It seems like some of the biggest films of this year took place over the summer.

With summer break sometimes consisting of vacation or work, it is understandable but frustrating why some were not able to make time to go see some of the films.

Here is a list of some of the films released this past summer that gained favorable reception from both audiences and critics, according to Rotten Tomatoes. One should consider checking them out the next time a movie night comes around.

 

Alien: Covenant

With Rotten Tomatoes calling it a “satisfying round of close-quarters deep-space terror,” this sci-fi horror film expounds on its predecessors’ mythology by giving an origin story of the species.

Once again under the vision of director Ridley Scott, this film brings a natural feel to it computer-generated effects.

Also, back is the android character David, who is joined by his look-alike, Walter. Both are played by Michael Fassbender, who has once again received praise for his robotic acting.

 

Wonder Woman

As the first success of the Detective Comics (DC) cinematic universe with both audiences and critics alike, this film is an origin story that brings both a lot of action and a connection with audiences.

The well-known comic book crusader is portrayed by actress Gal Gadot. With her, women have another superheroine to rally around on the silver screen.

The film also managed to break a record by becoming the highest grossing female-directed live-action film, according to Forbes.

 

Baby Driver

Some have regarded previous projects from director Edgar Wright, including “Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz” and “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” as some of the best comedy/action films of all time by critics and audiences alike. So, it comes as no surprise that this heist movie has resonated with critics in both depth and surface material.

The atmosphere is often created using its soundtrack, ranging from heart pumping to melancholy.

Given a main character with both a tragic backstory and a sense of humanity, a believable antagonist with a dignified agenda and comic relief from the entire cast, this film has earned praise from Rotten Tomatoes for being “stylish (and) exciting.”

 

Spider-Man: Homecoming

After a widely-covered film deal between Marvel and Sony, the product crafted as a result was worth the year-long wait, according to critics.

Including a believable main lead, a strong supporting cast and humor coming from the essence of the source material, this film is not just a great comic book movie but also has its roots set deep within the teen-drama genre.

A coming-of-age story that will keep the viewer invested in the ups-and-downs of the development of the main character, this film feels less like a Spider-Man story and more of an investigation of who his alter-ego, Peter Parker, is.

 

War for the Planet of the Apes

When the reboot film “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” launched in 2011, it seemed reminiscent of a superhero origin story. Expanded upon with a sequel in 2014, it evolved (like its main species) into more of a political film by putting the apes in their own society but not leaving out the conflict that comes with choosing a leader.

The newest film is more of a war movie, following the intelligent ape Caesar as he leads his kind in a battle against the Colonel, an evil military leader, and his army.

Despite the challenge of making a dynamic non-human character the protagonist, the next chapter in the saga has released to critical praise.