Consider it the “Oppenheimer” effect: This year’s summer films have a historic bent that could be ideal for the country’s 250th.
If that isn’t enough, look for the usual sequels, superheroes and sci-fi flicks to fill the season.
The big one to watch: Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day,” a super-secretive close encounter with aliens.
Here's a look at what's ahead:
NOW PLAYING
Animal Farm: George Orwell’s allegory may go down better in animation. Seth Rogen, Woody Harrelson and Glenn Close are among the voices.
The Devil Wears Prada 2: A revisit to the haughty magazine editor and her former minions gets Meryl Streep back in Meryl Streep mode. That’s all.
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MAY
MAY 8
Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D): It’s a concert film, but it’s Billie Eilish, so there’s going to be a spin you didn’t see coming.
"Mortal Kombat 2"
Mortal Kombat II: There’s more? Karl Urban returns in the video-game-turned-movie.
Hugh Jackman in "The Sheep Detectives."
The Sheep Detectives: When a farmer (Hugh Jackman) winds up dead, the sheep he read to (you got that right) decide to find the culprit. Lots of big names provide voices.
MAY 15
Jake Gyllenhaal, left, and Henry Cavill star in "In the Grey."
In the Grey: Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal get involved in a Guy Ritchie adventure film about operatives working on a heist.
Is God Is: Two sisters go on the hunt for the one who wronged them. Tony winner Kara Young and Mallori Johnson star.
Obsession: Using magic to make someone fall in love with you doesn’t always work. Or so Michael Johnston discovers in this horror film.
The Wizard of the Kremlin: Jude Law plays Vladimir Putin in this thriller about his rise to power.
MAY 22
I Love Boosters: Keke Palmer stars as the head of a group of shoplifters who get under the skin of folks like Demi Moore and Will Poulter. Boots Riley directs.
"The Mandalorian and Grogu" is now in theaters.
The Mandalorian and Grogu: Pedro Pascal gets to bring his hit “Star Wars” character to the big screen. Along for the ride? His green sidekick.
MAY 29
"Backrooms"
Backrooms: A YouTube fave, Kane Parsons, adapts his works into the story of people stuck in the backroom of some mall-like place for the rest of their lives.
Nate Bargatze is a working dad who takes on more responsibilities at home and with the kids in the comedy "The Breadwinner."
The Breadwinner: Nate Bergatze tests his skills as a Mr. Mom when his wife (Mandy Moore) goes away. The question: Will Bergatze be another Adam Sandler?
Brendan Fraser plays Allied commander Dwight D. Eisenhower in the D-Day drama "Pressure."
Pressure: Brendan Fraser plays Dwight Eisenhower in this drama about the 72 hours before D-Day.
JUNE
JUNE 5
He-Man (Nicholas Galitzine) harnesses the power of Grayskull taking out Skeletor's goons in the fantasy adventure "Masters of the Universe."
Masters of the Universe: Those 1980s toys come to life. Nicholas Galitzine stars as He-Man.
Nick Jonas, left, plays a fading boy-bander who makes a hit out of a song by a wedding singer, played by Paul Rudd, in "Power Ballad."
Power Ballad: Two musicians clash when one records the other’s song and it becomes a big hit. Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas play the singers.
Anna Faris reprises her role as Cindy – and spoofs Jamie Lee Curtis' recent "Halloween" films – in the new "Scary Movie."
Scary Movie: Ready for another horror movie spoof? Since we haven’t had one since 2013, it’s time. Look for “Megan,” “Get Out” and “Sinners” to get hit.
JUNE 12
Emily Blunt plays a Kansas City meteorologist affected by an extraterrestrial presence in Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day."
Disclosure Day: Since Steven Spielberg is the king of summer releases, this is bound to be a hit. It involves aliens, but that’s as much as anyone will say. Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor and Colman Domingo star.
Stop! That! Train!: RuPaul plays the president in this comedy about a runaway train. Lots of recognizable faces turn up.
JUNE 19
Woody and Buzz Lightyear in "Toy Story 5."
Toy Story 5: Those determined toys face a new challenge: screens. When kids turn to tablets, it’s war.
Hugh Jackman plays an older version of the legendary title outlaw in the dark thriller "The Death of Robin Hood."
The Death of Robin Hood: Hugh Jackman plays Robin Hood in this dramatic take.
Leviticus: A hit on the film fest circuit, this entry about conversion therapy shows how two boys try to break out.
Girls Like Girls: Hayley Kiyoko turns her song/novel into a film about summer love.
JUNE 26
Supergirl: Milly Alcock plays the young superhero as a counter-culture crime fighter.
Penelope Cruz (left) and Olivia Wilde are neighbors whose relationship gets complicated in the dramedy "The Invite."
The Invite: Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen get involved in a relationship with neighbors Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton. Wilde directs.
Jackass Best and Last: The gang is back, but they say this is the last time. Honest.
Lucky Strike: Continuing a World War II fascination, this stars Scott Eastwood, Colin Hanks and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in the aftermath of the Battle of the Bulge.
JULY
JULY 1
"Minions and Monsters"
Minions and Monsters: Those lovable minions try to make a monster movie in 1920s Hollywood but encounter a new wrinkle: sound.
JULY 3
"Young Washington"
Young Washington: Just in time for the country's 250th anniversary, we get this look at the first president before he makes big moves. William Franklyn-Miller plays the role.
JULY 10
Dwayne Johnson as Maui in Disney's live-action "Moana."
Moana: It’s a live-action version of the Disney animation hit. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui.
Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass: Before her wedding, a woman zips to Hollywood to use her pass on Jon Hamm.
JULY 17
Matt Damon stars as the legendary Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's epic adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey."
The Odyssey: Christopher Nolan takes on Homer’s epic with Matt Damon and a bunch of other big stars.
JULY 24
Evil Dead Burn: It’s the sixth one. If you need to ask, you’re not in the “Evil Dead” family.
Mary Steenburgen, left, and Jake Johnson in "The Dink."
The Dink: Pickleball gets its due in this comedy from Ben Stiller, who also took on dodgeball and models.
Rosebush Pruning: Elle Fanning learns what quirks bend a wealthy family in this satire.
72 Hours: Kevin Hart plays an “older” worker who joins his 20-something colleagues at a bachelor party.
"Hadestown: The Musical"
Hadestown: The Musical: The British version of Broadway’s hit gets a screen capture version.
JULY 31
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
Spider-Man: Brand New Day: Tom Holland returns as the webslinger. Zendaya’s here, too.
AUGUST
AUG. 7
One Night Only: Premarital sex is legal one night a year. So, who hooks up? (This is like ‘The Purge.’)
"Super Troopers 3"
Super Troopers 3: The goofy Vermont troopers are back.
AUG. 14
"The End of Oak Street"
The End of Oak Street: In this, the summer of Anne Hathaway, she and Ewan McGregor play folks who are transported elsewhere.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie: Guess who’s going to the dogs?
The Brink of War: Jeff Daniels plays Ronald Reagan and Jared Harris plays Mikhail Gorbachev in this account of their Reykjavik Summit.
"The Rivals of Amziah King"
The Rivals of Amziah King: Matthew McConaughey stars as a honey maker who is threatened by outsiders.
AUG. 21
"Insidious: Out of the Further"
Insidious: Out of the Further: More mayhem. If you have to ask, you aren’t in the loop.
Mutiny: Jason Statham must clear his name (yet again).
"Spa Weekend"
Spa Weekend: Friends go on a girls’ weekend. Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher and Anna Faris are in the mix.
AUG. 28
Wile E. Coyote (left) runs into his old foe, the Road Runner, in the live-action/animated comedy "Coyote vs. Acme."
Coyote vs. Acme: Wile E. Coyote takes on the Acme Corporation.
Jacob Elordi, left, and Margaret Qualley star in "The Dog Stars."
The Dog Stars: Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin get to star in Ridley Scott’s latest, a thriller about a flu that threatens to wipe out everyone.
Idiots: Dave Franco and O’Shea Jackson Jr. take a kid to rehab in a road trip comedy.
"Legend of the White Dragon"
Legend of the White Dragon: After losing his title as the White Dragon, Erik Reed returns to clear his name and protect his family. The late Jason David Frank stars.
Backrooms: A YouTube fave, Kane Parsons, adapts his works into the story of people stuck in the backroom of some mall-like place for the rest of their lives.
