Thanks to a new wave of Gen Z horror movies, which include two surprise low-budget hits in Curry Barker’s Obsession and Kane Parson’s Backrooms, the summer box office season is already in full swing. Even with Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu performing on the low end of expectations (especially for a Star Wars release), 2026 is still outpacing last year’s total by 11%. This June, the studios are releasing titles by some of the most legendary names and storied franchises imaginable, so make sure you always check the local listings at your favorite Showplace Cinemas or AMC Theaters location so you can grab a ticket to the next classic blockbuster!
The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act (June 4) – For Gen Z (and younger Millennials), this may be the most anticipated release of the summer. Rarely does an independent animated series go from YouTube to Netflix to the big screen, but this is no ordinary animated series. The story follows a group of characters trapped in a digital realm by a sadistic and unstable AI ringmaster. This release features the final two episodes (8 & 9) of this visually thrilling existential adventure, directed and created by Gooseworx.
Masters of the Universe (June 5) – After 39 years, does He-Man still have the power to get an audience into the theater and not stay home to watch the 1987 Golan-Globus cult-ish screen adaptation? Amazon MGM Studios is hoping its hot streak continues post-Project Hail Mary, with Travis Knight (Bumblebee, Kubo and the Two String) directing this new version of Eternia’s greatest hero. This time around, earthling Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) discovers he is the prince of a distant planet and must find a magic sword to help defend the universe from the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto). Idris Elba and Kristen Wiig co-star.
Scary Movie (June 5) – Taking place 13 years after the events of Scary Movie 5, this legacy sequel brings back series staples Anna Faris and Regina Hall (and virtually all The Wayans Family) for yet another round of grossout humor and horror-spoofing hijinks. Michael Tiddes directs.
Power Ballad (June 5) – Paul Rudd returns to his dramedy wheelhouse in this film about Rick, a struggling wedding singer (Rudd) who meets Danny, a fading boy band star (Nick Jonas). After a late-night jam session, Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into a hit, sending Rick on a journey to gain well-deserved recognition. Jack Reynor (Midsommar) and Havana Rose Liu (Bottoms) co-star, with John Carney (Sing Street, Once) co-writing, producing, and directing this musical slice of counterprogramming.
Disclosure Day (June 12) – Steven Spielberg is back in all his summer blockbuster/alien sci-fi glory with this dramatic thriller about a whistleblower (Josh O’Connor) who attempts to bring to light secrets that may drastically change the fate of humanity forever. Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman Domingo co-star in this script written by frequent Spielberg collaborator David Koepp.
Toy Story 5 (June 19) – The toys are back–again–for their fifth Disney/Pixar adventure! Co-written and co-directed by Andrew Stanton (of WALL-E fame) and McKenna Harris, Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the gang face yet another challenge when young Bonnie is introduced to a tablet named Lily Pad (Gretta Lee). The returning voice talents include Keanu Reeves, Annie Potts, Wallace Shawn, Tony Hale and John Ratzenberger.
The Death of Robin Hood (June 19) – In this reimagined version of the classic tale by A24, Hugh Jackman stars as the title character, grappling with a lifetime of crime and murder. A mysterious woman (Jodie Comer) nurses Robin Hood back to health after he is severely injured, offering him the hope of salvation. Michael Sarnoski (A Quiet Place: Day One, Pig) writes and directs, with Bill Skarsgård (IT, Nosferatu), Murray Bartlett (HBO’s The Last of Us and The White Lotus) and Noah Jupe (Hamnet, A Quiet Place) costarring.
Jackass: Best and Last (June 26) – Hello, he’s Johnny Knoxville, and welcome to the last Jackass! Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Wee Man, Preston Lacy, and most of the band of troublemakers are back for one last round of dangerous stunts and mind-numbing pranks. Series producer Spike Jonze and director Jeff Tremaine return for the final installment. Remember, do not attempt any of the stunts you see!
Supergirl (June 26) – Looking to capitalize on her cameo in 2025’s Superman reboot, Milly Alcock stars as Kara Zor-El (aka Supergirl). In her first feature adventure since the classic 1984 version, Supergirl joins forces with the menacing Lobo (an Aquaman-less Jason Momoa) to fight an unexpected adversary. Craig Gillespie (Cruella, I, Tonya) directs from a script by first-time writer Ana Nogueria (who has multiple DC projects in the pipeline). Superman himself, David Corenswet, also makes an appearance.
Henderson resident Dr. McManus Woodend is an Assistant Professor of Digital Media at the University of Southern Indiana and has worked in film, television and commercials for more than 20 years. To see some of his work, visit www.mcmanuswoodend.com.
