Skip to Content
Stella Taylor (10) and Natalie Abdon (10) share the best movies coming out this summer with a sign.
Stella Taylor (10) and Natalie Abdon (10) share the best movies coming out this summer with a sign.
Eva Smith

Must-see films dominate the summer lineup

Categories:

Summer 2026 is full of new and exciting movies. From franchise reboots to original films, there is something for everyone.

Starting with “Toy Story 5,” releasing on June 19, continues the beloved story of Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toys as they face a new challenge of competing with modern technology for kids’ attention. As kids become more interested in the screens and devices, the toys must find a new way to stay relevant and maintain their place in the owner’s life. We are really excited for this movie as the “Toy Story movies” were a huge part of our childhood and we feel like the plot is very relatable in today’s times.

“Scary Movie 6,” coming out on June 5, brings back the iconic parody franchise with familiar characters like Cindy, Brenda, Ray and Shorty. Set around 26 years after their last encounter, the group once again finds themselves being hunted by a mysterious masked killer. We are ready to watch this movie as it is known for its over-the-top humor and references to other popular horror films.

The live-action “Moana,” set to release on July 10, reimagines the animated classic in a more realistic setting. It follows the same story as the original where Moana, a brave teenager, is chosen by the ocean and embarks on a journey across the ocean to restore the Heart of Te Fiti. We noticed how The Rock is featured playing Maui, most likely due to him being the voice of Maui in the original, which only true “Moana” lovers would know. “Moana” is one of our favorite Disney movies, so we are looking forward to how Disney will bring the movie to life.

Releasing on June 26, 2026, “Supergirl” is an adaptation of the 2021-22 comic book miniseries: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. The movie is directed by James Gunn, who directed the 2025 “Superman,” and Peter Safran. The released synopsis explains that Supergirl, also known as Kara Zor-el, has to work with an unlikely companion when she is startled by a shocking discovery. We are extremely excited to see another James Gunn superhero movie and we cannot wait to see what it adds to the DC universe.

“The Odyssey,” directed by Christopher Nolan, is an adaptation of Homer’s epic “The Odyssey.” It follows the king of Ithaca, Odysseus, and his journey home after the Trojan War to reunite with his wife. His journey back to Troy lasts longer than expected, bringing many challenges and difficult decisions. “The Odyssey” features several of our personal favorites, most notably Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya and Robert Pattison. The book is one of the oldest surviving works of literature and we cannot wait to see how it is translated onto the screen on July 17, 2026. 

By far our most anticipated release of the summer is “The Backrooms.” Releasing on May 29, 2026, this movie is a science fiction horror that is inspired by the popular YouTube video series “Backrooms”. Kane Parsons, the original creator, is working on the directing team, creating a full-circle moment. The plot has been kept relatively hidden, with the synopsis just promising a story about a therapist venturing into an otherworldly dimension in search of their patient. With actors such as Chiwetel Ejifor, Renate Reinsve and Finn Bennet, this movie is bound to be a success. 

“Disclosure Day,” by the critically acclaimed director Steven Spielberg, is an upcoming science fiction movie made to explore the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. The trailer was incredibly cryptic, but from what we gathered the movie will follow a man trying to reveal the existence of aliens along with characters that appear to be possessed by them. The movie stars some of our favorites, including Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth and Emily Blunt and is in theatres starting June 12, 2026. With the recurring theme of companies rebooting old franchises, we love to see Spielberg’s constant originality. 

With the increase of home streaming platforms, many have stopped attending movie theatres. However, movies are an essential part of our culture and connecting with strangers over memorable moments is an experience like no other. With so many exciting releases this summer, there’s never been a better time to rediscover the magic of the cinema. 

About the Contributors
Natalie Abdon
Natalie Abdon, Staff
Natalie Abdon is a sophomore at Highlands High School and this is her second year with the journalism program. She joined publications because she loves to write and make opinion articles. Natalie also plays softball for Highlands and plays pickleball and volleyball for fun with her friends. She likes listening to music, hanging out with her friends, playing with her little siblings, and cuddling with her cat. She is excited for the memories and the growth she will make this year in publications!
Stella Taylor
Stella Taylor, Staff
Stella Taylor is a sophomore at Highlands High School, and this is her second year in the publications program. She writes for the Hilltopper and enjoys making opinion-based articles. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and playing instruments. As for her future, she aspires to do something in business or law.
Eva Smith
Eva Smith, Social Media Editor
Eva is a Sophomore at Highlands High School. This is her second year in journalism and her first year in publications. This year, she is one of the Social Media Editors. She hopes to be able to widen her skills in journalism in both photography and social media skills. Along with journalism, Eva also participates in theater all year and track in the late winter and spring. 
More to Discover
Donate to The Hilltopper
$335
$500
Contributed
Our Goal