer may resonate with Anderson’s films, they are universally accessible and enjoyable.

9
‘Dangerous Animals’

June 6

As a film enthusiast, I’ve always looked forward to the pulse-pounding thrill that summer shark movies bring. Ever since “Jaws” set the stage for the summer blockbuster, films like “Deep Blue Sea,” “47 Meters Down,” and “The Meg” have been my go-to when the heat’s on and I yearn for the chilling allure of the deep sea. But with “Dangerous Animals,” the creators have given us a fresh twist: this time, it’s not just the shark that’s a menace, but it becomes the sinister tool wielded by a ruthless serial killer.

In the upcoming film titled “Dangerous Animals“, Jai Courtney delivers a wildly intense performance as a menacing character with a chilling intent: to make a surfer, portrayed by Hassie Harrison, into a shark’s meal. This gripping horror movie is directed by Sean Byrne, a renowned cult director known for movies such as “The Loved Ones” and “Devil’s Candy“. Rather than the traditional summer blockbusters, “Dangerous Animals” promises to deliver an edge-of-your-seat thriller. What makes this movie even more enticing is that it was chosen to debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival during the Directors’ Fortnight section, hinting at a potential cinematic masterpiece.

8
‘Materialist’

June 13

In the scorching summer of 2023, I found myself captivated by Cecline Song’s groundbreaking debut film, “Past Lives,” a cinematic masterpiece that not only shone among its seasonal counterparts but also stood tall as one of the year’s finest productions. This extraordinary piece garnered two Academy Award nominations, including the coveted Best Picture nod. Now, Song is back with “Materialist,” a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre set in contemporary times. In this tale, Dakota Johnson portrays Lucy, a skilled matchmaker who finds herself entangled between her ex-boyfriend John, played by Chris Evans, and a wealthy, captivating suitor named Harry (Pedro Pascal), leaving her torn between the familiar and the alluring.

If Song’s earlier work on “Past Lives” doesn’t persuade someone to catch this film in theaters, perhaps the nostalgic yearning to experience a romantic comedy on the silver screen might do the trick. The genre was once a dependable moneymaker and a mainstay of the big screen, with summer romances being a notable favorite that sadly seems to have lost its appeal. Song’s work on “Materialist” aims to breathe new life into a neglected genre, much like Francis Ford Coppola did for gangster films with “The Godfather” or George Lucas did for space operas and action serials with “Star Wars”. In short, “Materialist” is not just a must-watch movie of the summer season, but an essential one for the entire year.

7
‘Elio’

June 20

It seems that Pixar is among a select group of major studios managing to produce original films that draw audiences, despite a slight overreliance on sequels in recent times and the direct-to-Disney+ release of many original titles. However, the ongoing success of Elemental at the box office indicates Pixar’s continued ability to captivate audiences. Let’s hope that this knack for creating compelling stories will be showcased in Elio, a film centered around a young boy who, after being accidentally abducted by an alien council, assumes the role of Earth’s intergalactic ambassador.

It seems that the film titled “Elio” has faced some production challenges. Originally slated for a March 2024 release, it was pushed back an entire year and underwent a directorial change, as evidenced by the striking difference between the first teaser trailer and more recent ones. However, Pixar has a history of making significant changes to projects during late-stage development, which have resulted in phenomenal films, so there’s optimism for “Elio.” In fact, Pixar transformed seemingly unconventional ideas into summer blockbusters with movies like “WALL-E,” “Up,” “Ratatouille,” and “Inside Out.” Fingers crossed that they can achieve the same success with “Elio.

6
‘F1’

June 27

In summer 2022, Top Gun: Maverick was the blockbuster hit, and now director Joseph Kosinski aims to keep that momentum going by immersing viewers in the high-speed world of Formula One racing. Brad Pitt portrays Sonny Hayes, a retired F1 driver from the 90s who’s coaxed back for one more ride as he guides rookie sensation Joshua “Noah” Pearce (played by Damson Idris). Following Top Gun: Maverick, Formula One seems like a case of history repeating itself, as Tom Cruise transitioned from the original Top Gun to a racing film, Days of Thunder. Here’s hoping that F1 will be more reminiscent of the success and acclaim of Top Gun: Maverick, rather than Days of Thunder.

The advertising for the upcoming Formula One (F1) film has focused on capturing racing sequences cinematically, immersing viewers in the thrill and agility of the events. Filmed during the actual Formula One season on real tracks, the movie has been postponed to 2025 due to production halts caused by SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023, waiting for the next racing season to resume. Similar to Top Gun: Maverick, F1 is best experienced on a grand scale, such as IMAX screens. The blend of sports drama and action, emphasizing practical stunts, is what summer blockbusters are all about.

5
‘Sorry, Baby’

June 27

In stark contrast to the high-octane thrills of Formula One racing, there’s “Sorry, Baby.” This film, featuring Eva Victor both onscreen and behind the camera for her directorial debut, also boasts Victor as its sole writer. The movie tells a unique story about a college professor struggling with recovery after experiencing sexual assault. While this might not seem like typical comedy fare, the trailer for “Sorry, Baby” suggests a different take on the subject, employing a dry, realistic approach that follows the protagonist’s journey in a very down-to-earth manner.

In this film, I share the screen with talented actors like Naomi Ackie, Lucas Hedges, John Carroll Lynch, and Louis Cancelmi. This movie was showcased at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, and after intense competition, A24 secured it over Neon, Searchlight Pictures, and Mubi. As of now, “Sorry, Baby” boasts a remarkable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 43 reviews, with many critics hailing Eva Victor’s directorial debut as the promising start of an impressive career.

4
‘Oh, Hi!’

July 25

One more pick for Sundance Festival, titled “Oh, Hi!“, is a romantic comedy featuring Molly Gordon (known for “Theater Camp“) and Logan Lerman (famous for “The Perks of Being a Wallflower“). The movie revolves around a couple who are newlyweds, and their getaway weekend takes an unforeseen twist. Supporting roles in the film are played by Geraldine Viswanathan (“Thunderbolts*“), John Reynolds (“Search Party“), David Cross (“Arrested Development“), and Polly Draper (“Shiva Baby“). This film marks the return of director Sophie Brooks since her 2017 work, “The Boy Downstairs“.

Molly Gordon has earned the title of an unsung hero in summer movies. In 2019 alone, she graced our screens in two widely praised and laugh-out-loud summer comedies, “Booksmart” and “Good Boys”. Fast forward to 2023, she not only starred but also co-directed the riotously funny “Theater Camp”. Similarly to “Materialist” and “Oh, Hi!”, this new project promises a delightful spin on the traditional romantic comedy formula.

3
‘Weapons’

August 8

The horror film Weapons, directed by Zach Cregger, has generated a lot of buzz in 2025 as it follows up on his critically successful and shocking movie Barbarian. It’s surprising that the co-founder of comedy group The Whitest Kids U’ Know, who was also involved with the largely forgotten sex comedy Miss March, has now become a major figure in horror. The plot of Weapons is straightforward: at exactly 2:17 AM one day, all students from a particular classroom mysteriously disappear into the woods and are never found again. This event leaves the community puzzled about what transpired and who might be accountable.

The upcoming movie “Weapons” features Julia Garner (known for her role in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”), Josh Brolin (“No Country for Old Men”), Alden Ehrenreich (“Solo: A Star Wars Story”), Austin Abrams (“The Kings of Summer”), Benedict Wong (“Doctor Strange”), and Amy Madigan (“Twice in a Lifetime”). New Line Cinema is giving this film a significant promotional boost, harkening back to the studio’s horror origins, once nicknamed “the house that Freddy built” due to the success of the “Nightmare on Elm Street” series. The intriguing and chilling marketing strategy for “Weapons” hints at a major surprise that viewers will be eager to uncover. Notably, this film is set to release in August during the same weekend as “The Sixth Sense”. While it’s unlikely that “Weapons” will achieve the same cultural influence as “The Sixth Sense”, it certainly has the potential to spark conversations among many moviegoers.

2
‘Honey Don’t!’

August 22

The upcoming movie titled “Honey Don’t!” is the new project from Ethan Coen, one half of the renowned Coen brothers directing team. This film is reportedly the second installment in their “lesbian B-movie trilogy,” succeeding 2024’s “Drive-Away Dolls“. Set in the town of Bakersfield, California, “Honey Don’t!” features Margaret Qualley as Honey O’Donahue, a detective humorously reminiscent of a blend between the quirky characters from “Raising Arizona“, “Fargo“, and “The Big Lebowski“.

Title “Honey Don’t!” features Aubrey Plaza, Charlie Day, Billy Eichner, and Chris Evans in its star-studded cast, making this the second film for Chris Evans on this list following “Materialist.” Despite the Coen brothers pursuing separate projects, “Honey Don’t!” appears to recapture the hilarious style of comedy that initially won audiences over.

The Coens’ influence in producing fresh movies, especially those that blend comedy and crime drama with a focus on LGBTQ+ themes, is noteworthy, as it’s becoming increasingly rare for studios to take risks and support diverse content during an era where they often favor established properties that minimize potential backlash.

1
‘Lurker’

August 22

On the same day as “Honey Don’t!“, and aiming to cap off the summer movie season is “Lurker“. This is the feature directorial debut of Alex Russell, a writer known for his work on critically acclaimed series such as “The Bear” and “Beef”. “Lurker” tells the story of a retail worker who infiltrates the inner circle of an up-and-coming pop star. However, as he gets closer to this rising star, the situation becomes increasingly tense.

In 2025, the movie titled “Lurker” made its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and was acquired for distribution by Mubi, the studio that garnered success with The Substance. This film has a remarkable 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 24 reviews, with many critics lauding Russell’s innovative take on portraying parasocial relationships and the obsession with social media fame. The star-studded cast includes Theodore Pellerin (Family First), Archie Madekwe (Saltburn), Havana Rose Liu (Bottoms), Sunny Suljic (Mid90s), Daniel Zolghadri (Y2K), and Zack Fox (Abbott Elementary). These young actors are some of the most promising talents emerging today, making following “Lurker” a chance to watch some of the hottest names in the industry.

Read More

2025-05-11 20:42