It’s a mixed bag for genres for upcoming movie releases this July. The biggest name is, without question, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” both for the star power involved and the lack of major competition this summer regarding box office success. Superhero fatigue or not, the marketing machine is making sure we’re all aware it’s coming. Elsewhere, there are notable major releases such as “Twisters” and horror films like “MaXXXine.”
READ MORE: The Best Films Of 2024 So Far: ‘Challengers,’ ‘Civil War,’ ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ & More
It will be interesting to see how some of the more under-the-radar films compete with the bigger titles. Films such as “Longlegs” continue to garner attention through intelligently thought teasers that refuse to show too much of their hand before release. Elsewhere, there are festival favorites such as “Sing Sing” and “Dìdi” that will help you escape the heat.
“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F”
Mark Molloy directs Eddie Murphy in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” the fourth installment in the “Beverly Hills Cop” film series. Written by Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten, the film follows Murphy’s Axel Foley after his return to Beverly Hills after his daughter’s life is threatened. Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot all reprise their roles, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige, and Kevin Bacon joining.
Release Date: Available to stream July 3 on Netflix (read our review).
“Despicable Me 4”
Steve Carrell reprises his role as Gru in “Despicable Me 4” from Illumination. The popular series’ continuation once again finds Gru with his family, this time with a new addition, as they move to a new town and face new threats. Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage direct, with Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, Will Ferrell, Kevin Kline, and more all starring.
Release Date: In theaters July 3 via Universal (read our review).
“The Imaginary”
Studio Ponoc delivers a new animated feature with “The Imaginary” from director Yoshiyuki Momose. The film follows a boy who is an imaginary, invisible entity created by a young girl. In this world, imaginations can live and be eaten by others, though Rudger can only be seen by his creator. Based on the novel of the same name, the voice cast includes Kokoro Terada, Rio Suzuki, Sakura Ando, Riisa Naka, Takayuki Yamada, and more (read our review).
Release Date: Available to stream July 5 on Netflix.
“MaXXXine”
Mia Goth reteams with director Ti West for the third film in their slasher anthology, “MaXXXine.” A direct sequel to the first of the series, “X,” the film follows Maxine as she’s on the hunt for fame amidst the backdrop of a 1980s Hollywood while targeted by a killer known as the Night Stalker. Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito, and Kevin Bacon also star. (read our review).
Release Date: In theaters July 5 via A24.
“Fly Me To The Moon”
Greg Berlanti directs “Fly Me to the Moon,” his first film since 2018’s “Love, Simon.” The film stars Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johanson as the NASA director in charge of the Apollo 11 launch and the marketing specialist who is brought in to fix NASA’s public image—Nick Dillenburg, Anna Garcia, Jim Rash, Ray Romano, Woody Harrelson and more also star.
Release Date: In theaters July 12 via Sony Pictures Releasing.
“Dandelion”
In the latest film written and directed by Nicole Rigel (“Holler”), Kiki Lane stars as a singer-songwriter. The film follows Dandelion as she starts a new romance that pushes her into greater discovery of herself and artistic expression. Thomas Doherty, Melanie Nicholls-King, Brady Stablein, Jack Stablein, and Grace Kaiser also star in this romantic drama. Bryce Dessner and Aaron Dessner of The National compose the music.
Release Date: In theaters July 12 via IFC Films.
“Longlegs”
Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage star in the buzzy horror film “Longlegs” from director Oz Perkins (“Gretel & Hansel”) The film has already amassed a decent amount of hype due to strong marketing. Set in the 1990s, the film follows Monroe’s FBI agent who is assigned to an unsolved case involving a Satanic serial killer known as Longlegs. Alicia Witt, Blair Underwood, and Kiernan Shipka also star.
Release Date: In theaters July 12 via NEON.
“Sing Sing”
Fresh off of his Oscar-nominated performance in 2023’s “Rustin,” Coleman Domingo returns with another captivating performance in “Sing Sing.” Greg Kwedar directs the film with a script co-written by him and Clint Bentley, inspired by true events. The film, led by Domingo and Paul Raci, follows a group of inmates inspired to create their original production. The film also stars many real-life formerly incarcerated men.
Release Date: In theaters July 12 via A24.
“Twisters”
“Minari” director Lee Isaac Chung pivots to blockbuster fare with “Twisters,” a standalone sequel to the original “Twister” from 1996. Glenn Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos star in the film, which follows Kate Carter, who is lured back into chasing tornados by her friend to test out a new tracking system. The film tracks the competing storm-chasing teams as they find themselves further into the summer as the storm season intensifies.
Release Date: In theaters July 19 via Universal Pictures.
“The Fabulous Four”
Jocelyn Moorhouse (“The Dressmaker”) directs the powerhouse lineup of Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph in “The Fabulous Four.” Ann Marie Allison and Jenna Milly write the comedy and follows three friends as they travel to Key West in order to be bridesmaids for a friend from college.
Release Date: In theaters July 26 via Bleecker Street.
“Deadpool & Wolverine”
Ryan Reynolds makes his Marvel debut with “Deadpool & Wolverine,” with Hugh Jackman also reprising his role. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film is the MCU’s first R-rated film. The film looks to draw different pieces of the expansive MCU lore together, as the Time Variance Authority recruits Deadpool met in “Loki” for a mission to save his home universe and, to do so, will need the help of Wolverine. Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfayden also star.
Release Date: In theaters July 28 via Walt Disney Studios.
“Dìdi” (弟弟)
Premiering at this year’s Sundance, “Dìdi” is a coming-of-age story written and directed by Sean Wang in his directorial debut. The film takes place in 2008 and follows a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy on the cusp of entering high school. The film follows him as, throughout the end of summer, he learns how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love his mom: Izaac Wang and Joan Chen star.
Release Date: In theaters July 28 via Focus Features (read our review).