(Updated 05/26/2023)
While summer isn't officially here as we write this, the summer movie season is already kicking into high gear. The weather is hot, but the movies are hotter! With animated sequels, superhero adventures, horror, and rock 'n' roll, there’s a little something for everyone at the movies this summer.
In 2023, the 4th of July falls on a Tuesday, which means there isn't one clear-cut holiday weekend. Most people will probably have off on Monday, July 3, which makes the June 30 movie releases the core of this year's Independence Day holiday weekend. But there are more movies coming in that first week of July, too. Start making your Independence Day 2023 plans now — here are all the new movies that will be in theaters 4th of July weekend.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Harrison Ford returns as the legendary hero archaeologist in the highly anticipated fifth Indiana Jones movie. James Mangold (FORD V FERRARI, LOGAN) takes over as director from series creator Steven Spielberg. As America leans fully into the Space Race in 1969, Indy learns about an artifact that has the potential to rewrite the past and future alike — and some of his old enemies are racing to get their hands on it first. [Opens on June 30]
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Dreamworks Animation returns with a new original story about Ruby Gillman, a sweet and awkward high school student who discovers she's a direct descendant of the warrior kraken queens. The kraken are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the vain, power-hungry mermaids. Destined to inherit the throne from her commanding grandmother, Ruby must use her newfound powers to protect those she loves most. [Opens on June 30]
Sound of Freedom
Based on an incredible true story, SOUND OF FREEDOM shines a light on even the darkest of places. After rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death. [Opens on July 4]
Joy Ride
From the producers of Neighbors and the co-screenwriter of Crazy Rich Asians, JOY RIDE stars Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Oscar® nominee Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu. The hilarious and unapologetically explicit story of identity and self-discovery centers on four unlikely friends who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure. When Audrey’s (Ashley Park) business trip to Asia goes sideways, she enlists the aid of Lolo (Sherry Cola), her irreverent, childhood best friend who also happens to be a hot mess; Kat (Stephanie Hsu), her college friend turned Chinese soap star; and Deadeye (Sabrina Wu), Lolo’s eccentric cousin. Their no-holds-barred, epic experience becomes a journey of bonding, friendship, belonging, and wild debauchery that reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are. [Opens on July 7]
Insidious: The Red Door
Josh Lambert heads east to drop his son, Dalton, off at school. However, Dalton's college dream soon becomes a living nightmare when the repressed demons of his past suddenly return to haunt them both. [Opens on July 7]
Which movie will keep you cool during Independence Day weekend this year?
All images courtesy of Disney and Lucasfilm.