Summer is marked by a host of blissful activities — beach excursions, swimming pools, ice cream and, most importantly, a slew of films designed to gross extraordinary sums of money at the box office. When the heat outside is unbearable — for Seattleites, perhaps one week in August if we’re lucky — chill out with these cool flicks.

Angels & Demons - May 15

In another adaptation of a Dan Brown novel, Tom Hanks reprises his role as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon. This time, Langdon pinpoints the revival of the Illuminati, a secret society determined to annihilate the Vatican. He teams with the lovely Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer) on a thrilling quest to unearth the ancient symbols that are the only key to halting the seemingly indestructible power of the Illuminati.

Year One - June 19

Year One stars a typically overexaggerated Jack Black as a hunter-gatherer called Zed and Michael Cera as Michael Cera — er, Oh, a character who is essentially the same awkward teenager he’s been typecast as for the past six years, only this time in top caveman form. After Zed and Oh are exiled from their village, they embark on a grand adventure through the prehistoric world. Expect the usual laughs from producer Judd Apatow — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Away We Go - June 19

This cute indie film from director Sam Mendes follows an expectant couple’s journey across the United States as they search for the ideal place to raise their family. Starring John Krasinki — initially unrecognizable beneath glasses and a wild crop of facial hair — and Maya Rudolph of Saturday Night Live fame.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - June 24

The Decepticons return in this Transformers sequel, bringing with them a highly original evil plot to take over the universe. After learning the secret of an ancient Transformer known as “The Fallen,” Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) is captured by the Decepticons. The ensuing war between the Decepticons and the Autobots is packed with stunning visual action and spans several continents. Fans of the first film will probably turn up in massive numbers, so purchase your tickets early.

Public Enemies - July 1

Johnny Depp stars as Chicago bank robber John Dillinger in this Depression-era gangster flick. Christian Bale portrays FBI agent Melvin Purvis, a man determined to capture Dillinger. Based on a true story, this film chronicles the historic “war on crime” waged by J. Edgar Hoover and the establishment of the FBI’s first “public enemies” — criminals whose actions threatened the whole of society.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - July 15

In the visually captivating, anticipated sixth installment of the series, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) finds an oddly valuable Potions book belonging to the enigmatic “Half-Blood Prince.” With the help of Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) and a strange new professor, Harry begins to delve into the eerie past of Lord Voldemort. In one of the lighter plot points, romantic troubles vex the young wizards. Quidditch resurfaces once again, having been absent since Goblet of Fire. The uncontested highlight of the summer, this compelling and dynamic film is one you cannot afford to miss.

Funny People - July 31

Funny People, another Judd Apatow product, stars, incidentally, several rather funny people. The film centers on George (Adam Sandler), a stand-up comedian who finds he has a year to live after being diagnosed with a terminal blood disorder — an unconventional plot for a comedy. Ira (Seth Rogen), a struggling comedian, finds a mentor and ultimately a friend in George. Also starring Leslie Mann and Eric Bana.

Inglourious Basterds - Aug. 21

Quentin Tarantino’s World War II-era film set in Nazi-occupied France focuses on two converging plots of vengeance. French-Jewish cinema owner Shoshanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent) thirsts for long-overdue revenge after witnessing the execution of her family, while American Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) forms a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as “Basterds” who attempt to terrorize and dismantle the Third Reich by slaughtering Nazi leaders. Expect copious amounts of blood and gore — it’s Tarantino, after all.

Reach reporter Rachel Solomon at specials@dailyuw.com.