We’re halfway through the year, and it’s already been an excellent one for film and TV. As the rain starts to come down this month, things are still heating up on the big and small screens with major blockbusters, exciting prequels, and emotional endings arriving this July. From thrilling adventures across the sky and sea to the anxiety-inducing halls of high school, here are our top screen picks for July:
1. Elle
Your favorite smart blonde, Elle Woods, is back, but in a whole new way. Set years before the events of Legally Blonde, the series follows Elle as a high school student in 1990s Seattle. There, punk and grunge culture collide with her signature pink wardrobe. Newcomer Lexi Minetree steps into the iconic role made famous by Reese Witherspoon, who returns behind-the-scenes as a producer.
Streaming on Prime Video July 1.
2. Moana
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It’s the Moana live-action remake arriving on our shores. For the first time ever, Disney is adapting one of its successful animated films from the 2010s into live action, complete with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, the legendary demigod. For those who haven’t seen the 2016 animated film, Moana follows the daughter of a village chief who embarks on a daring, mystical journey across the ocean to save her island.
In theaters July 8.
3. The Odyssey
After winning an Academy Award for Best Director for Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan is now bringing Homer’s ancient Greek epic to life. The story follows the legendary hero Odysseus and his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. Throughout this dangerous adventure, Odysseus encounters mythical creatures, powerful gods, and countless trials that stand between him and his return to his wife and son. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, leading an all-star cast that includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron. It is also the first major feature shot entirely with IMAX film cameras.
In theaters July 15.
4. Heartstopper Forever
After three seasons of television, Nick and Charlie’s love story culminates in a feature-length romantic film based on the final chapters of Alice Oseman’s beloved coming-of-age graphic novel. In Heartstopper Forever, Nick and Charlie face their biggest hurdles yet as Nick heads off to university, leaving Charlie behind and their future together uncertain. Kit Connor and Joe Locke, who have both become two of Hollywood’s most in-demand young stars, return to play the fan-favorite couple for one final time.
Streaming on Netflix July 17.
5. Spider-Man: Brand New Day
After the world-changing events of No Way Home, Peter Parker faces new challenges in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Now completely erased from the memories of everyone he once knew, Peter begins a fresh but lonely chapter as an anonymous superhero. But as new threats emerge and his superpowers start evolving into something more dangerous, Peter must make a big decision about the hero he wants to be. Tom Holland dons the Spidey suit once more, alongside returning co-stars Zendaya and Jacob Batalon. Joining the cast is Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink in a mystery role Marvel is keeping tightly under wraps. Make sure to catch this on opening day if you want to avoid spoilers!
In theaters July 29.
Besides these blockbusters and fan favorites, there are other titles worth checking out this month.
For horror lovers, the next chapter of the Evil Dead franchise premieres with Evil Dead Burn on July 8th, as well as film festival standout Leviticus on July 1st.
There’s also no shortage of TV shows, with new and returning shows all across streaming channels such as X-Men ’97 on Disney Plus(July 1), The Loyaly Game on Prime Video(July 3), Lucky on Apple TV(July 15), and The Big Bang Theory spin-off Stuart Fails to Save the Universe on HBO Max (July 23).
July is packed with great adventures featuring superheroes, would-be lawyers, and high school kids in love. It will also take audiences from one epic ocean voyage (Moana) to another (The Odyssey). So strap in, get your popcorn ready, and enjoy all the entertainment July is set to bring this year.