Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
Summer 2021 is already shaping out to be one for the history books. With the COVID-19 vaccine now widely available, and case numbers in the U.S. rapidly dropping, folks are finally ready to get out of the house and out into the world.
But getting out of the house is pretty much the opposite of what streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and more want to see their subscribers doing, and those companies are working hard to make a night in look particularly tempting this summer. There’s an impressive line-up of movies coming to streaming in Summer 2021, including highly anticipated sequels like The Conjuring 3, huge musical productions like In The Heights, and futuristic action flicks starring Chris Pratt like The Tomorrow War.
And yes, it looks like movie theaters will be back, too—but not without caveats. All of the Warner Bros. movies—like The Conjuring 3, In The Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and The Suicide Squad—will be streaming free on HBO Max for 31 days at the same time they are playing in theaters. Disney movies like Black Widow and Jungle Cruise will be both in theaters and streaming on Disney+—for those willing to pay an extra $30. And Universal blockbusters like F9, Old, and Candyman will be in theaters only, but may be headed to video-on-demand sooner than usual, thanks to Universal’s deal with AMC that allows Universal titles to release on VOD after just 17 days in theaters. (That said, the 17-day theatrical window is only a minimum suggestion—we have a feeling F9 will be in theaters for longer than two and a half weeks.)
There’s a lot of excitement about the movies coming out in Summer 2021, as well as a lot of confusion about where you’ll be able to watch these movies on streaming. Never fear, for Decider is here to help you cut through the noise. Read on for a list of some of the most exciting movies coming to streaming this summer, as well as a few theatrical releases that don’t yet have streaming release dates, but will likely be on-demand soon enough.
'The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It'
Release Date: June 4
Streaming Service: HBO Max
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ruairi O’Connor
Why We’re Hyped: If you loved the first two Conjuring movies, there’s really no reason you wouldn’t be excited for The Conjuring 3. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are back as paranormal investigators taking on a murder court case that uses the rare demonic defense—which, if you’ll believe it, is based on the real-life trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson. You don’t have to wait long for The Conjuring 3, which opens in theaters this Friday and will be streaming on HBO Max for 31 days.
'Infinite'
Release Date: June 10
Streaming Service: Paramount+
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dylan O’Brien, and Jason Mantzoukas
Why We’re Hyped: Inception-Esque dreamworlds? Sign us up. Infinite will star Mark Wahlberg as Evan McAuley, a man who’s been having strange visions that he prescribes as schizophrenia. But the visions are, in fact, real: a group called the Infinites finds Evan, informing him that these hallucinations are just memories from several past lives.
'In the Heights'
Release Date: June 11
Streaming Service: HBO Max
Cast: Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz
Why We’re Hyped: The hype for the film adaption of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony-winning musical about his hometown New York City neighborhood has been building for years. Can it possibly live up to it? As a matter of fact, it can. Critics, including this one, are hailing Jon M. Chu’s musical as one of the year’s best. From the music to the production to the performances, In The Heights might just be the movie this summer, and whether you watch it in theaters or on HBO Max, you don’t want to miss it.
'Luca'
Release Date: June 18
Streaming Service: Disney+
Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Marco Barricelli, Saverio Raimondo, Maya Rudolph, and Jim Gaffigan.
Why We’re Hyped: We may not be in the golden Toy Story years anymore, but Pixar still rarely misses. This upcoming feature from Disney-Pixar is a coming-of-age story set on the Italian coast in the 1950s—doesn’t that just draw you in? And here’s the best part: Protagonist Luca and his BFF Alberto are secretly sea monsters. How can you not be here for that?
'F9'
Release Date: June 25
Streaming Service: In Theaters Only
Cast: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena, Helen Mirren, Kurt Russell, Charlize Theron
Why We’re Hyped: John Cena enters The Fast Saga with F9, which is set to hit packed theaters in just a few weeks. Not only that — he’ll be playing Dom’s (Vin Diesel) estranged, deadly assassin brother. Cena and Diesel as brothers? What a powerful family! The two will face off in the ninth installment of the series, which promises to load in more epic stunts and thrills with original Fast & Furious director Justin Lin at the helm.
'False Positive'
Release Date: June 25
Streaming Service: Hulu
Cast: Ilana Glazer, Justin Theroux, Gretchen Mol, Sophia Bush
Why We’re Hyped: After five years of consistently hilarious shenanigans with Abbi Jacobson on Broad City, comedian Ilana Glazer is venturing into an entirely new genre. False Positive, which Glazer co-wrote with John Lee (who also directs), stars Glazer as a woman trying to get pregnant with her husband. You might expect comedy from that premise, but in fact, this A24 film is closer to horror. It looks like a chillingly fascinating take on motherhood, the patriarchy, and the ways women are complicit in their own oppression.
'The Ice Road'
Release Date: June 25
Streaming Service: Netflix
Cast: Liam Neeson, Laurence Fishburne, Benjamin Walker, Amber Midthunder, Marcus Thomas,
Why We’re Hyped: It’s a Liam Neeson survival thriller—you know what it is, people. Yes, Liam Neeson movies are predictable, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t enjoyable. Neeson fans know exactly what to expect from his upcoming Netflix movie where he stars as an ice truck driver on a rescue mission, and it’s unlikely they’ll be disappointed. Plus, a bonus Laurence Fishburne!
'Werewolves Within'
Release Date: June 25 (in theaters), July 2 (VOD)
Streaming Service: iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, Michael Chernus, Michaela Watkins
Why We’re Hyped: From Ginger Snaps to The Wolf of Snow Hollow, werewolf movies have long proven to be reliable subgenre for off-kilter horror delights. Werewolves Within is based on the popular VR video game, and stars a fantastic assortment of some of our favorite indie comedians in a tale that seems like something Agatha Christie might have dreamt up.
'Zola'
Release Date: June 30
Streaming Service: In Theaters Only
Cast: Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun, Colman Domingo
Why We’re Hyped: The same studio (A24) that brought us wild rides like Uncut Gems and The Disaster Artist is taking us for another spin with Zola, which debuted over a year ago at Sundance. Based on a gripping true story (see it for your own eyes in this 148-tweet thread), Zola is about how two strippers… well… “fell out.” Prepare for a glimmering, shimmering, thrill ride through Florida.
'America: The Motion Picture'
Release Date: June 30
Streaming Service: Netflix
Cast: Channing Tatum, Jason Mantzoukas, Olivia Munn, Bobby Moynihan, Judy Greer, Will Forte, Raoul Max Trujillo, Killer Mike, with Simon Pegg and Andy Samberg
Why We’re Hyped: It’s been a minute since an animated feature comedy for adults really hit big, but America: The Motion Picture might have the potential to deliver the laughs its audience expects. It’s a tongue-in-cheek retelling of the American Revolution, featuring George Washington with a chainsaw. Certainly, the all-star line-up of comedians who will lend their voices to this movie is a promising sign, as is this excerpt of the film’s official description: “These are not your father’s Founding… uh, Fathers.”
'Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)''
Release Date: July 2
Streaming Service: Hulu
Cast: Ahmir Khalib Thompson
Why We’re Hyped: This documentary—which is the directorial debut for Ahmir Khalib “Questlove” Thompson—wowed critics when it premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January, and is a must-watch for connoisseurs of the 60s. Because the same summer that Woodstock took place, another, far-less-documented musical festival was lighting up the streets of New York City: the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Featuring headliners like Stevie Wonder, The 5th Dimension, Gladys Knight, and more, this incredible archival footage is sure to put a smile on your face.
'The Tomorrow War'
Release Date: July 2
Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, Betty Gilpin, J.K. Simmons
Why We’re Hyped: We’ve seen Chris McKay in the director’s chair for home-runs like The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman Movie, but The Tomorrow War will mark the creator’s first foray into live-action movies. The Tomorrow War will plot aliens, time traveling, and fatherhood into one epic quest.
The 'Fear Street' Trilogy
Release Date: July 2 (Part 1), July 9 (Part 2), July 16 (Part 3)
Streaming Service: Netflix
Cast: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr., Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd, Ryan Simpkins, Kiana Madeira, Ashley Zukerman and Gillian Jacobs
Why We’re Hyped: Are you ready for the film adaption of R.L. Stine’s teen horror book series Fear Street? Well, you better get ready, because this three-part trilogy will release over three consecutive Fridays in July. Starring some familiar faces—including Sadie Sink from Stranger Things—these three movies take place in three decades of fear: Fear Street Part 1: 1994, Fear Street Part 2: 1978, and Fear Street Part 3: 1666.
'Black Widow'
Release Date: July 9
Streaming Service: Disney+ with Premier Access
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz
Why We’re Hyped: It feels like we’ve been waiting forever for Black Widow — partially because there’s been little-to-no backstory on the superhero since her appearance in Iron Man 2, but also because it’s been delayed several times over the course of the pandemic. But this premiere date seems to be sticking, finally. Black Widow will follow Scarlett Johannsen’s titular character as she rises in the ranks as a freelance operative, navigating between the U.S.S.R. and New York.
'Gunpowder Milkshake'
Release Date: July 14
Streaming Service: Netflix
Cast: Karen Gillan, Lena Headey, Carla Gugino, Chloe Coleman, Michelle Yeoh, Angela Bassett, and Paul Giamatti
Why We’re Hyped: Four words: Team of lady assassins. And I suppose I might as well as add that that team of lady assassins is played by Karen Gillan, Lena Heady, Angela Bassett, Michelle Yeoh and Carla Gugino. Like, come on. This movie is going to absolutely kick ass.
'Space Jam: A New Legacy'
Release Date: July 16
Streaming Service: HBO Max
Cast: Lebron James, Zendaya, Don Cheadle, Gabriel Iglesias, Sonequa Martin-Green
Why We’re Hyped: The Looney Tunes gang are benching Michael Jordan in their Space Jam sequel — but they’ve got LeBron James on the court as his replacement. When James and his son get trapped in a bizarre virtual space, Bugs Bunny, Lola Bunny, and the rest of the crew team up with James to battle the Goon Squad. Who will win in the race between Tunes versus Goons?
'Old'
Release Date: July 23
Streaming Service: In Theaters Only
Cast: Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps, Eliza Scanlen, Thomasin McKenzie, Alex Wolff, Abbey Lee, Aaron Pierre
Why We’re Hyped: M. Night Shyamalan is back at it again, and this time he’s bringing his thrills to the beach. Old is inspired by the graphic novel Sandcastle by Pierre Oscar Levy and Frederik Peeters, and follows a family on a tropical vacation that discovers a beach that causes them to age rapidly. Sounds creepy and weird—I’m there!
'Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins'
Release Date: July 23
Streaming Service: In Theaters Only (We think?)
Cast: Henry Golding, Samara Weaving
Why We’re Hyped: Saying that G.I. Joe franchise has gotten off to a bumpy start is one of the understatements of the century. Despite having bonafide beefcake A-listers like Channing Tatum and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in leading roles, the franchise only sputtered out two live-action movies this century. That said, Snake Eyes is arguably the most popular G.I. Joe character of all-time, and this reboot replaces Ray Park with Henry Golding, the smooth AF charm machine everyone fell in love with in Crazy Rich Asians. (One other note: Don’t be surprised if Paramount, this movie’s distributor, finds a way to move this onto Paramount+ shortly after the movie hits theaters.)
'Jungle Cruise'
Release Date: July 30
Streaming Service: Disney+ with Premier Access
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Édgar Ramírez, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti.
Why We’re Hyped: Yes, Jungle Cruise is a new movie starring The Rock that’s based on a theme park ride at Disney World. But let’s not forget that Pirates of the Caribbean was born from similar origins and that movie rules. Jungle Cruise looks absolutely ridiculous in the best way, including Jesse Plemmons with a silly German accent and a magical river tree of life.
'The Green Knight'
Release Date: July 30
Streaming Service: In Theaters Only
Cast: Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Erin Kellyman, Barry Keoghan
Why We’re Hyped: Dev Patel leads in this retelling of the Arthurian legend, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The epic will follow Sir Gawain (Patel) on a quest to defeat the Green Knight, a gigantic tree-like creature known to defeat men. The journey is so fantastic that A24 has already devised a board game based on the film — a perfect companion to The Green Knight.
'The Suicide Squad'
Release Date: August 6
Streaming Service: HBO Max
Cast: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Peter Capaldi, Sylvester Stallone, and Viola Davis
Why We’re Hyped: It’s a little confusing, but this 2021 Suicide Squad movie is intended as a “standalone sequel” to the 2016 film, as well as a “soft reboot” of the franchise. What the heck does that mean? Who knows! The point is, Margot Robbie might get to wear her rainbow confetti jacket from Birds of Prey again, and that’s all that matters.
'The Kissing Booth 3'
Release Date: August 11
Streaming Service: Netflix
Cast: Joey King, Jacob Elordi, Joel Courtney, Molly Ringwald
Why We’re Hyped: Two words: college decision. Where will Elle Evans (Joey King) go? She’s deciding between her longtime goal of Berkely with her best friend and a fiery new idea — Harvard with her boyfriend, who happens to be the brother of that same best friend. While The Kissing Booth series may not be masterful cinema, it sure is gossipy teen rom-com goodness.
'CODA'
Release Date: August 13
Streaming Service: Apple TV+
Cast: Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, Daniel Durant
Why We’re Hyped: This coming-of-age film from director Sian Heder was the clear stand-out of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and set a new acquisition record for the fest when it sold to Apple for $25 million. Though it’s a remake of the 2014 French-language film La Famille Bélier, this film feels something fully its own—a sincere, emotional, unabashedly uplifting tale about a 17-year-old girl who is the only hearing member of her all-deaf family. It’s sure to be an instant classic among young movie lovers.
'Respect'
Release Date: August 13, 2021
Streaming Service: In Theaters Only
Cast: Jennifer Hudson
Why We’re Hyped: No singer will ever be able to match the vocal prowess of the late Aretha Franklin, but if someone is even going to try, we’re glad that person is Oscar- and Grammy-winner Jennifer Hudson. (No disrespect to Cynthia Erivo, of course, whose vocal chops in Genius are enviable.) The prospect of J-Hud channeling the Queen of Soul is enough to give us goosebumps, but when you add in the fact that she’s paired with first-time director Liesl Tommy, the first woman of color to be nominated for a Best Director Tony Award, we’ve got a potential Oscar nominee on our hands.
'Annette'
Release Date: August 6 (in theaters), August 20 (on Prime)
Streaming Service: In Theaters and Amazon Prime
Cast: Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard, Simon Helberg
Why We’re Hyped: It’s been nearly a decade since Leos Carax’s last feature film, Holy Motors, which stunned Cannes audiences with its talking cars, absolute genre-busting madness. Annette will feature singing from Adam Driver (we’ve seen him at his best while sounding off in Inside Llewyn Davis and Marriage Story), as it follows two performers who fall in love and conceive a child with a “unique gift.” Oh, and Baby Driver’s Edgar Wright is releasing a documentary about the composers of the film later this summer, too (Sparks).
'Sweet Girl'
Release Date: August 20
Streaming Service: Netflix
Cast: Jason Momoa, Justin Bartha, Isabela Merced
Why We’re Hyped: The longline for this Netflix Original reads thusly: “A devastated husband (Jason Momoa) vows to bring justice…” We’re just gonna stop there, as we have heard enough. Jason Momoa? Vowing to bring justice? Where do we sign? (Bonus points: He’s vowing to bring justice to … wait for it … BIG PHARMA!)
'The Beatles: Get Back'
Release Date: November 25, 26, and 27
Streaming Service: Disney+
Cast: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
Why We’re Hyped: After the dreadful Hobbit trilogy, we don’t blame Peter Jackson for refocusing his innate talents as a filmmaker on the documentary genre. With They Shall Not Grow Old, Jackson took a WWI story that you’ve probably seen a hundred times on the History Channel and made it into something truly unforgettable, and we’re expecting he’ll do the same thing with the Fab Four now that he’s been granted unfettered access to the most valuable music library in the world.
'Candyman'
Release Date: August 27
Streaming Service: In Theaters Only
Cast: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and Colman Domingo
Why We’re Hyped: The world has been waiting a long time for Nia DaCosta’s highly-anticipated addition to The Candyman movieverse, a sort of soft reboot/sequel to the 1992 supernatural slasher about a killer with a hook hand. Produced by Jordan Peele, who also co-wrote the script with DeCosta and Win Rosenfeld, horror fans just know this one is going to be good. If you’re brave—or stupid—enough to face the consequences, go ahead and utter his name five times in the mirror. Just see what happens.
'He's All That'
Release Date: August 27
Streaming Service: Netflix
Cast: Addison Rae, Tanner Buchanan, Rachel Leigh Cook
Why We’re Hyped: Is the world ready for a gender-swapped remake of She’s All That? (I thought we had all agreed that gender is just a construct?) Regardless, this movie stars Tik Tok phenomenon Addison Rae (far right in the photo above), someone who is either the most famous person on the planet or a “Who?” depending on your age. Netflix’s algo knows a thing or two about what the Zoomers want in a rom-com, though —see The Kissing Booth 3 above!— so we’re gonna go out on a limb and say this one is gonna be a smash.
