🎥 Must-Watch Movies of July 2025: Your Complete Summer Film Guide
Welcome to your ultimate July 2025 movie preview! This summer delivers dinosaur revivals, superhero reboots, horror throwbacks, family adventures, and laugh-out-loud comedies. Here’s an in-depth look at the 11 must-watch July 2025 films.
Jurassic World: Rebirth
Release Date
July 2, 2025 (Theatrical)
Genre
Science Fiction / Action / Adventure / Thriller
Director
Gareth Edwards
Starring
Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ed Skrein
Synopsis
In Jurassic World: Rebirth, genetic tampering reaches catastrophic levels. Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a former biosafety officer turned rogue activist, leads a specialized extraction team to a hidden European island where unregulated dinosaur hybridization experiments have spiraled out of control. Amidst dense jungle, mutated predators like the Distortus rex and the winged Mutadon roam free. The mission spirals into survival horror as the team uncovers a conspiracy linking pharmaceutical corporations to bioweapon development using dinosaur DNA.
Why Watch It
Fresh genetic horrors and a nostalgic throwback to original Jurassic Park thrills make it the perfect choice for fans of new dinosaur blockbusters.
The Old Guard 2
Release Date
July 2, 2025 (Netflix)
Genre
Superhero / Action
Director
Victoria Mahoney
Starring
Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Uma Thurman, Henry Golding
Synopsis
Charlize Theron reprises her role as Andromache of Scythia in The Old Guard 2, where the centuries-old team of immortal mercenaries confronts both old enemies and ancient secrets. After the betrayal by Booker, the team is divided. But when a shadowy figure from Andy’s distant past emerges, offering salvation or destruction, the group is forced to reunite. As they race across continents, from cryptic archives in Istanbul to underground labs in Tokyo, they uncover a plot to commercialize their immortality—at the cost of humanity.
Why Watch It
If you loved the first film, The Old Guard 2 is your next binge—packed with philosophical depth and adrenaline.
Heads of State
Release Date
July 2, 2025 (Prime Video)
Genre
Action / Comedy
Director
Ilya Naishuller
Starring
John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, Carla Gugino
Synopsis
When two world leaders—President Reynolds (John Cena) and Prime Minister Kambale (Idris Elba)—are thrown together during a security summit gone wrong, they become unlikely partners in an explosive political conspiracy. Heads of State blends high-octane car chases through Berlin with sharp diplomatic satire. As foreign agents close in, the two heads of state must rely on brute force, espionage skills, and awkward friendship to save the world.
Why Watch It
This international political comedy infuses blockbuster action with sharp wit—perfect for Prime Video binge-watchers.
Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado
Release Date
July 2, 2025 (Nickelodeon & Paramount+)
Genre
Adventure / Family / Comedy
Director
Alberto Belli
Starring
Samantha Lorraine, Jacob Rodriguez, Daniella Pineda, Gabriel Iglesias
Synopsis
In this updated adventure, teenage Dora embarks on a journey through the heart of the Amazon rainforest with her cousin Diego and a team of young explorers. Their goal: to uncover the ancient golden city of Sol Dorado, hidden for centuries behind a wall of myths. Facing animal traps, ancient riddles, and a ruthless treasure hunter, Dora must rely on her intelligence and bravery. Along the way, she discovers her true heritage and a deeper responsibility to protect history.
Why Watch It
Perfect for families seeking family-friendly adventure movies, it combines nostalgia with fresh educational thrills.
Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires
Release Date
July 10 (Disney Channel), July 11 (Disney+)
Genre
Musical / Fantasy / Teen
Starring
Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Chandler Kinney, Kylee Russell, Freya Skye, Malachi Barton
Synopsis
In this fourth installment of the hit Zombies franchise, Zed and Addison are back—now in college and attending a summer leadership camp meant to unite monsters and humans. But peace is disrupted when a mysterious group of vampire students arrive with secrets of their own. As old rivalries and new romances collide, the camp becomes a battleground for unity versus division. Filled with energetic dance numbers and empowering messages, this movie tackles inclusion, leadership, and identity.
Why Watch It
If you're into a teen horror musical, this colorful franchise installment brings fun, music, and mild scares.
Superman
Release Date
July 11, 2025 (Theatrical)
Genre
Superhero / Action
Director
James Gunn
Starring
David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Isabela Merced
Synopsis
James Gunn's Superman introduces a new era in the DC Universe, with David Corenswet as Clark Kent navigating his dual identity in Metropolis. Balancing his role as a Daily Planet journalist and the Man of Steel, Clark is drawn into conflict with Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), whose public persona hides a dark agenda. As humanity questions whether they can trust a god-like alien, Superman must reconcile his Kryptonian legacy with Earthly compassion, setting the tone for DC’s Gods and Monsters saga.
Why Watch It
A tone-setting film expected to redefine Superman for a new cinematic universe.
Madea's Destination Wedding
Release Date
July 11, 2025 (Netflix)
Genre
Comedy
Director
Tyler Perry
Starring
Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis Patton, David Mann, Tamela Mann
Synopsis
Madea is back—this time crashing her granddaughter’s destination wedding in the Caribbean. As the bride's family and groom's relatives clash over traditions, Madea takes over the festivities in her signature chaotic style. With drunken aunts, secret love triangles, and a beach venue on the verge of collapse, Madea must bring order to the madness. Packed with slapstick humor and heartfelt family lessons, this is classic Perry storytelling.
Why Watch It
A must-see for fans of Tyler Perry, this comedy brings nostalgia and new family chaos.
Smurfs
Release Date
July 18, 2025 (Theatrical)
Genre
Live-action/CGI Musical / Family
Director
Chris Miller
Starring (Voice)
Rihanna (Smurfette), James Corden, Nick Offerman, Sandra Oh, Daniel Levy
Synopsis
In this musical reboot of the Smurfs franchise, Smurfette (voiced by Rihanna) takes center stage when Papa Smurf is mysteriously kidnapped by Gargamel. Leaving their magical forest for the first time, the Smurfs enter the human world to rescue him. Along the way, they encounter urban chaos, colorful musical performances, and surprising allies. This visually dazzling film combines humor, music, and heartwarming friendship, with Rihanna contributing original songs to the soundtrack.
Why Watch It
A vibrant musical reboot combining celebrity voice talent with a beloved children’s franchise.
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Release Date
July 18, 2025 (Theatrical)
Genre
Horror / Slasher
Director
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Starring
Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Jonah Hauer-King; with legacy cast Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt rumored to return
Synopsis
This modern reboot revisits the classic slasher tale with a new generation of teens haunted by a tragic accident. Set in a sleepy coastal town, the group begins receiving cryptic messages, only to be hunted by a relentless hook-handed killer. As bodies pile up and secrets unravel, the new survivors must unravel the mystery before history repeats itself. Blending suspense, throwback horror, and Gen Z drama, this film pays homage to its '90s roots.
Why Watch It
This reboot brings '90s nostalgia, modern frights, and potential legacy characters.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Release Date
July 25, 2025 (Theatrical)
Genre
Superhero / Adventure
Starring
Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner
Synopsis
Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the official entry of Marvel's First Family into the MCU. When a cosmic mission goes wrong, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm return to Earth altered by radiation that grants them extraordinary powers. As they grapple with their new abilities, the team must come together to face a cosmic threat tied to their transformation. Expect emotional storytelling, scientific exploration, and MCU-grade action.
Why Watch It
A must-see for Marvel fans, this fresh take evolves a classic IP for modern audiences.
Happy Gilmore 2
Release Date
July 25, 2025 (Netflix)
Genre
Sports Comedy
Starring
Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, Bad Bunny
Synopsis
In this nostalgic comedy sequel, Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) is older, grumpier, and forced out of retirement to coach his teenage daughter, who dreams of being both a ballerina and a pro golfer. Meanwhile, Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) returns, plotting a commercialized comeback with new corporate sponsors. As Happy trains the next generation while battling old rivals, he discovers there might still be one last tournament worth swinging for.
Why Watch It
This sequel blends nostalgia with fresh comedy and star-studded surprises.
Why July 2025 Is a Must-See Month
- Genre Variety: Dinosaurs, superheroes, teen musicals, family adventure, nostalgic horror, political comedy, and heartfelt sports sequels.
- Wide Platform Reach: Includes theatrical blockbusters, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Nickelodeon premieres.
- Star Power & Nostalgia: Big names (Johansson, Theron, Rihanna, Sandler) alongside legacy franchises (I Know, Happy Gilmore).
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