5 Movies not to miss this summer

As we all know, summer is the time for blockbuster movies. 2016 is no different, as Hollywood hopes that fans will pack air-conditioned theaters to enjoy action heavy flicks like “Star Trek Beyond,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2,” “X-Men: Apocalypse” and “Independence Day: Resurgence.”

But if you have grown weary of the countless sequels, remakes and adaptations, never fear, for Philadelphia has you covered. Both outside and inside, the city’s cinematic offerings include everything from Hollywood classics to cult favorites all summer long. Here are 5 must-see movies that have nothing to do with CGI explosions or wisecracking superheroes.

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
June 23
The Mann Music Center

Not only was the Harry Potter film series a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, but each of the films also had some of the most memorable scores in film history. Thanks to the equally amazing Philadelphia Orchestra, you can enjoy “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” with live orchestral accompaniment this summer.

“Rocky”
July 1
The Art Museum Steps

When it comes to Philadelphia’s cherished film characters, no one can even come close to Rocky. Sylvester Stallone’s iconic film is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and it will do so in style in the very city in which it was made. Join your fellow “Rocky” fans on July 1 for a free outdoor screening of the movie at the base of the Art Museum Steps. The screening is part of the “Wawa Welcome America” celebration.

“The Blob”
July 8-10
Colonial Theatre

While not quite as iconic as Dracula or Frankenstein’s monster, “The Blob” was nevertheless a staple of the golden age of horror cinema. Each year, the Philadelphia suburb of Phoenixville, where much of the movie was filmed, will screen the 1958 classic continuously as part of its annual “Blobfest” activities. All weekend long, as the film plays on a loop in the city’s historic Colonial Theatre, the town will be transformed into Blob central, complete with a street fair and even a fire extinguisher parade. So on July 8-10, escape the mad rush of the city and join Steve McQueen and your fellow horror buffs out in Phoenixville.

“Rocky Horror Picture Show”
June 17, July 15 and August 19
The Ritz Bourse

You don’t have to wait for Halloween to do the Time Warp again! You can catch Richard O’Brien’s timeless campy musical three times this summer — complete with a live shadow cast. Join Transylvanian Nipple Productions at midnight on June 17, July 15 and August 19 at the Ritz Bourse in Old City. And remember, don’t dream it — be it!

“The Room”
July 29 & 30
The Ritz Bourse

Once unknown director Tommy Wiseau’s self-produced vanity project “The Room” debuted at a single theater in Los Angeles, audiences just couldn’t stay away. Dubbed “the Citizen Kane of bad movies” by Entertainment Weekly, the film has gone on to develop a strong cult following. On July 29 and July 30, hardcore “Room” fans can meet Wiseau in person as he hosts pre-film Q&A sessions starting at midnight both nights at the Ritz Bourse.