There's something about summer that makes movie nights feel even more special. Maybe it's escaping the midday heat for a couple of hours, closing the curtains and sitting down with a cold drink, or perhaps it's waiting until the sun goes down before setting up a projector in the garden for a magical outdoor cinema night.
Whether you're dreaming of beach holidays, road trips, endless sunshine or simply looking for a film that captures that summer feeling, these are some of my favourite movies to watch when the warmer weather arrives.
American Pie 2
This one instantly takes me back to my teenage years. The soundtrack is brilliant, the laughs still hold up!
Grown Ups
A summer getaway with lifelong friends. It's silly, heart-warming and one of those films you can happily watch again and again.
Adventureland
A bit of an underrated gem. Set in a run-down amusement park during the summer holidays, it's funny, nostalgic and surprisingly heart-warming.
Jaws
No list of summer films would be complete without Jaws. It might make you think twice before swimming in the sea, but it's an absolute classic and somehow feels like the ultimate summer blockbuster.
National Lampoon's Vacation
Family holidays don't always go to plan... and nobody proves that better than the Griswolds. Love National Lampoon.
Eat Pray Love
Beautiful scenery, inspiring adventures and plenty of wanderlust.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Set in gorgeous Hawaii, this romantic comedy is full of sunshine, sandy beaches and laugh-out-loud moments. One of my all-time favourites.
The Way Way Back
A lovely coming-of-age story. Spending the summer working at a water park sounds nice, doesn't it?
Moana
One of Disney's most beautiful films and one of my favourites. The tropical islands, crystal-clear ocean and uplifting soundtrack make it feel like summer from beginning to end. It's a lovely choice for a family movie night.
Dirty Dancing
Nobody puts Baby in the corner! Set during the summer holidays. If you haven't watched it before I don't believe you.
Mamma Mia!
Sunshine, blue seas and ABBA... what's not to like? It's THE cheesiest, still feel good though.
Swallows and Amazons
Perfect for families, this charming adventure captures the magic of childhood summers spent outdoors, exploring, camping and making memories.
Now and Then
A wonderfully nostalgic film about childhood friendships, bike rides and unforgettable summers.
Dazed and Confused
Set on the last day of school, this classic perfectly captures that exciting feeling of having the whole summer ahead of you.
Just Go With It
Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and a beautiful Hawaiian setting? It's light-hearted, funny and packed with sunshine.
The Parent Trap
Summer camp, cabins by the lake and Lindsay Lohan. It's impossible not to smile while watching this one.
Luca
Set in beautiful Italy, this Pixar favourite is full of sunshine, friendship, ice cream and seaside adventures. It feels like a summer holiday in a film.
Ticket to Paradise
George Clooney and Julia Roberts are brilliant together in this gorgeous romantic comedy set in Bali. If you want tropical holiday, this is a great choice.
Barbie
Bright colours, beaches, brilliant humour and an fun soundtrack. Whether you loved it or not, there's no denying it has serious summer energy.
A Minecraft Movie
If you have children who love Minecraft, this is a brilliant family movie night choice. It's packed with adventure, humour and plenty of easter eggs to the game!
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If you're looking for even more entertainment, you might also enjoy:
Exciting Minecraft Crafts for Kids (if your little ones are inspired after watching A Minecraft Movie and fancy getting creative away from the screen.)
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