This month's new movie releases include genetically modified apes, a crooning Keira Knightley and Marvel's latest space adventure. If that's not enough, we also offer a very special coming-of-age drama (filmed over 12 years) and Nicolas Cage in what is considered one of his greatest performances yet.
Digital Spy rounds up the five must-see movies for July below...
Begin Again
Release date: July 11
Why you should see it: Gretta (Keira Knightley) and Dave (Adam Levine) are college sweethearts who move to New York when Dave lands a deal with a major record company. When newly-found fame goes to Dave's head and he's tempted to stray, Gretta is left on her own. Meanwhile, Dan (Mark Ruffalo) is a disgraced record-label exec who, after a row with his business partner, ends up at an open mic night where Gretta is performing.
Captivated by her talent, this chance encounter sees the pair begin to make beautiful music together. Begin Again is an American musical romantic comedy-drama, written and directed by John Carney, and set to the soundtrack of a summer in New York City. If that's not reason enough, watch to see Knightley joins the likes of Anne Hathaway and Anna Kendrick in the annals of actresses who can sing.
Boyhood
What to Read Next
Release date: July 11
Why you should see it: Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Boyhood is a groundbreaking story of growing up, as seen through the eyes of a child. In Richard Linklater's coming-of-age drama, see Mason (Ellar Coltrane) grow from 6 to 18 years old, alongside his parents, played by Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette, and his sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater).
The experimental film caused a buzz when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, and for good reason. Boyhood is a humorous, emotionally satisfying drama which reveals the way our destinies and personalities are built by the choices we make. Set to a soundtrack spanning the years from Coldplay's 'Yellow' to Arcade Fire's 'Deep Blue', this nostalgic time capsule is a must-see this summer.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Release date: July 17
Why you should see it: Starring Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke and Kerri Russell, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is set ten years after simian flu has wiped out much of the world's inhabitants. Genetically modified chimpanzee Caesar (Andy Serkis) is back, and this time is joined by an ever-growing band of followers, living in a thriving colony just outside of San Francisco.
Their peace is threatened by a small band of human survivors, who emerge to take back their world. With the third movie already being confirmed for summer 2016, you may as well sit back and enjoy the ride, as it seems these movies are sticking around for a long time.
Joe
Release date: July 25
Why you should see it: Adapted from Larry Brown's 1991 novel of the same name, Joe follows a hard-living, hot-tempered, ex-con Joe Ransom (Nicholas Cage) who becomes the unlikeliest of role models, when he meets 15-year-old Gary (Tye Sheridan).
The film is a gripping mixture of friendship and redemption, as hard-of-luck teen Gary, awakens a fierce and tender-hearted protector in Joe. Met with generally positive reviews when it premiered at the Venice FIlm Festival last year, the independent film sees both Nicolas Cage and director David Gordon Green get back to doing what they do best.
Release date: July 31
Why you should see it: From the studio that bought you blockbusters such as Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, Marvel has produced its latest team tasked with protecting the universe. Guardians of the Galaxy features a star-studded cast including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper.
The epic space adventure sees adventurer Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) find himself the object of a bounty hunt, after stealing a mysterious orb from Ronan (Lee Pace), a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. Fans of The Avengers will also see villain Thanos, who made an appearance in the ending clip of the 2012 film. An obvious must-see for all comic book fans, and should provide enough entertainment for everyone, even if superheroes aren't really your thing.
Disagree with our top five movie picks? Leave a comment bellow telling us what film you'll be heading out to see this July!
