10 Movies That Feel Like Summer

Written by The Working Gal Team ~ Category: After Hours ~ Read Time: 4 min.

Even though summer is not officially here and the weather has been playing games so far, our mood is definitely getting better, and we are looking forward to those sunny days. However, we do have some time for summer sunsets, and in the meantime, why not engage in some summer movie binge-watching to get in the mood?

The following are the 10 most “feel like summer” movies that will keep you company until you are ready for the original sunsets.

1. Mamma Mia

Set on a stunning Greek island with ABBA's music, it's the perfect recipe for a summery feel-good movie. This joyful film follows Sophie as she plans her wedding and secretly invites the three men who could be her father, leading to a whirlwind of music, romance, and hilarity. With its beautiful Mediterranean setting and infectious ABBA soundtrack, Mamma Mia! is a celebration of summer, love, and family. And, Meryl Streep never fails to impress us!

2. Dirty Dancing

“Nobody put Baby in the corner” and nobody can take away the summer feeling of this movie. Dirty Dancing unfolds during a summer at Kellerman's, a family resort in the Catskills. Frances "Baby" Houseman, spending the summer with her family, falls for the charismatic dance instructor, Johnny Castle. As Baby learns to dance, she also learns about life, love, and standing up for what's right. The film's iconic dance sequences, passionate romance, and timeless soundtrack perfectly capture the spirit of a summer filled with change and self-discovery.

3. 500 Days of Summer

This unconventional romantic comedy charts the 500-day relationship between Tom Hansen, a greeting card writer, and Summer Finn, a woman who doesn't believe in true love. The film uses a non-linear narrative to explore their connection, from their initial meeting to their eventual breakup, offering a unique perspective on love, relationships, and the complexities of human emotion. While not a traditional "summer movie," its exploration of a relationship's intense period, much like a summer fling, resonates with the season's themes of fleeting connections and self-discovery.

4. Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona

This Woody Allen film is set in a vibrant Barcelona summer and tells the story of two American women, Vicky and Cristina, who have very different approaches to love and life. Their summer abroad becomes complicated by their encounters with a passionate and enigmatic artist and his alluring but unstable ex-wife. The film explores themes of passion, desire, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched Spanish summer.

best summer movies

5. Grease

This fun and classic movie tells the story of Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson, who are romantically involved during the summer, and when it ends, Sandy moves to Danny's town, and they discover they are now attending the same high school. The film follows their journey, along with their respective groups of friends, the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies, as they navigate the complexities of teenage life, love, and fitting in. With its catchy songs, iconic dance numbers, and nostalgic portrayal of summer love, Grease is a beloved classic that captures the essence of youthful romance and summertime fun.

6. Palm Springs

A sci-fi romantic comedy that puts a unique twist on the summer wedding movie. When Nyles and Sarah find themselves stuck in a time loop at a Palm Springs wedding, they are forced to relive the same day over and over again. As they navigate the surreal situation, they form an unconventional bond, leading to self-discovery and an unexpected romance. The film’s sunny Palm Springs setting, combined with its themes of repetition and escaping the mundane, creates a contemporary summer vibe with a thought-provoking edge.

7. Thelma and Louise

This adventure drama follows two best friends, Thelma and Louise, on a road trip that takes a turn after a dangerous encounter. As they flee across the American Southwest, they experience a sense of freedom and liberation, but also face increasingly challenging circumstances. While the film is not a traditional "summer movie," its themes of escape, female bonding, and the open road evoke the spirit of adventure and liberation often associated with the season. The stunning desert landscapes also contribute to the film's visual connection to the summer aesthetic.

8. Dazed and Confused

Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused captures the spirit of the last day of school in 1976 and the ensuing summer break. The film follows various groups of teenagers as they cruise around, party, and navigate the freedoms and uncertainties of adolescence. With its rock soundtrack, vintage aesthetic, and ensemble cast, the film provides a nostalgic and authentic look at the rituals and rebellions of summertime youth.

best summer movies

9. Under the Tuscan Sun

This romantic drama follows Frances Mayes, a writer who buys a villa in Tuscany on a whim after a divorce. As she restores the house and starts a new life, she experiences the beauty of the Italian summer, forms connections with the local community, and opens herself up to the possibility of love. The film's stunning visuals of the Italian countryside, along with its themes of transformation and embracing new beginnings, evoke the warmth, romance, and rejuvenating spirit of summer.

10. Girls Trip

A summer comedy that follows four lifelong friends who take a trip to New Orleans for the Essence Festival. As they reconnect and let loose, they experience a series of hilarious and wild adventures. While the film's setting is a specific event, the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans, the celebration of female friendship, and the themes of letting go and having fun make it a quintessential summer movie.

It took 2 coffees to write this article.


About the author

The Working Gal Team

Here, at the Working Gal, we love collaboration! For this reason, we sit down and brainstorm all together and write some articles for you!

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