The Summer season is coming up fast and it’s guaranteed to bring a series of diverse films for the big screen. From drama to comedy to action, here are my top five anticipated films for the summer of 2024. The films that I have listed below will be released theatrically between June 14th and July 26th in the United States. Will my top two picks be able to make $1 Billion at the box office?

5. “Kinds of Kindness”

Academy award nominated filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos reunites with Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe from his previous film, “Poor Things,” for a brand new original film. The trailer doesn’t give much away but the premise is a triptych fable, meaning it will focus on three stories: a man trying to control his life, a policeman worried his wife is a different person after returning from sea and a woman committed to finding someone who is destined to become a spiritual leader. I’m very intrigued which story will be the best. With a reported runtime of 164 minutes, this will be Lanthimos’ longest film to date.

4. “Twisters”

Releasing 28 years after the first “Twister,” that starred Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, I’m excited to see a new set of characters including Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos chasing multiple tornadoes. The first “Twister” is very enjoyable and this one will hopefully be just as entertaining if not more than its predecessor given that Powell, Edgar-Jones, and Ramos have proven themselves to be talented actors. I was curious to see that the sequel will be directed by Lee Isaac Chung, who made “Minari,” a fantastic indie film.

3. “A Quiet Place: Day One”

The first two installments of the “A Quiet Place” franchise are among the best horror films ever made, with “Part II” being the rare sequel that is superior to the first. With “Day One” a prequel, not only does it look terrifying but I want to know if these characters will be able to survive, especially since it takes place in New York City rather than the middle of upstate New York, which is where the first two films took place. It kind of reminds me of Scream VI in a way where that took place in the city instead of Woodsboro which made it more suspenseful. The cast includes Lupita Nyong’o, Djimon Hounsou and Joseph Quinn star as people trying to survive in deadly times.

2. “Inside Out 2”

Anytime Pixar comes out with a new film whether it’s a sequel or an original film, I’m always excited to see what they have in store. “Inside Out” is absolutely fantastic and I’ve always wanted to see what Pixar could do with a sequel and how they can expand the story and universe further. I was 11 when the first one came out. I’m 20 now so I’ve been through all of the emotions that are new in the film such as Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment and then some and judging by the trailers it looks like it won’t disappoint.

1. “Deadpool & Wolverine”

Ryan Reynolds returns as the merc with the mouth and he’s bringing along Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine for the ride, his first time performing in the role since “Logan,” which came out in 2017. For those who are fans like I am of the film “Logan,” Hugh Jackman has made sure that the film wouldn’t interfere with the ending in which Wolverine died. As for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” I am excited not just to see Reynolds again as Deadpool but the chemistry and banter between him and Wolverine is almost certain to be worth a watch.

Commentary writer Linden Lansberry can be reached at [email protected]. 

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