With the longer days and rising temperatures, there’s nothing quite like revisiting some of the best summer films to make the best of the season. Whether you’re yearning for a fleeting summer romance or a nostalgic road trip, these films will enhance your experience in the most awaited time of the year. This article lists the top 10 must-watch films that will help you truly capture the essence of summer.

Mamma Mia

Summer is all about musicals and this one features Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) in pursuit of discovering her biological father. Sophie discovers her father is one of Donna’s (Meryl Streep) past lovers but cannot figure out which one. This leads to Sophie inviting three men to Greece to decide which of them will walk her down the aisle. All in all, it is a heartwarming film featuring a soundtrack packed with Abba and important lessons on identity and growing up.

Stand By Me

This film features the adventures of four friends hiking to find the dead body of a local teenager who was hit by a train. This only sounds morbid since the film was an adaptation of a novel by Stephen King loosely inspired by his childhood. Stand by Me depicts a coming-of-age story with the harsh reality of growing up and parting ways with childhood friends.  The film portrays incredible performances despite hosting child actors and a memorable story that will be loved for years to come.

Grown Ups

A family favourite, Grown Ups captures the energy that defines summer and features an iconic cast starring Adam Sandler, Salma Hayek, Kevin James, and more. Grown Ups reminds viewers that fun has no age limit contrary to social expectations. The plot follows five childhood friends reuniting with their families at a lake house to attend the funeral of their former basketball coach. The movie remains enjoyable for children aged thirteen and up due to the suggestive content within the humour.

The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap is by the beloved director of The Holiday, Nancy Meyers. Though lesser known, the film is a remake of its 1961 predecessor directed by David Swift. The film follows identical twins Hallie and Annie who are separated due to their parents’ divorce. They happen to meet at summer camp where they switch places in efforts to reunite their parents. The film is rewatched by viewers worldwide even today mostly because of Lindsay Lohan’s ability to bring two characters to life at such a young age. Decades later, The Parent Trap is recognized as a summer classic.

I Know What You Did Last Summer

This one is for all the horror fans who love the Scream franchise. I Know What You Did Last Summer follows the events that unfold after a group of friends accidentally run over a man and try to conceal the murder. The many plot twists and slasher storyline make this film a must-watch for Scream fans. Moreover, the summer setting makes for an elevated viewing experience guaranteed to make your summer nights more enjoyable.

Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing has the perfect amount of nostalgia and romance within the storyline to make your summer more exciting. The film follows Frances recalling the greatest summer of her life in 1963 when she fell in love with a dance instructor on holiday with her family. The exploration of emotions between the two main characters Frances (Jennifer Grey) and Johnny (Patrick Swayze) as well as the iconic soundtrack made this one of many fan favourites for the summer season.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

A more recent release,  Once Upon a Time in Hollywood features a well known cast starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie alongside academy award winning director Quentin Tarantino. The film follows an actor Rick (DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff (Pitt) as they struggle to maintain their relevance in Los Angeles’ changing Hollywood landscape. The set design along with the soundtrack is sure to make anyone nostalgic.

The Talented Mr. Ripley

The Talented Mr Ripley remains one of the best adaptations of Patricia Highsmith’s novel. The plot follows Tom (Matt Damon) and his infatuation with Dickie’s (Jude Law) lifestyle which leads to him going to any lengths to impersonate him. The gorgeous scenery showcasing European countries such as Venice makes this film feel similar to nostalgia from vacations. The film has a large fanbase mostly because of the cast boasting Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off follows a high school student Ferris (Matthew Broderick) who fakes sickness to stay at home and spend the day alongside his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara). Complications arise when his principal sets out to find him. The film is loved by many due to its carefree nature as well as the atmosphere created by renowned director John Hughes. Overall, a great film to transport you back to summer in the 80s.

Monte Carlo

Our final recommendation for your summer, a romantic comedy set in 2011 following Grace(Selena Gomez), Emma (Katie Cassidy) along with their step-sister Meg (Leighton Meester) in Paris to relax following Grace’s graduation. In a turn of events, Grace is mistaken as a famous socialite which then lands the girls in Monte Carlo as they grapple with false identity and romance in luxurious circumstances. The film is loved for its unique storyline along with its portrayal of the endless opportunities that come with summer.