BY CHLOE LEO, STAFF WRITER

The scorching weather is not the only hot thing about summer. May through August is typically the time of year when movie studios release their hottest hits, and this summer will be no disappointment.  With “Age of Ultron” already in theaters, and long-awaited sequels “Magic Mike XXL,” “Ted 2,” and “Insidious Chapter 3” soon to be released, you’re sure to have your fair share of popcorn, overpriced candy, and $13 movie stubs (for those who chose to view movies in 3D).

This movie season happens to be jam-packed with huge and highly anticipated blockbusters, forcing you to decide between futuristic sci-fi films, scary horror movies, superhero sequels, ‘creative’ rom-coms, and everything in between. Jake Schreier’s movie adaption of John Green’s book “Paper Towns” is just one of many coming-of-age ‘must see’ movies, and it’s sure to be popular among Green’s loyal audience. This novel-based movie follows a young man, Quentin Jacobsen, and his friends as they embark on an intense road trip to find the girl next door who has mysteriously disappeared.

Another teenage film, “Dope,” tells the story of a high school nerd who must face the obstacles of his gang-infested neighborhood while attempting to get into Harvard.  With its humorous slang and drug scandals, this 90’s hip hop based comedy is sure to be another big hit among the Wilson community. It stars Zoe Karavitz, Forest Whitaker and Blake Anderson and is coming out June 12.

Those who keep up with US Weekly may be additionally interested in Gossip Girl star Blake Lively’s recently released love story “The Age of Adaline” and her equally attractive husband Ryan Reynolds’  “Self/Less,” which comes out in late July.  Joining thrillers “Tommorowland,” “Hot Pursuit,” and “Furious 7” already in theaters, comedian Melissa McCarthy will be starring in another (yes, another) action film entitled “Spy,” in which she plays an undercover cop attempting to infiltrate her way into the world of a deadly arms dealer.

For a more youthful audience, or simply fans of animation and fun colors, “Minions,” a triquel to “Despicable Me,” should be high on the list of must-sees, along with the newest Pixar movie “Inside Out.”

Whether you’re staying in the DC area or off visiting cousins in Florida, make sure to escape the summer humidity with a satisfying visit to the movie theater to see these well-awaited blockbusters.