Now that Summer is here, it is time to check out the most anticipated action films for 2011. If you're looking for excitement with a mix of high octane action and special effects, these films will be sure to quench your thirst.

X-Men: First Class

Looking to revamp the X-Men film series, X-Men: First Class takes us back to 1960 when Professor X and Magneto allied in the fight for mutant rights. The film shows the origin of the X-Men, acting as a prequel to Bryan Signer's first two X-Men licks. The cast includes James McAvoy as Professor X, Michael Fassbenderas the young Magneto, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, January Jones as Emma Frost, and Rose Byrne as Dr. McTaggert. The film is directed by Matthew Vaughn and opens June 3rd.

Super 8

Look forward to an exciting film as director J.J. Abrams and producer Steven Spielberg tells the story of a group of friends making witnessing a Nevada Area 51 accident that brings extraterrestrial consequences to their town while shooting a movie with their Super 8. The film opens June 10th.

Cars 2

The latest Pixar film will be directed by John Lasseter, which usually results in excellent story and entertainment. The main race car character, Lighting McQueen, is voiced by returning actor Owen Wilson. The 3D animated film promises dazzling visuals and effects that will carry a strong plot and cast of characters. The film opens June 24th.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Directed by Michael Bay, the Transformer franchise looks to redeem itself from the previous film. The Earth is threatened by a new villain from the Moon, and it'll take Shia LaBeouf and his Autobots team to save the world, again. Expect to see dazzling 3D effects and giant robots duking it out. The film opens June 29.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II

The epic of all film epics. Harry Potter will star in the final part of an eight movie series. The Deathly Hallows will feature the final battle between Voldemort and Potter for Hogwarts from J.K. Rowling's last book. Not surprisingly, every fan will be lined up in anticipation for the final chapter as the Harry Potter film franchise comes to a close after a successful 10 year run.

Captain America: The First Avenger

The superhero films keep coming as Marvel's latest spotlight will be on American hero Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. The scrawny volunteer who longs to be a U.S. soldier gets involved in an experiment that bulks him into a war fighting warrior. Director Joe Johnston will tell the superhero's origin and battle against the German Nazi villain The Red Skull. The film opens July 22nd.

The Cowboys and Aliens

The wild science fiction flick will star Daniel Craign and Harrison Ford as two rival cowboys who come together to battle an alien invasion. The film takes place in 1875 and will feature plenty of gun slinging and special effects. Director of Iron Man, Jon Favreau, will assure plenty of action in this man vs. alien movie. Opens July 29th.