Summer might be time for fun in the sun, tanning on the beach and trips to Hawaii, but it’s also time for some of the biggest and best movies of the year. This handy guide will help you pick the right movies to spend your time and money on this summer.

“Finding Dory”—June 17

Finding Dory

Thirteen years is a long time to wait for a sequel, but this year will finally see the return of Marlin and Dory in Pixar’s long-awaited sequel to “Finding Nemo.” Following a string of hit-or-miss films, “Finding Dory” looks to impress with dazzling visuals and a star-studded cast featuring Kate McKinnon, Idris Elba, Bill Hader, Diane Keaton and, of course, Ellen DeGeneres. Just keep swimming…

“The BFG”—July 1

Steven Spielberg returns to family films with this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved book starring his new go-to actor, Oscar-winner Mark Rylance. Promising magic, thrills and heart, this could be Spielberg’s return to the quality of films he produced in his earlier career, like the classic sci-fi film, “E.T.”

“The Legend of Tarzan”—July 1

One look at the title and plot might make you want to scoff and write off this live-action epic. But when you realize it’s directed by David Yates, who helped bring the second half of the “Harry Potter” series to life, things significantly change. Add in Margot Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson and Christoph Waltz, and this just might be the second phenomenal jungle adventure of the year.

“The Secret Life of Pets”—July 8

The teasers have been around for quite some time, but soon it will be time to hang out with what could be the next big stars of the animated world. Essentially “Toy Story” but with your pets, “The Secret Life of Pets” might just be the funniest and furriest film you’ll see all year.

“Captain Fantastic”—July 8

Certain to be under your radar (up until now) this is one of my most anticipated movies of the year. Viggo Mortensen stars as a father who, raised six children in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, must reenter the real world with his kids. Be on the lookout for this one come award season, as it’s looking to be one of the most original and emotionally-satisfying movies of the year.

“Star Trek Beyond”—July 22

Despite having its launch trailer panned by fans and critics alike, “Beyond” still has some promise. Marking the 50th anniversary of the sci-fi series, “Beyond” is in good hands written by long-time fan (and Scotty actor) Simon Pegg who promises the film is much more in line with the original series than the trailers make it out to be. Get ready to head into the Final Frontier once more.

“Jason Bourne”—July 29

After the tepid reception of “The Bourne Legacy” in 2012, director Paul Greengrass and star Matt Damon reunite after nine years to continue Jason Bourne’s saga (despite ending it superbly in “Bourne Ultimatum”). Add in performances from Tommy Lee Jones, up-and-coming Alicia Vikander and Vincent Cassel, and this movie might just be one of the most memorable action movies of the year.

“Suicide Squad”—Aug. 5

The disastrous “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” might have soured the rest of the DC franchise…except for the brilliantly marketed “Suicide Squad.” Featuring pitch-perfect performances from Jared Leto (as the new Joker), Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn) and a lot of violence and brutality, this film is likely to make up for that mess of a film that was released earlier this year…and probably those to come.

“Pete’s Dragon”—Aug. 12

Building on Disney’s success in adapting old classics to live-action, “Pete’s Dragon” brings together Bryce Dallas Howard, Karl Urban, Wes Bentley and Robert Redford to tell the story of an orphan, Pete (Oakes Fegley), and his best friend, Elliott…a dragon. Needless to say, after “The Jungle Book”…I’m up for whatever Disney throws my way.

“Sausage Party”—Aug. 12

If any of the movies on this list seem too normal and conventional for you, look no further than this animated film that turns groceries into talking characters and tosses in lewd, crude humor and pure insanity to tell the story of some food that finds out that being purchased doesn’t mean paradise—it means death. Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, James Franco, Jonah Hill and many more make up the voice cast in what is sure to be on of this year’s most bizarre and
unforgettable films.

Scott may be reached at [email protected]