Summer is officially underway, and so is the blazing hot heat that comes with it. If you need an escape from the blistering sun by way of a cool, dark theater, there’s luckily plenty of horror on the way. Both on the big screen and of course, at home as well.

But for now, let’s focus on this summer’s big screen horror movies.

Here are seven horror movies to put on your radar, all releasing in theaters only until summer officially takes a bow.

Nope – July 22

As is the trend, plot details remain elusive for writer/director Jordan Peele’s third horror movie. Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out) reteams with Peele on the enigmatic film, with the cast also including Steven Yeun (“The Walking Dead,” Mayhem) and Keke Palmer (“Scream”). While marketing teases aliens, the final trailer promises that it’s not what we think…

Bodies Bodies Bodies – August 5

The latest A24 horror movie revolves around a party game turned deadly for a group of affluent 20-somethings trapped inside by a hurricane. It’s a biting social satire with a body count, starring Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Pete Davidson, Rachel Sennott, Myha’la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, and Lee Pace. Read our review here.

Beast – August 19

This Universal survival thriller finds Idris Elba’s character on a trip to South Africa, only for him and his two teenage daughters to be hunted by a massive rogue lion intent on proving that the savanna has but one apex predator. And yes, Elba punches the lion.

The Invitation – August 26

Nathalie Emmanuel (“Game of Thrones”) stars as a woman invited by her newfound family to a lavish wedding in the English countryside, where she discovers a vampire conspiracy. The contemporary horror thriller gives a new twist to the Brides of Dracula if this trailer is any indication.

Barbarian – August 31

Georgina Campbell as Tess in 20th Century Studios’ BARBARIAN, exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Bill Skarsgård and Georgina Campbell star in this rental nightmare as strangers double-booked in a home with a subterranean secret. There’s a lot more to fear than an unexpected house guest. Richard Brake and Justin Long also star.

Three Thousand Years of Longing – August 31

Idris Elba stars as a Djinn that offers a woman, played by Tilda Swinton, three wishes once she frees him. The scholar of mythology surprises them both with her wish. While not outright horror, expect a genre-bender with supernatural creatures from director George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road).

Salem’s Lot – September 9

James Wan is producing the new take on Stephen King’s vampire story Salem’s Lot for Warner Bros. and New Line, with Gary Dauberman (It, The Nun, Annabelle Comes Home) attached to write and direct the film. The plot sees an author return to his hometown, only to find it under the sway of a bloodthirsty vampire.