36 of the Most Iconic Summer Movies of All Time
Can't you just hear the sound of the ocean?
Ah, summer—that magical time of year reserved for lazy days spent catching some rays or reading the best beach reads, frolicking in sundresses, and weekend getaways. No matter what phase of life you're in, the season tends to evoke a range of feelings: nostalgia, blissfulness, boredom, and even malaise. Cinema has long captured the spectrum of those vibes, so whether you're trying to stay in and with the AC or want something to watch to capture the seasonal fling you're in search of, we rounded up the best summer movies of all time.
From coming-of-age movies that will remind you of when school was out to films set in vacation locales to blockbusters, there’s a summer movie here for every film appetite. Below, we give you the best summer movies. (And if the heat has you missing autumn and winter, allow our recommendations of the best fall movies and the best winter movies to take you there mentally.)
'(500) Days of Summer' (2009)
Summer’s not always all fun and games—just ask Lana Del Rey. If you’re jonesing for a little “Summertime Sadness” of your own, you can’t do better than 500 Days of Summer, which clocks Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)’s unexpected breakup with his dream girl, well, Summer (Zooey Deschanel). Hint: It doesn’t have the ending you’d expect.
'Adventureland' (2009)
A summer spent at an amusement park can’t be all that bad—unless you’re recent college grad James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), who's been dreaming of spending it abroad in Europe. Luckily, he goes and falls in love with his Adventureland colleague Em (Kristen Stewart), so all is right in his world again.
'The Baby-Sitters Club' (1995)
1995’s The Baby-Sitters Club, based on Ann M. Martin’s beloved book series of the same name, is a nod to anyone who ever had to spend their three most precious months of the year working. Kristy, Claudia, Mary-Anne, Stacey, Dawn, Jessi, and Mallory, also known as the BSC, can relate: They’re running a day camp out of their parents's backyard. On top of that, they’re busy growing up, learning big life lessons, and developing monster crushes—all in a hard day’s work, are we right?
'Barbie' (2023)
In Barbieland, where everyone’s favorite Mattel doll (brought to life by Margot Robbie) lives, it’s summer every day, with nary a cloud in the sky. Or at least it used to be, before she began to have an existential crisis. Now, it’s fewer beaches and rollerblading, more feminist manifestos—and Barbie’s determined to set her topsy-turvy world right.
'Blue Crush' (2002)
Come summer, surf’s up, and that’s pretty much the premise of Blue Crush. While several other plotlines are happening here (like Kate Bosworth’s character Anne struggling to make ends meet while caring for her younger sister), the main thing to know about this seasonal favorite is that our athletic heroine is a total badass in it, crushing it on a board.
'Call Me by Your Name' (2017)
Allow Luca Guadagnino's adaptation of André Aciman's classic queer novel to transport you to summer in the Italian countryside...and back to what it felt like falling for your first love. Teenaged Elio (Timothée Chalamet in his breakout role) finds himself intrigued by a young student (Armie Hammer) who comes to rent a room at his family's country home. Lying by the pool, attending late-night rendezvous, and making the best out of hot, lackadaisical days, he ends up experiencing a whole gamut of emotions in one of the best depictions of yearning, young love, and heartbreak.
'Crossroads' (2002)
If you ask us, road trips, like the one at the heart of the 2002 Britney Spears classic Crossroads, are synonymous with summer. On this one, Lucy (Brit Brit) and her friends Kit (Zoe Saldaña) and Mimi (Taryn Manning) are headed to L.A. from their small hometown in Georgia, each for a different reason. As is often the case with road trips, the journey might prove more important than the destination.
'Dazed and Confused' (1993)
This '90s movie from Richard Linklater is more than "alright, alright, alright;" it might just be the best hang-out movie of all time. Set on the last day of school, rising seniors are hazing rising freshmen, kids with or without their license are aimlessly driving around, and everybody is trying to find a party (and who they are). Let this one take over cruise control and take you right back to the dog days of summer when everything seemed possible, even if you had nothing going on.
‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987)
Even if you’ve never spent a summer at the Catskills, you’re sure to appreciate its fictional charms as depicted in Dirty Dancing—maybe almost as much as Baby's (Jennifer Grey) '50s wardrobe and Johnny's (Patrick Swayze) abs. A charming love story of two star-crossed resort lovers, this is definitely one for the ages—who hasn’t tried the lift?
'The Fast and The Furious' (2001)
A lasting summer franchise was born with 2001’s The Fast and the Furious. And all it took to suck us into the world of illegal street racing for the next two decades was the rev of an engine and a flash of the late Paul Walker’s pearly whites.
'Fever Pitch' (2005)
While Fever Pitch’s storyline spans several seasons, most of the sports movie is set smack dab in the middle of summer, when baseball season is in full swing. The comedy follows a guy (Jimmy Fallon) who’s so obsessed with the sport that it starts to overshadow his newfound relationship with his girlfriend (Drew Barrymore). Before there’s trouble in paradise, however, there’s a whole lot of beer, hot dogs, and bat cracking going on—just the way we like it.
'Girls Trip' (2017)
No cash saved up for summer vacation? No problem—you can pop Girls Trip on and live vicariously through Dina (Tiffany Haddish), Ryan (Regina Hall), Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Sasha (Queen Latifah). The four friends are headed to the New Orleans Essence Music Festival, where they can finally let loose away from the grueling pressures of their everyday lives. Or at least, that’s the plan…emphasis on that ellipsis!.
'A Goofy Movie' (1995)
Not only does A Goofy Movie have the kind of jams you’ll be belting out all season long (trust us on this), but the movie begins on the last day of school, just as Goofy and his son Max are about to embark on the summer vacation of a lifetime. Unfortunately for Goofy, that vacation is shaping up to look a little…differently from the epic fishing trip he had planned for the two of them.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)
The summer superheroes have entered the chat. Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), and Groot (Vin Diesel) have enough superpowers amongst them to save the galaxy and crack you up in this 2014 Marvel flick. As a bonus, they’ve got your summer playlist covered, and it's chef’s kiss.
‘Independence Day’ (1996)
What do you get when you mix Will Smith, a bunch of aliens gunning for world domination, and an F/A-18 Hornet? One hell of a Fourth of July. This apocalyptic sci-fi classic, released on July 3, 1996, follows Smith as a gun-toting marine out to save the planet from certain would-be destruction—and on America's most patriotic summer holiday, too!
'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' (1984)
The warmer months of the year are made for adventure, and any one of the Indiana Jones films will scratch that itch. Our favorite has to be the Temple of Doom, however (yes, it’s the one with the monkey brains), as it had our pre-teen selves holding our breath over the fate of Indy (Harrison Ford) and his colleagues against the temple’s cultish leaders and their pit of flames.
'How Stella Got Her Groove Back' (1998)
Every summer deserves a delicious romance to remember it by, and How Stella Got Her Groove Back delivers in spades. It’s essentially two hours of Angela Bassett living her best life after detaching from her stressful job and finding herself—and a new lover (Taye Diggs)—on a life-changing trip to Jamaica.
'Jaws' (1975)
Honestly, sans the blood-thirsty shark that’s trying to eat its beach-goers, the quaint town of Amity Island, where Jaws is set, is pretty idyllic. (As it should be—it was shot in Martha’s Vineyard.) The surf, sand, and beach umbrellas truly capture the essence of summer. And don't the thrills of a classic horror movie take you back to sleepovers or nights at the drive-in?
'Jurassic Park' (1993)
With Jurassic World Rebirth set for release this summer, Jurassic Park is another classic to revisit. Not only did this '90s flick starring Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum live up to its summer blockbuster title, raking in more than $350 million stateside, but it also takes place in the middle of the season. The result? Some very lush backgrounds for those running from big teeth and sharp claws.
'The Last Song' (2010)
Watch Miley Cyrus and her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth fall in love in real time as they spend a fictional summer together in Georgia, guarding sea turtles and frolicking along the beach. It’s based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, so naturally, this film is a tearjerker, but all in all, it’s a sweet story that will have you longing to dip your toes in the sand.
'Mamma Mia!' (2008)
You didn't think you’d make it through a list of the best summer movies without running into a musical, did you? Sophie, portrayed by Amanda Seyfried, is about to get married in Greece, though her mom Donna (Meryl Streep) can’t stand the idea of her walking down the aisle alone. In hopes of finding her biological father, she secretly invites three men from Donna’s past to her wedding, and summer hilarity—and ABBA-fueled showtunes—ensues.
'My Old Ass' (2024)
My Old Ass takes place just before Elliot LaBrant (Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza) heads off to college and leaves her family farm behind for good, our protagonist is busy soaking up the last of the season’s spoils when she makes a few unexpected friends. The first is her family’s new hired hand, Chad, who just so happens to be dashing and full of charm. The second is her future self, who has come back to the past to warn her against getting involved with the boy she’s falling for, fast.
'National Lampoon's Vacation' (1983)
Is it even officially summer if you haven’t yet busted out National Lampoon’s Vacation? Chronicling the misadventures of the Griswold family as they pack up their station wagon for a cross-country trip to the elusive Walley World of patriarch Clark (Chevy Chase)’s childhood, this is pure calamity over 2,000 miles.
'The Notebook' (2004)
Summer love: There’s nothing quite like it. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams take their turn as the enamored young couple Noah and Allie in the throes of it in another one of Nicholas Sparks's romance novels. But what happens when the season comes to an end? That all depends on who you’re asking—Allie’s parents or the woman herself.
'Now and Then' (1995)
Now and Then is the Stand By Me of its generation. Between its tree houses, bike excursions, skinny dipping, and first kisses, it’s also a perfect ode to summer. Centered on four friends (Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Gaby Hoffman, and Ashleigh Aston Moore) who spend their school break attempting to solve the mystery of “Dear Johnny,” a young boy who died mysteriously years before, it will have you longing for a simpler time—and 80-degree temps.
'The Parent Trap' (1998)
Summer camp is a core seasonal memory, and a single viewing of Lindsay Lohan’s version of The Parent Trap will trigger it in a heartbeat. Even after the counselor hijinks have ended and long-lost twins Annie and Hallie have successfully fooled their parents by switching places, there are still plenty of summery moments to be had. (Yes, we’re talking about that pool scene when Meredith casually sips her cocktail.)
'Saltburn' (2023)
Set against an idyllic Northamptonshire backdrop known as Drayton House, Saltburn captures summertime England in all its glory. (You know, in between some seriously depraved bath water consumption and a little nude “Murder on the Dance Floor” courtesy of Barry Keoghan.) Even amid the thriller's twisted plot, however, the lush green grass of the grounds, sparkling pool, and blue summer skies won’t be ignored. And, hey, who doesn't engage in a little debauchery as the season rolls around?
'Something's Gotta Give’ (2003)
Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson may be the stars of Nancy Meyers's beloved rom-com Something’s Gotta Give, but the Hamptons setting where they become acquainted with one another deserves its fair share of credit. (As does Keaton’s coastal fashion.) Turns out, the joys of love don't actually have an expiration date. Who knew?
'Stand by Me' (1986)
Maybe when you're feeling the summer bummer emotions, you think back to the friends you had growing up—because you never have friends like the ones you have when you were 12! This coming-of-age drama may be one of the best Stephen King adaptations of all time, following a group of boys as they set out in search of the body of a man killed nearby their town. Along the way, they learn a bit about growing up, each other, and themselves—and you'll feel both nostalgic and glad you don't have to relive adolescence again.
'Summer Catch' (2001)
Teen movie Summer Catch has us harkening back to the days of our youth, when sneaking out to meet your crush was practically a summer prerequisite, even if it was just to the family pool after dark. America’s favorite pastime is a supporting character in this love story, and there’s also plenty of sweet, sweet lawn mowings—we can smell those fresh shavings now!
'Summer Rental' (1985)
All John Candy’s character Jack Chester wants is a little R&R at the beach with his family. If you guessed that his best-laid vacation plans would quickly be thwarted by meddling beach-goers, an injured leg, and a despicable landlord, however, you’d be exactly right. Despite it all, he finds a newfound sense of purpose in his new summertime hobby: sailing.
'The Sandlot' (1993)
Remember those summers when your friends were your entire world and nothing else mattered? For the new kid in town, Scott “Scotty” Smalls (Tom Guiry), who's just been invited to play ball at his local sandlot, they still are, and they're in for a summer he won't soon forget.
'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' (2005)
For the first time in forever, four best friends, Bridget (Blake Lively), Carmen (America Ferrera), Lena (Alexis Bledel), and Tibby (Amber Tamblyn), are going their separate ways for the summer. To keep their friendship alive, they decide to take turns wearing a pair of jeans that miraculously fit all of them despite their different sizes. Based on Ann Brashares's novel of the same name, the movie explores friendship, strong female characters, and lost summer magic.
'Wedding Crashers' (2005)
Between the sailing, the backyard football, and the nod to wedding season, Wedding Crashers is a postcard for the all-American summer. Watching Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn wreak havoc at a string of high-end affairs will also spark joy for anyone who’s been Katherine Heigl-ed into more bridesmaid dresses than they should care to count.
'Wet Hot American Summer' (2001)
With an all-star cast of camp counselors (Janeane Garafolo, Paul Rudd, Molly Shannon, Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler, and Elizabeth Banks), Wet Hot American Summer acts out every summer camp trope ever—but that’s the point. It is satire, after all, with adult actors playing teen camp counselors. It also serves as archival footage of summer fashions gone by. (Those track shorts! Those striped socks!)
'White Chicks' (2004)
Summer in the Hamptons is quite the affair—even more so when it’s being secretly crashed by two undercover FBI agents (Marlon and Shawn Wayans) pretending to be the wealthy socialite Wilson sisters. Their antics include one very spirited sing-along to Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles” (iconic), an unforgettable fashion face-off between the real Wilson sisters and their imposters, and dance battle moves you’ll be emulating all season long.
