Favorite Summer Blockbusters by year (starting with Star Wars of course!)
Decided to be specific with my criteria:
(1) - No animated features.
(2) - Only films released from April 25th through August 25th in the USA.
(1) - No animated features.
(2) - Only films released from April 25th through August 25th in the USA.
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- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherLuke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.I was not even alive during this decade but I decided to start the list off with arguably the greatest, most influential summer blockbuster of all-time.
- DirectorGeorge A. RomeroStarsDavid EmgeKen ForeeScott H. ReinigerDuring an escalating zombie epidemic, two Philadelphia SWAT team members, a traffic reporter and his TV executive girlfriend seek refuge in a secluded shopping mall.I was very limited on options for the Summer of 1978. Never seen Grease in its entirety and have no desire to but George Romero's original Dawn of the Dead should fit the bill for this year.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsSigourney WeaverTom SkerrittJohn HurtThe crew of a commercial spacecraft encounters a deadly lifeform after investigating a mysterious transmission of unknown origin.Scary and claustrophobic. Ridley Scott managed to scare the living hell out of audiences with the start of this franchise.
- DirectorIrvin KershnerStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter the Rebel Alliance are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett.Widely considered to be the best Star Wars 'episode' of all-time and rightfully so.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordKaren AllenPaul FreemanIn 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain its awesome powers.How many modern filmmakers can boast about crafting one of the greatest summer blockbusters of all-time, one of the finest films of all-time, inventing an original character who has become a literal household name across generations, and generating scientific interest in the pursuit of a real-life artifact? Steven Spielberg and George Lucas can.
- DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsKurt RussellWilford BrimleyKeith DavidA research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims.Wow, the Summer of 1982 had a LOT of noteworthy blockbuster films including E.T., Tron, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, The Road Warrior, Blade Runner, Rocky III, and of course John Carpenter's The Thing. One reason this is my favorite is because it is literally surreal and terrifying when I imagine myself in the situation of MacReady and co. in this movie.
- DirectorRichard MarquandStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.This film is the recipient of way too much hatred and criticism in my humble opinion, especially after watching the inferior 'prequels' that Lucas made for 'my generation'. But then again, I was not around when the original trilogy started. Maybe the hateful SW fanboys are justified. Having that said, it most certainly could not have been easy to close out a trilogy for two of the most incredible and epic films of all-time.
I can understand the complaints about the Ewoks maybe and the 'creepy' twist about Luke and Leia but otherwise I personally think the final conflict and resolution between Luke and Anakin was handled incredibly well. Also, The Emperor was top-notch. As far as I'm concerned, still one of the best third installments ever made. - DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsBill MurrayDan AykroydSigourney WeaverThree parapsychologists forced out of their university funding set up shop as a unique ghost removal service in New York City, attracting frightened yet skeptical customers.Underrated. Arguably the greatest fantasy-comedy-horror movie of all-time. It was mentioned in Zombieland that Bill Murray just gets your funny bone and I agree wholeheartedly. This classic film had a hand in defining a generation of fantastic cinema.
Dr. Peter Venkman, Egon, Ray, and Winston all made the idea of fighting ghosts seem fun and funny as hell. Plus, Ray Parker Jr.'s classic soundtrack to this is the final bonus. Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!!! - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydLea ThompsonMarty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.If Ghostbusters was a fantasy-comedy, this might be the best sci-fi comedy ever made.
Man, I truly miss Michael J. Fox during his acting days. It's sad to see his fight with Parkinson's disease now. He was a rare talent and was already truly amazing as Alex Keaton on Family Ties but this movie further highlights his charisma as Marty McFly.
Fox and Christopher Lloyd's Doc Brown have unshakable chemistry, Lea Thompson is sexy, and this movie shows us the Power of Love (according to Huey Lewis and The News, that is). One of my all-time favorite films. - DirectorJames CameronStarsSigourney WeaverMichael BiehnCarrie HennDecades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is sent out to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony but finds herself battling the Alien Queen and her offspring.Excellent sequel by James Cameron, picking up where Ridley Scott left off. I also miss these days as well: the days when James Cameron made films that were actually amazing, not just popular ones or the kind that simply manipulate the masses. Sigh.
Anyway, Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley is forced to become tough as nails in this movie cementing her status as arguably the strongest female character that cinema has ever known. A classic. - DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerCarl WeathersKevin Peter HallA team of commandos on a mission in a Central American jungle find themselves hunted by an extraterrestrial warrior.It was really a toss-up between this movie and Robocop, another favorite classic summer blockbuster of 1987. In fact, I declare my first tie! Look below...
- DirectorPaul VerhoevenStarsPeter WellerNancy AllenDan O'HerlihyIn a dystopic and crime-ridden Detroit, a terminally wounded cop returns to the force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories.Tied with Predator as my favorite summer blockbuster of 1987
- DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsBruce WillisAlan RickmanBonnie BedeliaA New York City police officer tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.Yippee-ki-yay, [EXPLETIVE].
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsMichael KeatonJack NicholsonKim BasingerThe Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.Another film that is underrated. Despite the 'lovefest' and often strange devotion given to the recent ones, IMHO THIS is the greatest live-action Batman film of all-time. Also, one of the best movies of the decade. Nuff said.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordSean ConneryAlison DoodyIn 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers.My second tie: Even with Batman as my favorite summer blockbuster of 1989.
- DirectorPaul VerhoevenStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerSharon StoneMichael IronsideWhen a man goes in to have virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars implanted in his mind, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?Among the most popular films Arnold's ever made, this might be the strangest. However, I feel as if it is still slightly better than Die Hard 2 on repeat viewings.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonEdward FurlongA cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her ten year old son John from an even more advanced and powerful cyborg.Again, when James Cameron (and Arnold) made truly great films. Not only one of the greatest summer blockbusters ever made but one of the best science-fiction movies of all-time.
The sequels after this one were strictly cash-grabs. This is the last movie in this franchise as far as I'm concerned. - DirectorTim BurtonStarsMichael KeatonDanny DeVitoMichelle PfeifferWhile Batman deals with a deformed man calling himself the Penguin wreaking havoc across Gotham with the help of a cruel businessman, a female employee of the latter becomes the Catwoman with her own vendetta.Underrated like its predecessor though a bit more of a gamble. This film angered Soccer Moms, 'family' groups, and was labeled 'too dark and mature'.
Some argue that it's actually better than the original and while I slightly disagree with this viewpoint I can definitely see why.
Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman makes this movie worth a watch by herself but the complexity that both The Penguin and Catwoman bring as reflections of Bruce Wayne's psyche is truly unique.
Mixing drama, dark comedy, tragedy, and great character study this movie like the original is a film that I've come to appreciate and respect even more in my adult years. - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsSam NeillLaura DernJeff GoldblumA pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned dinosaurs to run loose.Steven Spielberg firing on all cylinders is always a beautiful thing to watch in action, and man oh man did he put it down with this underrated, classic summer blockbuster.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksRobin WrightGary SiniseThe history of the United States from the 1950s to the '70s unfolds from the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75, who yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart.Poignant, funny, and tragic. A movie I truly did not expect to even like before I watched it but ended up being one of my favorite films of the decade.
- DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsBruce WillisJeremy IronsSamuel L. JacksonJohn McClane and a Harlem store owner are targeted by German terrorist Simon in New York City, where he plans to rob the Federal Reserve Building.Tied with Mortal Kombat for 1995. Third tie so far.
- DirectorPaul W.S. AndersonStarsChristopher LambertRobin ShouLinden AshbyThree unknowing martial artists are summoned to a mysterious island to compete in a tournament whose outcome will decide the fate of the world.MOORRRRTALL KOMMMBAATTTT!!!!! *cue hype music*
- DirectorRoland EmmerichStarsWill SmithBill PullmanJeff GoldblumThe aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive.This receives insane amounts of hostility on this website but I consider it to be a very entertaining classic that I can honestly say that I don't tire of watching every year.
- DirectorJoel SchumacherStarsMatthew McConaugheySandra BullockSamuel L. JacksonIn Canton, Mississippi, a fearless young lawyer and his assistant defend a black man accused of murdering two white men who raped his ten-year-old daughter, inciting violent retribution and revenge from the Ku Klux Klan."Tied with ID4 for this year. My fourth tie!"
- DirectorBarry SonnenfeldStarsTommy Lee JonesWill SmithLinda FiorentinoJames, an NYC cop, is hired by Agent K of a secret government agency that monitors extraterrestrial life on Earth. Together, they must recover an item that has been stolen by an intergalactic villain.Unique concept executed quite well. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones have great chemistry on-screen. Plus, the theme song is catchy and memorable as hell. The sequels unfortunately did not quite live up to the original though.
- DirectorMartin CampbellStarsAntonio BanderasAnthony HopkinsCatherine Zeta-JonesA young thief seeking revenge for his brother's death is trained by the once-great, aging Zorro, who is pursuing his own vengeance.Easy pick for this year.
- DirectorStephen SommersStarsBrendan FraserRachel WeiszJohn HannahAt an archaeological dig in the ancient city of Hamunaptra, an American serving in the French Foreign Legion accidentally awakens a mummy who begins to wreak havoc as he searches for the reincarnation of his long-lost love.Don't get too excited about this being on the list. Despite the love that many have for the Summer blockbusters of 1999, I personally found it very difficult to place a movie for this particular year.
Although it had a couple of memorable and iconic scenes, The Phantom Menace was of course largely disappointing. The Sixth Sense, imho, is highly overrated as I figured out the 'surprise ending' within the first 25 minutes. I've grown to hate the Austin Powers films.
The Iron Giant was probably by far the best summer blockbuster of 1999 but I already eliminated anything animated in my criteria.
So...this by default ended up being my favorite summer blockbuster of 1999, partly because it surprised me (in a good way) back then when I saw it. Not a "great" movie by any means but not awful either. - DirectorRidley ScottStarsRussell CroweJoaquin PhoenixConnie NielsenA former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.Epic and tragic. Easy choice for my top summer blockbuster of 2000.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHaley Joel OsmentJude LawFrances O'ConnorA highly advanced robotic boy longs to become "real" so that he can regain the love of his human mother.Despite the fact that this receives a lot of disdain in some circles I found it to be a notable film for Steven Spielberg. I enjoyed it overall and found it to be pretty interesting.
At the very least more interesting than the other summer blockbusters of 2001, a cinematic summer that was for the most part VERY disappointing. Although I will admit that The Mummy Returns wasn't bad either and would come in second place to this movie. - DirectorDoug LimanStarsFranka PotenteMatt DamonChris CooperA man is picked up by a fishing boat, bullet-riddled and suffering from amnesia, before racing to elude assassins and attempting to regain his memory.Could not let this one go. Tied with Spider-Man.
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsTobey MaguireKirsten DunstWillem DafoeAfter being bitten by a genetically-modified spider, a shy teenager gains spider-like abilities that he uses to fight injustice as a masked superhero and face a vengeful enemy.Aside from a few issues, which depending on context and perspective could be considered minor, this film is brilliant work.
I had almost forgotten how excellent this movie was. But now that I've seen the mislabeled 2012 Marc Webb reboot, which should have been titled 'The Asinine Spider-Man', that will NOT happen again.
'With great power comes great responsibility'. Thanks Sam Raimi for remembering what Stan Lee stated this character was truly about and brilliantly telling a universal story about how true those words are. - DirectorBryan SingerStarsPatrick StewartHugh JackmanHalle BerryWhen anti-mutant Colonel William Stryker kidnaps Professor X and attacks his school, the X-Men must ally with their archenemy Magneto to stop him.The X-Men franchise peaked here, NOT with First Class or Days of Future Past.
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsTobey MaguireKirsten DunstAlfred MolinaPeter Parker is beset with troubles in his failing personal life as he battles a former brilliant scientist named Otto Octavius.Improves on the original in some aspects. Amazing.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom CruiseDakota FanningTim RobbinsAn alien invasion threatens the future of humanity. The catastrophic nightmare is depicted through the eyes of one American family fighting for survival.Yes, it is flawed but definitely worth it. Overall, Spielberg did a good job.
- DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsTom CruiseMichelle MonaghanVing RhamesIMF agent Ethan Hunt comes into conflict with a dangerous and sadistic arms dealer who threatens his life and his fiancée in response.Vast improvement over the previous installment to this series.
- DirectorPaul GreengrassStarsMatt DamonEdgar RamírezJoan AllenJason Bourne dodges a ruthless C.I.A. official and his Agents from a new assassination program while searching for the origins of his life as a trained killer.This trilogy ended on a high note. Excellent work.
- DirectorJon FavreauStarsRobert Downey Jr.Gwyneth PaltrowTerrence HowardAfter being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.Fantastic work by Jon Favreau. Who would have guessed that Robert Downey, Jr. would not only be cast as Tony Stark but completely own the role?
This was Marvel Films' foundation for The Avengers Initiative but an excellent film in its own right. - DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsChris PineZachary QuintoSimon PeggThe brash James T. Kirk tries to live up to his father's legacy with Mr. Spock keeping him in check as a vengeful Romulan from the future creates black holes to destroy the Federation one planet at a time.It was a very good idea to reboot this franchise, especially after the lifeless mess that TNG movies became.
J.J. Abrams delivered a well-made new start for Kirk, Spock, Bones, Uhura, and co. Now, he has to not drop the ball with the sequels, which is no small task. - DirectorSylvester StalloneStarsSylvester StalloneJason StathamJet LiA CIA operative hires a team of mercenaries to eliminate a Latin dictator and a renegade CIA agent.Iron Man 2 was disappointing. Toy Story 3 is actually my favorite summer blockbuster of this year but again I eliminated animated films from my criteria.
So again, by default only, this film ended up being my favorite (live-action) summer blockbuster of 2010. - DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsChris EvansHugo WeavingSamuel L. JacksonSteve Rogers, a rejected military soldier, transforms into Captain America after taking a dose of a "Super-Soldier serum". But being Captain America comes at a price as he attempts to take down a warmonger and a terrorist organization.Truthfully, this film could have ended up being wasted effort but beats the odds.
Chris Evans, previously known as The Human Torch from both FF movies conquered his fear of taking on this role and portrayed the titular character. He did an exceptional job and proved his detractors wrong.
Hugo Weaving shines as The Red Skull. Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, and Hayley Atwell all give strong performances. Surprisingly a very good film. - DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsChris HemsworthAnthony HopkinsNatalie PortmanThe powerful but arrogant god Thor is cast out of Asgard to live amongst humans in Midgard (Earth), where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.Another Tie. This was a film that most likely would have been a failure if not for the right combination of cast, script, and direction.
Fortunately, it fires well on all cylinders. Chris Hemsworth as Thor and his character development are the truth. Anthony Hopkins is in top form as Odin. Tom Hiddleston is fantastic as Loki.
All in all, more risky than even Captain America was but a very good end result. - DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansScarlett JohanssonEarth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.The most risky and arguably the most deserving film on this list. Period. I sincerely hope that this film has made Stan "The Man" Lee as happy as it made me. Who would have ever thought a project like this would work in live-action, especially in the current world we live in?
Never before has a film like this ever been produced. Marvel Films created its own cinematic storytelling universe, Phase One of which started with Iron Man in 2008 and ended with this epic, fantastic film in 2012.
To be perfectly honest, I had a LOT of doubt, skepticism, and fear going into this movie even on opening night but Joss Whedon and company nuked all of those negative feelings in a way I will not forget.
This film is so fantastic and well-made that it easily blew away the competition in 2012, making competing film studios 'green' with envy; Marvel's The Avengers earned the title of 'greatest super hero film ever' as well as one the greatest blockbuster films of all-time; it enraged fan bases of other films as well as elitists everywhere, including Meryl Streep and Wally Pfister. The complaining, nitpicking, desperate and even immature tearing down of this movie only comes from ignorance, bias, and agendas. Objectively, this film is damn-near perfect.
The script, story, dialogue, and direction are brilliant. The cast has more than plenty of good to great performances. The action, adventure, and visual effects are top notch. Loki is an excellent villain who unlike other villains we usually see a lot of late is not generic, one-dimensional, or insane just for the hell of it or simply because the plot desperately needs him to be. He is also not the only good thing going for this film by overshadowing the entire purpose of the heroes, which is great filmmaking.
Critics, fans, and the masses love this film. To those who care about these kinds of things it received near-universal critical acclaim, has a 96 percent "Like" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, was surprisingly recognized and nominated by the Academy for an Oscar (who usually looks down on these kinds of films), and was ranked as the greatest film of 2012 by Empire Magazine - Online.
This film is a testament to the fact that it is not just what you do but how you do it. Nuff said. - DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsIdris ElbaCharlie HunnamRinko KikuchiAs a war between humankind and monstrous sea creatures wages on, a former pilot and a trainee are paired up to drive a seemingly obsolete special weapon in a desperate effort to save the world from the apocalypse.I changed my mind. This is my favorite summer blockbuster of 2013. Although this particular summer for films was a disappointment overall so take that for what its worth.
- DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattVin DieselBradley CooperA group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe.Well, Marvel Studios triumphs yet again. I had serious doubts about this movie before it was released but wow what a hell of a great time at the cinema!
- DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansMark RuffaloWhen Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a dormant peacekeeping program called Ultron, things go horribly wrong and it's up to Earth's mightiest heroes to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plan.A case where a sequel is judged harshly, fair or not, when compared to the original. However, overall a really good to excellent film.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsChris EvansRobert Downey Jr.Scarlett JohanssonPolitical involvement in the Avengers' affairs causes a rift between Captain America and Iron Man.This move is clearly, hands down the best summer blockbuster of 2016. It is also arguably the greatest Marvel Studios film ever. Nuff said.
- DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandMichael KeatonRobert Downey Jr.Peter Parker balances his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens with his superhero alter-ego Spider-Man, and finds himself on the trail of a new menace prowling the skies of New York City.Tom Holland picks up where he left off in Captain America: Civil War. Excellent work. Tied with Wonder Woman for this year.
- DirectorPatty JenkinsStarsGal GadotChris PineRobin WrightWhen a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.I'm sorry that people gave Gal Gadot such grief before this movie was released. She nailed it.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris HemsworthMark RuffaloThe Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.It is very hard to express in words all of my thoughts on this movie. Now, I am one of those kids who read both the original Infinity Gauntlet and Infinity War storylines from the 1990s and to this day, consider them to be easily among the best, if not the very best ever comic books/graphic novels.
When I first heard that Marvel Studios was going to adapt this storyline, I honestly thought they had lost their minds. I figured that trying to do something on this scale, especially considering that at this time, they did not own the rights to all of their characters was filmmaking, storytelling, and logistical suicide. I believed words like “risky” as well as “ambitious” were too lenient when it came to this, and we would literally witness the end of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
There was a very long period of time before I finally decided to accept that this movie would never be able to live up to the book, let alone the hype.
Then, I went to theater and paid to watch this film. Afterwards, there was only one serious objection I had, strictly from a comic book fan perspective though.
With all of that being said, Marvel Studios Avengers: Infinity War can probably be best described as a dream come true. Despite the fact that I've seen countless films, as a summer blockbuster, this elevates to an entirely different level than probably anything I watched in the theater before. While it is not the book, it is objectively one of the greatest movies I have ever seen.