2026 Summer Movie Calendar
A month-by-month breakdown of the best summer movies 2026 has to offer, from superheroes to space adventures to spooky thrills and more.
by RT Staff | May 1, 2026
TAGGED AS: movies, streaming, Summer

Technically, the first day of summer this year will be June 21, but as far as we’re concerned, the summer movie season starts on May 1. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of all the major theatrical releases — as well as a handful of notable ones on streaming — for you to look forward to during the months of May through August.
Movie ticket and concession prices are as high as they’ve ever been, and we know it’s important to make strategic decisions about where to spend your money. So check out the full schedule below, and plan accordingly.

May
May 1
24%
Loosely adapted from the classic George Orwell novel, Andy Serkis’ first foray into animation follows a group of farm animals, led by a rebellious pig, who band together to take over their farm in order to prevent being slaughtered for food.
Starring: Glenn Close, Gaten Matarazzo, Steve Buscemi, Woody Harrelson
Directed By: Andy Serkis
78%
In this sequel to the 2006 hit, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) returns to work for Miranda Priestly’s (Meryl Streep) Runway magazine, hoping to rejuvenate the fashion mag with the help of former assistant Emily (Emily Blunt), who now runs a luxury brand of her own.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci
Directed By: David Frankel
87%
Adam Scott stars in this supernatural horror film as a writer who travels to Ireland to spread his parents’ ashes and discovers the hotel where he’s staying may be hiding a dark secret.
Starring: Adam Scott, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh, Peter Coonan
Directed By: Damian McCarthy
37%
Wu-Tang Clan guru RZA’s latest film is an action thriller about an ex-con army vet trying to start over in a new town who sets out on a twisted path of revenge when he crosses paths with a local gang he suspects may have had something to do with the disappearance of his cousin.
Starring: Shameik Moore, Paris Jackson, Blair Underwood, RJ Cyler
Directed By: RZA
– –
For fans of the manga series, this second feature film in the franchise is an original story set between the third and fourth seasons of the anime adaptation.
Starring: Miho Okasaki, Megumi Toyoguchi, Tomoaki Maeno, Makoto Furukawa
Directed By: Yasuhito Kikuchi
May 8
– –
James Cameron lends his technical expertise to this concert experience, presenting performances from Billie Eilish’s titular tour in immersive 3D.
Starring: Billie Eilish, James Cameron
Directed By: James Cameron, Billie Eilish
54%
This relationship comedy follows two couples on holiday together who become trapped in their cabin over New Year’s Eve and begin to unravel when the effects of a mysterious cocktail lead to secrets being revealed.
Starring: Alexandra Daddario, Daveed Diggs, Josh Gad, Ashley Park
Directed By: Nora Kirkpatrick
– –
Karl Urban joins the gang as Johnny Cage in this follow-up to the 2021 reboot of the popular video game adaptation, as the champions of Earthrealm face off this time against Outworld emperor Shao Kahn.
Starring: Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson
Directed By: Simon McQuoid
– –
Adapted from the 2022 novel of the same name by Shelby Van Pelt, this drama centers on the relationship that develops between a clever octopus held in an aquarium, the elderly widow who becomes his caretaker, and a drifter who enters their world. The film will stream exclusively on Netflix.
Starring: Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Colm Meaney, Joan Chen
Directed By: Olivia Newman
94%
This comedy based on the 2005 novel Three Bags Full follows a flock of sheep who make it their mission to solve the murder of their beloved shepherd.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon
Directed By: Kyle Balda
May 15
– –
Guy Ritchie’s latest action flick stars Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza González as a team of elite operatives who are tasked with recovering a billion-dollar fortune stolen by a ruthless tyrant.
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Rosamund Pike
Directed By: Guy Ritchie
– –
Aleshea Harris directs this big-screen adaptation of her 2018 play about two sisters whose mother charges them with killing their abusive father, who is the cause of the disfiguring scars on their faces.
Starring: Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Janelle Monáe, Erika Alexander
Directed By: Aleshea Harris
96%
In this cautionary horror film, a young man with a crush on his childhood friend utilizes a magical “One Wish Willow” to make her fall in love with him, only to discover that her affection is much more twisted and powerful than he was hoping for.
Starring: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Megan Lawless, Cooper Tomlinson
Directed By: Curry Barker
48%
Olivier Assayas’ political satire, based on the 2022 Giuliano da Empoli novel, chronicles the life of a fictional Russian government official (played by Paul Dano) from his time as a young artist to his role as the spin doctor for a rising Vladimir Putin (Jude Law).
Starring: Paul Dano, Jude Law, Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge
Directed By: Olivier Assayas
May 20
– –
John Krasinski reprises his role from the Prime Video espionage series Jack Ryan, as his titular agent attempts to unravel a new conspiracy involving a rogue black ops unit. The film will stream exclusively on Prime Video.
Starring: John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Michael Kelly, Maxton Beesley
Directed By: Andrew Bernstein
May 22
94%
Musician-turned-writer-director Boots Riley’s sophomore film follows a group of colorful shoplifters in a surreal, alternate San Francisco who set their sights on a high-profile designer.
Starring: Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu
Directed By: Boots Riley
Sacha Baron Cohen stars in this satire as a powerful, wealthy ad agency exec who wakes up one day in a parallel world where women hold all the power. The film will stream exclusively on Netflix.
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Rosamund Pike, Charles Dance, Emily Mortimer
Directed By: Thea Sharrock
– –
A young couple on the road who witness a terrible accident that leaves the driver dead are pursued by a demonic stalker who follows them wherever they go.
Starring: Melissa Leo, Jacob Scipio, Lou Llobell, Bonni Dichone
Directed By: André Øvredal
– –
Din Djarin and Grogu are back in this continuation of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, as the pair are tasked with saving a Hutt who has information on Imperial sympathizers that the New Republic wants.
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White, Jonathan Coyne
Directed By: Jon Favreau
May 29
– –
Based on the viral internet phenomenon, this horror film follows a furniture store owner and his therapist as they attempt to unravel the mystery behind the sprawling otherworldly dimension he discovers in his store’s basement.
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett
Directed By: Kane Parsons
– –
Stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze headlines this comedy about a man forced to become a stay-at-home dad when his wife lands the opportunity of a lifetime.
Starring: Nate Bargatze, Mandy Moore, Colin Jost, Zach Cherry
Directed By: Eric Appel
– –
Adapted from the 2014 stage play of the same name by David Haig, who co-wrote this film, this historical World War II drama centers on Scottish meteorologist James Stagg’s efforts to convince US President Dwight Eisenhower to adjust the timing of the D-Day invasion.
Starring: Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon, Chris Messina
Directed By: Anthony Maras
92%
Oscar-winning documentarian Daniel Roher makes his narrative feature debut with this crime thriller about a talented piano tuner who discovers his gifts make him a natural at cracking safes. Expanding wide from a limited release on May 22.
Starring: Leo Woodall, Dustin Hoffman, Havana Rose Liu, Lior Raz
Directed By: Daniel Roher
June
June 5
89%
John Carney’s latest musical drama stars Paul Rudd as Rick, an aging wedding singer whose chance meeting with former boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) leads to the latter turning one of Rick’s songs into a hit, prompting him to seek recognition for his work.
Starring: Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Jack Reynor, Havana Rose Liu
Directed By: John Carney
– –
The Wayanses are back, along with Anna Faris and Regina Hall, to poke fun at horror movie tropes and make pop culture references in the latest chapter of the parody franchise.
Starring: Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, Regina Hall
Directed By: Mike Tiddes
June 12
– –
Steven Spielberg returns to sci-fi with this thriller about humanity’s collective response to an alien invasion, focusing on a handful of characters who may be more connected to the event than they realize.
Starring: Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson
Directed By: Steven Spielberg
100%
This gritty, explosive martial arts film centers on a father who teams up with a journalist to rescue his daughter from the criminal syndicate who kidnapped her and may have had something to do with the disappearance of the journalist’s wife.
Starring: Xie Miao, Joe Taslim, Enyou Yang, Brian Le
Directed By: Tanigaki Kenji
June 19
– –
Hugh Jackman stars as the legendary outlaw in this loose adaptation of a 17th-century ballad, in which Robin Hood reflects on his life as he lies in the care of a mysterious woman after sustaining a mortal injury during a battle.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett
Directed By: Michael Sarnoski
97%
This horror film from Australia centers on two teenage boys whose community church forbids their burgeoning love and place a curse on them in the form of a demon that haunts them in the form of what they most desire — each other.
Starring: Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, Mia Wasikowska, Jeremy Blewitt
Directed By: Adrian Chiarella
– –
Buzz, Woody, and the rest of the gang reunite to battle the emergence of modern technology, as they witness little Bonnie growing dangerously attached to her new tablet, Lilypad.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
Directed By: Andrew Stanton
June 26
91%
Olivia Wilde directs and stars in this bold, intimate comedy about a struggling married couple who invite their upstairs neighbors over for a dinner gathering that winds up challenging them in ways they never expected.
Starring: Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton
Directed By: Olivia Wilde
– –
Hi, he’s Johnny Knoxville. Welcome to Jackass: Best and Last, a combination of new stunts, interviews, and old footage celebrating the history of the franchise.
Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Ehren McGhehey, Jason "Wee Man" Acuña
Directed By: Jeff Tremaine
– –
John Cena stars in this comedy as a famous realtor whose world is turned upside down when his little brother, played by Eric Andre, suddenly reappears. The film will stream exclusively on Netflix.
Starring: Sophia Bunnell, Pilot Bunch, John Cena, Eric André
Directed By: Matt Spicer
– –
After a fun cameo in 2025’s Superman, Milly Alcock returns as Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, who embarks on a cosmic quest for revenge on her 23rd birthday when a tragedy strikes a little too close to home.
Starring: Milly Alcock, Jason Momoa, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley
Directed By: Craig Gillespie
July
July 1
– –
This third film in the Minions spin-off prequels takes place in the 1920s, as the Minions seek to become Hollywood movie stars and end up unleashing monsters upon the world in the process.
Starring: Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg
Directed By: Pierre Coffin
July 3
– –
As its title indicates, this historical biopic tells the story of a young George Washington, prior to his presidency, focusing on his time as a soldier in the French and Indian War.
Starring: Will Joseph, Ben Kingsley, Mary-Louise Parker, William Franklyn-Miller
Directed By: Jon Erwin
July 10
– –
The plot of the latest chapter in the Evil Dead franchise remains tightly under wraps, but horror fans can expect plenty of bloody thrills and supernatural shenanigans.
Starring: Hunter Doohan, Luciane Buchanan, Souheila Yacoub, Tandi Wright
Directed By: Sébastien Vaniček
74%
Zoey Deutch stars in this comedy as a woman who discovers her fiancé has used his so-called “celebrity hall pass” to sleep with Jennifer Aniston and promptly heads to Los Angeles to even the score by doing the same with Jon Hamm.
Starring: Jon Hamm, Zoey Deutch, John Slattery, Ken Marino
Directed By: David Wain
– –
Catherine Laga’aia stars as Moana in Disney’s live-action remake of the 2016 animated film, alongside Dwayne Johnson as Maui, the character he voiced in the original.
Starring: Catherine Laga'aia, Dwayne Johnson, Rena Owen, John Tui
Directed By: Thomas Kail
July 17
– –
Christopher Nolan’s next highly anticipated, star-studded project is this adaptation of the ancient Greek epic that charts the journey of Greek king Odysseus as he travels home after the Trojan War.
Starring: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson
Directed By: Christopher Nolan
July 24
– –
Kevin Hart stars in this comedy about a 40-year-old who is mistakenly added to a group chat full of twenty-somethings planning a wild bachelor party and chooses to join them. The film will stream exclusively on Netflix.
Starring: Kevin Hart, Teyana Taylor, Mason Gooding, Marcello Hernández
Directed By: Tim Story
– –
Jake Johnson stars in this comedy as a washed-up tennis star with an anti-pickleball vendetta who is forced to take up the sport for rehab when he injures himself and finds it isn’t so bad after all. The film will stream exclusively on Apple TV.
Starring: Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Ben Stiller
Directed By: Josh Greenbaum
July 31
89%
Cooper Hoffman and Olivia Wilde star in Gregg Araki’s sex comedy about a young man who begins a new job working for a famous artist and becomes her sexual muse.
Starring: Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders
Directed By: Gregg Araki
– –
Tom Holland is back as Peter Parker, now operating as an anonymous Spider-Man, as he attempts to reconnect with old friends and deal with unexpected changes to his body while a new threat to the city emerges.
Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon
Directed By: Destin Daniel Cretton
August
August 7
– –
Horror auteur Eli Roth unleashes a new thriller about a suburban town terrorized by an ice cream man whose frozen treats have a homicidal effect on the kids who consume them.
Starring: Ari Millen, Benjamin Byron Davis, Karen Cliche, Dylan Hawco
Directed By: Eli Roth
– –
Broken Lizard’s goofy Vermont state troopers return in this third installment that sees Thorny (Jay Chandrasekhar) trying to disrupt Farva’s (Kevin Heffernan) wedding to his sister while the team tries to take down a new drug ring in town.
Starring: Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter
Directed By: Jay Chandrasekhar
– –
This cheeky thriller stars Hannah Einbinder as a director hired for a new installment of a famous slasher movie franchise who enters into a dangerous game with the original movie’s reclusive star (Gillian Anderson).
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Patrick Fischler, Hannah Einbinder
Directed By: Jane Schoenbrun
August 14
– –
Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor star in this high-concept sci-fi thriller about a suburban neighborhood that is ripped from the earth and transported to a mysterious unknown location, leaving its residents stranded and trying to figure out how to survive.
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Christian Convery, Maisy Stella
Directed By: David Robert Mitchell
– –
In the latest installment of the PAW Patrol franchise, the pups crash land on a dinosaur-infested island, where they must help rescue the island’s inhabitants when Mayor Humdinger inadvertently causes a volcanic eruption.
Starring: Carter Young, Mckenna Grace, Terry Crews, Meredith MacNeill
Directed By: Cal Brunker
August 21
– –
This sequel to 2023’s Insidious: The Red Door focuses on a new family, as a young mother discovers her ability not only to travel into the realm known as The Further, but to bring entities back with her.
Starring: Amelia Eve, Brandon Perea, Lin Shaye, Sam Spruell
Directed By: Jacob Chase
– –
Anna Faris, Isla Fisher, Leslie Mann, and Michelle Buteau star in this comedy about three friends who travel to Palm Springs for a relaxing spa vacation, only to be interrupted by another friend who brings chaos along with her.
Starring: Anna Faris, Isla Fisher, Leslie Mann, Michelle Buteau
Directed By: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
August 28
– –
Initially shelved by Warner Bros. before being picked up by Ketchup Entertainment, this live-action/animated hybrid film sees Looney Tunes’ Wile E. Coyote seeking the help of a human attorney (played by Will Forte) to sue the Acme Corporation for their faulty products.
Starring: Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, Eric Bauza
Directed By: Dave Green
– –
Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic sci-fi film stars Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin as two survivors of a worldwide pandemic who set out to find the source of a mysterious radio transmission.
Starring: Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce
Directed By: Ridley Scott
– –
This rom-com follows a musician who teams up with a psychology student on his college campus to track down his dream girl.
Starring: Angourie Rice, Spike Fearn, Minnie Driver
Directed By: Alicia MacDonald
74%
Dave Franco and O’Shea Jackson Jr. star in this comedy about a pair of regular guys hired to transport a rich teen to rehab whose journey quickly spirals out of control into mayhem.
Starring: Dave Franco, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Mason Thames, Kiernan Shipka
Directed By: Macon Blair
Thumbnail images by Miya Mizuno/©Sony Pictures, ©Universal Pictures, Geoffrey Short/©Universal Pictures

