Summer 2025 Movie Rankings: 21 Films from Worst to Best

From superhero reboots to vampire musicals, here’s what’s actually worth your theater dollars this season

Summer movie season is in full swing, and frankly, it’s been a wild ride. Between Danny Boyle’s zombie comeback and Wes Anderson’s spy games, 2025 has delivered everything from the sublime to the ridiculous. We’ve ranked the 21 biggest releases hitting theaters this summer, from the painfully forgettable to the absolutely essential.

21. Finding Faith

Faith-based drama that means well but moves like molasses.

Look, we get it—uplifting stories about redemption and community are needed now more than ever. Finding Faith delivers genuine emotional moments and tackles important themes with sincerity. The performances are heartfelt, and there’s clearly passion behind this project that shows in every frame.

But good intentions can’t save sluggish pacing, and this one crawls when it should soar. The Hollywood Reporter notes that while “its emotional core is genuine, some viewers may find the pacing slow.” Unless you’re specifically seeking faith-based content, your time might be better spent elsewhere this crowded summer.

20. Bride Hard

Wedding comedy that’s all chaos, no heart.

Bride Hard knows exactly what it is—an R-rated wedding comedy that throws everything at the wall to see what sticks. The cast commits fully to the mayhem, and there are genuine laugh-out-loud moments scattered throughout the runtime. If you’re looking for mindless fun with your friends, it delivers exactly that.

The problem is that once the credits roll, you’ll struggle to remember why you were laughing. Collider’s review captures it perfectly—it “delivers in-the-moment laughs, but it’s unlikely to stick long after the end credits.” Sometimes that’s enough, but in a summer packed with better options, why settle for forgettable?

19. Alma & the Wolf

Beautiful but bewildering indie fantasy.

Alma & the Wolf is undeniably gorgeous. This haunting tale of a mystical bond between a girl and a wolf spirit creates truly evocative imagery that lingers in your mind. The cinematography is poetry in motion, and if you’re willing to surrender to its dreamy logic, there’s something genuinely magical here.

The key phrase is “if you’re willing.” IndieWire warns that while the “poetic visuals and dreamy storytelling are evocative,” you need to be “prepared to go on the journey.” This isn’t a film that holds your hand—it expects you to meet it halfway, and not everyone will be up for that kind of commitment.

18. 28 Years Later

Danny Boyle’s zombie return feels frustratingly familiar.

Twenty-eight years later (see what they did there?), Danny Boyle returns to his zombie apocalypse with all the grim tension and haunting atmosphere that made the original a classic. The craftsmanship is undeniable—Boyle knows how to build dread like few directors can, and horror fans will find plenty to appreciate in this dread-filled return to form.

But here’s the rub: we’ve been here before. Empire Online acknowledges that “familiarity may dull some impact, but horror fans will appreciate its dread-filled return.” It’s competently made and genuinely scary, but in a summer full of surprises, playing it this safe feels like a missed opportunity.

17. Mr. Blake, at Your Service!

French charm that’s pleasant but paper-thin.

This quirky French comedy has charm to spare, delivering gentle humor and the kind of whimsical storytelling that makes you smile without thinking too hard about it. It’s sweet, it’s pleasant, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need from a movie—a simple, uncomplicated good time that doesn’t demand much from its audience.

Unfortunately, “pleasant” doesn’t equal “memorable.” Deadline’s review notes it’s “sweet and pleasant, but unlikely to linger beyond a relaxed watch.” In a summer where every weekend brings new blockbusters, this lightweight confection feels destined to be lost in the shuffle.

16. Familiar Touch

Intimate LGBTQ+ romance that quietly resonates.

Familiar Touch arrives during Pride Month with perfect timing, delivering an authentic and heartfelt LGBTQ+ romance that avoids the typical pitfalls of the genre. There’s no melodrama or tragedy porn here—just honest, tender storytelling that treats its characters as real people rather than symbols. The performances feel lived-in and genuine.

This is filmmaking without fanfare, and that’s exactly its strength. Out Magazine praises it as “emotional and tender without fanfare—an intimate gem for Pride Month audiences.” It may not have the flash of bigger releases, but sometimes the quiet ones hit the hardest.

15. M3GAN 2.0

Campy AI horror that knows exactly what it is.

The cult-favorite killer doll is back, and M3GAN 2.0 doubles down on everything that made the original a surprise hit. This is gore-filled, techno-thriller mayhem with darkly comedic flair that never takes itself too seriously. Allison Williams returns and clearly understands the assignment, playing it just straight enough to sell the absurdity.

It’s bold, it’s bloody, and it’s perfectly campy in all the right ways. The Hollywood Reporter notes it’s “elevated by Allison Williams’ return” and delivers exactly what fans want. Sometimes you don’t need reinvention—you just need to do the same thing better, and that’s exactly what this sequel accomplishes.

14. F1: The Movie

Brad Pitt’s racing drama is visually stunning but emotionally safe.

Joseph Kosinski knows how to film fast things beautifully—just ask anyone who saw Top Gun: Maverick. F1: The Movie delivers adrenaline-fueled motorsport action that puts you right in the cockpit with Brad Pitt’s rookie racer. The racing sequences are genuinely exhilarating, and the attention to Formula 1 detail will satisfy even the most devoted fans.

But once you step away from the track, the story plays frustratingly safe. IndieWire acknowledges it’s “visually exhilarating with motorsport-loving detail—even if the storyline plays safe.” Pitt is as charismatic as ever, but the film never takes the narrative risks its spectacular visuals deserve.

13. To the Sea

Beautiful environmental drama that drifts too much.

To the Sea creates genuinely serene, meditative moments that explore both environmental and emotional landscapes with equal care. The cinematography is stunning—every frame looks like it could be hanging in a gallery. When it works, it creates a genuinely moving experience about our relationship with nature and each other.

The problem is that beauty isn’t always enough. The Wrap notes it “drifts beautifully but occasionally sacrifices plot for mood.” While some viewers will appreciate its contemplative pace, others will find themselves checking their watches as the film prioritizes atmosphere over narrative momentum.

12. Bugonia

Lanthimos delivers his weirdest film yet—and that’s saying something.

Yorgos Lanthimos remaking a sci-fi comedy with Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons was either going to be brilliant or bizarre—turns out it’s both. Bugonia explores conspiracies in typically Lanthimosian fashion, which means it’s creepy, absurd, and utterly unpredictable. Stone and Plemons commit completely to the director’s singular vision.

This is peak weird cinema that will either fascinate or frustrate you, with little middle ground. The film doesn’t fully release until October, but early previews suggest Lanthimos hasn’t lost his ability to create something genuinely unlike anything else in theaters. Approach with an open mind and prepare for the unexpected.

11. Materialists

Celine Song’s sophomore effort cuts deep.

Following up Past Lives was never going to be easy, but Celine Song proves she’s no one-hit wonder with this nuanced romantic drama. Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal create a complex love triangle that dissects modern relationships with surgical precision. Song’s direction brings out unexpected depths in all three performers.

What makes Materialists special is how it balances humor with genuine emotional insight. AP News notes it’s “funny, touching, and cuts deeper than expected.” Song has a gift for finding universal truths in specific stories, and this film confirms she’s a major talent to watch.

10. Ballerina

Stylish John Wick spinoff that’s all surface, no soul.

Ana de Armas proves she can absolutely handle the physical demands of the John Wick universe, delivering stylized violence with the same surreal dark underworld elegance that made Keanu’s adventures so compelling. The action sequences are impeccably choreographed, and de Armas brings a different energy to the assassin world that feels fresh without betraying the franchise’s DNA.

The problem is that underneath all the beautiful brutality, there’s not much there. The Washington Post notes it “blends stylized violence with surreal dark underworld elegance—fun but emotionally light.” It’s expertly crafted empty calories—satisfying in the moment but ultimately forgettable.

9. Jurassic World Rebirth

Gareth Edwards brings visual spectacle but plays it safe.

Gareth Edwards knows how to make dinosaurs feel genuinely massive and terrifying, and Jurassic World Rebirth delivers some of the most spectacular prehistoric action the franchise has ever seen. Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali anchor a fresh storyline that wisely avoids retreading old ground, while Edwards’ direction brings a sense of scale that makes these creatures feel truly dangerous again.

But for all its visual accomplishments, the film never quite takes the narrative risks that would elevate it beyond franchise obligations. The dinosaurs look incredible, the action is expertly staged, but you can’t shake the feeling that Edwards is holding back when he should be pushing boundaries. It’s solid summer entertainment that leaves you wanting more ambition.

8. The Unholy Trinity

Religious conspiracy thriller that genuinely unsettles.

Elizabeth Banks and Dennis Quaid lead this eerie exploration of modern spiritual paranoia that taps into very real anxieties about faith, conspiracy, and cult mentality. The film builds genuine unease through its grounded approach to supernatural horror, avoiding cheap scares in favor of psychological tension that burrows under your skin.

Bloody Disgusting praises its ability to be both “unsettling and intriguing,” and that balance is what makes it work. This isn’t just another religious horror movie—it’s a smart thriller that uses faith as a lens to examine larger questions about belief, manipulation, and the lengths people will go to find meaning.

7. Superman

James Gunn’s reboot brings hope back to the Man of Steel.

David Corenswet steps into the cape with surprising confidence, bringing both the moral clarity and humble humanity that’s been missing from recent Superman films. James Gunn’s direction emphasizes hope over darkness, creating a down-to-earth reimagining that remembers why Superman matters as a symbol of optimism rather than just another overpowered action hero.

This feels like a genuine course correction for DC, focusing on character over spectacle and heart over cynicism. The Week notes Gunn’s “down-to-earth reimagination aimed at rebooting DC’s heroism,” and honestly, it’s refreshing to see Superman smile again. Corenswet may not have Christopher Reeve’s iconic status yet, but he understands the assignment perfectly.

6. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Tom Cruise’s adrenaline-fueled farewell reaches franchise heights.

Tom Cruise continues to risk life and limb for our entertainment, and The Final Reckoning delivers some of the most breathtaking practical stunts ever captured on film. The biplane sequences and deep-sea chaos push the boundaries of what’s possible in action cinema, while somehow maintaining the emotional core that’s always made these films more than just stunt reels.

Rotten Tomatoes calls it “a breathtaking farewell that climbs to franchise artistic heights,” and that’s not hyperbole. If this really is Cruise’s final mission, he’s going out on the highest note possible. The stunts are incredible, but it’s the emotional resonance that makes this feel like a proper conclusion to Ethan Hunt’s journey.

5. Mickey 17 (Deeper Dive)

Bong Joon-ho’s existential masterpiece grows more complex with reflection.

The more time you spend thinking about Mickey 17, the more layers reveal themselves. Bong Joon-ho’s exploration of mortality, memory, and identity through Robert Pattinson’s expendable clone becomes increasingly haunting as its implications sink in. This isn’t just sci-fi—it’s a meditation on what makes us human when our bodies are disposable.

Timeout recognizes it as “complex and polarizing,” noting how “Pattinson’s layered performance keeps it hauntingly watchable.” The film’s willingness to embrace confusion and contradiction makes it endlessly fascinating—the kind of movie that rewards multiple viewings and refuses easy interpretation.

4. The Phoenician Scheme

Anderson delivers his slickest, most emotionally substantial film yet.

Upon further reflection, The Phoenician Scheme might be Wes Anderson’s greatest achievement—a perfect synthesis of his meticulous visual style with genuine emotional depth. The spy thriller framework gives Anderson new ways to explore his favorite themes of family, loyalty, and belonging, while the stellar cast brings unexpected warmth to his typically precise dialogue.

The Daily Beast captures it perfectly as “high art meets spy intrigue in a memorably elegant package.” This is Anderson at his most accessible without sacrificing any of his distinctive voice—a film that works both as pure visual poetry and as compelling entertainment.

3. Elio

Pixar’s cosmic family tale soars to emotional heights.

In an era when Pixar has felt increasingly hit-or-miss, Elio reminds us why we fell in love with the studio in the first place. This cosmic family tale about an accidental alien ambassador brings together everything Pixar does best: stunning visuals, smart humor, and emotional storytelling that works for both kids and adults. The voice work is exceptional, and the alien worlds feel genuinely imaginative.

IGN praises its “emotional resonance and creativity,” and honestly, it’s just nice to see Pixar swinging for the fences again. What sets Elio apart is its willingness to tackle big themes—belonging, identity, family—without talking down to its audience. This is Pixar firing on all cylinders.

2. How to Train Your Dragon

Despite skepticism, this remake achieves something truly special.

Against all odds, Dean DeBlois has created something that honors the original while justifying its own existence. The live-action How to Train Your Dragon captures the soaring wonder of flight in ways that even the beloved animated films couldn’t quite achieve. Mason Thames and Gerard Butler anchor the emotional core, while the dragon effects create genuine magic.

The Guardian recognizes that despite initial reservations, the film’s emotional authenticity wins through. This isn’t just a successful remake—it’s a reminder of why this story resonated so deeply in the first place. When Hiccup and Toothless take flight, you remember the pure joy of believing in dragons.

1. Sinners

A visceral, genre-defying masterpiece that redefines what cinema can be.

Ryan Coogler has created something truly extraordinary with Sinners—a Southern Gothic vampire musical that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld deliver career-defining performances in a film that pushes cinema into thrilling new territory. This is bold, uncompromising filmmaking that never forgets to entertain while challenging every expectation.

The Week calls it “a must-see that feels vital and exhilarating,” and that captures exactly why Sinners tops our list. Coogler has crafted something that feels genuinely important—not just great entertainment, but a film that expands what movies can be. This is the kind of ambitious, successful swing that reminds you why cinema matters.

The Bottom Line

Summer 2025 has delivered one of the most eclectic and ambitious movie seasons in recent memory. From Ryan Coogler’s genre-defying Sinners at the top to the well-intentioned but sluggish Finding Faith at the bottom, this season proved that originality still matters in Hollywood—when studios are brave enough to greenlight it.

The biggest surprise? How well the nostalgic remakes performed. How to Train Your Dragon and Elio reminded us that familiar stories can still soar when told with genuine passion and technical excellence. Meanwhile, auteur-driven projects like The Phoenician Scheme and Mickey 17 proved that audiences are hungry for films that challenge expectations and push creative boundaries.

What’s most encouraging about this summer’s lineup is the diversity of voices and visions. Whether you’re craving supernatural horror, superhero spectacle, animated adventure, or intimate character studies, 2025 delivered options that actually deserve your theater dollars. In an era when moviegoing feels increasingly expensive, it’s refreshing to report that this summer offered genuine value—and genuine surprises.

The real winner? Cinema itself. Sinners topping our list isn’t just about one exceptional film—it’s about what’s possible when filmmakers swing for the fences and studios trust them to connect. Here’s hoping the rest of 2025 follows suit.