Summer Movie Season Sees Mixed Box Office, One Billion-Dollar Hit

The 2025 summer movie season saw American audiences embrace a mix of nostalgic and fresh titles, with Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" achieving over a billion dollars globally, showcasing the enduring power of nostalgia despite the rise of streaming. James Gunn's "Superman" reboot was a major hit domestically, launching a new phase for the DC Universe, though it and Marvel's "Thunderbolts" and "Fantastic Four: First Steps" faced notable box office declines after strong openings, highlighting challenges for superhero franchises post-COVID. The "Jurassic World: Rebirth" sequel underperformed relative to past entries, suggesting franchise fatigue despite decent earnings. In the realm of television, the FX series "Alien: Earth" has been praised as a standout show this summer, lauded for its blend of practical and visual effects, compelling storytelling, and accessibility even to those unfamiliar with the Alien franchise. Additionally, summer entertainment options include community events like Woodstock's free "Screen on the Green" movie series and the LOLA Festival in Lismore, Australia, offering diverse cultural and family-friendly activities. Meanwhile, Hulu is set to release the thriller "Hell of a Summer," combining horror and comedy elements in a camp setting, expanding the season's entertainment offerings.