30 Summer Movies That Will Instantly Transport You To The Best Season

Mamma Mia!

Anything with Meryl Streep is a winner in my book, but Mamma Mia! is in my top 5 for sure. Set to ABBA’s classic music on the most beautiful Greek island, Sophie Sheridan invites three men from her mother Donna's past to her wedding, hoping to discover which one is her father. This movie is a summer dream — a dream I definitely want to live in.

Dirty Dancing

Nobody puts Baby in a corner! In the summer of 1963, young Frances "Baby" Houseman and her family head to a vacation resort, where she meets dance instructor Johnny Castle and quickly falls for him. This coming of age movie gives all of the summer vibes.

The Parent Trap

We know it, we love it, we're watching it again. Identical twins Annie and Hallie (both played by Lindsay Lohan), separated at birth and raised by one of their parents, meet at summer camp and pull off the ultimate scheme to reunite their divorced parents by switching places. The movie screams summer as it kicks off with the twins attending the most picturesque summer camp and also serves us some killer fashion by Meredith Blake. A win-win.

Grease

Set in the 1950s and complete with poodle skirts and leather jackets, high school seniors Danny and Sandy fall in love, then out of love, then back in love at Rydell High. Filled with classic songs you know by heart and old school fashion, Grease is a fun watch every time.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

As someone from Chicago, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has been a favorite forever. In fact, my boyfriend and I dressed as Ferris and Sloane for Halloween a few years back! Ferris (played by the man who captured SJP's heart, Matthew Broderick) fakes being sick and skips school with his girlfriend Sloane and best friend Cameron for the best day ever in downtown Chicago, all while trying not to get caught.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Starring some very recognizable faces — Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn — this trilogy about a group of four best friends discover a pair of jeans that somehow fits each of them perfectly. Since they’re spending their summers apart, the girls mail the jeans back and forth to each other, sharing stories of their summers with it.

The Way, Way Back

Shy 14-year-old Duncan finds himself during a summer vacation with his mother and her overbearing boyfriend, and seeks refuge at the local water park. This coming-of-age movie follows Duncan falling for his first crush (and kiss!), forming an unexpected friendship with Owen (the manager of the local water park), and finding his footing with his family. My only downside to this one? Steve Carrell plays a jerk in this movie, which feels so wrong. Besides that, it’s a 10/10.

The Talented Mr. Ripley

This movie is in my top 10, no question — but it's honestly so underrated! Tom Ripley is sent to Europe to retrieve a wealthy man's son, but his envy and desire for a luxurious lifestyle lead to deception and murder. This movie goes to so many places you wouldn’t expect, which makes this a fun watch. Also, Jude Law has never looked better (yes, including in The Holiday).

Licorice Pizza

Set during a nostalgic San Fernando Valley summer in the 1970s, this Paul Thomas Anderson film follows the chaotic, sun-drenched journey of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine as they grow up, run around the Valley, and fall in love. It completely captures the unpredictable, messy magic of youth, and the soundtrack is an absolute 10/10.

Cheetah Girls 2

The Cheetah Girls travel to Spain to compete in an international music festival, where they sing in the streets randomly, fight about taking the competition seriously, and strut like they mean it. Filled with a classic soundtrack and beautiful Barcelona, this one always gets me in the summer mood.

Monte Carlo

Palm Springs

This movie is a unique one, to say the least! After Nyles and Sarah meet at a wedding in Palm Springs, they find themselves stuck in a time loop. Similar to the classic Groundhog Day, but much funnier and more romantic, the two relive the same day over and over as they try to break the cycle and get back to their normal lives.

Someone Great

After breaking up with her longtime boyfriend, Jenny tries to navigate her life with NYC as a newly single girl. This surprisingly refreshing movie about a breakup strikes a balance of being sentiment and real while still being a fun and easy watch. Well...not that easy...some of us may or may not have cried...

Joy Ride

If your summer movie night needs an absolute jolt of chaotic energy and laugh-out-loud comedy, this is it. The film follows four unlikely friends who embark on a no-holds-barred international adventure through Asia. It’s a wild, raunchy, and incredibly fun ride about identity and self-discovery that perfectly captures the unpredictable spirit of a truly unforgettable summer trip.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

This sun-drenched comedy-drama follows two American friends, Vicky and Cristina, as they spend a summer in Barcelona. There, they both become enamored with the same flamboyant painter, unaware that his tempestuous ex-wife is about to re-enter the picture. With its gorgeous Spanish backdrops and a sophisticated, messy look at romance, it's a total golden-hour mood.

Jaws

For when you need something a little on the scarier side, but you’re not even close to ready for Halloween movies. The community of Amity Island is terrorized by a great white shark, leading the police chief, a marine biologist, and shark hunter to stop it. What could go wrong?

The Sandlot

In the summer of 1962, the new kid in town joins a group of boys who play baseball at the local sandlot. It’s about friendship, baseball, pool days, and a terrifying dog named “Beast.” This will tap into all your nostalgic yearning for the simpler summers of childhood past!

Mother of the Bride

A mother navigates the emotional and logistical challenges of planning her daughter's wedding, dealing with family dynamics, societal expectations, and her own feelings about the upcoming nuptials. That's not interesting enough? Chad Michael Murray is incredibly hot in it — 'nuff said.

In The Heights

In New York City's Washington Heights, bodega owner Usnavi dreams of a better life for himself and his community. Filled with dancing and fun music, this is an easy summer watch for the whole family. Whether it's sunny, stormy, or anything in between, you'll be singing, "Calore, calore, calore," all summer long.

Stand by Me

Based on Stephen King's 1982 novella The Body, four young friends — Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern — set out on a journey to find the body of a missing boy. During their adventurous trek, the friends learn about themselves and the complexities of life. Nothing bonds like a unsolved missing persons case!

Adventureland

With a star studded cast of Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg, Ryan Reynolds, Kristin Wiig, and Bill Hader, this coming-of-age movie is set at an amusement park in the summer of 1987. Recent college grad James Brennan takes a job at the amusement park, where he learns about love, friendship, and life’s unpredictability while saving for his trip to Europe.

Blue Crush

Anne Marie is a dedicated surfer, preparing for the Rip Masters surf competition...only for a pro footballer to come along and throw her off balance. Suddenly, Anne Marie is forced to choose between victory and love in this Hawaii-set classic.

The Karate Kid

After moving from the East Coast to Los Angeles, teenager Daniel LaRusso experiences bullying and struggles to fit in. He finds an unexpected ally in Mr. Miyagi, who teaches him karate to defend himself against bullies and ultimately compete in a tournament.

Now and Then

Four childhood friends reunite as adults and reminisce about a pivotal summer in 1970 when they navigated growing pains, family issues, and their bond that has lasted through the years. The women all recall that was the summer they saved up for a treehouse...and go on a quest to learn more about the story of a deceased boy from their town.

Before Sunrise

The first of a well loved trilogy, Before Sunrise follows American Jesse and French Celine as they meet on a train to Vienna and decide to spend one romantic evening together. The two explore the city of Vienna together, discussing life, love, and their dreams before parting ways.

The Endless Summer

This documentary follows surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August as they travel the world in search of the perfect wave, capturing the beauty and culture of surfing in various exotic locations. It's absolutely awesome in all senses of the word.

Moonrise Kingdom

On a New England island in the 1960s, young lovers Sam and Suzy run away together, prompting a search party and a series of whimsical adventures as they confront their desires and fears. A Wes Anderson classic, this movie offers a fast-moving plot that never loses its viewers with Anderson’s unique and artful style.

Something’s Gotta Give

This beloved Nancy Meyers classic follows Erica and Harry as they butt heads at Erica’s stunning house in the Hamptons. Set in the most picturesque beach house you’ve ever seen, Erica and Harry navigate love and aging in this light and fun film.

Hot Summer Nights

This is an under-the-radar Timothée Chalamet movie that's a must see. Daniel (played by Timothée) moves to a small beach town for the summer, doesn’t fit in at all with the preppy and wealthy kids, and starts to sell drugs with a local drug dealer to make some money. Things get out of control quickly as he and his partner expand their business.

Vacation

Rusty and Debbie Griswold set off with their two kids on a cross country journey from Chicago to California to visit Walley World Amusement Park. Easy enough? Wrong — the Griswold family runs into every single problem possible. This is a fun revamp of a beloved Chevy Chase classic!