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When we think of summer, we often think of time spent enjoying the great outdoors or going on beach vacations in our favorite swimwear and comfortable sandals. But even when the sun in shining, there are still some days when you want to beat the heat and relax indoors. Whether it's a rainy day, a lazy Sunday afternoon, or a laid-back night in, you might find yourself in the mood to curl up on the couch with one of the best summer movies of all time. We don't blame ya!
This list of the top summer movies has something for everyone, including coming-of-age classics like Stand By Me and Now and Then, beach-set romantic comedies and musicals like Something's Gotta Give and Mamma Mia!, and summer thrillers like Jaws and Independence Day.
No vacations planned this year? No problem. You can live vicariously through beloved characters like Dirty Dancing's Baby Houseman, as she has the time of her life with Johnny Castle at an upscale Catskills resort. Or get a taste of summer lovin' with Grease's Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. Of course, you'll want to pair your summer movie fest with the perfect summer snacks and drinks. You'll be in vacation mode in no time!
They say summer romances don't last, but if we've learned one thing from The Notebook, it's that Noah and Ally's love for each other will never die.
You wouldn't expect a summer job at a local water park to be life-changing—but in Duncan's case, it alters him in the best ways possible.
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Seven friends have an unforgettable summer when they open a day camp for their clients. This movie will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans of the best-selling book series.
This hilarious coming-of-age film follows 16-year-old Jamie as she navigates young love and friendships in the midst of a family crisis.
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Timothée Chalamet stars in this stylish thriller about a teen who ends up on the wrong side of the law one scorching summer in Cape Cod.
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This sweet film follows the intense relationship that develops between two teens after one of their mothers dies. Now, the only thing threatening their young love is a murder investigation.
The stakes—and the boom boxes—are high in this beloved dramedy about a high school slacker who falls for the valedictorian the summer after graduation.
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Three teen boys decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land in this indie coming-of-age flick.
This 1966 surf documentary follows surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August on a surfing trip around the world. Come for the waves, stay for the catchy surf rock soundtrack!
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They had the time of their lives and you will, too when you watch this romantic classic. Set at an upscale Catskills resort in the summer of 1963, Dirty Dancing is arguably the ultimate summer movie, and it never goes out of style. Psst, did you know they're making a sequel!?
You haven't seen The Sandlot? You're killin' me, Smalls! In the summer of 1962, a group of young baseball players have the adventure of their dreams...and face the dog of their nightmares.
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This cult classic follows four women as they recall the life-changing summer they shared as young girls in 1970. The all-star cast includes Melanie Griffith, Demi Moore, Rosie O'Donnell, and Rita Wilson, with Thora Birch, Gaby Hoffman, Christina Ricci, and Ashleigh Aston Moore playing their characters' younger selves.
Will Smith saves the world from alien invaders in Independence Day. This one is extra fun to watch on the Fourth of July!
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Rob Reiner's classic coming-of-age film stars Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O'Connell as four kids on a mission to find the body of a missing boy. Along the way, they learn more about each other, themselves, and the true meaning of friendship.
Oh, those summer nights! In the beloved musical Grease, Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) figure out if their summer lovin' can stand the test of time—and high school.
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Daisy Araujo (Julia Roberts), her sister Kat (Annabeth Gish), and their friend Jojo (Lili Taylor) spend their summer after high school slinging pizzas at a local restaurant while sharing their hopes, dreams, and dramas.
School's out for summer! School's out forever! This 1993 comedy follows different groups of Texas teenagers during the last day of school in 1976. Dazed and Confused features an amazing ensemble cast of then soon-to-be-stars, including a young Matthew McConaughey, whose famous line "Alright, alright, alright" went on to become his lifelong catchphrase.
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The original summer blockbuster scared moviegoers right out of the water when it hit theaters in 1975. This Steven Spielberg thriller tells the tale of a peaceful resort community that comes under attack by a killer shark.
George Lucas's 1973 coming-of-age comedy tells the story of a group of teenagers and their adventures on their final night of summer vacation in 1962. This classic film features an all-star cast including Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers, and more.
Tierney McAfee
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment,holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.