Best-Reviewed Summer Blockbusters by Year Since 1975

Critics Consensus: Chicken Run has all the charm of Nick Park's Wallace & Gromit, and something for everybody. The voice acting is fabulous, the slapstick is brilliant, and the action sequences are spectacular.

Synopsis: This engaging stop-motion, claymation adventure tells the story of an American rooster who falls in love with a gorgeous hen on a British farm. The... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Miranda Richardson, Jane Horrocks

Directed By: Peter Lord, Nick Park

Critics Consensus: While simultaneously embracing and subverting fairy tales, the irreverent Shrek also manages to tweak Disney's nose, provide a moral message to children, and offer viewers a funny, fast-paced ride.

Synopsis: Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek whose precious solitude is suddenly shattered by an invasion of... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow

Directed By: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson

Critics Consensus: About a Boy benefits tremendously from Hugh Grant's layered performance, as well as a funny, moving story that tugs at the heartstrings without tilting into treacle.

Synopsis: A comedy-drama starring Hugh Grant as Will, a rich, child-free and irresponsible Londoner in his thirties who, in search of available women, invents an imaginary... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Hugh Grant, Rachel Weisz, Toni Collette, Nicholas Hoult

Directed By: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz

Critics Consensus: Breathtakingly lovely and grounded by the stellar efforts of a well-chosen cast, Finding Nemo adds another beautifully crafted gem to Pixar's crown.

Synopsis: Marlin (Albert Brooks), a clown fish, is overly cautious with his son, Nemo (Alexander Gould), who has a foreshortened fin. When Nemo swims too close... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe

Directed By: Andrew Stanton

Critics Consensus: With death-defying action sequences and epic historic sweep, Hero offers everything a martial arts fan could ask for.

Synopsis: In this visually arresting martial arts epic set in ancient China, an unnamed fighter (Jet Li) is being honored for defeating three of the king's... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Maggie Cheung, Donnie Yen

Directed By: Yimou Zhang

Critics Consensus: Brooding and dark, but also exciting and smart, Batman Begins is a film that understands the essence of one of the definitive superheroes.

Synopsis: A young Bruce Wayne travels to the Far East, where he's trained in the martial arts by Henri Ducard, a member of the mysterious League... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes

Directed By: Christopher Nolan

Critics Consensus: Deft direction and strong performances from its all-female cast guide The Descent, a riveting, claustrophobic horror film.

Synopsis: A year after a severe emotional trauma, Sarah (Shauna Macdonald) goes to North Carolina to spend some time exploring caves with her friends; after descending... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, Saskia Mulder

Directed By: Neil Marshall

Critics Consensus: Fast-paced and stunningly animated, Ratatouille adds another delightfully entertaining entry -- and a rather unlikely hero -- to the Pixar canon.

Synopsis: Remy (Patton Oswalt), a resident of Paris, appreciates good food and has quite a sophisticated palate. He would love to become a chef so he... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy

Directed By: Brad Bird

Critics Consensus: Dark, complex, and unforgettable, The Dark Knight succeeds not just as an entertaining comic book film, but as a richly thrilling crime saga.

Synopsis: With the help of allies, Lt. Jim Gordon and DA Harvey Dent, Batman is able to keep a tight lid on crime in Gotham City.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine

Directed By: Christopher Nolan

Critics Consensus: An exciting, funny, and poignant adventure, Up offers an impeccably crafted story told with wit and arranged with depth, as well as yet another visual Pixar treat.

Synopsis: Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old balloon salesman, is about to fulfill a lifelong dream. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, he flies away to the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson

Directed By: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson