Key keywords: Moira Macdonald, 2024 summer most anticipated movies, Hollywood summer blockbusters, film critic analysis, summer box office forecasts, superhero movie releases, Pixar summer films, indie summer gems Veteran Seattle Times film critic Moira Macdonald has released her highly anticipated annual roundup of summer movie picks, drawing widespread attention from cinephiles, industry insiders and casual moviegoers alike as the 2024 summer blockbuster season officially kicks off. First, Macdonald highlights the tentpole superhero releases set to dominate global box office charts, with *Deadpool & Wolverine* leading the pack. She notes that the R-rated Marvel entry, which pairs Ryan Reynolds’ wisecracking anti-hero with Hugh Jackman’s iconic clawed mutant, fills a gap left by the more formulaic MCU releases of the past two years, predicting it could cross $1 billion globally by the end of its theatrical run. She also points out that the film’s self-aware tone and nostalgia factor will draw in both long-time comic book fans and casual viewers who have skipped recent superhero releases. For family audiences, Macdonald names *Inside Out 2* as the can’t-miss pick, praising Pixar’s return to emotionally intelligent storytelling that resonates with both kids and adults. She points out that the sequel, which introduces new emotions including Anxiety voiced by Maya Hawke, addresses pre-teen mental health in an accessible, heartfelt way that sets it apart from other animated releases this season, and expects it to become one of the highest-grossing animated films of the year. For horror and thriller fans, Macdonald calls out *MaXXXine* as the underrated contender, noting that Ti West’s conclusion to his X trilogy brings 1980s Hollywood camp and sharp social commentary together, and is likely to become a cult favorite even if it does not match the box office numbers of bigger blockbusters. She also devotes a section to under-the-radar indie picks, including Sundance award-winner *A Real Pain* starring Kieran Culkin, and the female-led road trip drama *Drive-Away Dolls* from Ethan Coen, emphasizing that summer movie seasons are no longer just for big-budget fare, as independent releases have drawn growing audiences in recent years thanks to word-of-mouth buzz on social media. Macdonald’s analysis also includes box office forecasts for the season, predicting that total 2024 summer ticket sales will rise 7% year-over-year, driven by a diverse slate of titles that cater to every demographic. She also warns that poorly reviewed big-budget releases are likely to underperform more than ever, as audiences have become more selective about what they pay to see in theaters amid rising ticket and concession prices.