This summer’s options range from drama, family, action, thriller and more. There’s something for everyone at their local theater. 

Here’s a rundown of the top five movies to see this summer.

#5: Elvis

At the bottom is “Elvis,” starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. If you’re an early 2000s Disney and Nickelodeon channel fan like me, you might recognize Butler from your favorite childhood television shows. After guest starring in Zoey 101, ICarly, Wizards of Waverly Place and more, Butler has made his starring role debut as Elvis. 

This film showcases the life of the king of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. From his rise to stardom to his downfall with drug addiction, it’s all portrayed here. 

Tom Hanks is Colonel Thomas Andrew Parker, Presley’s manager. Only true Elvis fans know the truth behind the Colonel and his toxic relationship with Elvis. 

After illegally immigrating from the Netherlands to the states, Parker discovers Elvis and uses his talent as a ticket to pay off his own gambling debt. In return, Presley becomes the top-selling artist in history, and that remains true to this day. 

The movie illustrates how societal pressure can form harmful habits and the consequences that follow.

“Elvis” is one you can't miss, especially for music history fans. 

#4: Thor Love and Thunder

The list wouldn’t be complete without a Marvel movie in the mix. “Thor Love and Thunder” is the 4th film in the Thor series and the 29th in the entire Marvel Universe. 

If you’re like me, you have little to no idea how the Marvel Universe works, and which film follows which. However, I've been told that “Thor Love and Thunder” is a perfect movie for Marvel dummies like me. 

The fourth installment in the Thor series takes viewers through Thor’s journey to defeat Gorr with help from his past girlfriend, Jane. Together, the two embark on a mission to achieve peace and gain closure. 

Maybe this will be the movie to finally get me into the Marvel Cinematic Universe?  

#3 Nope

Jordan Peele has done it again. The recently released movie, “Nope,” is right up horror/thriller movie fans’ alley. Because I don’t happen to be a part of the horror movie fan club, I have yet to see this movie. 

Following in the footsteps of his previous horror film hits, “Get Out” and “Us,” is this addition to Peele’s horror movie collection. 

Horror movie fans can’t get enough of Peele’s comedy turned horror work.

The movie follows two siblings who discover something out of the ordinary in the sky above their ranch. This takes the two on a journey to discover and bring attention to this situation. 

Make sure to hang onto your popcorn and keep your eyes out for jump scares while viewing this film!

#2 Where the Crawdads Sing

Bookworms, this one's for you. “Where the Crawdad’s Sing” is based on the best-selling novel written by Delia Owens. 

The story follows the life of young woman, Kya Clark. Kya has been isolated and shut out her entire life due to being different from the rest of her community. After being abandoned as a child, Kya raised herself at her home located in the Marshlands of North Carolina, giving her the spiteful nickname, marsh girl. 

When one of her past love interests is found dead in the marshland, Kya is the first person to be blamed. 

This movie highlights the encounters and challenges she is faced with due to being different and unleashes secrets meant to remain unknown.

I walked into the movie theater pessimistic, dreading the protracted run time of the film. As I walked out, tears ran down my face. This motion picture had an emotional pull on me and many others in the room. 

“Where the Crawdad’s Sing” is not only based on a bestseller but it is based on the cruel reality of the world we live in. This story exhibits the challenges society allots to those who stand out from the rest. Outsiders. 

This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you cry, and rethink how you treat others. I highly recommend giving this movie a go. 

#1: Top gun

Following its original premiere in 1986, Tom Cruise has returned alongside several other stars for the long-awaited sequel of the hit film, “Top Gun Maverick”. For those who saw “Top Gun” back in ‘86, this is a big deal.

The initial 80’s film was the top grossing movie of 1986, bringing in $176,781,728 million. Directed by the late Tony Scott, this movie is one for the ages. 

Following in Scott’s footsteps, Director Joseph Kosinski has created a sequel that has captured the attention of action movie fans everywhere.

Maverick (Tom Cruise) returns to the United States Navy Academy where he is training current TOPGUN students, including the son of his deceased best friend, Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller). Maverick must lead his students on a dangerous mission as he faces the cruel reality of his past. 

As far as action goes, this movie’s got it all along with a plot filled with drama that can be traced back to the original 1986 film. 

One downfall of the film is the absence of beloved cast members from the original. Both Kelly McGillis (Charlie Blackwood) and Meg Ryan (Carole Bradshaw) are missing from the sequel. McGillis and Ryan are adored by fans of the first movie and movie geeks of the 1980s.

Despite hesitations to see an extension of an 80's favorite, “Top Gun: Maverick” is by far the number one movie to see this summer.

There you have it. Five must-see films before school starts back up in the fall. Don't judge a movie by its trailer. Head to your local theatre to not only see top-rated new releases but to get that nostalgic feeling that streaming services can't give.

Thank me later.