Top 10 Summer Movies
I just got done with a double feature of ‘Jaws’ & ‘The Sandlot’ which, spoilers, are both on this list. Two of the greatest summer movies of all-time, the beginning of June, and this lovely Oklahoma weather (aka rain, storms, and ‘naders) has got me in a summer mood. Surely the worst part of adulthood has got to be the lack of a summer break. Or maybe taxes? Or laundry? But probably the summer thing. So I wanted to compile a list of 10 films that I associate with the summertime season. I did limit this list to films that I had personally seen.
‘Jaws’- The breakthrough film of the greatest director of all-time, ‘Jaws’ is a masterpiece that still holds up perfectly 50 years later. We get three iconic performances from Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, & Richard Dreyfuss. The score is perfect! The special effects are revolutionary & still look good in 2025. The film focuses on a beach setting right around the 4th of July which just screams summers making it perhaps the most definitive summer film. ‘Jaws’ also inspired me to write a list of the top 10 shark movies because similar to dinosaurs, sharks will always be cool, so stay tuned for that list, probably around Shark Week.
‘The Sandlot’- The film that gives ‘Jaws’ a run for its money as the top summer film is this coming-of-age sports film. But that’s the thing about it. It doesn’t matter how old you are. It doesn’t matter if you like baseball. The only thing two questions that matter are ‘Have you ever been a kid?’ & ‘Have you ever experienced the joy of summer?’ If you’ve ever been able to answer yes to either of those questions, this film will appeal to you. Iconic young characters, quotable lines, and a relatable storyline makes for an all-time film.
‘Grown Ups’ & ‘Grown Ups 2’- Classic two-for. This comedy film starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, David Spade, Chris Rock, & Rob Schneider as a group of childhood friends reunited as adults. This film, like most of Sandler’s, didn’t do well critically, but I personally find extremely funny. The sequel features the same cast, sans Schneider, and plays up the hilarity even more. The films both take place over summer & are a good family watch, though they are a little crass.
‘High School Musical 2’- Let’s watch a Disney Channel movie. If you know the jingle you’ve seen this film. The summertime sequel to the iconic first film, this movie features some great summer songs, quality moments, and Zac Efron. What’s not to like?
‘Snack Shack’- The least well known film on this list was one of my favorites to come out of 2024. A coming-of-age comedy starring Gabriel LaBelle & Conor Sherry as a pair of teenagers who try a few different hustles to make some cash over summer in their small Nebraska town. A simple premise with good execution that hits on the comedy, nostalgic notes of adolescence, & even some heavy emotions.
‘Top Gun: Maverick’- I suppose I could’ve put the original, but I think the second eclipses its predecessor so I’m rolling with it. This film may not be quite as obvious as the others but I have a few reasons for it. Firstly is that it’s one of the most successful modern summer blockbusters, being responsible for getting folks back in the theaters post-pandemic. Secondly, it features a few very summery scenes like Maverick & Penny sailing and the ensemble cast playing pickup football on the beach. Thirdly, Glen Powell.
‘Luca’- I felt as though I should get an animated film on here and Pixar’s 2021 entry is the perfect fit. You’ll notice a trend with a lot of these films focusing on young characters & a coming-of-age premise which remains true here. Focused on the titular character, voice by Jacob Tremblay, a 13-year old Italian sea monster who wants to explore the human world. It’s idealistic setting also adds to the summer vibes
‘Mamma Mia!’- Speaking of idealistic settings, let’s move from Italy to Greece. The Greek island setting & the fun premise are what earn this ABBA jukebox musical a spot on it’s list. And heck, go ahead and throw the sequel on here too.
‘The Parent Trap’- Another coming-of-age story, I’m of course talking about the 1998 version of this film, starring Lindsay Lohan & Lindsay Lohan. Also starring Natasha Richardson & Dennis Quaid, the plot centers on two separated twins who meet where? At summer camp! Boom! Summer.
‘Dirty Dancing’- And we wrap up with this 1987, Oscar-winning (for Best Original Song) film. It was the summer of ‘63 and Frances Houseman AKA Baby, vacations with her family at a summer resort in New York. Her summer really heats up when she becomes acquainted with Johnny Castle a dancing instructor with whom she forms a steamy connections. Nothing screams summer like a young summer fling with Patrick Swayze.
