Must-Watch Summer Movies and Streaming Hits
These releases target a summer audience seeking air-conditioned respite from extreme weather patterns.
How ‘They Fight’ Redefines the Boxing Narrative
They Fight will debut July 17 on Hulu on Disney+. Starring Andrè Holland, Samira Wiley, and Wendell Pierce, the film follows Walt, an ex-con who returns home to the underdog boxing gym that could be his path to redemption. Writer and director Sheldon Candis told EBONY that the project is the first headgear-and-oversized-gloves boxing movie told through the coming-of-age journey of our beautiful Black boys.
What to Expect from the July Box Office Surge
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey arrives in theaters on July 17, featuring Zendaya and Lupita Nyong’o in a retelling of the ancient Greek poem. This release competes directly with the July 10 opening of the live-action Moana, featuring Dwayne Johnson.
The momentum continues into the end of the month with Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31. The plot centers on Peter Parker facing a powerful new threat and the dangerously changing nature of his superpowers. Zendaya stars.
Which Streaming Titles Are Dominating the Summer?
Netflix is betting on Kevin Hart in 72 Hours, premiering July 24, which follows a millennial who joins a group of twenty-somethings on a wild three-day bachelor party after he’s inadvertently added to their group text. Meanwhile, Prime Video has released Man of War, starring LaMonica Garrett as a U.S. special forces veteran who must save his adopted niece when she’s taken hostage in the early days of the Russo-Ukrainian War.
For those seeking educational content, World Is Not My Own is currently running as part of Black Public Media’s AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange. Filmmaker Dream Hampton used a mix of archival footage, animation, and detailed recreations to profile self-taught Black artist Nellie Mae Rowe.
Upcoming August Releases and Niche Markets
The summer slate closes with a mix of family entertainment and ensemble comedies. PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, featuring Jennifer Hudson in a voice-over role, hits theaters July 31. Later, on August 21, Michelle Buteau stars in Spa Weekend, a comedy centered on three friends whose vacation is interrupted by another friend who brings chaos along with her.
Additionally, Bull Street, a drama starring Loretta Devine, will be available via TVOD on July 17. The film deals with a woman who must fight to hold on to her family land that’s been passed down through generations — but isn’t protected by a deed — which is threatened by outside forces.
Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only.