We’re all eager for those summer months to start – when you can lounge around in the sun or enjoy watching a good movie indoors with a refreshing beverage in hand.
There are so many cool movies to choose from that it can be hard to pick just one. This list includes just a few of my fan favourites. They feature great stories, with adventurous characters and picturesque settings.
If you’re a fan of action, fun plots, and stories filled with friendships, romance, and incredible vacations that transport you to exciting new worlds, these movies are a must-see.
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Here are 20 summer movies you’ll want to check out.
Jaws (1975)
This is an iconic thriller, starring Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider,m. In this spooky 70s film, the plot follows the terrifying story of a deadly shark terrorising a beach community on Long Island. Residents are left in shock by the attacks, therefore, it falls to a marine biologist, a local sheriff, and an experienced seafarer to track down and stop the beast before it claims more lives.
The Sandlot (1993)
This film is fun and for the whole family. The Sandlot centres around the lives of a group of young boys and their passion for baseball during the summer of 1962. The main focus of the story is a new kid named Scotty Smalls moves to town and tries to fit in and eventually becomes part of the baseball gang in his neighbourhood. The group gets up to ton of trouble, including trying to chase to retrieve a prized baseball hit over a fence guarded by an aggressive dog.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Wind down to a classic John Hugh film. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is about Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick, a habitual school truant. On one particular day, he again pretends to be sick and skips school, l spending the day with his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) and Sloane (Mia Sara) as they explore Chicago.
Back to the Future (1985)
Back to the Future is one of my favorite films of all time. Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is transported to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean created by his eccentric friend, Emmett “Doc” Brown (Christopher Lloyd). After accidentally preventing his parents from falling in love, Marty must reunite them and find a way back to the future before he ceases to exist.
The Goonies (1985)
Another one of my favourite childhood movies, The Goonies (1985) is an adventurous comedy that follows a group of kids who go on an incredible treasure hunt to find the legendary hidden fortune of a pirate named One-Eyed Willy. They begin following clues, stumble upon dangerous traps as well as rival treasure hunters, all while trying to save their neighbourhood from being demolished.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
With this film, you get a whole load of singing and chaotic drama. Mamma Mia! is a fun musical set on a beautiful Greek island starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. It centres Sophie, a young bride who invites three men to her wedding, as she figures out which one of them is her father.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Dirty Dancing (1987) is a widely popular romance movie. Set in the summer of 1963, we follow a teenager named Frances “Baby” Houseman as she falls for a hunky dance instructor, Johnny Castle, at a resort. Baby starts learning how to dance and grows closer to Johnny. There are many iconic dance routines in this film – you’ll love it if you haven’t already seen it.
Top Gun (1986)
Summit tight as this action-packed drama will take you on one hell of crude. Starring a young Tom Cruise as the talented but arrogant fighter pilot, Maverick. He attends a prestigious Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, where he competes to be the best while facing rivalries, and the pressure of flying dangerous missions. The film also stars Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, and Anthony Edwards. Definitely a must-watch.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be thrust into your favourite video game? Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black and Kevin Hart, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle follows the adventures of four gamers who have been transported into the magic world of Jumanji and are forced to finish the game.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
A cute coming-of-age film from Wes Anderson that is set in the 1960s. Moonrise Kingdom follows the misadventures of two teenagers who are set on marrying each other. It stars Bill Murray, Kara Hayward, and Bruce Willis.
The Parent Trap (1998)
The Parent Trap is an ICONIC Disney film starring Lindsey Lohan. She plays twins who were separated at birth as they desperately try to get their parents back together. It also stars Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
This is a fun film full of action, funny moments, and a killer 70s soundtrack, making it one of the most one-of-a-kind entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by James Gunn, the film follows an unlikely group of misfit heroes who come together to form the “Guardians”—a ragtag team with no immediate sense of loyalty to one another but united by their common goal. Its stars Chris Pratt, Lee Pace and Zoe Saldana.
The Princess Diaries (2001)
In this delightful coming of age story, Anne Hathaway plays Mia Thermopholis, an awkward teenager who discovers she’s royalty!! The Princess Diaries is one of the comfort movies you can’t help re-watching, trust me.
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Lilo and Stitch is an adorable animated film that follows the story of a young girl who takes in what she believes is a dog, only to discover that he’s actually a dangerous alien experiment.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Call Me by Your Name follows 17-year-old Elio, who spends the summer in northern Italy with his family. He becomes romantically involved with Oliver, a 24-year-old American scholar staying with them. Their short but intense relationship leaves Elio with deep feelings that stay with him long after Oliver is gone.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine (2006) is about a dysfunctional family who take road trips across the country to support their young daughter’s dream of winning a beauty pageant, facing challenges and bonding along the way.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Ocean Eleven (2001) follows Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his crew as they rob three Las Vegas casinos in a single night. In this movie, Clooney stars alongside the likes of Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Andy Garcia.
The Beach (2000)
This is a classic summer movie following a young traveler, Richard, who discovers a secret paradise in Thailand, only to find that its utopian society hides dark secrets.
The Way Way Back (2013)
A shy teen, Duncan, spends the summer with his mother and her boyfriend. Through an unlikely friendship with a water park manager, Duncan gains confidence and begins to find his place in the world.
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) follows the Griswold family on a cross-country road trip to the fictional Walley World amusement park, encountering a series of comedic mishaps along the way.