Whether you’re avoiding the heat or winding down after a day in the sun, here are seven movies to embody the spirit of summer. From nostalgic classics to sun-soaked adventures and unforgettable romances, there’s something for everyone.
Stand by Me (1986)
First on the list because it’s first in my heart, Stand By Me is an intimate, bittersweet exploration of childhood friendships, loss of innocence and a nostalgic adventure set in Oregon in the summer of 1959. The film is a coming-of-age masterpiece with many breathtaking, picturesque scenes that navigates grief. Be prepared to laugh, but also shed a few tears.
10/10
The Goonies (1985)
A band of adventurous misfit kids race against time to discover ancient pirate treasure before greedy land developers foreclose their neighborhood and separate them forever. In this coming-of-age comedy, the crew must traverse underground caves and booby traps with a family of bumbling criminals hot on their tail and after the same treasure. The wondrous journey, synth-heavy soundtrack and energetic spirit all scream summer despite the film being set in October.
10/10
Brokeback Mountain
What starts as a summer romance between two cowboys hired to herd sheep in 1963 rural Wyoming transforms into a lifelong love story of yearning and tragedy for Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). Set against a landscape of natural sweeping mountains and the beauty of rugged, unforgiving nature, this film is a deeply moving performance of queer desire and repression, regret and societal ignorance. It makes for an impactful, reflective and frankly devastating summer watch.
10/10
The Florida Project (2017)
“The Florida Project” feels like a carefree summer adventure, with children spending their days sharing ice cream and getting into trouble under the hot Orlando sun. Beneath that colorful surface, however, is a moving story about housing insecurity, poverty and a kid’s perspective on life’s hardships. This movie is visually beautiful with bright pinks, yellows, blues and purples, capturing the warmth and magic of contemporary summer. Bonus brownie points for featuring Willem Dafoe.
8/10
Grease (1978)
A spirited household classic, “Grease” is a musical romantic comedy set in the 1950s about a high school fling. If summer had a soundtrack, “Grease” would surely be on it.. Danny and Sandy navigate first love through high school cliques, changing identities and the pressures of fitting in. The movie is easily one of the most recognizable musical films of all time. Its bright color palette paired with its opening on a beach makes the film fundamentally a summer flick.
7/10
The Parent Trap (1998)
This throwback channels all the summer camp vibes and hijinks, starring Lindsay Lohan in her breakout dual role as long-lost twins Annie and Hallie. After being separated at birth, the two reconnect at summer camp and decide to switch places to bring their parents back together. The Parent Trap is a classic Disney movie and a heartwarming tale of sibling rivalry and a family reunited.
7/10
The Sandlot (1993)
Set in the early 1960s, “The Sandlot” is a quintessential summer comedy where unbreakable bonds and unforgettable memories are forged through baseball. After moving to a new neighborhood, Scotty Smalls befriends a group of neighborhood boys whose summer culminates in a daring mission to retrieve a ball signed by Babe Ruth from the yard of a massive, infamous dog. From poolside escapades to Fourth of July fireworks, this movie is a celebration of youth, friendship and facing fears.
6/10
