10 must-see summer blockbusters of 2021

After a year of continuous shutdowns, audiences around the world are celebrating the return of the movies. As cinemas are declared safe to reopen, blockbuster films plagued by delays are finally seeing the light of a projector booth. So many, in fact, that it can be hard to keep up. This summer sees the return of superheroes, boss babies, and Ryan Reynolds to the big screen. Here’s a list of the biggest releases hitting cinemas this summer.

1. Black Widow

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since the last Marvel film. It’s a long time, but not half as long as the wait for Black Widow, a movie that’s been in development since 2010. This superspy adventure features Scarlett Johansson as the titular heroine.

2. F9: The Fast Saga

F9 was one of the first major releases to be delayed in 2020, so it should be one of the first major releases back in cinemas. F9 continues the tradition of ambitious and impossible stunts and takes the series to new heights. Literally.

3. Hitman’s Wife Bodyguard

What if Deadpool and Nick Fury went on a mission together? That was the question behind the 2017 sleeper hit The Hitman’s Bodyguard. While the original didn’t make box office waves, this sequel promises to bring the same winning combination of Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson.

4. Boss Baby: Family Business

Alec Baldwin’s performance as the Boss Baby was so captivating, another movie just had to be made. This sequel follows the characters from the first film after they’ve gotten older, but not so much wiser. It promises to be a fun, family-friendly film.

5. Space Jam 2: A New Legacy

The summer of sequels continues with Space Jam 2: A New Legacy. The Bugs Bunny-basketball crossover will feature not just your favourite Looney Tunes, but also popular Warner Bros franchises like The Justice League and Game of Thrones. LeBron James is a master with a ball; let’s see how he is with a script.

6. Snake Eyes

Snake Eyes is a film set in the world of G.I. Joe. The movie explores the origin of the mysterious masked mercenary. Henry Golding from Crazy Rich Asians stars in the title role, and the film will undoubtedly deliver on some swift and satisfying sword fights.

7. Jungle Cruise

With Dwayne Johnson missing in action from F9: The Fast Saga, it’s a comfort to know we’ll be seeing him again on the big screen in Jungle Cruise. Audiences can see this Disney Ride come to life as the film takes you through a wildlife adventure.

8. The Suicide Squad

With Zack Snyder’s Justice League finally out, it’s time for another DC super team to take the stage. The Suicide Squad follows the team as Harley Quinn and Rick Flag are joined by a brand new set of supervillains trying to make the world a better place. Along for the ride? A giant shark with the voice of Sylvester Stallone. Tickets now, please.

9. Free Guy

Ryan Reynolds has not one, but two blockbuster movies out this year. This time he’ll be playing a character in a Grand Theft Auto-style video game who suddenly realises his world is entirely digital. What to expect: stunning visuals and a lot of laughs.

10. Respect

Winding down the summer of sequels and explosions is the biopic Respect. The film will explore the life of the 'Queen of Soul', Aretha Franklin, on her historic rise to superstardom. She’ll be played by none other than the incomparable Jennifer Hudson. Finally, fans around the world will find out what respect means to Aretha.

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.