School is officially out, but now comes the hard part: how to prioritize your free time. There are so many things you want to do over the summer: get a job, go to the lake, see some movies...But which ones do you see? There so many good ones coming out, and you don't want to miss any of them. Well, you've come to the right place. Here's my list of the top 19 must-see movies for the summer of 2016:
19. "Nerve"
The concept of this film is truly intriguing. It is about a high school senior, played by Emma Roberts, as she participates in an online truth or dare game. Roberts co-star is the ever so popular Dave Franco. For those looking for a thriller with a science fictionesque twist, this would be the one to see. It is currently unrated, and scheduled to premiere July 27.
18. "The Legend of Tarzan"
Margot Robbie is certainly a hot ticket this year. The actress was recently in "The Big Short" and also Tina Fey's movie, "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot". Robbie has this film and "Suicide Squad" scheduled to premiere this summer. Robbie will be portraying Jane Porter. And the other name you might be familiar with is Samuel L. Jackson. Although it's not a new story, you can guarantee that there will be some amazing CGI with a $180 million budget. It's rated PG-13 and premieres on July 1.
17. "The Infiltrator"If you are a "Breaking Bad" fan, than this will be a must for you. "The Infiltrator" stars Bryan Cranston (AKA Walter White) as he goes undercover to find Pablo Escobar. Okay, so in this movie Cranston isn't the meth head, rather he's swapping roles. Currently the film is unrated and comes out July 15.
16. "Fathers and Daughters"Speaking of "Breaking Bad," let's throw some Aaron Paul into our summer flicks. And if the meth lab isn't really your scene, then maybe you were a fan of the beloved HBO drama "Big Love." Yes, that's right, Paul and Seyfried are at it again. And as if that wasn't enough, they're giving you Russell Crowe too. So my guess is if all these stars are coming together, this script must be pretty good. It's the story of a writer and his daughter as they deal with their personal struggles. It is rated R and premieres on July 8.
15. "War Dogs"
You say Jonah Hill, and most of the time I'm an automatic in. And it appears Miles Teller is attempting to make a recovery after his box office bomb of "Fantastic Four". "War Dogs" portrays the true story of two young men employed with armed US allies in Afghanistan. Currently, "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates" is claiming to be the only comedy to be produced and based on a true story; obviously, this film is going to give them a run for their money. It's rated R and will be released August 19.
14. "Captain Fantastic"
Viggo Mortensen plays the role of a devoted father who has dedicated himself to raising his six children in a secluded environment. However, they must face the real world and challenge their ideas of life when they are struck with tragedy. Doesn't the trailer just make you want to tear up a little? It will be rated R, and comes out on July 8.
13. "Wiener Dog"
OK,this is the one for you animal lovers. This movie literally follows the life of a single dog, and how it affects the lives of people. I mean, honestly, what's better than watching a dog? Watching a wiener dog! And it's got some pretty fabulous people in it, including Danny Devito and Ellen Burstyn, just to name a few. The quirky humor in the trailer is absolutely captivating. It's rated R and comes out on June 24.
12. "The Founder"
Well what do we have here, another true story drama. "The Founder" tells the true story of Ray Kroc, the founder of the popular fast food restaurant McDonalds. It features the amazing Michael Keaton and (get ready Parks and Rec. Fans) Nick Offerman. But if Parks and Rec isn't your thing, you're probably an Office fan. That's ok too, because B.J. Novak is in it as well. That's right, get excited. The film is rated PG-13 and premieres August 5.
11. "The Secret Life of Pets"
Yay, more animals! If you love the Minions, then you definitely need to hit this movie up. "The Secret Life of Pets" is made by the same animation company: Illumination. It follows the story of the canine hero, Max, as his life is turned upside down when his owner brings home a new dog. Although the bunny, played by Kevin Hart, does remind me a lot of the secret antagonist bunny, Boingo, from "Hoodwinked", the movie still looks pretty cute and funny. It is unrated right now, but I can't imagine it being anything other than G or PG. It is scheduled to premiere July 8.
10. "The Little Prince"
Based on one of the best-selling books ever published, "The Little Prince" tells the story of a pilot who meets a Prince from an asteroid. The animation looks absolutely incredible and the cast list is amazing. It includes names such as Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, James Franco, and Paul Rudd. It is rated PG and comes out on August 5.
9. "Swiss Army Man"
So this one is kind of creepy, weird, and gross, but at the same time emotional, beautiful, and entirely original. The film tells the story of a man deserted on an island when he finds a corpse that washes along the shore and befriends him. The trailer makes it appear like a quirky 2016 version of "Castaway". But instead of Wilson the volleyball, you get Daniel Radcliffe's dead body as our crazy hero's BFF. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention: Daniel Radcliffe is in it. Yes muggles, buy your tickets now. The film also features Paul Dano. "Swiss Army Man" is actually being directed by the "Daniels" who are most well known for their music videos, which can clearly be seen in the trailer. Look up the words to the song playing in the trailer. I think that pretty much tells you what the movie is going to be like. This film is rated R and premieres June 24.
8. "Bad Moms"
Here's a popular theme in pop culture right now: Female empowerment. Basically, I think a bunch of girls got together because they were tired of seeing movies like "The Hangover" and "Super Bad" showing only a bunch of guys, and wanted to make something similar for women. "Bad Moms" tells the stories of moms that are tired of abiding by the unspoken rules of motherhood and are finally rebelling. It has a stellar cast, featuring Mila Kunis, Kristin Bell, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Christina Applegate. Other than the repeat of the bra joke from Melissa McCarthy's film "Spy", the trailer looks pretty good. You're in store for some laughs. Currently, it's unrated and comes out on July 29.
7. "Free State of Jones"
I think McConaughey is fishing for another nomination this year. His summer flick, "Free State of Jones", tells the true story of Newt Knight, a southern farmer, who rebelled against the Confederacy. So basically it's going to get deep, you'll see some blood, and people are going to die. It's rated R and is scheduled to premiere June 24.
6. "Florence Foster Jenkins"
Speaking of Oscars, Meryl is also trying to get another nomination. Shocker. What's this like, her 50th? But we still love her! "Florence Foster Jenkins" tells the story of the inspiring woman who dreamed to become an opera singer despite her lack of voice. And if Meryl wasn't enough for you, Hugh Grant and Simon Helberg will be co-staring in it. It seems pretty feel-good. So when you're having a bad day over the summer, check this flick out. It is unrated and comes out on August 12.
5. "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates"
Another "true story" featuring your favorite "Pitch Perfect" stars: Anna Kendrick and Adam Devine. Zac Efron and Aubrey Plaza star as well. The film follows two brothers as they search for "suitable" girls to take to their sister's wedding; however, they end up outsmarted by a couple of party girls instead. It looks pretty funny and it has a good cast. The film is rated R and comes out on July 8.
4. "Suicide Squad"
Here's the must see "super hero' movie of the summer. Last summer it was "Age of Ultron," this summer it is "Suicide Squad." It has all of your favorite DC villains teaming up to try and save the world. Featuring Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Will Smith as Deadshot, Cara Delevinge as Enchantress, and Jarod Leto as the Joker. I am slightly skeptical because it has been revealed that they've been filming scenes after some harsh reviews of "Batman vs. Superman". Supposedly they're trying to add more humor to the film. Regardless, you already love these characters, so you have to see the film. It is rated PG-13 and will be released on August 5.
3. "Ghostbusters"
Yaas! Woman power! This has such a fun twist to the 80's classic. Not much has been revealed about the plot, but I'm going to take a few wild guesses: 1. There are going to be ghosts, Boo! 2. They're going to save the world. Plus, they possibly found the funniest women alive for this reboot: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. And if the ladies of "SNL" (plus McCarthy) are not really your scene, maybe Chris Hemsworth is? The film is unrated and premieres July 15.
2. "The Space Between Us"
Possibly one of the cutest love stories ever. I'm totally about this new space trend with "Interstellar" and "the Martian", and now we're adding romance to it! Although the trailer could potentially be better than the movie, it still makes my heart melt. The film follows a teenage boy, Gardner Elliot, who was born on Mars. He wishes to travel to Earth to find his father, but quickly learns that his body is not adapted to the atmosphere. Regardless, he goes on a mad quest to find his father and ends up finding love along the way. Gardner is actually being played by Asa Butterfield, who you all might know from "Hugo" or "Ender's Game". And his love interest, Tulsa, is being portrayed by the lovely Britt Robertson, who was most recently in "Mother's Day" and "Tommorrowland". The movie is rated PG-13 and comes out August 19.
1. "Finding Dory"
And finally, the sequel you've been waiting to see for over a decade! Yes, that's right, it's here! Ellen's whining and begging finally paid off. "Finding Dory" is already out. It will answer all your questions about Dory. How did she meet Marlin? Where did she learn to speak whale? And most importantly, where did she come from? So what are you waiting for? Just keep swimming to the theatre, and see it right now!
Happy summer! And which summer flick are you most looking forward to?