This summer, there have been a couple of surprise hit films audiences are really taking to, one animated family film on Netflix, and one high-speed action film on the big screen. These films have nothing in common, except they are perfect for summer movie time viewing.

In Theatres: F1:The Movie (PG-13)

F1: The Movie is a straightforward racing film about an aging racer’s return to the sport.The critics’ ranking on Rotten Tomatoes is over 80 percent, but the 97 percent audience rating with more than 5,000 reviews is the better indication. Theatres are constantly trying gimmicks and giveaways to get people back, but the fact is you need good movies. No reboots. No endless sequels. No spinoffs, and definitely, no audience-shaming agendas. F1:The Movie is none of these things. It is a high-powered flick about racing and redemption, giving you a character you want to cheer for, and supporting characters with layers. It looks great on the big screen in an immersive Top Gun: Maverick sort of way, which only makes sense as it was directed by Joseph Kosinski. The racing scenes are like being on a simulator ride, and Brad Pitt, Damson Idris and Javier Bardem, and do an excellent job. The only criticisms I’ve seen are from some reviewers saying it was a “dude film”. It isn’t, but it is one men can enjoy without being dragged through the mud. Also, we women also like hot guys in racing uniforms. Shocker, I know. It might get loud in there, but it’s an epic summer ride.

Now Streaming: KPop Demon Hunters (PG)

By now, I’m sure you’ve seen the massive runaway hit this animated Netflix feature directed by Maggie Kang has become. You don’t have to love KPop to enjoy this film, but it is a true love letter to both the music and fans of KPop and KDramas.There are nifty Easter Eggs everywhere, and the online big debates are on what real idols the characters are based. I have my theories, and I’m sticking to them. Yet, that’s not only reason this is currently the Number 1 animated film (and Number 2 film overall) on Netflix. It places fantastic lore and character-driven storytelling first, right next to likable and fun characters, gorgeous and over-the-top animation and a great soundtrack These are legit K-Pop songs, not cartoony cringy parodies. The heroes are a cool girl group, Huntrix but they aren’t your boring overplayed man-beating “strong female leads.” They have flaws and weaknesses…and personalities. There’s no “men vs. women” only good vs. evil. By the way, the show stealers are the demon boy band, Saja Boys, and you’ll see why. There’s even a little green flag redemption amidst the badness, and a KDrama worthy love story. It is great for all ages, and that is something I haven’t seen in a long time. I’m purchasing the soundtrack and there better be an Abby photo card.

Neither of these movies is perfect, but no movie is. However, they both prove when you come up with an original story, pay attention to great storytelling, fun soundtracks and characters, and giving friends and family a reason to gather, laugh, and celebrate, they’ve done their job.