The 70 Best Summer Movies of All Time & Where to Watch Them

Yahoo

12-05-2025

Summertime is the absolute best. With the warmer season comes an influx of fun outdoor plans, from theme park adventures and beach getaways to pool parties. But as much as I enjoy a sun-drenched outing, nothing beats walking into an air-conditioned theater to watch a summer blockbuster—or better yet, enjoying the best summer movies from my couch.
Though my favorite season of hot, sunny beach days and warm nights may only last a few fleeting months, summer movies are forever (and they can be enjoyed year-round). The options are endless, whether you're up for scary movies like I Know What You Did Last Summer, classics like Dirty Dancing, or family comedies like National Lampoon's Vacation. Here's my list of the 70 best summer movies out there and where to watch them, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video and more.
The 35 Best Family Comedies to Watch with Kids
IMDb
Who's in it? Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Four friends and book club members embark on a crazy Italian adventure through Venice, Rome and Tuscany, only to find that real life mirrors their current read more than they were anticipating. The film touches on aging, loss and self-discovery. And according to PureWow's Associate Sales and Deals Editor, Destinee Scott, it's the "perfect summer movie to watch with your girl gang." She notes, "It highlights how important important female friendships are, no matter what age. It also inspires you to continue living your best life as you get older."
watch on prime video
IMDb
Who's in it? Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Austin Butler, Margaret Qualley, Dakota Fanning
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours 40 minutes
It's 1969 Los Angeles, Rick Dalton is a fading Hollywood star looking to revive his career. Instead, he and his stunt double, Cliff Booth, are pulled into a wild murder plot involving the notorious Manson family. Tarantino fans are in for a treat, thanks to the stunning visuals and his signature filming style. But I'd say one of the film's greatest strengths is its ability to immerse fans in a completely different era, with epic '60s fashion and music.
watch on prime video
Who's in it? Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours 28 minutes
Florence Pugh stars as a grieving college student who, along with several friends, find themselves unwittingly lured into a ritual that sees a sinister cult collide with the Scandinavian tradition of Midsommar. I like that the film explores themes of trauma, grief, and loss, but the sun-drenched fields and vibrant summer colors make this psychological horror feel all the more unsettling. It'll stick with you long after the credits roll.
watch on prime video
IMDb
Who's in it? Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Jessica Williams, Lisa Kudrow, Will Forte, Jason Sudeikis
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 42 minutes
On the eve of high school graduation, studious best friends Molly and Amy realize they may have done it all wrong. In an attempt to experience everything they missed over the last four years, they have one adventurous night, including psychedelics, beer pong and a murderous pizza deliveryman.
It's a thrill ride that'll inspire you to spice up your summer plans, and Phil Mutz, PureWow's VP of News and Entertainment, calls it a "fun, smart coming-of-age movie." He added, "Most importantly, it introduced me to Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, who have gone on to do huge things. Not to mention director Olivia Wilde, who has had a, well, wild career of her own."
watch on prime video
Jessica Perez/Hulu
Who's in it: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J.K. Simmons, Meredith Hagner, Camila Mendes
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours
In this captivating sci-fi rom-com, two wedding guests get sucked into a vortex, and discover that they're trapped in a time loop. And as they continue to relive the same day, they slowly begin to develop feelings for each other.
PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth says, 'It's so underrated. Cristin Milioti is so talented, and she and Andy Samberg have surprisingly great chemistry together. I remember when it first came out thinking it was one of the best time travel movies I've seen in a long time (all too often they're too complicated and weird) and managed to do something fun and new with a concept that's been worked over and over again. Highly recommend!'
Watch on Hulu
Warner Bros
Who's in it: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Chevy Chase is the hapless moral center of this road trip movie that moves from Chicago to the Grand Canyon to a shuttered Los Angeles amusement park. Fun fact: Director John Hughes wrote the script based on his own childhood vacations. And Mutz, who grew up watching the franchise, can vouch for the laugh-out-loud humor.
"I love the National Lampoon movies so freaking much," he gushed. "I'm dating myself here, but this one came out the year I was born, so I literally grew up watching it. The movie is so funny—a classic really—and it's hard not to immediately think of Wally World (and Clark's reaction to finally arriving there)."
watch on prime VIDEO
UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Who's in it: Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours 2 minutes
Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, this comedy follows four friends, aka 'The Flossy Posse,' who take a trip to the annual Essence Festival to relive their college days. It boasts a talented main cast and, according to Mutz, it'll have you cackling non-stop, which explains why it turned out to be one of the biggest movies of the summer.
He said, "Girls' Trip made me laugh out loud sooooo much. I'm obsessed with this cast—and so grateful the movie introduced us to Tiffany Haddish. The most memorable scene of the film? Think Jada Pinkett Smith on the zipline..."
watch on Prime VIDEO
UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Who's in it: Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, Drew Barrymore
Rating: PG
Run time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Steven Spielberg's sci-fi movie, which came out in the summer of 1982 and became the highest-grossing film of its decade, was based on an imaginary friend the director created following his parents' divorce. The classic film tells the story of an extraterrestrial who gets stranded on planet Earth and is taken in by a sweet earthling family. This one's guaranteed to be a hit with the little ones, according to PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint.
She writes, "I fully believe there is no greater children's movie. I've watched with my 7 and 9-year-olds, who are really the perfect ages for appreciating the magic while also understanding the gravity."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Columbia Pictures
Who's in it: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
Rating: PG
Run time: 2 hours 6 minutes
After a life-changing summer, Daniel can't seem to shake a group of bullies. So, he enlists a repairman (who just so happens to be a martial arts master) to train him for battle. Released in the summer of 1984, the inspiring underdog tale tackles themes like perseverance and carving your own path, without promoting senseless violence.
PureWow Editor Emma Singer writes that while "plenty of action and the martial arts fight scenes take center stage," the movie still "has plenty of soul and resonates decades later."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
Who's in it: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, James Earl Jones
Rating: PG
Run time: 1 hour 42 minutes
In the summer of 1962, a new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his rowdy team. And boy, do they have fun. From that infamous chase with the beast to the fireworks scene, this movie always makes me relive my carefree summers as a kid. (FYI, the cult classic spawned two sequels, including The Sandlot 2 in 2005 and The Sandlot: Heading Home in 2007.)
Mutz says, "The Sandlot is one of my favorite movies of all time and, in fact, I still quote it: 'You're killing me, Smalls!' and 'She even signed her name on it. Ruth...Baby Ruth.' So good."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Brian Roedel / Netflix
Who's in it: Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, Retta
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 55 minutes
In this fun rom-com, Powell plays an undercover Police contractor who poses as a hitman, but things start to get personal when he meets a woman who hires him to kill her abusive husband. In her rave review, Rachel Bowie, Senior Director of Special Projects & Royals, writes, "Watching Powell go from being a bandana-wearing bad guy with neck tattoos to a freckle-faced British man is not just fun, it's captivating. It also makes him quite easy to root for, even when he's doing unethical things. In fact, that's the magic of this summer-feeling movie: Its success in getting you to root for the bad guy."
Watch on Netflix
Warner Bros
Who's in it: Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn
Rating: PG
Run time: 1 hour 59 minutes
Before Blake Lively had a website, before America Ferrera was Ugly Betty, before Alexis Bledel married Pete from Mad Men and Amber Tamblyn got hitched to funny guy David Cross, they starred in this beloved film about four friends who share a pair of Levi's as they spend their first summer apart. PureWow Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario, who is very enthusiastic about the film, says, "I remember reading the books in middle school and jumping for joy when they adapted it to screen. It's so heartwarming and great film to watch with your friends."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Warner Bros. Entertainment
Who's in it? Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen
Rating: PG
Run time: 1 hour 54 minutes
A group of brave young kids embarks on a mission to save their homes from getting destroyed. But along the way, they come across an ancient map that takes them on the ultimate adventure. If you're still unsure about this one, then take it from Mutz, who considers it a childhood favorite. He said, "I still remember watching The Goonies with my parents and younger brother as a kid (obviously both of us wished we could be one of the Goonies—honestly, I probably still do). Goonies never say die!"
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Macall Polay / Warner Bros
Who's in it? Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 2 hours 23 minutes
From Lin-Manuel Miranda, the mastermind behind Hamilton, comes this vibrant musical about an ambitious New Yorker and bodega owner who wants to pursue a better life (and win the girl of his dreams). Expect fabulous dance numbers and simmering romance in the streets of New York at the height of summer. Canelario says, "In The Heights is one of those movies I watch over and over again. The soundtrack has been stuck in my head since 2021 (I'm not kidding). The music is SO good and culture is truly the heart of the film."
Watch on Prime Video
Columbia Pictures
Who's in it: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Anne Heche, Freddie Prinze Jr., Ryan Phillippe
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 41 minutes
This teen slasher film kept the summer thrills going when it opened in October 1997, thanks to writer Kevin Williamson's (Scream, Dawson's Creek) mastery of teen angst and well-paced scares. Mutz says, "I Know What You Did Last Summer is no Scream, but it did introduce the world to a pair of scream queens in Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Is a fisherman with a hook terrifying? Kinda. But this movie packs enough jump scares to keep me on the edge of my seat the whole time."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Vestron Pictures
Who's in it: Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 37 minutes
While this classic 1987 film about a Catskills summer resort is remembered for fun dance scenes and nostalgic set pieces, it's also a surprisingly gritty tale of class anxiety, sexual freedom and, um, abortion. Also, it's very quotable ("Nobody puts baby in a corner!") and I still think about that iconic final dance number whenever I hear "(I've Had) The Time of My Life." The classic film inspired multiple TV shows, a prequel called Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, a stage production and an upcoming sequel.
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Warner Bros. Entertainment
Who's in it: Constance Wu, Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 2 hours 1 minute
Rachel has been dating Nick for several years, but she's never met his family. That all changes when she's invited to a summer wedding in Singapore, where she's introduced to Nick's wealthy upbringing. (Cue the hard-to-please mother-in-law.) PureWow's Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz says her dad is a bonafide fan, writing, "A true rom-com fan through-and-through, he's obsessed with the glitz and glamour, the family dynamics and Singaporean culture and traditions, but he's especially taken with the fashion. Yes, yes, there's a dressing room montage that'll make you (or your dad, if he's like mine) happy, too."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Orion Pictures
Who's in it: Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 48 minutes
You don't have to like baseball, Kevin Costner or even romantic comedies to be won over by this story of a veteran catcher whose silly, soulful romance with a baseball groupie is second only to his love of the game itself. The movie is inspired by director Ron Shelton's history with minor league baseball, and believe it or not, Kurt Russell, who helped with the script, was originally slated to play Costner's role. Russell was so impressed with the final product that he wrote fan letters, per IMDB.
Watch on Prime VIDEO
WARNER BROS.
Who's in it: Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson, Cheech Marin
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Think Bull Durham, but with golf. In this romcom, Costner plays Roy McAvoy, a pro golfer who falls for his rival's girlfriend. As much as I enjoy the romantic storyline, it's Roy's inspiring journey of self-discovery and redemption that really makes this movie shine. (Fun fact: The movie debuted at number one on its opening weekend, then went on to earn an impressive $76 million at the box office.)
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Sony Pictures
Who's in it: Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Jim Rash, Anna Garcia
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 2 hours 12 minutes
Johansson stars as Kelly Jones, a newly hired marketing executive at NASA. Things initially go smoothly—until she's asked to create a fake moon landing. According to Bowie, the summer rom-com is reminiscent of Mad Men and features quite a few standout performances.
She noted in her review, "I left with an extended love for Johansson, who absolutely slays as Jones. The New York Times compared her fast-talking dialogue to that of Katharine Hepburn working in tandem with her own Cary Grant-like figure (Tatum, who is leading the Apollo 11 mission). Her 1960s ensembles are also total scene-stealers."
Watch on Apple TV+
Columbia Pictures
Who's in it: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, Kiefer Sutherland
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 29 minutes
The poignant film, which scored an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, revolves around a group of young boys who learn to navigate friendships and complicated family dynamics during the '50s. If you're looking for a title to watch with your tween, then Singer highly recommends this one. She writes, "The content is on the heavier side. Still, the messages about friendship, loyalty and courage are wholly positive—which is to say that any child old enough to deal with some of the more mature themes will certainly benefit from watching it."
Watch on Max
Paramount Pictures
Who's in it: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway
Rating: PG
Run time: 1 hour 50 minutes
The high school musical to end all high school musicals, this story of a greaser in love with a good girl is as sweet and iconic as they come. (Minus the teenage pregnancy subplot.) SEO Editor Marissa Wu says, "I just watched it for the first time last year, and while I had many questions...I get why it's iconic. I see the High School Musical references!! It's about being young and falling in and out of love during the most romantic time of the year...summer!!! And that Sandy transformation...I can't unsee it."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Columbia Pictures
Who's in it: Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 32 minutes
A recently unemployed father turns his home into a daycare center. The relatable scenes will make every parent with kids on summer break say, 'same.'
Assistant Editor Delia Curtis, who revisited the movie as an adult, said, "The jokes hit different as an adult because they most definitely have some hidden meaning. I also loved that the story revolves around expectations around gender roles and undoing the stereotypes that women are the only capable caretakers. Plus, I will never get over the scene of Eddie Murphy and Jeff Garlin having a boxing match dressed as a carrot and a broccoli."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Walt Disney Pictures
Who's in it: Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson, Elaine Hendrix, Lisa Ann Walter
Rating: PG
Run time: 2 hours 8 minutes
I could never get tired of seeing Annie and Hallie (both played by Lindsay Lohan) perform the classic switcheroo and fool their parents. In this romcom classic, the young twins, who were separated at birth, meet each other for the first time when their parents send them to the same summer camp. But instead of returning to their actual homes, they switch places to bond with the other parent.
"I cannot count the number of times my family has watched The Parent Trap," says Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater. "It's the perfect film: Lindsay Lohan (x2, kinda), Natasha Richardson (RIP), Lisa Ann Walter (thank you to Abbott Elementary for bringing her back to our screens), the list goes on. All that plus a great soundtrack, swoon-worthy houses and the coolest handshake known to man."
Watch on Disney+
UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Who's in it: Stephanie Faracy, Annette Bening, John Candy, Dan Aykroyd
Rating: PG
Run time: 1 hour 31 minutes
The year was 1988. John Hughes had started making movies for grown-ups. In this, the second in the glorious 'Candy trilogy' (along with Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Uncle Buck), two in-laws tangle with a bear in a lake cabin. In a 2021 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Aykroyd confirmed that a sequel is in the works. He teased, "Howie and I are working on the sequel, called The Great Outlaws. I am looking for the Candy figure. There are some really interesting names, but I can't say who."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Warner Bros.
Who's in it: Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Joe Pantoliano
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 38 minutes
It's like F. Scott Fitzgerald, but with a 1983 bent: The story of a prostitute and a privileged high school boy manages to be heartwarming despite its crassness. And, umm, hello, Tom Cruise in tighty whities. Not surprisingly, the movie was a commercial success, grossing $63 million at the box office. Cruise's stellar performance also earned him a Golden Globes nod for Best Actor in a Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy.
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Who's in it: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin, Abigail Breslin
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 41 minutes
A meta-meditation on the triumph of the underdog, this 2006 comedy-drama road trip flick saw Steve Carell ace his first dramatic role. From the compelling characters and funny dialogue to timely themes (like depression and self-acceptance), this is one of the most memorable summer movies you'll ever see. Made for $8 million, it grossed $101 million worldwide. It also earned four Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture.
Watch on Prime VIDEO
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
Who's in it: Marilyn Monroe, Tom Ewell, Evelyn Keyes
Rating: 7+
Run time: 1 hour 45 minutes
When his family goes away for the summer, a faithful husband with an overactive imagination is tempted by a beautiful neighbor—Marilyn Monroe. The movie is based on George Axelrod's 1952 play, and it includes footage of one of the most iconic pop culture moments in history, where Monroe stands on a subway grate as her white dress is blown up by a passing train.
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Paramount Pictures
Who's in it: Tatum O'Neal, Kristy McNichol, Armand Assante
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 36 minutes
This 1980 hit film has largely been forgotten, but the underrated gem still resonates to this day, tackling themes of female friendship and sexuality. In the film, two 15-year-olds make a virginity-losing bet, and what results is a surprisingly nuanced look at young love. The summer camp scenes will have you feeling nostalgic, and both O'Neal and McNichol deliver stellar performances.
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Columbia Pictures
Who's in it: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Kevin Hart, Madison Iseman
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 59 minutes
It's the same old Jumanji we love—and like last time, the game is fighting back against the players. The dynamic between Johnson and Hart is unmatched, and it's impossible for me to get through the film without laughing. Directed by Jake Kasdan, the blockbuster hit became the fifth-highest-grossing movie of 2017, raking in a whopping $962 million. The movie's success spawned a 2019 sequel called Jumanji: The Next Level, which is equally action-packed and entertaining.
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Twentieth Century Fox
Who's in it: Matt Dillon, Héctor Elizondo, Molly McCarthy, Martha Gehman
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Will dreamy, 19-year-old Matt Dillon be corrupted during his summer as a private beach club cabana boy? This 1984 rom-com is as clean-cut as old Matty was back then. Fun fact: The Flamingo Kid made history as the first movie to ever receive a PG-13 rating. Oh, and did I mention that it inspired a stage musical, directed by Tony winner Darko Tresnjak?
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Focus Features
Who's in it: Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Jared Gilman
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 33 minutes
This completely fresh and sweet film about two kids who run away together is so retro-dreamy, it had to come from the brain of Wes Anderson. Wu, a self-proclaimed Wes Andersonite, calls it the "best summer movie of all time."
She said, "It's set on an idyllic New England island reminiscent of Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard, set in the '60s against the backdrop of the (fictional) biggest storm in history. You've got the quintessential summer activities: fishing, cycling, scouts building treehouses that are definitely not osha approved, dancing on the beach of a hidden cove to music pouring from a record player. There's young love and misfits and a quest for vengeance, a fitting biblical reference to Noah's flood and, in true Anderson style, a consistent and dazzlingly retro color palette."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Who's in it: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary
Rating: PG
Run time: 2 hours 10 minutes
This Academy Award-winning thriller tells the story of a rogue shark that is terrorizing a beach town. Easily a classic, but did you know that Jaws was based on a series of real shark attacks? That's right—in 1916, four beachgoers died at the Jersey shore, which led to in a massive shark hunt, but director Steven Spielberg definitely took some creative liberties.
PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth says, "Jaws is an eternal favorite of mine. Perfectly captures beach day craziness at the beginning and then the second half is so suspenseful. I watch it every summer at least once, if not more."
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Memento Films
Who's in it: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours 10 minutes
In the 1980s Italy, romance blossoms between a 17-year-old student and the older man hired as his father's research assistant. Wu says, "I wasn't sure what to expect when going into Call Me by Your Name, but I quite liked it. Chalamet plays a brilliant young man enjoying what turns out to be one last innocent, dreamy summer in Italy. There's a villa, long lunches in the garden, and plenty of good (read: classical) music—the piano scene is my favorite. I was so touched by the deep yearning of a first love. And there's no better place to have that experience than on the sun-drenched Italian coast."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Netflix
Who's in it: Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Amy Poehler directs and stars in this heartfelt comedy about a vacation to Napa Valley, where a group of long-time friends reunites and revisits their past life choices. This marked Poehler's feature film directorial debut, and she was inspired by a real-life trip she took with her Saturday Night Live co-stars. In her conversation with Elle, Poehler said, "I like to brag that we had zero rehearsal time. I wasn't just working with my friends, but with premier comedy legends. I don't think I'll ever have this directing experience again, where I had to give people very little direction."
Watch on NETFLIX
Miramax
Who's in it: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Kristen Wiig
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 47 minutes
A college graduate takes a tedious job at his local amusement park, which turns out to be way more exciting than it seems. The chemistry between Eisenberg and Stewart feels genuine, and the nostalgic setting totally transports you to the '80s. Fun behind-the-scenes fact: The summer flick was actually filmed in the winter months, so extras were hired to remove snow accumulation and block the windows so snowfall wouldn't be visible.
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Jeong Park/20th Century Studios
Who's in it: Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, this rom-com follows a group of queer BFFs as they try to make the most of their vacation at Fire Island Pines, though it proves to be more challenging than they anticipated. In his review of the film, former PureWow Editor Joel Calfee wrote, "It feels honest and genuine without conforming to any standards. It's funny without trying too hard and it's romantic enough to hold its own against the rom-com classics of the past."
Watch on Hulu
New Line Cinema
Who's in it: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, Kevin Connolly
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 2 hours 1 minute
In 1940s South Carolina, mill worker Noah and rich girl Allie fall in love, but can they overcome their social differences? Based in Nicholas Sparks's novel of the same title, The Notebook was a massive box office success, grossing a total of $115 million and becoming the 15th highest-grossing romantic drama of all time. It comes as no surprise, considering the simmering chemistry between Gosling and McAdams.
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Fox Searchlight
Who's in it: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Geoffrey Arend, Chloë Grace Moretz
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 35 minutes
An offbeat romantic comedy about a woman who doesn't believe true love exists, and the young man who falls for her. Just a warning—this one's a tearjerker, and it truly captures the complexity of relationships, making it one of the best summer movies. Per former PureWow Editor Katherine Gillen, "It's peak millennial hipster culture, from the manic pixie dream girl to the imagined Hall and Oates flash mob to the indie soundtrack, which is good, save for the smiths."
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New Line Cinema
Who's in it: Melanie Griffith, Thora Birch, Rosie O'Donnell, Christina Ricci, Rita Wilson, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Demi Moore, Gaby Hoffmann
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Follow the story of four 12-year-old girls and the eventful summer they spend together in their small town in 1970. The movie doesn't shy away from difficult topics, like grief, death and divorce, but it maintains a feel-good tone. Hepworth says, "Now and Then is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's a bittersweet ode to female friendships, especially with those we grew up with. Truly so fun and so lovely."
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
Who's in it: Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours 10 minutes
If you're looking for a summer road trip flick with two badass all-star female leads, then Thelma and Louise is the film for you. The classic comedy tells the story of two best friends, Thelma and Louise, who run into a wee bit of trouble together and subsequently decide to flee to Mexico in a 1966 Ford Thunderbird. The crime drama earned six Oscar nominations and won for Best Original Screenplay.
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The Weinstein Company
Who's in it: Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Messina, Patricia Clarkson, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 36 minutes
A summertime fling with Javier Bardem causes all kinds of havoc when two American women vie with Penélope Cruz for his affections (hey, we get it). But it's not your run-of-the-mill rom-com. The film features so many unforgettable performances, and it raises thoughtful questions about love, relationships and the meaning of life.
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Columbia Pictures
Who's in it: Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 2 hours 13 minutes
Two mature singles Erica Barry and Harry Sanborn end up living together at Erica's beach house in Hamptons the after Harry (who is dating Erica's daughter) has a heart attack. As you can probably guess, the duo fall in love. Directed and written by Nancy Meyers, the star-studded rom-com made $266 million worldwide and earned Keaton an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Watch on Prime VIDEO
Eureka Pictures
Who's in it: Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Molly Shannon, Paul Rudd
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 37 minutes
This 2001 summer camp spoof movie follows a group of counselors try to complete their unfinished business before the last day of camp ends. The comedy spawned a franchise that includes two television shows, two books, a documentary and a soundtrack. And Garofalo, who stars as Beth, actually knew from the get-go that the film would resonate with fans. She told Time magazine, "I predicted it was going be a cult classic when we were making it, and I couldn't believe it when no one saw it at the time. I was just like, 'Wow, we had such a great time making it!'"
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Warner Bros. Family Entertainment
Who's in it: Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Kirstie Alley, Steve Guttenberg
Rating: 13+
Run time: 1 hour 42 minutes
This 1995 flick takes place mostly at summer camp and has a similar plot to The Parent Trap. The film follows twins who were separated at birth. When they meet up at summer camp, hijinx ensue. The film has a measley 8 percect on Rotten Tomatoes, but don't let the negative reviews fool you. It Takes Two is a delightful and light-hearted watch that'll appeal to kids and adults alike.
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Touchstone Pictures
Who's in it: Alan Arkin, Matt Craven, Diane Lane, Bill Paxton
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Indian Summer is essentially Big Chill on the water as a bunch of former campers have a reunion before the old camp closes. During their visit, old feelings resurface as they reflect on their complicated friendships and the impact of the camp. The poignant drama was filmed at director Mike Binder's childhood camp, Camp Tamakwa, in Ontario, Canada.
Watch on Prime VIDEO
UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Who's in it: Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez, Matthew Davis
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 50 minutes
As a hard-core surfer girl prepares for a big competition, she finds herself falling for a football player. But I love it for the Hawaiian scenery, the girl-bonding-training-montage, and the fairy-tale ending. The movie is based on journalist Susan Orlean's 1998 Outside magazine article, "Life's Swell." And from the catchy sountrack to the awe-inspiring surfing scenes, it'll make you want to head to the beach, stat.
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Columbia Pictures
Who's in it: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell
Rating: PG
Run time: 2 hours 8 minutes
Two sisters join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amidst their own growing rivalry. They also learn that there's 'no crying in baseball' from their washed-up, alcoholic coach.
Mutz says, "A League of Their Own has one of the greatest casts—Rosie, Geena, Madonna, Tom. It's so quotable and one of those films you can just watch over and over again. When Betty Spaghetti gets that letter?! Heartbreaking! Marla Hooch singing? Hilarious! Madonna and Rosie together? I could watch them for hours!"
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TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
Who's in it: Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern
Rating: PG
Run time: 1 hour 41 minutes
On the surface, this is a story about worthy underdog cyclists competing against entitled university kids. But really, this classic sports movie addresses something more universal—what the heck is there to life after high school? Breaking Away received five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and won for Best Original Screenplay.
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20th Century Fox
Who's in it: Eddie Murphy, Oliver Platt, Ossie Davis
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 30 minutes
The whole family can take a break from the summer heat to watch this movie about a doctor who's able to communicate with animals. Quint said, "It has an awful Rotten Tomatoes rating, but I watched it last week with my kids and aside from having an all-star cast, it has a lot of jokes that truly land. Well…at least with the under 10 set."
The movie's success spawned multiple sequels, including Dr. Dolittle 2, Dr. Dolittle 3, Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief and Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts.
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Iam21 Entertainment
Who's in it: Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Aja Naomi King, Eva Longoria
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Up for a dreamy summer romance that'll have you grinning from start to finish? Sylvie's Love will do the trick. Set in Harlem during the 1960s, we follow Sylvie Parker, an aspiring filmmaker who falls in love with an up-and-coming musician, Robert Halloway. However, their careers seem to keep pulling them apart. I could go on for days about the swoon-worthy chemistry between Thompson and Asomugha, and it expertly tackles the challenges of navigating romance while pursuing a career.
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Anthony Barboza / Getty Images
Who's in it: Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosie Perez, Martin Lawrence, Spike Lee, John Turturro
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours
On a hot summer day in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, racial tensions rise to the point of violence after Mookie and his peers learn that the local pizzeria's Wall of Fame features no Black actors. The timeless film boasts an incredibly talented cast and explores themes of morality, police violence, gentrification and the power of a unified community. The '80s flick also earned two Academy Award nominations, one for Best Original Screenplay and one for Best Supporting Actor (for Aiello, who played the pizzeria owner).
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20th Century Fox
Who's in it: Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Regina King, Whoopi Goldberg
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Stella Payne is a hard-working 40-year-old stockbroker who sets off to Montego Bay, Jamaica, for a well-deserved break. While there, she strikes up a romance with a gorgeous young man named Winston…who happens to be 20 years her junior. While I find Diggs's Jamaican accent wholly unconvincing, I do appreciate the steamy, on-screen connection between him and Bassett.
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Kintop Pictures
Who's in it: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Archie Panjabi
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Jesminder Bhamra, better known as Jess, is passionate about football (aka soccer to us Americans), but unfortunately, her strict conservative family refuses to let her play because of her gender. Still, she sneaks behind their backs and joins the local women's football team. Candelario said, "Bend It Like Beckham is a classic! It's truly about doing what you love and not letting society tell you can't. So inspiring."
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Newmarket Films
Who's in it: America Ferrera, Lupe Ontiveros, George Lopez, Ingrid Oliu, Brian Sites
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 33 minutes
America Ferrera made her feature film debut in this comedy drama, which is based on Josefina López's play of the same name. Ferrera stars as a Mexican-American teenager Ana García, who's torn between following her dream of going to college and following cultural traditions. Per Candelario, "Real Women Have Curves is one of the few films where I felt seen. America Ferrera is a standout and I'm still quoting this movie till this day."
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40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks
Who's in it: Alfre Woodard, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee, Zelda Harris
Rating: 18+
Run time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Loosely based on director Spike Lee's own life, Crooklyn is a timeless gem that always makes me reflect on my own childhood, and Harris is so endearing as the titular character. The movie revolves around 9-year-old Troy Carmichael, who lives with her parents and four brothers in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, during the summer of 1973. After Troy goes to visit her aunt in the south, she returns home and is greeted with some unexpected news.
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Touchstone Pictures
Who's in it: Larenz Tate, Joe Morton, Suzzanne Douglas, Glynn Turman, Morris Chestnut, Jada Pinkett Smith
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 52 minutes
While vacationing with his family on Martha's Vineyard over the summer, 16-year-old Drew Tate stumbles upon an upper-class Black community of party lovers known as The Inkwell. While there, he finds himself caught in a love triangle between Heather Lee and Lauren Kelly. Drew's character development throughout the film is one of its biggest strengths, but you'll also appreciate the authentic depiction of '70s Massachusetts.
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Significant Productions
Who's in it: Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Kimberly Elise, Chanel Iman, Lakeith Stanfield, Blake Anderson, Zoë Kravitz
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Meet Malcolm, a brilliant teen who happens to live in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in California. After he encounters a drug dealer named Dom, he winds up at a nightclub party that turns violent. Things get even messier when Malcolm leaves and discovers that drugs were stashed in his backpack.
Scott said, "I really like Dope. It's a group of kids who are just trying to fly under the radar and make it through high school. But then they get mixed up with a drug dealer, and they have to get out of their comfort zones, which ultimately changes their lives (for the better)."
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Will Packer Productions
Who's in it: Issa Rae, Lakeith Stanfield, Chelsea Peretti, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Chanté Adams
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 46 minutes
When famous photographer Christina Eames passes away, her estranged daughter, Mae, stumbles upon a few of her photographs, which prompts her to investigate her late mother's early life. When Michael Block, a reporter, also takes an interest in Christina's work, he meets and falls in love with Mae. The sizzling chemistry between Rae and Stanfield makes me think of a sweet summer romance, and I love how the film seamlessly blends two storylines.
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Gramercy Pictures
Who's in it: Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Milla Jovovich, Matthew McConaughey, Jason London, Wiley Wiggins
Rating: 18+
Run time: 1 hour 35 minutes
We can all relate to that feeling of itching to get out of school and start summer break. In this shaggy dog of a stoner story, a few Texas high school seniors prepare to haze the incoming freshmen on last day of high school in 1976. While the star-studded comedy was a box office flop, it was positively received by critics (it has a 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes) and has since become a cult classic.
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Embassy Pictures
Who's in it: Anne Bancroft, Dustin Hoffman, Katharine Ross, William Daniels
Rating: PG
Run time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Simon and Garfunkel! Sixties counterculture! Mrs. Robinson! Plastics! This 1967 comedy-drama about a disillusioned college graduate has it all, and it just never gets old. Hoffman and Bancroft deliver strong performances, and the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Mike Nichols earned a (well-deserved) Oscar for Best Director.
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The Samuel Goldwyn Company
Who's in it? Annabeth Gish, Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 44 minutes
Feeling nostalgic? Revisit Roberts in one of her earliest roles, where she plays one of three close teenage friends who navigate dating and relationships while working at a pizza parlor. There are so many standout moments, like the iconic food critic scene, and the main cast is quite charming. The coming-of-age comedy includes themes of family, friendship, sexuality and self-discovery.
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Touchstone Pictures
Who's in it? Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 53 minutes
It's almost impossible for me to watch this film without feeling tempted to book the next flight to Italy. Based on Frances Mayes's namesake memoir, the comedy drama follows a divorced writer who travels to Tuscany in hopes of getting a fresh start. From stunning visuals of the Mediterranean coast to compelling characters, this movie has it all.
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Bruce Brown Films
Who's in it: Robert August, Michael Hynson
Rating: PG
Run time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Bruce Brown's seminal 1966 surf film was a trailblazer because it introduced the newly popular California sport to a wider American audience. Often considered one of the best surfer movies of all time, The Endless Summer captures the thrill of the sport and remids me of a much simpler time. it's also worth noting that the film currently has a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Who's in it? Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Sean Penn, Bradley Cooper
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours 13 minutes
This critically acclaimed coming-of-age film tells the story of 15-year-old Gary Valentine and his pursuit of 25-year-old Alana Kane in the 1970s San Fernando Valley. Water beds, pinball machines and bouts of jealousy all included. And if you loved Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, then you'll appreciate this nostalgic tribute to '70s Hollywood. Alana and Gary's complex relationship, as well as the film's spot-on social commentary, make this one of the best summer movies, hands down.
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Walt Disney Pictures
Who's in it: Tom McGowan, Aaron Schwartz, Ben Stiller
Rating: PG
Run time: 1 hour 40 minutes
This 1995 cult comedy co-written by Judd Apatow and Steven Brill stars Ben Stiller as a manic fitness instructor who terrorizes a children's fat camp over the summer—until the kids craft a plan to overthrow him. The feel-good film pokes fun at fitness personalities while tackling important topics like self-esteem, body image and beauty standards. Watch for Stiller's epic performance.
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Fox Searchlight Pictures
Who's in it: Liam James, Maya Rudolph, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, AnnaSophia Robb, Allison Janney, Toni Collette
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 44 minutes
Teenage Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend and her boyfriend's daughter in Wareham, Massachusetts. Having a rough time fitting in, he finds an unexpected friend in Owen, the manager of the Water Wizz water park. James is so relatable and endearing as Duncan, and the film deftly explores complex family dynamics, mentorship and the challenges of finding one's identity. This marked Nat Faxon and Jim Rash's directorial debut, and the film was a huge box office hit.
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Dan Henterly/Netflix
Who's in it: KJ Apa, Maia Mitchell, Tyler Posey
Rating: TV-14
Run time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Not to be confused with the 2024 thriller, Last Summer, this rom-com centers on a group of high school graduates who experience their last summer before heading off to college. The central characters, Erin and Alec, agree to break up before parting ways, but this proves to be a challenge when Alec quickly moves on. Is it cheesy? Well, yes. But thanks to the lighthearted tone, fun summer vibes and honest portrayal of teenage romance, it's totally worth watching.
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Rain Forest Productions
Who's in it: Ross, Lynch, Maia Mitchell, Grace Phipps, Jordan Fisher
Rating: TV-G
Run time: 1 hour 50 minutes
When teen surfers Brady and Mack ride a 40-foot wave at the beach, they're both swept away into a musical movie called Wet Side Story. When the film's main characters start to fall for the surfers instead of each other, it becomes a different storyline altogether.
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China Film Group Corporation
Who's in it? Landou He, Arthur Chen
Rating: 18+
Run time: 1 hour 50 minutes
I'm always down for a cheesy love story that gives me all the feels, and this one fits the bill. In this YA romance film, a young girl named Geng Geng enrolls at a prestigious school, where she meets and falls for Huai Yu. After graduation, however, Huai suddenly disappears…and then returns seven years later.
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