With two major superhero films (from DC and Marvel) and three sequels for ’90s hits, July is already poised to be, at least, a major nostalgia feast, no matter the quality. We’re fully in the escape the heat, summer peak, as the theaters crowd themselves with big-name releases and tentpole features.
There are plenty of independent and mid-budget features beyond the obvious, such as “Superman,” which everyone will be seeing. From art-house favorites like Ari Aster to midsummer horror flicks that will make even the most steel-stomached squeamish, July delivers something of interest each week. There’s plenty at home for those not looking to brave the heat to make it to their local theaters, from comedy sequels to original action films.
READ MORE: Summer 2025 Movie Preview: 50 Films To Watch
“Heads of State“
Action stars Idris Elba and John Cena pair up for the action-comedy “Heads of State.” The two stars as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the President of the United States, who are forced to team up and put aside their rivalry to defeat a global conspiracy. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, Priyanka Chopra, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, and Carla Gugino round out the cast.
Release Date: Available to stream July 2 on Prime Video.
“The Old Guard 2“
The group of immortals returns in the long-awaited sequel, “The Old Guard 2.” Charlize Theron returns to lead the cast as the group must face down the earliest group of immortals in a new plot against their lives. Kiki Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Matthias Schoenaerts, Vân Veronica Ng, and Chiwetel Ejiofor all reprise their roles with Uma Thurman and Henry Golding joining the cast.
Release Date: Available to stream July 2 on Netflix.
“Jurassic World Rebirth”
The long-running franchise continues with the Scarlett Johansonn starrer, “Jurassic World Rebirth.” Directed by Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” “The Creator,”) the film follows Johansonn’s Zora Bennett, who must lead a team in search of the original Jurassic Park to find dinosaur DNA that will provide life-saving benefits to humankind. Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Ed Skrein also star.
Release Date: In theaters July 2 via Universal Pictures.
“40 Acres”
Danielle Deadwyler stars in the apocalyptic actioner, “40 Acres,” from director R.T. Thorne in his directorial debut. Written by Thorne and Glenn Taylor, the film takes place in a future decimated by plagues and wars where, on a small surviving farm, a former soldier and her family must make one last stand against a militia trying to take their land—Kateem O’Connor, Jaeda LeBlanc, Michael Greyeyes, Milcania Diaz-Rojas, and Leenah Robinson all star.
Release Date: In theaters July 2 via Magnolia Pictures.
