The summer movie season is always a big one for genre movie fans, but 2017 is shaping up to be one of the biggest in years. With everything from major franchise expansions to brand new sci-fi offerings coming out between now and the Fall, you’re going to need to be organized to ensure you don’t miss out.
To help you out, COMET has handpicked 15 movies we think are worthy of a trip to the theater this Summer. It all starts with an adaptation of a hit novel, starring Tom Hanks and Emma Watson…..
The Circle (April 28)
Emma Watson has already caused a lot of buzz with her turn as Snow White this year, but this week she’ll be appearing in the highly-anticipated adaptation of Dave Eggers’ hit novel, The Circle. Watson will be joined by Tom Hanks, John Boyega, and the late Bill Paxton for a story that will probably make you think twice about how you use Facebook or Google.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (May 5)
What was a surprise hit back in 2014 has now spawned one of the most anticipated movies of 2017. Baby Groot will probably steal the show, but we can’t wait to find out how the Guardians will tie back into the wider MCU. And yes, it’s going to have another epic retro soundtrack featuring some of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (May 12)
We’re not sure we really needed another movie based on the legendary King Arthur, but if it is going to happen it’s good to know that Guy Ritchie is the man in charge. If the trailer is anything to go by, Ritchie has turned the traditional King Arthur story into a Fantasy epic worthy of its prime Summer movie season slot. If you’re tired of comicbook movie tropes this Summer, a trip back to beyond the dark ages could be a pleasant medicine.
Alien: Covenant (May 19)
Ridley Scott says his R-rated Alien: Covenant will “scare the shit out of people“. Between that quote and this terrifying trailer, it looks like Alien fans can get excited about their beloved franchise getting back to its roots this May.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (May 26)
Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has been a bit hit and miss of late, but the fifth movie in the series looks as though it could right the ship. Johnny Depp is joined by a series of new faces, including Kaya Scodelario and Javier Bardem, but it’s the returning stars that have everyone excited. As well as Depp, both Kiera Knightley and Orlando Bloom are set to make a return to the franchise, while Geoffrey Rush will also revive his classic character, Barbossa.
Wonder Woman (June 2)
The DCEU is in need of a win, and we’re not alone in hoping that it’s Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman that delivers it.
The Mummy (June 9)
An Ancient Egyptian princess emerges after a millennia-long sleep to terrorize the planet. Unfortunately for her, Earth’s greatest action hero is on hand to take her down. Is there anything Tom Cruise can’t do? The Mummy is the kickstarter to Universal’s all-new Monster Movie Universe, which will see classic movie beasts like Creature from the Black Lagoon and Wolf Man returning to the big screen.
Amityville: The Awakening (June 9)
After a troubled journey, the latest entry into the Amityville horror franchise is finally ready for release this Summer. This time, it’s Bella Thorne and Jennifer Jason Leigh’s turn to take on the famed house of horror.
Transformers: The Last Knight (June 23)
Can a new writing team and an appearance from Sir Anthony Hopkins give the Transformers franchise the injection of quality it so desperately needs? The trailers for this movie have looked downright bonkers, but whether or not that converts to a good movie remains to be seen.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (July 7)
It’s a tough task pleasing Spider-Man fans, but with Tom Holland it looks like Sony and Marvel have found a real gem. Expect lots of web-slinging humor and action, all set to the backdrop of what we’re told will be a John Hughes-esque group of high school characters. There’s also going to be a ton of Iron Man action, so Marvel fanboys and fangirls should be kept suitably entertained.
War for the Planet of the Apes (July 14)
What a pleasant surprise this reboot of a sci-fi classic has been. Andy Serkis returns as Alpha Ape, Caesar, and we’ll all no doubt be wondering when they’ll create an Academy award for motion capture performances.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (July 21)
Luc Besson endeared himself to sci-fi fans everywhere with The Fifth Element, and there are more than a few shades of that classic in the director’s latest effort. Summer space opera is back on the menu.
The Dark Tower (August 4)
It’s not easy making a movie, but it’s even harder when that movie is based on one of Stephen King’s most popular novels. The Dark Tower has taken over a decade to make it to our screens, and fans of the book will be keeping their fingers crossed that Idris Elba is the Gunslinger they’ve all been waiting for.
Annabelle: Creation (August 11)
The Conjuring is one of the most successful horror franchise’s in years, and this Summer that movie universe is about to get some deep backstory. Annabelle: Creation will tell the story of how the creepy doll became so…well, creepy. We saw some extended footage of the movie at Wonder Con earlier this year, and we can tell you that this movie will have all the hallmarks of another great movie in the Conjuring series.
It (September 8)
Prepare for a reboot of some classic scares this fall. Stephen King’s Pennywise is returning to give a whole new generation of people some serious clown issues. The movie’s first trailer became one of the most-viewed teasers of all time, so it’s safe to say there’s a lot of people looking forward to the reliving those childhood terrors.
