Summer is the time for freedom and relaxation, encompassed with feelings of joy and warm sunny days. After late nights studying and stressful exams, what better way to wind down than by watching your favorite movies? This summer, fan favorites like “How to Train Your Dragon”, “Lilo & Stitch,” “Smurfs” and “M3GAN” are releasing into theaters, just waiting to be watched.
“Lilo & Stitch” (2025)
Release Date: May 23
Cast:
Sydney Agudong: Nani, Lilo’s older sister
Chris Sanders: Stitch
Maia Kealoha: Lilo
A young girl named Lilo lives in Hawaii with her older sister Nani, where they adopt a blue “dog” which they name Stitch. The blue dog turns out to be a genetically modified alien experiment created by the Galactic Federation, meant to destroy everything he touches. Lilo and Nani end up turning Stitch into a part of their family. A heartwarming story that brings back your childhood memories of watching the cartoon “Lilo & Stitch,” this movie is perfect for that nostalgic feel during summer.
“Elio”
Release Date: June 20
Cast:
Yonas Kibreeb: Elio
Zoe Saldana: Aunt Olga
Brad Garret: Lord Grigon
Summary:
Elio, an 11-year-old boy who recently lost his parents, is awash with grief and taken under the care of his Aunt Olga. One starry night, he finds himself beamed up to the Communiverse. The Communiverse is an interplanetary organization with representatives from different solar systems and planets, where Elio is mistaken as the representative of Earth. He spends his time there, fascinated by the things he once wondered about.
“The Bad Guys 2”
Release Date: August 1
Cast:
Anthony Ramos: Mr Piranha
Sam Rockwell: Mr Wolf
Akwafina: Mr Tarantula
Craig Robinson: Mr Shark
Summary:
A group formerly known as “The Bad Guys” tries their best to stay reformed as “The Good Guys,” in the face of occasional hiccups. Despite their best efforts, they suddenly find themselves wrapped up in a high-stakes heist, masterminded by a new group of villains called “The Bad Girls.” Light, enjoyable and funny, “The Bad Guys” is perfect for summer. If you’re looking for an entertaining watch, this is your go-to.
“Smurfs”
Release date: July 18
Cast:
Rihanna: Smurfette
John Goodman: Papa Smurf
JP Karliak: Gargamel
Sandra Oh: Moxie
Summary:
A musical adventure takes place when the evil wizards Gargamel and Razamel kidnap Papa Smurf. The Smurfs enter the “real world” to try their best and save them. On their way, they meet new friends and learn the truth behind the real world. With catchy tunes curated by Rihanna, this movie is not just a fun watch but also enjoyable to sing along to as well.
“How to Train Your Dragon”
Release: June 13
Cast:
Mason Thames: Hiccup
Nico Parker: Astrid Hofferson
Julian Dennison: Fishlegs Ingerman
Gerald Butler: Stoick the Vast
Summary:
Hiccup defied all established traditions by befriending a dragon, which he dubbed Toothless.” However, when a mysterious threat emerges from the past, his connection with his dragon may be the only thing to save them. A blast from the past, this movie is an exciting sequel to the original “How to Train Your Dragon.”
Summer is the best time to reignite your imagination after months of heavy schoolwork. Every movie is a reminisce of the past or a spark to something new. Whether you have never watched the series before or it’s one of your favorite collections ever, each movie is something to look forward to when summer starts.
