35 of the Best Summer Blockbusters of This Century
Ever since Jaws made people afraid to get back in the water in 1975, summer has been considered the best season for movies, at least for a certain kind of movie: usually loud, often action-packed, and most likely filled with special events. . consequences. Summer blockbusters have a reputation for being silly and shallow; While this isn’t necessarily true, it’s certainly true that the form’s defining examples prefer to stun you with spectacle rather than make you think (though there’s nothing wrong with that). To celebrate the return of hot weather movies, let’s run through a list of the best summer blockbusters released since 2000. To be considered, a film doesn’t have to top the box office (although most do) and doesn’t have to be released during a time when the calendar strictly defines summer – I think we can all agree, when it comes to movies, the high season begins in May and ends in August. What they do have to offer is a fun ride.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Release date: May 27, 2022. US box office: $719 million.
After a nearly three-year delay, first due to reshoots and then due to COVID restrictions, Top Gun: Maverick seemed like it could easily be an afterthought, especially given the haphazard nature of older sequels. Instead, it became the film that “saved Hollywood” (and movie theaters) after the pandemic threatened to make streaming the new norm. The second-highest domestic box office of 2022 (behind Avatar: The Way of Water ), the sequel to 1986’s Top Gun was a fun throwback that actually surpassed its predecessor in both theatrical experience and a coherent plot, despite the original’s lack of gay subtext seems disrespectful to its heritage. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Paramount+ , MGM+, Prime Video.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Release date: June 30, 2004. US box office: $373 million.
For a while, it was taken for granted that any Marvel film would be at least passably entertaining and would do well at the box office, but that was hardly the case when Sam Raimi was faced with a sequel to the successful 2002 Spider-Man year, earning $400 million. The director had no choice but to make the sequel bigger in every way: flashier special effects, higher stakes, the villain even has more hands! Fortunately, the film also improves in areas such as the screenplay (written by Oscar winner Alvin Sargent from a story by Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Chabon); Not only was it almost as big a success in US theaters, but it also ushered in the modern era of summer blockbusters. — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: Disney+ , digital rental.
Barbie (2023)
Release date: July 21, 2023. US box office: $636 million.
The highest-grossing film of 2023 and capturing the zeitgeist (sorry, Oppenheimer ), Barbie is not only a phenomenally good time, but will remain a fascinating cultural artifact for decades to come. It’s a very strange film: a corporate IP made by a prestigious director (Greta Gerwig) that manages to be as silly as it is genuinely moving. For a short, wonderful moment, we were united by our common love for the film based on the doll. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Max , digital rental
Star Trek (2009)
Release date: May 8, 2009. US box office: $257 million.
When it came to Star Trek , I’ve always been more of a next-gen guy—though don’t get me wrong, I appreciate even-numbered movies just as much as the average geek—so I wasn’t as offended as some were by director JJ Abrams made big changes when he learned of the long-running franchise’s deception. Yes, it recasts the original roles (though Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Karl Urban do a good job of channeling the Big Kirk/Spock/Bones Triple Energy), it de-canonizes everything that came before, set in an alternate timeline. , he even kills an entire beloved alien species. But if you push the action to the forefront, it also feels like the first Trek on the big screen that really took advantage of its summer release date. — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: Paramount+ , digital rental
Wonder Woman (2017)
Release date: June 2, 2017. US box office: $413 million.
A bright spot in the wildly inconsistent (but often not very good, let’s be real) DCEU, Wonder Woman , directed by Patty Jenkins, feels for much of its running time like a real, real movie that depicts genuine human (and superhuman) ) characters in a visceral World War I setting and tell a story that is unlike a dozen crossovers and spin-offs. Diana’s (Gal Gadot) journey from an isolated island of women into a world created by men feels like a descent into hell, a bold choice that pays off, making it clear exactly what kind of hero she is. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Max , digital rental
Ready or Not (2019)
Release date: August 21, 2019. US box office: $29 million.
Short of the end of October, there’s no better time to watch bone-chilling horror films than the dog days of summer, and this underrated high-concept gore game is certainly perfect for the hottest month, combining a creepy setting – a woman (Samara Weaving) more, than she bargained for when she marries into a super-rich family with a penchant for playing “The Most Dangerous Game” – with over-the-top action that gets crazier with every death (and ridiculous plot twist). Know as little as possible and you’ll have the best time possible. — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: digital rental.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Release date: July 18, 2008. US box office: $534 million.
I don’t like the idea that superhero movies have to be something dark and “mature” to be taken seriously – it often feels like these movies are trying too hard to mold the story into a shape it was never intended for. . However, in Christopher Nolan’s sequel, The Bat, the squares in a circle are quite elegant, telling a story that seems rooted in both action (we look to films like Michael Mann ‘s The Heat for inspiration) and comic book over-the-top, including villains . Heath Ledger, of course, posthumously won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of the Joker. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Max , digital rental
AI: Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Release date: June 26, 2001. US box office: $78 million.
You can see why Warner Bros. thought it was a good idea to release yet another Steven Spielberg special-effects sci-fi extravaganza in the height of summer, but this cold, calculating, alienating tale of a robot boy yearning to be real accomplishes little. about the fun of Jurassic Park . Overall, it’s a gritty, depressing story dealing with, oh, the death of all humanity and the artificial emotional stress experienced by a doll programmed to love (portrayed with disturbing, glassy unreality by Haley Joel Osment). None of this is surprising, given that it was originally conceived as a vehicle for director Stanley Kubrick. But it’s also one of the most complex and clever potential summer blockbusters ever made (and if you want to complain about the ending, email me). — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: Paramount+ , MGM+, digital rental.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Release date: May 15, 2015. US box office: $154 million.
George Miller returned in 2015 to the franchise he started decades earlier, and by changing the main character and rebooting the timeline, he proved that the best way to make a dated sequel is to (probably) not care what happens next at all. before. By taking some of the style from the earlier films and abandoning the rest, Miller and company created a uniquely exciting and distinctive visual spectacle. There have been plenty of action films made, but the unique tone and precision presented here is virtually unparalleled. Plus: Charlie Theron’s Furiosa becomes an instant icon. (I’d include her new solo film on this list, box office numbers be damned.) — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Max , digital rental
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Release date: May 28, 2014. US box office: $100 million.
There’s something so satisfying about the plot structure of Groundhog Day , in which the main characters relive the same day over and over again until they get it right, or at least understand why and how to stop it, what it is became something of a substitute. a genre in itself , and I can think of few better examples of the form than this late-era Tom Cruise star vehicle based on the Japanese light novel All You Need Is Kill . Cruise plays a privileged military brat who is drafted into the Marines and forced to fight in battle armor in a brutal war against alien invaders. He is promptly killed, which does him little good when he awakens and is forced to relive the harrowing events… and again. Watching him piece together what’s going on is a lot of fun, especially when Emily Blunt appears as a sword-wielding combat expert who also gets stuck on repeat. (This is a sequel… when? ) – Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: digital rental.
Scary Movie (2000)
Release date: July 7, 2000. US box office: $278 million.
The genre of the very specific parody film revived by this success quickly became stale, but the madness of Scary Movie (directed by Keenan Ivory Wayans) feels inspired – think Spaceballs , but even sillier and with a laser focus on then-recent films horror (Especially screaming ). I’m not sure how well the references have survived – the long “Wazzup!” Is the plot still funny if you’re not immersed in late 1990s beer advertising history? – but there’s still plenty of genuinely funny stuff to laugh at, and leads Regina Hall and Anna Faris have established themselves as top comedy leads. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Max , digital rental
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Release date: June 27, 2009. US box office: $144 million.
Musicals are the perfect summer escapist fare, at least when they’re as light and frothy as this jukebox compilation straight from Broadway that goes out of its way to create a mindless story out of ABBA’s greatest hits collection. The plot is ridiculous: Amanda Seyfried plays a girl who wants to finally meet her father before she gets married, but her mom (Meryl Streep) isn’t sure who he is, so it’s very awkward when all three potential sperm donors are present at the wedding. – but it exists only to string together infectious sing-alongs set against the stunning backdrop of a Greek island. It proved to be one of the biggest hits of the year, earning over $600 million worldwide and spawning an almost equally successful sequel a decade later – good thing ABBA had plenty of songs to work with. — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: Max , digital rental
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Release date: August 5, 2011 US box office: $177 million.
It’s tempting to opt for a bigger and significantly more financially successful sequel, but Rise marked the beginning of perhaps the most impressive blockbuster series in modern history – especially judging by its unrelenting willingness to plunge into darkness. Without being entirely cynical or hopeless, each film in the series (up to and including 2024’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ) plumbs the depths of human frailty, refusing to offer reassuring platitudes or simple heroes. Here Andy Serkis plays Caesar, a genetically enhanced chimpanzee who goes from pet to leader of the apes’ rebellion against humanity… and we’re mostly rooting for the apes. In a world of elaborate blockbusters designed to make us feel good enough to go shopping later, it’s amazing that such things were made. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Hulu , digital rental.
Attack the Block (2011)
Release date: July 29, 2011. US box office: $1 million.
Not all summer sci-fi blockbusters have to break the bank when it comes to spending huge amounts on special effects spectacle, and this one certainly doesn’t. However, this deft attempt from Edgar Wright co-writer Joe Cornish makes the most of its £8 million budget, favoring innovative production design and starkly simplistic monster designs, telling the story of a group of British teenagers (including pre-Finn John Boyega) on the run from carnivorous aliens beasts invading their tall London apartment building. The survival horror production and extremely charming young cast prove irresistible, and although the film was barely a success in US theaters, it became a cult hit on DVD, and for good reason. And luckily, it was too much craziness for one movie—more than a decade later, a sequel is in development . — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: digital rental.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Release date: May 12, 2011. US box office: $169 million.
Summer blockbusters aren’t always all about special effects and clever action sequences, and certainly this team-up of the funniest women in comedy, including Kristen Wigg, Maya Rudolph and surprise Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy in her breakout role, felt like a big deal. It’s great to see these funny ladies make the most of a thin premise (unlucky in love, Annie Wigg tries to make the most of being assigned as her best friend’s maid of honor but ends up ruining everything) – the kind of bounty usually only granted group of male comedians. The film was a huge success and has held up even better because they never tried to make a sequel. — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: digital rental.
Girls’ Trip (2017)
Release date: July 21, 2017. US box office: $115 million.
Another great summer comedy. Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Tiffany Haddish and Jada Pinkett Smith went on an iconic adventure as they headed to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. Jokes guaranteed. The casting is key here: the four leads are able to provide comedic relief, but also create compelling characters that you actually care about. There’s enough laughter here for two or three more traditional comedies. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Peacock , digital rental
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Release date: August 15, 2018. US box office: $175 million.
Crazy Rich Asians takes the number of wedding comedy tropes up to twenty—the groom’s family isn’t just richer than the bride’s family… they’re richer than almost everyone on the planet (i.e., the “crazy rich”)—while simultaneously exploring a cultural landscape that is literally foreign to us. the highest budget Hollywood films. Constance Wu’s Rachel Chu comes from New York, a world away from her fiancé Nick Young’s (Henry Fielding) more traditional (in some ways) Singaporean upbringing. The simple facts of her life seem to prove that she’s just a gold digger, even if Nick’s casually abusive mother (Michelle Yeoh) has an equally dubious past. This heartfelt, funny and innovative film is enjoyable from start to finish, although its comedy is often witty. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Netflix, digital rental.
Pacific Rim (2013)
Release date: July 11, 2013. US box office: $102 million.
I could offer many reasons why this action extravaganza directed by Guillermo del Toro is the perfect summer entertainment: fantastic special effects, ingeniously designed action sequences, a more than talented multicultural cast, production that feels both new and familiar – but I’ll stop there : Giant robots fight giant monsters. That really says it all. — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: Apple TV+, digital rental.
Inception (2008)
Release date: July 13, 2010. US box office: $293 million.
Director Christopher Nolan has managed to stake his claim on the summer months, whether he’s making a goofy sci-fi flick ( Tenet ) or a dark historical biopic ( Oppenheimer ). And no film reflects his signature combination of brilliant style and (at least trying to) substance than Inception, which manages to combine what could be called a clever and high-concept plot (a heist carried out in a multi-layered dream world; it’s all very silly, but more thought-provoking than many slices of summer escapism) with a string of elaborate 4D action sequences. And it’s just a pleasure to watch Leonardo DiCaprio working in great shape. — Joel Cunningham
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Release date: June 28, 2003. US box office: $305 million.
I think we all probably had our doubts before the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl , the first in an extensive series of five films. Attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom are usually inspired by popular films, rather than the other way around. But while pirates in general aren’t compelling characters, Captain Jack Sparrow (mostly Johnny Depp before cancellation) manages to captivate audiences with a compelling quirkiness and humor that I can’t imagine. This movie is all about everything you crave in the summer, including live pirates, skeleton pirates, love, violence, treasure and more. —Megan Walbert
Where to watch: Disney+ , digital rental.
Neighbors (2014)
Release date: May 9, 2014. US box office: $150 million.
A silly sex comedy that’s also impressively heartwarming, Neighbors stars Seth Rogan and Rose Byrne as a thirtysomething couple trying to keep their cool when the hostel moves next door. At first they take the opportunity to relive their college days, but they soon find themselves fighting the neighborhood brothers (and their leader, played by Zac Efron) when it all becomes too much. It’s a solid idea executed with intelligence and silliness. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Apple TV+, digital rental.
Meg (2018)
Release date: May 30, 2003. US box office: $145 million.
In 1999, Samuel L. Jackson’s Deep Blue Sea answered the question, what if Jaws , but dumber? The answer turned out to be very good for summer movie lovers, if not for their brain cells, so you have to give it to Meg , who came along almost two decades later and asked: what if Deep Blue Sea , but significantly dumber? The answer turned out to be another question: “Did Jason Statham just hit a giant shark?” — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: Hulu , digital rental.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Release date: May 30, 2003. US box office: $380 million.
Did I see Finding Nemo in 2003, seven years before I had a baby? Why yes, yes I did. And if you haven’t, you’ve seriously miscalculated how much an adult can enjoy an animated film aimed at children. Of course, it all starts with the classic Disney move: killing the parent almost immediately. But a single moment of breaking the rules of the usually level-headed Nemo sends him into an epic—and dangerous! – an adventure in which he meets many interesting personalities. (Of course, there’s the iconic Dory; but remember the shark support group “Fish are Friends, Not Food”? Good stuff.) This cute and funny movie is still worth a watch. —Megan Walbert
Where to watch: Disney+ , digital rental.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Release date: April 26, 2019. US box office: $858 million.
Whether you love Marvel or hate it, this culmination of more than 20 films that came before it shows real storytelling power and is definitely an eye-catcher. For all our film culture’s obsession with sequels, no other film has managed to effectively sum up an entire franchise in the same way (the closest comparison I can think of is The Rise of Skywalker , which was… less successful). ). Five years after the end of the world, the surviving Avengers take on a mission through time (and their previous adventures) to try to restore what was lost, leading to a climactic showdown for the ages. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Disney+ , digital rental.
Ghostbusters (2016)
Release date: July 15, 2016. US box office: $128 million.
Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones lead the way in this laid-back, fun reboot that leans heavily on the comedic talents of the main cast while also delivering plenty of summer spectaculars. In a just world, we would have gotten at least one sequel to this reboot, which, it’s worth noting, is still the most successful of the modern Ghostbusters films, both critically and at the box office. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: digital rental.
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
Release date: May 15, 2019. US box office: $171 million.
Did the second sequel to 2014’s surprise action thriller John Wick really need to introduce a cartoon network of super-assassins to take on Keanu Reeves’ chief reluctant professional assassin? Yes, I would say that’s how it was. No, I don’t know why it’s subtitled “Parabellum,” but I promise not to think about it too hard while Keanu, for some reason, promises to keep riding horses through the streets of New York. — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: Peacock , Digital rental
No (2022)
Release Date: July 22, 2022 US Box Office: $123 million.
When Wikipedia tries to categorize movies by genre, it usually limits itself to one or two words. In Jordan Peele’s No, we get a “neo-Western sci-fi horror film.” Which simultaneously tells you nothing and everything you need to know. Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer play a pair of siblings in rural California who supply live animals for the movie business and accidentally encounter… something (it could be a UFO or something else) terrorizing the horses on their remote ranch. . The atmosphere of tension is brilliantly sustained, complemented by an aura of general weirdness that will be familiar to anyone who loved Get Out and Us. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: digital rental.
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
Release date: August 11, 2005. US box office: $109 million.
When you think of The 40 Year Old Virgin , the first thing that comes to mind is probably the iconic breast waxing scene. It was a lot of fun at the time, even if he might feel tired now. But no, it’s still funny, and I’ll watch a (relatively) young Paul Rudd and Seth Rogan improvise insults at each other while trying to find their older, virginal friend Steve Carell a ready date… pretty much any time. This is a movie I would stop to watch every time I came across it on TV, and I’m sorry you have to rent or buy it now, but I’m willing to pay that price for a happy ending. —Megan Walbert
Where to watch: Starz, digital rental.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Release date: May 25, 2018. US box office: $214 million.
I know what you’re going to say, but: Solo is the only post-Star Wars prequel to come out this summer. And once you can get past the fact that no, we don’t actually need Han’s origin story and that recasting Harrison Ford was a fool’s errand, you’ll realize that this is exactly the kind of inconsequential lark we need from a galaxy far, far away. Far Away: A high-stakes heist peppered with memorable characters (including Phoebe Waller-Bridge as a feisty robot and Donald Glover as the incarnation of Billy Dee Williams) and fantastic action in deep space. Of course, I would have liked to see original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller realize their (rumored to be weirder) vision , but Ron Howard’s version is still the perfect summer entertainment. — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: Disney+ , digital rental.
Maleficent (2014)
Release date: May 30, 2014. US box office: $241 million.
Angelina Jolie shows some sympathy for the Disney devil by starring as the dark fairy who once called herself the “Mistress of All Evil.” Maleficent takes the evil route of exploring the villain’s backstory and discovers a kind-hearted young woman crippled by war and betrayal. Unlike many live-action versions of Disney classics, this one more than justifies its existence thanks to its revisionist approach and Jolie’s deliciously disgusting performance. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: digital rental.
Minority Report (2002)
Release date: June 21, 2002. US box office: $132 million.
If artificial intelligence is made for an ill-timed summer blockbuster, then Spielberg’s follow-up effort—an adaptation of a short story by sci-fi genius Philip K. Dick—is the opposite: set in a near future in which government surveillance has become ubiquitous to the point that police have begun arresting people for crimes predicted by the psychic. way, before they were even committed, it turned out to be the perfect vehicle for Tom Cruise to do what he does best: make this weird face when he runs. — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: Paramount+ , digital rental.
Shrek (2001)
Release date: May 18, 2001. US box office: $268 million.
The film that started the franchise. Mike Myers plays the hideous green ogre who reluctantly tries to save Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), only to reclaim his swamp. Taking its comedic aim from just about every fairytale trope you’ve ever heard, Shrek feels like the antithesis of the classic Disney formula – first in its energetic protagonist, and then in his strong belief that the path to happiness is not to become pretty royalty. , but to be yourself. — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Netflix, digital rental.
The Simpsons movie (2007)
Release date: July 25, 2007 US box office: $183 million.
About 17 years passed between the premiere of The Simpsons and the release of the first film starring America’s favorite yellow family in theaters. At the time, it was the best the then-franchise had produced in quite some time – a strong story built on more and better animation than the small screen version could ever hope to produce. Viewers responded by turning it into a huge hit, perhaps unaware that it would only encourage Fox to continue making more episodes of the show until the end of time. (Fun fact: the same amount of time has passed between the release of this movie and now, and the show is still on the air. ) – Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: Disney+ , digital rental.
Gladiator (2000)
Release date: May 5, 2000. US box office: $188 million.
Ridley Scott has fought the good fight to preserve the venerable historical epic since this Russell Crowe drama that brought home Oscar gold, while also managing to create a sword-and-sandal spectacle that they don’t make anymore (well, except that Ridley Scott still makes — Gladiator 2 will be released later this year ). Crowe plays a titular warrior who falls from his high status as a Roman general when he incurs the wrath of the emperor and finds himself fighting in the arena for life and glory. Perhaps you remember his name? — Ross Johnson
Where to watch: Peacock , Paramount+ , digital rental.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Release date: August 1, 2014. US box office: $331 million.
Another comic book movie on the list that proved that Marvel could get really weird and still attract an audience (it hasn’t yet). Newcomer Chris Pratt plays an orphan raised in a distant galaxy full of otherworldly dangers and strange aliens (including a sentient tree and a talking raccoon). Until the summer of 2014, the general public knew nothing about these heroic C-list men; Thanks to the steady hand of writer-director James Gunn, by the time the third film came out in 2023, they felt like the last Marvel franchise standing. — Joel Cunningham
Where to watch: Disney+ , digital rental.