Every year as a tradition my family watches Jaws together to kickstart the summer season. We genuinely look forward to getting together, eating yummy snacks, and watching one of our favorite movies.
If you’ve wandered though my blog a bit, it is no secret that I love seasonal traditions such as seasonal movie marathons, holiday book lists, etc. Summer is no different! In fact, summer movies are awesome and every genre seems to stake a claim in the season. Below is a list of my family’s favorite movies to watch during the summertime.
The Sandlot, 1993
“You’re killing me, Smalls!”
This is a great film that is family friendly. In typical bildungsroman fashion, a summer of friendship teaches a group of young boys valuable life lessons. Not to mention, who doesn’t love baseball?
Something’s Gotta Give, 2003
“I just have one question: What’s with the turtlenecks? I mean it’s the middle of summer.”
Something’s Gotta Give is one of my favorite summer movies of all time! Not only is the film hilarious, but the entire ambiance is perfect for summer. I also enjoy the metaphoric aspects of the film. The characters in the movie are preparing for the coming season of their lives: the autumn.
Moonrise Kingdom, 2012
“Jiminy cricket, he flew the coop!”
I am a huge fan of Wes Anderson films, and this is another one that does not disappoint. If you’ve never seen Moonrise Kingdom I urge you to take an afternoon or evening and watch it! Who doesn’t love a summer romance in New England?
Friday the 13th, 1980
“I’m the messenger of God! You’re doomed if you stay here! This place is cursed. Cursed!! It’s got a death curse!”
Well, if you know me, you know I am an avid horror fan. Of course my summer movie list includes a horror flick! And what better horror movie than Friday the 13th? Hormone-driven teenagers + a sleep away camp with a bloody history = mayhem.
Summer Rental, 1985
“These are my lobsters!”
My mom makes us watch this movie with her about 10x a summer (but we secretly enjoy it). This is another light-hearted family friendly movie that is filled with humor.
Dirty Dancing, 1987
“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”
Who doesn’t remember the dance scene at the end of this movie? This is another summer classic starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze.
Point Break, 1991
“If you want the ultimate, you’ve got to be willing to pay the ultimate price.”
…speaking of Patrick Swayze, he is in two movies that made the list! Would this be a summer movie marathon without a dramatic surfing movie? Or bank robberies?
The Parent Trap, 1998
“First change I make is to send that two-faced little brat off to boarding school in Timbuktu.”
This remake of the 1961 classic stars Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, and Natasha Richardson. In all honesty, I do not know many women who have never seen this movie. It is so fun!
The Graduate, 1967
“Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me.”
The first summer after graduating college is so surreal. Would this list really be complete without a movie that spoke to that reality? I mean, okay: Benjamin’s first post-college summer is quite out of the ordinary, but so were the 60’s in general, man.
Jaws, 1975
“You’re gonna need a bigger boat…”
Jaws is the ultimate summer classic! Beach goers, sharks, and manly summer friendships are what it’s all about.
What are your summer favorites?
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Can’t do wrong with Nicholson or Moonrise Kingdom. https://monthlycritic.wordpress.com/2020/05/12/extraction/ My latest review if you fancy reading. Keep writing.