During an academic year that seriously lacks leisure time, sometimes all you crave are a few restorative hours with the lights off, popcorn in hand and a captivating film on the big screen. This summer, directors are premiering films that push the boundaries of storytelling, experiment with cutting-edge technology and offer something for every moviegoer.

The Devil Wears Prada 2

In a creative sequel to Andy Sachs and Miranda Priestly’s complicated relationship at Runway magazine, audiences return to Lauren Weisberger’s fictional fashion world in a story that explores the realities of digital-first media and artificial intelligence in journalism.

Beloved characters from the original film embark on a new chapter as they navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape. Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci all return, bringing the heart of their original characters with them.

Backrooms

Horror movies have dominated theaters this summer, and Backrooms is no exception. If psychological thrillers are your favorite genre, this film delivers an intricate mystery as expansive and confusing as the maze-like world its characters must navigate.

Brush up on liminal-space lore before your first viewing if you want to get the most out of the experience. This isn’t the type of movie where you simply sit back and relax. If you enjoy unraveling complicated stories, you’ll find yourself fully invested in following Cap’n Clark and his crew through every twist of their journey.

Obsession

Another film that demands your full attention, Obsession is not for the faint of heart. Up-and-coming director Curry Barker doesn’t shy away from graphic imagery, creating an indie horror film that’s already generating significant attention.

Attention to detail is everything in this low-budget production. Costume designer Blair James shared in a TikTok behind-the-scenes video that subtle choices—including Bear’s off-center collar in the restaurant scene and Nikki’s “B” initial necklace—were intentional decisions designed to deepen character development in every frame.

The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan fans and Greek mythology enthusiasts alike will appreciate The Odyssey, which balances breathtaking visuals with compelling storytelling. Nolan brings Homer’s epic tale of gods, power, love and loss to life in an ambitious three-hour film.

A first of its kind, The Odyssey was filmed entirely with IMAX cameras for 70 mm IMAX screens, though access to that format is limited. Even if you were willing to make the drive to San Antonio or Dallas, where the nearest 70 mm IMAX theaters are located, tickets have been difficult to secure. USA Today reported that showtimes went on sale in July 2025—a full year before the film’s release.

While Baton Rouge may not offer 70 mm IMAX screenings, audiences can still experience the film in several formats at local theaters. Standard IMAX screenings still provide the benefit of a larger screen, even if they don’t feature the full-resolution 70 mm presentation.

Lights, Camera, Summer

No matter which genre you prefer, it’s hard to go wrong with this summer’s lineup of box office releases. And if you’re already planning your next theater trip, there’s another highly anticipated film just around the corner: The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping arrives in theaters Nov. 20.