When did Spring Breakers release? Details explored as sequel in the works

Spring Breakers premiered in the spring of 2013 and quickly carved out a reputation as a provocative, neon-soaked cult film. Directed by Harmony Korine and starring Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Rachel Korine, and James Franco, it arrived in U.S. theaters on March 22, 2013, under A24’s banner.

Though made on a modest $5 million budget, it grossed over $31 million worldwide—proof that its head-spinning visuals and subversive tone struck a chord. Fast-forward to today, and a sequel—tentatively titled Spring Breakers: The Second Coming—is officially in development, with Korine once again open to writing and directing the follow-up.

Release and sequel announcement

When did Spring Breakers release? It landed back in March 15, 2013 in select New York and Los Angeles theaters, before rolling out nationwide on March 22, 2013. The film’s neon-dripping poster and Skrillex-fueled trailer stirred anticipation early, with a premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2012. Critics praised Benoît Debie’s hallucinatory cinematography and the fearless performances, particularly James Franco’s turn as the drug-dealer-turned-guru, Alien.

Less than a year later, news broke of a sequel, Spring Breakers: The Second Coming, with Irvine Welsh penning the script and Jonas Åkerlund originally set to direct. That version stalled amid Franco’s public concern that the project wasn’t “being done with Harmony Korine or my consent,” calling it “a weak sequel” aimed at “making money off someone else’s creativity”. Development was later rebooted, and Korine has signaled he’s ready to return behind the camera for a fresh vision of this sun-soaked crime spree.

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Cultural impact and genesis of the sequel

Upon release, Spring Breakers polarized audiences: some decried its depiction of bikini-clad women and graphic violence, while others hailed it as a sharp satire of millennial consumerism and media excess. The New Yorker observed that Korine

“blurs the lines between reality and performance,” creating a sensory trip that satirizes the American dream’s darker undercurrents.

Over a decade later, the film’s reputation has only grown. A recent People feature noted the cast’s fond reflections—Selena Gomez called it “a bold departure from my Disney days” and Ashley Benson described the experience as liberating. Critics and scholars have unpacked layers of meaning, from racial commentary to gender politics. Medium contributor Kumiko Stratton argued the film is “misunderstood” and primed to become a true cult classic, praising its unapologetic style and thematic depth.

Meanwhile, Vanity Fair highlighted Vanessa Hudgens’s surprise at the film’s raw improvisational spirit, particularly the infamous Britney Spears–punctuated shootout sequence, which she said helped her break free of her teen-queen image.

The sequel’s resurgence owes much to this enduring discourse. Korine’s willingness to revisit the fractured spring-break narrative reflects both fan demand and the evolving landscape of youth culture on screen. As streaming platforms vie for edgy, conversation-sparkers, a new film promises to revisit the original’s neon dystopia with contemporary urgency, promising fresh social critique wrapped in sun-bleached thrills.

Spring Breakers remains a touchstone in indie cinema—its March 2013 release reshaping expectations for teen-centric movies. With Spring Breakers: The Second Coming on the horizon and Korine back at the helm, while fans look forward to another wild ride through sun-soaked nihilism and pop-culture excess. Here’s hoping the sequel captures that same chaos—and maybe even ups the ante on its predecessor’s cult status.

Jasmine is a journalist for Primetimer

She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from Sophia College in Mumbai, where she had the unique opportunity to publish research in social science and media.

Jasmine holds more than three years of experience including an ex-Founder's role at a digital marketing agency called 'Very Weird'. Additionally, she also had stints as a journalist at GrowMeOrganic and Scatter Content. She also worked in the Social Media Management team for beauty and wellness brands, Green Maven and Yoga House Mumbai.

Jasmine is a strict follower of ethics in journalism and stays updated with industry developments in order to improve her craft. She is committed to presenting diverse perspectives, which enriches her storytelling and enhances the relevance of her articles in today’s dynamic media landscape.