“Inside Out 2” had the biggest opening of 2024 in June with a $100 million debut, the biggest opening since last year’s “Barbie,” according to Boxoffice Pro.
July brings a variety of summer blockbusters with potential to be the latest hits, including Despicable Me, Twisters, and Deadpool & Wolverine.
Here are some options for families:
1. Despicable Me 4
The “Despicable Me” franchise has been a consistent success, grossing about $1.5 billion domestically and $4.6 billion worldwide, according to Boxoffice Pro. The Minions have become fan favorites and widespread internet memes.
In Despicable Me, audiences will once again be captivated by Gru and Lucy as they welcome a new member into their family, Gru Jr. Will Ferrell and Sofia Vergara join the cast as the villains who hunt down the family.
While it may not be as emotionally stirring as a Pixar film, Despicable Me promises to be a fun adventure that the whole family can enjoy.
release date: In theaters July 3
2. The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
With “Sound of Hope: The Tale of Possum Trot,” Angel Studios is hoping to repeat the success of last year’s “Sound of Freedom,” which surprised everyone by outgrossing “Indiana Jones and the Gambler” on its opening day, according to Box Office Pro.
“Sound of Hope” follows Donna and Pastor Martin as they encourage the local community to take in 77 foster children who have nowhere else to go.
Early reviews have been positive, and the film currently holds a 98% score from 17 critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
“At no point in the film do characters question their faith or lose patience, and the difficulties of raising a child with severe trauma are downplayed. But this is an honest, thoughtful piece of work that could find an audience beyond core faith communities,” said Nell Minow of Movie Mom.
release date: In theaters July 4
3. “Imagination”
Created by Studio Ponoc and animator Momose Yoshiyuki, best known for Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, Inversion is based on the 2014 novel by A. F. Harold.
Adapted by Yoshiaki Nishimura, the film follows Rudger, an imaginary friend who is abandoned by his creator, Amanda, as he explores a fantasy town, where he encounters a mysterious threat.
“Nishimura’s script is peppered with sharp insights about the power of enterprising play that will inspire audiences of all ages to reminisce about a time when you only needed your brain to dream up new worlds and scenarios,” said Lovia Galkier of The Hollywood Reporter.
It will premiere in Japan in December 2023, with Netflix acquiring global streaming rights.
release date: July 5th, Netflix
4. “Fly Me to the Moon”
Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum star in this comedy-drama.
Marketing genius Kelly Jones (Johansson) is tasked with filming a fake moon landing in case NASA’s Apollo 11 mission goes awry, but runs into trouble with launch director Cole Davis (Tatum).
release date: In theaters July 12
5. “Twisters”
The film is a remake of the 1996 hit. When it was released 28 years ago, it was the second highest-grossing film of that year, behind “Independence Day,” according to Boxoffice Pro.
The disaster film follows Kate Carter as she becomes involved with storm chasers in Oklahoma and fights for her life while dealing with the trauma of a past tornado.
release date: In theaters July 17
6. Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 1
The series is set several years after the classic “The Karate Kid” film and follows high school rivals Daniel and Johnny as they once again go head-to-head to mentor the next generation of karate masters.
The final season will be split into three parts, each with five episodes, with the first scheduled to premiere this month, the second on Nov. 28, and the third in 2025, according to Variety.
“Cobra Kai” premiered on YouTube Red and is currently streaming in its third season on Netflix, where it has quickly become one of the most popular shows.
release date: July 18th, Netflix
