Summer is well underway, and most of us are probably taking advantage of the warm weather. For the days that are just a bit too hot to be outside, sit back and enjoy one of these fun summer-themed movies!
- “The Seven Year Itch” (1955)
Featuring Marilyn Monroe’s iconic subway grate scene, this classic Hollywood movie is one you need to watch! When faithful husband Richard Sherman’s wife and children travel to Maine in the middle of a summer heat wave, he is left alone in the city. While alone, he is tempted by a beautiful young model who lives next door.
- “The Endless Summer” (1966)
Filmed in Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa, this surf documentary takes viewers on a trip across the world. Directed by Bruce Brown, this documentary follows Mike Hynson and Robert August on their journey to find the best waves. Packed with humor and surf rock tunes, this movie is guaranteed to make you smile.
- “American Graffiti” (1973)
Directed by George Lucas, creator of the beloved Star Wars and Indiana Jones series, this coming-of-age movie chronicles the story of four high school graduates on their last day of summer vacation. Based on the director’s youth in Modesto, California, this movie looks at the rock ’n’ roll and cruising movements popular with teens in the early ‘60s.
- “Jaws” (1975)
This fast-paced thriller tells the story of a police chief, a marine biologist and a shark hunter as they try to capture the man-eating shark that has been terrorizing the beach town of Amity Island with its insatiable appetite. Critics and fans alike adore this Spielberg classic for its chilling visuals and surprisingly nuanced themes.
For those of you who enjoy a good comedy, this is the perfect choice for you. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, takes his family all the way from the suburbs of Chicago to Walley World, a family-friendly amusement park in California. Although the Griswolds face many roadblocks along the way, they end up having a perfect summer vacation.
- “Stand By Me” (1986)
When Gordon “Gordie” Lachance discovers that his old friend Chris Chambers has passed, he begins to reflect on their childhood summers spent together. Based on a Stephen King novella, this poignant coming-of-age movie follows the boys as they embark on a journey to find the body of a dead boy. Containing themes of friendship and loss, this movie is sure to pull at your heartstrings.
- “Dirty Dancing” (1987)
If you’re looking for an enthralling romance, this could be love! In the early 1960s, Frances “Baby” Houseman visits the upscale Catskills resort with her family. While there, dance instructor Johnny Castle draws her attention. After Johnny is left without a dance partner, Baby volunteers to step in. As they grow closer, the two develop undeniable chemistry and fall in love.
- “Do the Right Thing” (1989)
This Spike Lee classic takes place in the Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood in Brooklyn on a hot summer day. Racial tensions rise between Mookie, an African-American man, and Sal, an Italian-American pizza owner when Mookie’s friend realizes Sal’s pizzeria, located in a predominantly Black neighborhood, does not include any Black celebrities on its “Wall of Fame.”
- “The Sandlot” (1993)
When Scotty Smalls moves to a new town, he finds it hard to make friends. That is until Benny Rodriguez invites Scotty to join the Sandlot and play baseball with his team. Scotty, who initially could not throw or catch a baseball, is welcomed by the group of young boys, and together, they have the summer break of a lifetime.
In 1997, four friends hit a pedestrian on the way to the beach. Instead of contacting authorities, the group decides to dispose of the body and never discuss the incident again. A year later, they receive a letter reading, “I know what you did last summer!” As a result, the friends find themselves in grave danger. This teen slasher is destined to keep you on your toes!
- “The Parent Trap” (1998)
Starring Lindsay Lohan as a set of twins, this lighthearted comedy is perfect to watch with the family! When twins Annie and Hallie are born, they each go home with a different parent. Years later, the separated twins meet for the first time at summer camp. The two then decide to switch places with each other to get to know the other parent.
- “The Notebook” (2004)
Based on a Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name, this romance stars Ryan Gosling as Noah, a mill worker who falls in love with a girl from a wealthy family named Allie (played by Rachel McAdams). Like Romeo and Juliet, the two are forbidden from being together by society. However, when they reconnect years after first meeting, they discover love conquers all.
- “Mamma Mia!” (2008)
This lively musical follows the story of Donna, played by Meryl Streep and her daughter Sophie, played by Amanda Seyfried. After discovering one of Donna’s old diaries, Sophie invites all three men that could possibly be her dad to her wedding. Taking place on a breathtaking Greek island and packed with ABBA songs, this movie will make you long for a summer getaway!
- “The Way Way Back” (2013)
One summer, Duncan is forced to go on vacation with his mom (Toni Collette) and her pompous boyfriend (Steve Carell). While there, Duncan befriends Owen, the owner of the local water park, and Susanna, the daughter of his temporary neighbors. With the help of his friends, Duncan gains a new sense of confidence. This coming-of-age comedy will definitely make you laugh!
- “In the Heights” (2021)
Conceived by Lin Manuel Miranda, creator of “Hamilton,” this energetic musical follows the story of Usnavi, a bodega owner with big dreams. Set in Washington Heights, a primarily Dominican-American neighborhood in New York City, this musical takes place over three days as a heat wave strikes the city. Vibrant and full of catchy songs, you do not want to miss this movie!
By Emma Maring
