Summer blockbusters coming to the cinema in 2024

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

This time of year is a dream for film fanatics as the cinemas start rolling out those crowd-pleasing summer blockbusters.

Whether it’s a fun-filled family animation or an unmissable sequel that has been years in the making, some of the most anticipated films of the year will be hitting the big screen this summer and there’s sure to be something for every member of the family. Here are our top picks…

Steve Carell voices Gru, a former supervillain turned secret agent, in the Despicable Me film series. Picture: Universal Pictures

Despicable Me 4

Former supervillain Gru, his wife Lucy and their kids - Margo, Edith, Agnes and Gru Jr - are back for another fun-filled adventure. The fourth instalment in the animated series sees ‘baddie’ Maxime Le Mal escape from prison and, with the help of his minions, Gru must up sticks to keep his family safe. It boasts a stellar cast, including Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Sofía Vergara and Steve Coogan.

Release date: Friday, July 12

Fly Me to the Moon

Magic Mike star Channing Tatum and BAFTA winner Scarlett Johansson appear in this retro rom-com. During the 1960s Space Race, Cole, the NASA director in charge of the Apollo 11 launch, is surprised when the company brings in marketing specialist Kelly, who suggests they set up a backup fake moon landing in case Cole fails in his mission.

Release date: Friday, July 12

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Based on the 1955 children’s book, Harold and the Purple Crayon sees live-action and animation collide. The film centres around Harold, a young boy who, with the power of his magical purple crayon, can create a world of his own simply by drawing it and watching his creations come to life.

Release date: Friday, August 2

The sequel to Disney-Pixar film Inside Out, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, is released this summer

Inside Out 2

The follow-up to 2015’s emotional rollercoaster Inside Out is here, and Riley is all grown up. As the Pixar protagonist becomes a teenager, it's up to the emotions in her head to help her navigate puberty, with Joy (Amy Poehler) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) being joined by new feelings, including Anxiety and Envy.

Release date: Friday, June 14

Twisters

Those who remember the 1996 blockbuster Twister will enjoy this standalone sequel, which takes place almost 30 years after the original. The new adaptation sees storm chaser Kate Cooper join forces with social media superstar Tyler Owens to test a groundbreaking tracking technology, but the experiment comes with huge risks.

Release date: Friday, July 17