Summer is here, which means enjoying the uninterrupted sunshine, beautiful adventures and cosy movie nights. The question is: what should you watch? There are so many options to choose from that it’s hard to know where to start. To help, we’ve hand-picked five movies to watch that perfectly capture the spirit of summer — your endless Netflix scrolling ends right here.
By Allyson Cochran @allysoncochran
Moonrise Kingdom
This film is a beautiful masterpiece — quirky, funny and full of heart. Moonrise Kingdom follows the budding relationship between two unusual kids as they run away together and escape adults that are just a little too self-involved. It's a lyrical coming-of-age story of childhood innocence, loneliness and devastation with a sweet love story at its core. Wildly adventurous, it’ll remind you of the beauty of summer spontaneity.
Midnight in Paris
If you’re looking for summer destination inspiration, Midnight in Paris is the film to watch. It's a charming story about a writer who travels back in time to 1920s Paris and falls in love with the city and its inhabitants. This movie is all about nostalgia and longing for simpler times. The scenery of Paris is gorgeous and so is the music — it will make you want to pack your bags right then and there!
(500) Days of Summer
(500) Days of Summer is a unique indie film that subverts rom-com expectations and doesn’t play into outdated tropes. The plot follows Tom who has big ideas for his relationship with Summer that he thinks will last forever, but he soon realizes that it's just a fantasy. The film serves as a reminder that you’re not responsible for how other people view you, and that’s okay. A person is not a sole source of happiness — it’s something you find within yourself. This film will inspire your independent, happy girl summer.
Roman Holiday
Many modern-day films claim they've captured the magic of Roman Holiday, but this 1953 classic film starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck is by far the best. It tells the enchanting story of a sheltered princess' heady discovery of the delights, eccentricities and wonders of everyday life in Rome. Conveyed through a mix of verité-style slapstick comedy and romantic melodrama, it’ll motivate you to be daring on your next summer destination.
Pride & Prejudice
There isn't a better way to spend a few hours than indulging in the 2005 adaption of Pride and Prejudice. A story that explores romance and societal norms, this timeless film exudes a charm that pays homage to its Austen roots. In Pride & Prejudice, Mr. Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth Bennet — but expressing that love proves difficult. With warm meadow scenes and dazzling sunrises, it perfectly captures the essence of summer romance.
Hopefully, these movies can help you set off on your own adventure and inspire you to explore the sunny aspirations of summer. If nothing else, they will serve as a reminder of why you should cherish life’s journey. What is your go-to motivating summer movie? Let us know on social media.
