Don't Think Twice
What it's about: After one of its members (Keegan-Michael Key) gets cast on a TV show, an improv troupe figures out the next steps in both their careers and their personal lives.
Why it's a good alternative: "Don't Think Twice" is a comedy gem that shouldn't be overlooked. It takes a few niche topics (improv comedy, New York City) and uses them to service universal ideas about love, loss, and friendship.
Comes out in theaters on July 22
Green Room
What it's about: A punk band reluctantly takes a gig at a skinhead bar, only to find themselves taken hostage by a gang of neo-Nazis.
Why it's a good alternative: "Green Room" offers all the thrills of "Captain America: Civil War," albeit in a much more gut-wrenching and violent way. Laced with both horror and humor, "Green Room" is the most enthralling adrenaline rush of 2016. This is one to watch with a crowd.
Now in theaters
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
What it's about: A rebellious child and his uncle (Sam Neill) go missing in the New Zealand wilderness.
Why it's a good alternative: The dry New Zealand sense of humor takes some getting used to, but if you're on board, there's nothing like it. "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" comes from director Taika Waititi, who co-directed last year's hilarious "What We Do in the Shadows," and will be directing "Thor: Ragnarok" next.
Comes out in theaters on June 24
The Infiltrator
What it's about: A US Customs official (Bryan Cranston) discovers a money laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
Why it's a good alternative: "Narcos" is one of Netflix's most popular shows, and the infamous drug lord is now spilling over to your local multiplex. Plus, it will be interesting to see Bryan Cranston, whose career is defined by his performance as meth kingpin Walter White in "Breaking Bad," on the other side of the law.
Comes out in theaters on July 13
The Lobster
What it's about: In this dystopian world, all single people are forced to meet at a mysterious hotel.
Why it's a good alternative: With a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Lobster" is one of the most critically adored films of 2016. It calls to those looking for something weird and avant-garde, and proves that not every science fiction movie has to involve aliens.
Now in theaters
The Nice Guys
What it's about: In 1970s Los Angeles, two slightly incompetent private eyes (Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling) team up to find a missing porn star.
Why it's a good alternative: "The Nice Guys" is the kind of hugely entertaining mid-budget movie that critics complain studios never make anymore. But here it is. It had a tepid opening weekend at the box office, but it smells of future cult classic.
Now in theaters
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
What it's about: A former boy band member named Conner4Real (Andy Samberg), who seems to be loosely based on Justin Bieber, tries to make it big on his own.
Why it's a good alternative: Between "Hot Rod" and "MacGruber," the guys that make up The Lonely Island (Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Akiva Schaffer) have a great track record in film. So it was only a matter of time before they made something that we don't see enough of: a big screen musical comedy.
Comes out in theaters on June 3
Sausage Party
What it's about: An animated adventure about what happens when your food comes to life.
Why it's a good alternative: Seth Rogen and his writing partner and best friend Evan Goldberg have taken on a diverse array of projects this year. First, they tackled the comedy sequel "Neighbors 2." Then, they co-created "Preacher," a drama based on a comic book. Now, they're giving animation a shot. We don't know if it'll be good, but we know it'll be different.
Comes out in theaters on August 12
The Shallows
What it's about: Not far offshore, a surfer (Blake Lively) faces off against a great white shark.
Why it's a good alternative: Who doesn't like a good shark movie? It might not be the next "Jaws," but it'll surely satisfy your summer horror fix.
Comes out in theaters on June 29
Southside with You
What it's about: On a summer day in 1989, the future president and First Lady go on their very first date.
Why it's a good alternative: It's hard to not be curious about this premise, and the fact that the whole movie only spans one afternoon. It seems like a perfectly pleasant film to see during the dog days of summer.
Comes out in theaters on August 26
War Dogs
What it's about: Two young guys (Miles Teller, Jonah Hill) win a $300 million contract from the Pentagon to supply weapons to troops overseas, but then find themselves in hot water.
Why it's a good alternative: Director Todd Phillips ("Old School," "The Hangover") seems like an interesting choice to bring this true story to life. However, as "The Wolf of Wall Street" proved in 2013, every true story can be made better with a sense of humor and a Jonah Hill performance.
Comes out in theaters on August 19