Believe it or not, the shows and movies that drop out during the summer majorly shape our mood and memories. Think back to 2023: we had iconic films like Barbie, Oppenheimer, and The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2, among others. The summer of 2024 didn’t quite hit the same, and some of us wanted more. However, I think that 2025 has the potential to be one of the years with the best summer releases! From long-awaited sequels to new animations, here’s a list of upcoming movies and TV shows you’ll want on your summer watchlist.
Movies
“Lilo and Stitch” (May 23)
Genre: Family, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
This live-action adaptation brings heart, chaos, and childhood nostalgia, making it the perfect summer watch for anyone who grew up loving the original cartoon.
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” (May 23)
Genre: Action, Thriller, Spy
Ethan Hunt’s last mission is likely the most dangerous yet. With global stakes, intense stunts, and a race against time, this finale is set to be the ultimate sendoff for the iconic saga.
“How to Train Your Dragon” (June 13)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Family, Drama
The fan-favorite saga is getting a live-action remake! The original film followed Hiccup’s journey from boy to warrior, but the live-action adaptation focuses his first encounter with Toothless, a dragon he chooses to spare despite the expectations of his Viking village, Berk, where slaying dragons is a way of life.
“Elio” (June 20)
Genre: Animation, Family, Sci-Fi, Comedy
Pixar’s newest cosmic adventure follows an 11-year-old boy, Elio, who’s mistaken for Earth’s ambassador by aliens. This seems like a promising Pixar story of misfits finding their place.
“Jurassic World Rebirth” (July 2)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
The iconic franchise is coming back with a new chapter, featuring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey.
“Superman” (July 11)
Genre: Superhero, Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
The Man of Steel gets a fresh start in this reimagined origin story. Clark Kent navigates the challenge of honoring his Kryptonian roots while staying true to his life on Earth.
TV Shows
“Ginny & Georgia” Season 3, Netflix (June 5)
Genre: Drama, Coming-of-Age, Mystery
The drama continues as Ginny and Georgia navigate new challenges, secrets, and twists in their complicated mother-daughter relationship.
“Ironheart”, Disney+ (June 24)
Genre: Superhero, Action, Sci-Fi, Drama
Marvel is coming back with a new hero’s journey: Riri Williams, a young genius who builds her own high-tech armor at MIT, and faces a new supervillain: The Hood.
“We Were Liars”, Prime Video (June 18)
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Drama
This one will be a hit amongst book lovers: it’s a movie adaptation of a psychological thriller that unravels dark family secrets on a summer island getaway, with deep twists and turns.
“Squid Game” Season 3, Netflix (June 27)
Genre: Thriller, Drama, Survival, Action
With Season 2 releasing earlier this winter, fans won’t have to wait long: Season 3 of the global hit returns within months, bringing even more suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” Season 3, Prime Video (July 16)
Genre: Romance, Drama, Coming-of-Age
After a two-year wait, this season will wrap up Belly’s story with a four-year time jump. Will she choose Conrad, Jeremiah, or finally choose herself?
“Wednesday” Season 2, Netflix – Part 1 (Aug 6), Part 2 (Sept 3)
Genre: Mystery, Dark Comedy, Supernatural, Drama
Now, two years later, Wednesday returns to Nevermore with her brother and even her parents, making school life even more awkward. Since its 2023 debut, Wednesday has become a favorite, breaking Netflix records, promising more dark humor, mystery, and chaos in Season 2.
