Following the release of The Fate Of The Furious and Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 we are now well and truly in the height of the summer movie season. That will truly kick into gear this coming Memorial weekend, which was previously regarded as the first proper weekend for summer movie releases, only for Hollywood to repeatedly start showing good movies earlier.
But which impending movie releases between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the most eagerly anticipated? We now have an answer, because Fandango has been hard at work asking over 10,000 moviegoers that very same question, and the film that came out on top might take you a little by surprise.
10. Baywatch
Boasting the presence of Dwayne Johnson, Hollywood's most tireless leading man (whose popularity seemingly continues to rise with each passing release), this raunchy R-rated comedic take on the hugely popular 1990s action television drama earns points for being a remake of a property that most moviegoers will recognize. That coupled with the fact that Baywatch will include plenty of explosions, outlandish and silly jokes, and quite a heap of sex appeal makes it a tantalizing effort.
When It's Out: May 25
9. The Mummy
The one big reason here has got to be Tom Cruise. Even though most men his age are sneaking in quick naps in the afternoon, the 55-year-old is still the benchmark for action stars. In recent years, Edge Of Tomorrow and Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation have proven that he can produce death-defying antics on the big-screen that take the genre to new heights and can still entice audiences to cinemas. Plus, the fact that The Mummy will include a supernatural tinge, looks both mysterious and terrifying, and is set to kick-start Universal's Dark Universe franchise also should have moviegoers intrigued.
When It's Out: June 9
8. Transformers: The Last Knight
It is pretty easy to see why so many people are rather excited about the fifth installment in the Transformers franchise, as the previous four films have grossed a combined total of $3.7 billion at the box office, despite the fact they are regularly chastised by critics. This time around, though, Paramount are hoping Transformers: The Last Knight will be the beginning of a more coherent and orchestrated Transformers universe. To do that they've matched Mark Wahlberg from Age Of Extinction with Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson from the first three films, while you can also expect the same explosions and all-out Bayhem that have proven so irresistible to so many, too.
When It's Out: June 21
7. War For The Planet Of The Apes
I have to admit that I'm a little surprised War For The Planet Of The Apes is above The Last Knight. But considering that 2014's Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes grossed $710 million, was lavished with critical praise, and War's trailer suggests that the blockbuster is going to feature a titanic battle between Andy Serkis' Caesar and Woody Harrelson's Colonel McCullough, there's plenty of evidence to suggest War For The Planet Of The Apes will make a splash later this summer. There's an argument to be made that it looks like the moodiest and grittiest out of this list, which should help stand out, also.
When It's Out: July 14
6. Despicable Me 3
Animated films always fare well in the summer, which is why Universal should be ecstatic to see that Despicable Me 3 has beaten Cars 3, Captain Underpants, Leap!, and The Emoji Movie to claim the title of the most anticipated family film of the summer. Last year alone Finding Dory and The Secret Life Of Pets grossed over $2 billion at the box office between Memorial and Labor weekends, while the first two Despicable Me films and its spin-off Minions made $2.6 billion. Despicable Me 3 looks just as colorful and silly as those, and the addition of Trey Parker as the film's villain, and the introduction of Gru's long-lost twin brother Dru looks as though it will provide enough freshness to keep audiences flocking in again.
When It's Out: June 30
5. Dunkirk
Christopher Nolan has never had a problem getting bums into seats, as he's regarded as one of the most visionary and ambitious directors currently working in Hollywood. Which makes it all the more exciting that he's now setting his hand to the war genre with Dunkirk, which has even provoked some movie fans to predict that this will be his Saving Private Ryan, and could lead to Oscar glory. It's still way too early to tell if that's the case, but, if Nolan does what he does best, then Dunkirk could be the most emotionally draining, viscerally intense, and utterly captivating film of the entire year, let alone the summer.
When It's Out: July 21
4. The Dark Tower
Another film that I'm surprised is so high up on the list, but one that's dripping with potential. Not only is Stephen King's series one of the most popular in literary history, but Nikolaj Arcel's film is actually a sequel to the books instead of a straight adaptation. That should entice its legion of fans, or at least keep them intrigued, while since it will feature the effortlessly cool duo of Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey doing battle as gunslingers, The Dark Tower should have no problem still appealing to those that are unaware of the books. The Dark Tower should also profit from being the last big film of the summer, too.
When It's Out: August 4
3. Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
With a budget of at least $230 million, Disney will be relieved to hear that Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales has so many moviegoers excited. There were worries that the negative media attention surrounding Johnny Depp in recent months, and the fact a string of his films have recently flopped, might have an adverse effect on Dead Men Tell No Tales. But the past four films have grossed over $3.7 billion at the box office, it has been six years since On Stranger Tides, and the introduction of the fiendish Javier Bardem as its villain, the return of Orlando Bloom, and the requisite nautical action set pieces its trailer has teased look as though they've done enough to entice a hefty amount of viewers back. Now it just has to survive its sway of negative reviews.
When It's Out: May 26
2. Spider-Man: Homecoming
We all know why audiences can't wait for Spider-Man: Homecoming. Firstly, it's a Marvel film, and Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2's recent success proves that the MCU is still very much on a roll. Secondly, Spider-Man is probably the most beloved of all the Marvel characters, and fans have been waiting to see Peter Parker join the MCU for just under a decade. Thirdly, Tom Holland's debut as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War was probably the highlight of the blockbuster. Fourthly, Spider-Man films have always been a hit with audiences, collectively grossing $3.9 billion from 5 efforts. And finally, just look at that trailer. It's gorgeous, funny, enthralling, and looks like the perfect popcorn film.
When It's Out: July 7
1. Wonder Woman
Great news DC fans, Wonder Woman looks as though it is going to succeed where Henry Cavill's Superman, Ben Affleck's Batman, and the motley Suicide Squad failed and finally provide the DC Extended Universe with a critical hit. The positive vibes towards the film have amped up anticipation for Diana Prince's origin story even further, and helped to confirm that the scintillating, bombastic, and perfectly choreographed action of the trailer is built upon in the actual film. As well as being a rollicking and rousing action film, it also helps that Wonder Woman includes the towering Gal Gadot, the always watchable Chris Pine, and is able to provide a worthy new stance on the superhero genre. Now let's just hope this is a new beginning for the DCEU.
When It's Out: June 2
