The pandemic has been going on for a while now, but the future is finally starting to look brighter. Millions of vaccines are being administered per day and quarantining is no longer a normal routine.

With this great news, thousands of movie theaters are reopening their doors after some were closed for nearly a year. With the physical and mental health barriers demolished, all we need now is a reason to return. Hopefully, these select few titles will give you the motivation you need to return to the cinema this summer and enjoy yourself.

*Release dates are subject to change*

Those Who Wish Me Dead (May 14)

Writer Taylor Sheridan has been on a roll these past few years. He broke out in 2015 with “Sicario” and then followed that up the following year with “Hell or High Water.” Now he’s stepping into the director’s chair for his newest feature. “Those Who Wish Me Dead” is set in the Montana wilderness as Angelina Jolie must protect a teenage murder witness from twin assassins looking to silence him. On top of all this is a raging forest fire that could engulf all of them.

Army of the Dead (May 21)

We’re getting a double dose of Zack Snyder this year as he follows up his version of “Justice League” with this zombie feature. With an ensemble cast led by Dave Bautista, “Army of the Dead” takes place in apocalyptic Las Vegas as a group of mercenaries attempt to pull off a major heist. Does money have value in a zombie apocalypse? Doesn’t matter. What’s exciting is seeing Snyder use his signature style for what sounds like a fun premise.

A Quiet Place Part II (May 28)

There is a select group of people that were able to see this movie only a few days before the pandemic and rumors say that this sequel is better than the original. John Krasinski returns behind the camera, delivering more scares with and without sound. Just don’t be the jerk who chews too loudly.

In the Heights (June 11)

You saw “Hamilton” last summer, and now you can see Lin-Manuel Miranda’s other acclaimed stage musical this summer. “Hamilton” alum Anthony Ramos leads this tale of a bodega owner finding the beauty within his overlooked neighborhood. “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu helms what could be the summer’s biggest sensation.

Black Widow (July 9)

It’s crazy to think that it has been almost two years since the last Marvel movie. Kicking off the return to normalcy is the solo adventure of one of the franchise’s longest-serving heroes. Set immediately after “Captain America: Civil War,” Scarlett Johansson’s titular film looks to boast a great supporting cast along with excellent fight choreography.

Old (July 23)

M. Night Shyamalan is the epitome of hit-or-miss. “The Sixth Sense” writer/director is back with another twisted mystery thriller, this one taking place on a beach that causes vacationers to rapidly age. Like all Shyamalan films, the appeal of this story is venturing into it as blindly as possible. It’s 50/50 on whether it will all be worth it.

The Green Knight (July 30)

Another victim of the pandemic, this lesser-known epic fantasy horror can finally be revealed. Starring Dev Patel on his hunt to find the titular character, this is said to be a radical reimagining of the classic Arthurian legend. Writer/director David Lowery has been on a hot streak as of late, so all signs point to this being something to seek out.

Stillwater (July 30)

Tom McCarthy last won Best Picture when he released a film in theaters, doing that back in 2015 with “Spotlight.” Six years later he’s returning to the silver screen with this Matt Damon thriller about a father traveling to France to help his daughter who has been accused of murder. Oscar season usually doesn’t start until the fall, but this title has the potential to be an early contender.

The Suicide Squad (August 6)

From “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn comes the sequel/sort-of-reboot to 2016’s maligned “Suicide Squad.” Aside from just changing the title by one word, Gunn has stacked his cast with a host of new and returning characters. Let’s see if he can right some wrongs and steer the DCEU back in the right direction

Respect (August 13)

All eyes are on Jennifer Hudson as she portrays the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in a new biopic. Already an Oscar winner for her debut role in the musical “Dreamgirls,” Hudson has the potential to nab another award. Backing her up is a starry supporting cast headlined by Forest Whitaker and Mary J. Blige.

Others to Check Out:

– “Spiral: From the Book of Saw” (May 14)

– “The Woman in the Window” (May 14)

– “Cruella” (May 28)

– “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” (June 4)

– “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” (June 16)

– “Luca” (June 18)

– “F9” (June 25)

– “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (July 16)

– “Free Guy” (August 13)