There are all sorts of things we love about summer: pool and beach days, barbecues and refreshing cocktails, and of course, blockbuster movies. The sunny season is when studios drop some of their biggest, most-anticipated films of the year, and heading to the theater is the perfect activity for when you need to beat the summer heat. There are plenty of movies still upcoming for the 2019 season, but we’re anticipating a few of them more than others. Ahead, our list of the top 5 movies to see this summer, complete with trailers for sneak peeks!

The Farewell (July 12)

Fresh off of her unforgettable roles in Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s 8, Awkwafina takes a new, sensitive turn as a granddaughter who travels to China from New York City to say goodbye to her grandmother who is suffering from terminal lung cancer. The twist: The family has decided to schedule the visit without telling the matriarch she is dying. Based on a story initially shared on the podcast, This American Life, we’re expecting to need tissues. (A24)

The Lion King (July 19)

Um, duh. Is there anyone who isn’t bursting at the seams to see the computer-generated ‘live-action’ remake of the animated Disney classic? The 2019 version will feature Donald Glover as Simba (yes), Beyonce as Nala (double yes), and–thank goodness–James Earl Jones will be reprising his iconic (albeit heart-shattering) role as Mufasa. (Walt Disney Studios)

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (July 26)

The ninth film from legendary director Quentin Tarantino, this flick stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a washed-up actor and Brad Pitt as his stunt double. Taking place in 1969 Los Angeles during the infamous Manson Family murders, this movie also features Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, along with Lena Dunham, Al Pacino, Dakota Fanning, and Luke Perry in his last credited role. (Sony Pictures Entertainment)

The Art of Racing in the Rain (August 9)

Based on the eponymous book that was a New York Times bestseller for 156 weeks, this film is narrated by a wise old dog named Enzo who shares his thoughts and life experiences, and how it all prepared him to be there for his family when they needed him most. We’re not ugly crying, you are. (20th Century Fox ) 

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (August 9)

We’ll admit it: We don’t remember the classic kid’s horror book series being this freaking creepy, but holy hell. Set in 1968 in the small town of Mill Valley, where young Sarah has turned the secrets of her horrible, tortured life into a series of  *very* scary stories, this modern adaptation merges several of Alvin Schwartz’s books into one very chilling plot. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. (CBS Films)
What upcoming 2019 movies are you dying to see this summer? Tell us in the comments!
(Featured image via Walt Disney Studios/screencap)