Summer is FINALLY here, so when you’re done soaking up some sun (and getting doused in aloe), pop in a movie from summer’s past that’s sure to delight and never ever ever take place anywhere cold. There’s nothing more silky-summer-smooth than hot days on the beach, a fruity beverage, and a good movie to cap off the night. Yeehaw!
Busting The Block
Jaws
Let’s kick things off with the quintessential summer blockbuster, Jaws is perfect for that pre-vacay wind up. You’re guaranteed to think twice before taking a dip in the ocean after watching Spielberg’s breakout hit. No matter how REAL the shark looks.
Pirates of The Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Who doesn’t love a drunken pirate stumbling around haphazardly winning the day? On an island no less, it just looks warm and spicy! So soak up the pirate-y rays and take it back to the original movie that started an entirely too long franchise.
Tropic Thunder
You know it’s margarita season when your boss actually takes you into a war zone because you’re underperforming. Also Owen Wilson with a TiVo – simply iconic.
American Graffiti
George Lucas’ gas fueled summer nights take us back in time to often funny and touching moments in California car culture. You can hardly hear dialogue over the rumbling cars, it’s great!
The Goonies
C-L-A-S-S-I-C. Just jump down the well already, would ya? And watch this movie. It’s everything a kid could ever want out of summer. Dangerous criminals. Land redevelopment. Pirate booty.
Hot Wet Hysterical Summer
Barb and Starr go to Vista Del Mar
An outrageous romp with an evil subplot for some reason. There’s something irresistible about Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo playing Midwest gals on a Florida vacation. Oh, and Tommy Bahama!!!
Rescue From Gilligan’s Island
Nothing says “let’s hit the beach” like getting stranded on an island with a doofus named Gilligan. Maybe this time they’ll make it back home! I won’t spoil it for you.
Caddyshack
Get out the ole’ clubs and TNT, it’s time to go golfing. This wandering summer flick is essentially a Rodney Dangerfield showcase, and I’m more than okay with that.
The Great Outdoors
Ahh yes, the great John Candy doing what he does best, fighting off bears and eating a big ass steak on the summer vacation of a lifetime – or at least of 1988. This one is a personal favorite, thanks to many rewatches at Nana’s house. So, I’m assuming it’s good for kids. Hell, we loved it.
Palm Springs
A surprisingly fresh summer-y take on Groundhog Day infused with some light sci-fi elements and lots of quality laughs.
Sultry Indie Sunshine
Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Spend some time with this essential Wes Anderson flick! Bill Murray puts in a performance only he could. And those teal dive suits – YOW!
Adventureland
Ah yes, the I-don’t-have-any-money-so-I-have-to-work-at-a-theme-park movie. The things of summer make their way into this dramedy (comeda?) and a sweet theme park serves as its backdrop.
Mid90s
About as gritty as a film about skater bros could be – of course I’m talking about that sick 16mm film grain brooo. Stevie is just tryna fit in, and when he finds his skater pack on the sun parched streets of LA, he does.
The Florida Project
Take a trip to Disney World, well, just outside of Disney World where motels and knock offs reign king. Truthfully, this is one beautiful film from the perspective of a child whose mother struggles to hold things together. Moonee goes off with her BFF and has the summer of a lifetime anyway.
Midsommar
A striking piece that you’ve undoubtedly heard of. Fittingly billed as a horror folk film, it observes the traditions of a strange isolated Swedish village to create thrilling, bloody, and rather unique horror. I should mention it centers on a MIDSUMMER festival. See…summer.
Sweating It Out
Do The Right Thing
When I think of a hot hot hot summer day in the city, I think of Spike Lee’s significant work, highlighting the racial tensions between an Italian pizza shop owner and the Black inhabitants of the surrounding neighborhood. This one is stunning.
Call Me By Your Name
Ohhh Timmy, he goes out into the world, on a hot (and I mean HOT) Italian summer, explores his sexuality, and comes back with a broken heart. One of the most beautiful, memorable, and at times controversial (Oh America) films of the last decade.
The Descendants
A long time personal favorite, Alexander Payne shines with a subtle script about pain, loss, and betrayal set against the beautiful environs of Hawaii. The ultimate use of contrast to make a point.
The Red Turtle
Ever wonder what might happen if you’re stranded on an island – and you couldn’t bring anything? This lovely piece is a quick watch with a pared down attitude. Hardly two words are put together in its entirety, and yet it’s innovative animation is more than enough to convey a beautiful story.
Little Miss Sunshine
THE perfect script. I mean – perfect. It’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you cry. There’s no way around it. You will fall in love with this ordinary family struggling to keep shit together whilst they race across the desert to get little Olive in her beauty pageant.
!!!Bonus Movie!!!
The Even Stevens Movie
The epitome of this list… obviously. Who could forget those ODD even stevens, stevens evens, evens, stevens… evens.
Happy summer ya’ll!
