As summer heats up, the release calendar gets louder, buzzier, and fully consumed by blockbuster season. From family franchises kicking off the month to Disney’s latest live-action adaptation, another MCU return for Spider-Man, and a star-studded Christopher Nolan epic based on one of the most famous stories ever told, July is packed with fan-favorite IP, sequels, spinoffs, and conversation-starting studio swings.
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Between those major releases, there are also plenty of independent dramas and international titles generating interest of their own. With new works from filmmakers such as Hirokazu Kore-eda and Gregg Araki, there are plenty of smaller films to discuss as we begin our frantic catch-up on everything we’ve missed so far. From Minions to pickleball, sleuths to Greek mythology, there’s a little something for everyone—even if two titles in particular are likely to dominate the summer film conversation.
“Minions & Monsters”
The Illumination mascots are back for another round of mayhem with “Minions & Monsters.” The latest entry in the franchise, which began with the 2010 animated feature “Despicable Me,” is directed by Pierre Coffin and written by Coffin and Brian Lynch. Allison Janney and Trey Parker both return to reprise their roles, with Jesse Eisenberg, Zoey Deutch, Christoph Waltz, Jeff Bridges, Bobby Moynihan, and Phil LaMarr joining the cast. The film follows the Minions as they must save the day after accidentally unleashing the monsters on the world.
Release Date: In theaters July 1 via Universal Pictures.
“Enola Holmes 3”
Millie Bobby Brown returns to a Netflix franchise that isn’t “Stranger Things” with “Enola Holmes 3,” once again playing Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister. The book adaptation returns to find Enola preparing for her marriage, only for those plans to be interrupted when her brother is kidnapped. Louis Partridge, Himesh Patel, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter, and Susan Wokoma all return, with Philip Barantini (“Adolescence”) directing.
Release Date: Available to stream July 3 via Netflix.
“Moana”
Disney dips back into its animation library for another live-action adaptation, this time with “Moana.” Catherine Laga’aia stars as Moana, who leaves her island home to restore prosperity to her people. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui, who helps Moana on her journey. Written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film is directed by first-time feature filmmaker Thomas Kail, best known for directing Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway work. Jemaine Clement also reprises his role as a giant crab, with John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen joining the cast.
Release Date: In theaters July 10 via Walt Disney Pictures.
“Evil Dead Burn”
The decades-long horror series returns with “Evil Dead Burn,” from writer/director Sébastien Vaniček (“Infested”). A standalone film connected to the 2013 and 2023 entries, the story follows a woman living with her in-laws at their secluded home while trying to process the death of her husband. But things grow increasingly tense when the Book of the Dead unleashes its demonic forces. Souheila Yacoub, Tandi Wright, Hunter Doohan, Luciane Buchanan, Erroll Shand, and Maude Davey star.
Release Date: In theaters July 10 via Warner Bros. Pictures.
