50 Best Summer Movies Of All Time Ranked

When the weather gets warmer and the hours of daylight get longer, hiding away in a dark theater or curling up on the couch with a movie may be the furthest thing from your mind. However, movies have that uncanny ability to provide comfort and escapism, and what better way to escape than with one that encapsulates the good vibes, warmth, and happiness that comes with the summer season.

If you're skipping the vacation this year, or need something to get you in that holiday mood, putting on a summery film can almost make you feel like you're there already, recreating the feeling of that time of year whatever the weather may be. Under the broad (beach) umbrella of films that could be considered "summer" movies, you're likely to find one in almost every genre — whether you're after a warm and upbeat rom-com, a feel-good musical, action thriller, or even horror, there's a summer movie to fit every mood.

While there are some that tick both boxes, these are not necessarily movies released in the summer — a slot often reserved for the biggest blockbusters — but rather, films that take place during the summer season, or are set in sunnier climates to give you that summery feeling, all year long. Grab your sunglasses and an ice-cold beverage as we take a look at the 50 best summer movies.

Later spawning numerous sequels, spin-offs, reboots, and crossovers, 1980's "Friday The 13th" introduces us to the notorious masked serial killer, Jason Voorhees — although a surprise twist reveals he is not the killer in this particular film. At the recently reopened summer camp at Crystal Lake, a group of promiscuous teenage camp counselors are picked off one by one by the anonymous murderer. It is a premise that has been re-done many times, but while formulaic, "Friday The 13th" manages to be both entertaining and chilling.

The film explores the idea of teenage liberation, and in setting the events during the summer, as well, it taps into that carefree feeling of young people being able to live without supervision. This is then shattered when the unknown threat begins targeting the group, and while the gory deaths remain the highlight, it contains cautionary elements about the possible dangers of teenage rebellion. If you're seeking something different from the sunny, feel-good movies, a summer-set slasher such as "Friday The 13th" is the perfect palette cleanser.

When bride-to-be Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) discovers her mother's diary — giving a passionate account of her past summer flings — she decides to invite the three men mentioned in the pages to her wedding, believing one of them to be her father. However, she gets a lot more than she bargained for when all three of them show up, much to the shock and surprise of her mother, Donna (Meryl Streep).

Taking the format of a jukebox musical, "Mamma Mia!" is set on a Greek island at the fledgling hotel run by Donna and Sophie, and the idyllic sun-soaked backdrops are the perfect accompaniment to the unforgettable songs from ABBA that provide the soundtrack. As well as the gorgeous scenery, the film explores holiday romances and whether any of Donna's former flames could be more of a long-term prospect. "Mamma Mia!" is hardly a game-changer when it comes to romantic musicals, but it is a sunny slice of campy, toe-tapping fun.

Starring Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sanoe Lake, "Blue Crush" explores the highly dangerous and highly competitive world of surfing through the eyes of determined Anne Marie (Bosworth). Raising her younger sister Penny (Mika Boorem) after their mother walked out on them, Anne Marie struggles to provide for them both, and competing in a coveted competition and attracting the attention of sponsors, offers them a possible ticket out of their situation.

While the film does become bogged down in an unnecessary romantic storyline between Anne Marie and NFL quarterback, Matt Tollman (Matthew Davis), the surfing scenes are exhilarating and the determination of Anne Marie to succeed — not just to make a better life for her sister but to overcome her past traumas — is hugely inspirational. Set on the stunning beaches of Hawaii, "Blue Crush" has all the drama, thrills, and excitement you need for the ideal summer movie.

For Daisy (Julia Roberts), Kat (Annabeth Gish), and Jojo (Lili Taylor), high school may be over, but they still have a lot to learn as they spend one unforgettable summer working together in a pizza restaurant in the small town of Mystic, Connecticut. While the three girls are very different and have their own aspirations, they frequently muse on their hopes, dreams, and what they want to achieve when they escape from their hometown.

Later the undisputed queen of the rom-com in the '80s and '90s, this early role for Julia Roberts was a strong indication of the great things to come, with "Pretty Woman" coming just two years later. "Mystic Pizza" is cheesy and predictable fluff, but its summer setting is ideal for representing the feeling of these three women discovering themselves and what they want to achieve when the next season comes.

On holiday with her parents at the Kellerman's resort, straight-laced Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey) is more interested in joining the peace corps than chasing boys. This all changes when she inadvertently carries a watermelon into a lively staff party and meets dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). Later, when Johnny's usual dance partner is unable to perform at a local event, Baby volunteers to learn the routine under Johnny's tutelage, and despite his bad-boy image, the two quickly fall for each other.

The idea of a summer fling or summer romance is frequently used in rom-coms, but the relationship between Baby and Johnny is particularly passionate, as they prove that opposites attract. Packed with iconic moments including the water lift, and of course, the final dance to "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" — which saw the film pick up an Oscar for Best Original Song — "Dirty Dancing" is a simply unforgettable love story.

Four best friends who have spent every summer together are about to spend their first one miles apart, and while they may not be in the same place, they will be connected by passing between them a magical pair of pants that inexplicably fit them all. While you may be wondering if we will ever live in a world where such a garment exists, the pants themselves are tangential to the film, which paints a genuine portrayal of female friendship.

It isn't uncommon for coming-of-age films to be set during the summer — a time often used as a symbolic representation of the transition from childhood to adulthood — and this idea is at the heart of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." The film doesn't shy away from its difficult themes and presents them in a way that feels heartfelt and sincere, with the charming performances from Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, and Blake Lively, ensuring that the film's teen demographic will find someone they can relate to.

Directed by Richard Donner, and with the dream team of Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg writing the script, "The Goonies" has all the ingredients for a classic, nostalgic adventure story. A group of friends who call themselves "The Goonies" are facing the prospect of losing their families' homes due to an expanding country club. The clock may be ticking, but they've got time for one last adventure, and when they discover a treasure map in the attic, they decide to follow the trail and find the gold.

Where "The Goonies" succeeds is perfectly tapping into that natural zest for adventure that kids have, and delivering the classic "Spielbergian" sense of wonder and joy that is best experienced through the eyes of children. As their mantra proudly states, "Goonies Never Say Die," and with its timeless sense of adventure and fun, this film is one that feels like it will never fade away.

Holiday romances rarely last beyond the summer, but when prim and proper Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) arrives at her new school, Rydell High, she is shocked to find the sweet boy she met on the beach — the too-cool-for-school leader of the T-Birds, Danny Zuko (John Travolta) — also goes there. While it isn't as simple as it was when they met on their vacation, and Danny puts on an act in front of his crew, the pair gradually learn to overcome their differences and rekindle their romance.

If you can ignore the fact the cast are all far too old to be playing teenagers, "Grease" manages to accurately depict the high school experience — from the distinct cliques to the desperate desire to fit in and be considered "cool." "Grease" is a high-energy, joyous experience from start to finish — from "Summer Lovin'" through to "We Go Together," it is almost impossible not to sing along to this killer soundtrack.

Composer Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) is dealt a devastating blow when his actress girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) unexpectedly breaks up with him. Heartbroken, Peter travels to a luxurious Hawaiian resort to try and get over his ex, which seems to be going to plan when he appears to make a connection with concierge Rachel Jansen (Mila Kunis). His peaceful vacation is quickly ruined when he discovers that Sarah is also staying there with her flamboyant new boyfriend, Aldous Snow (Russell Brand).

"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" manages to strike that rare balance between raunchy sex comedy and surprisingly heartfelt romance, with Jason Segel particularly excellent as the forlorn Peter. In real life, Russell Brand can be a bit of a love-him-or-loathe-him character, so he's perfectly cast as the charismatic rock star boyfriend, and polar opposite to Segel's Peter. Funny, sincere, and featuring the best Dracula puppet musical seen on screen, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is a modern comedy classic.

When American tourists Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) arrive in the beautiful Spanish city of Barcelona, they become involved in a complicated love triangle with painter Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) and his ex-wife Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz). While adventurous Cristina is quickly won over by Juan Antonio's charms, Vicky is a little more resistant — however, it isn't long before they are both seduced and sparks fly.

Deftly directed by Woody Allen, there is a relaxed and carefree feeling to "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" that matches the beautiful surroundings, with the ideal balance struck between comedy and drama. The chemistry between the actors is off the charts, and there is a tangible electric, and passionate atmosphere in the film. While all the performances were praised, Penélope Cruz was highlighted for her supporting role and went on to win the Oscar for her performance as the fiery Maria Elena.

Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifah), Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Dina (Tiffany Haddish), were best friends in college, but over the years they have drifted apart and their lives have gone in different directions. Keen to rekindle their friendship, Ryan reunites the "Flossy Posse" for a trip to New Orleans where she will be the guest speaker at a music festival, and it isn't long before things get wild.

From beginning to end, "Girls Trip" is absolutely hilarious, and as well as the outrageous and raunchy antics, there is an infectious joy that radiates through the film. These four women may be very different, but they each bring something to the group, with some providing balance, while others coax their friends out of their comfort zones — whether they like it or not. The strong performances from the cast help to elevate the film further, making it a trip you'll wish you could take as well.

Growing up in an under-privileged neighborhood in Inglewood, California, high-schoolers Malcolm (Shameik Moore), Jib (Tony Revolori), and Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) are a group of geeks, obsessed with '90s culture and playing together in a band. When they inadvertently encounter a local drug dealer (A$AP Rocky), some of the contraband is placed in Malcolm's backpack without his knowledge. When the friends discover the stash, the race is on to try and shift the drugs before the thugs catch up with them.

Combining an entertaining crime comedy with a coming-of-age story ensures that "Dope" feels fresh and inventive, and despite the situations the friends find themselves in, there is always a keen sense of fun. Passing the hazy summer days by getting into mischief with your friends is something frequently seen in films set during this season, and "Dope" has a wonderful irreverent quality to it that brilliantly captures this.

Featuring one of the most enduring pop-culture images — Marilyn Monroe standing over a subway grate causing her white dress to lift up — "The Seven Year Itch" is a sultry comedy farce. With his wife away one scorching summer in New York, Richard Sherman (Tom Ewell) meets his beautiful new neighbor (Marilyn Monroe) and soon begins to fantasize about her, and considers whether he will be able to stay faithful to his wife.

While many may be familiar with Monroe because of her iconic look — and the image from this film that is still recognized today — it is also a wonderful testament to her incredible talent and particularly her proficiency as a comedic actress. As well as perfecting the snappy back and forth dialogue essential for a film in this genre, the chemistry between Ewell and Monroe is electric, resulting in a film that is sizzling in more ways than one.

Offering that unique form of escapism that comes with being able to take a peek into the outrageously extravagant lives of the mega-rich, "Crazy Rich Asians" has everything you could want from a romantic comedy. Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is an economics professor who agrees to go with her long-term boyfriend, Nick (Henry Golding), to a friend's wedding in Singapore. On the way, she learns that not only is Nick's family incredibly wealthy, but they are crazy wealthy, living a life far beyond her wildest dreams.

While there is tremendous fun to be had in ogling the vast, unimaginable wealth on display, Rachel is a wonderfully grounded character that provides us as the audience with a more relatable way in. As well as the heart-warming romance, "Crazy Rich Asians" is the ideal showcase for Singapore as a vacation spot, and the incredible locations seen in the film will ensure it goes straight to the top of your travel bucket list.

With notes of 2016's "La La Land," "Sylvie's Love" is soundtracked by a gorgeous jazz score and focuses on a romance as sultry as the New York Summer of 1957 in which it is set. Sylvie (Tessa Thompson) dreams of working in television but spends the summer working in her father's record store in Harlem, waiting for her fiancé who is at war. There she meets Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha), a saxophone player and member of a jazz quartet who takes a part-time job at the store.

With a shared love of music and instant chemistry, Sylvie and Robert embark on a passionate affair, and even when their lives seem to be pulling them in separate directions, they always seem to find each other. Featuring excellent performances from Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha, "Sylvie's Love" is an exquisite film about a love that defies all obstacles, and has the possibility to last beyond the summer that ignites it.

Something of a spiritual sequel to director Richard Linklater's breakout film "Dazed And Confused," 2016's "Everybody Wants Some!!" focuses on college freshman Jake (Blake Jenner) as he enjoys the final weekend of the summer before classes begin. Along with his new baseball teammates Billy (Will Brittain) and Kenny (Ryan Guzman), Jake enjoys a wild weekend of partying and chasing girls.

Despite the very obvious ticking clock in the film, counting down to when classes — and a greater sense of responsibility — are due to begin, there is a wonderful, easygoing quality to "Everybody Wants Some!!" Linklater's lens seems to focus on the feeling of the film much more than the plot, and this helps us to feel like we are there as well, just hanging out with the group and trying to capture that last glimpse of freedom and exploration before adulthood begins.

Told with remarkable sensitivity, "Tomboy" tells the story of 10-year-old Laure who decides to dress as a boy and call themselves, Mickaël, when they move to a new neighborhood one summer. Mickaël begins to bond with the local children, and they begin to explore their gender identity and figure out who they want to be — with the relaxed feeling of the summer season providing them with the freedom to wonder.

Director Céline Sciamma handles the subject matter with beautiful consideration, and allows for a certain level of ambiguity to mimic the character's journey of exploration and fluidity. Sciamma's deft storytelling teaches that in childhood — and through into adulthood as well — there is no need to be anything in particular or fit into any category, you can just be. "Tomboy" radiates warmth and joy, and it proved to be a hit with critics as well, including Roger Ebert who called it "tender and affectionate."

Based on the novella, "The Body" by Stephen King, "Stand By Me" sees four boys from Oregon head out on an adventure to find a dead body. While it sounds morbid, the film is much more about the journey — both in the geographical and metaphorical sense — as Gordie (Wil Wheaton), Vern (Jerry O'Connell), Chris (River Phoenix), and Teddy (Corey Feldman) learn important lessons about life and growing up from each other.

"Stand By Me" is one of the quintessential coming-of-age films, and with the events taking place over the Labor Day weekend, it has an added significance in terms of the summer — and the boy's childhood innocence — coming to an end as they deal with some life-altering events. While there are of course moments of frivolity, and the boys have a natural and believable chemistry as friends, it also doesn't ignore the difficult circumstances they have gone through, presenting them in a way that is both accessible, sensitive, and at times, darkly funny.

This surprisingly feel-good tragicomedy is both sunny by name and sunny by nature as it documents the dysfunctional Hoover family as they take a road trip to California. The youngest member of the family, Olive (Abigail Breslin), has aspirations of being a beauty queen, so the family travel with her so she can compete in the titular pageant. The Hoover family are undeniable misfits, from the moody older teen brother (Paul Dano) to the foul-mouthed grandfather (Alan Arkin), but all of them rally around the spirited young Olive in an unforgettable road movie.

One of the most memorable sights in the film is the Hoover family running behind their aging yellow Volkswagen van which malfunctions on the way so that it will only start when pushed. The family refusing to give up on the van even though it is slowly falling apart is a great representation of the family themselves who — for all their quirks and setbacks along the way — stick together through all the ups and downs of life.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's vibrant musical about the tight-knit community of Washington Heights is set over several sweltering summer days and focuses on bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos) who tirelessly saves his earnings in the hope of one day returning to the Dominican Republic where he is from. Along with Usnavi, we meet the other residents of the street who are chasing their own sueñitos ("little dreams") — including aspiring fashion designer (and Usnavi's crush) Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), and Nina who is dating Usnavi's friend Benny (Corey Hawkins) and wishes to return to her studies but is struggling financially.

A key theme explored in "In The Heights" is the idea of identity, and how it is shaped by where you live and who raised you, but also this idea that a sense of conflict can arise when you have aspirations to leave the community that was so formative in your upbringing. Where the film comes alive is in the streets of Washington Heights, rich in culture, music, and rhythm, creating an atmosphere that's as scorching as the temperature.

Fans of Wes Anderson's unique whimsical style will not be disappointed, as "Moonrise Kingdom" pairs his trademark symmetrical shots and beautiful pastel color palettes with the charming love story between orphan boy scout Sam (Jared Gilman) and his feisty pen pal Suzy (Kara Hayward). The pair meet in the summer of 1964, and one year later, they decide to run away together, with Sam making a daring escape from Camp Ivanhoe under the watchful eye of Scout Master Randy Ward (Edward Norton), while Suzy runs away from her family home — coincidentally called "Summer's End".

"Moonrise Kingdom" is a wistfully funny romance, with an adventurous spirit that mirrors the plucky youngsters, who will do whatever it takes to be together. Having corresponded with each other for a year, there is the feeling that Sam and Suzy's love is more than just a summer romance, and it is refreshing to see that the film treats it genuinely and equally as valid as if they were adults.

Set over the course of one summer, against the backdrop of political turmoil in Mexico, Julio (Gael García Bernal) and Tenoch (Diego Luna) are 17-year-old best friends engaged in a passionate ménage à trois with older woman, Luisa (Maribel Verdú). The three travel across country to a secluded beach, and along the way they indulge in sexual freedom and exploration, learning about themselves and each other in the process.

Represented by the open road in front of them and the long, laid-back days of summer in which the film is set, "Y Tu Mamá También" exudes a carefree and free-wheeling feeling where love, desire, and emotion are explored without inhibitions — in turn allowing Julio and Tenoch to discover who they want to be. While in theory the situation sounds idyllic, there is conflict between the characters, and a surprisingly emotional ending that gives the film added pathos.

Documentarian and surfer Bruce Brown directs and narrates this magnificent documentary, that is in many ways the definitive surfing movie, following Michael Hynson and Robert August as they travel around the world in search of the biggest and best waves. Brown's observant and frequently witty narration imbues the film with a sense of fun while still being educational.

As Brown states in the film "summer means many things to many different people," and while the focus may be on surfing, it also showcases a number of beautiful beaches including ones in Hawaii, Australia, and South Africa, that will give you serious vacation envy. Even if you only have a passing interest in surfing, this film does an incredible job of showing why it is so popular, effectively conveying how as much of the thrill comes from finding the most secluded surfing spots as well as riding the wave. With no voices in the film apart from the narration, the exceptional footage has to do most of the heavy lifting, and this is bolstered by the surf-rock soundtrack provided by The Sandals.

17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) lives an idyllic life in his family's beautiful home in Italy, spending the long summer days reading books and transcribing music. Following the arrival of handsome Oliver (Armie Hammer) — a student who is working as an intern with Elio's father (Michael Stuhlbarg) — Elio offers to show him around, and soon a romance begins to blossom.

In the stunning surroundings of the Italian Riviera, "Call Me By Your Name" is an exquisite and tender romance that takes a slow-burn and considered approach, establishing the friendship between Elio and Oliver before it develops into something else. As seen in many summer-set movies that involve a love story, there is the bittersweet feeling that the romance will come to an end when the season does, and "Call Me By Your Name" utilizes this to devastating effect with a remarkably poignant moment that plays over the film's credits.

The ultimate summer movie in more ways than one, "Jaws" can be credited with changing the face of cinema as we know it. Previously regarded as the off-season for the movie industry, the summer slot has now become the peak time for the biggest blockbuster releases — and it is all thanks to "Jaws." After a series of shark attacks on the residents of fictional New England town, Amity Island, Chief of Police Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) struggles to convince the incredulous mayor, Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) that the beaches have to be closed. Following a very public appearance from the shark on the 4th of July, Brody enlists the help of shark expert Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and fisherman Quint (Robert Shaw) to track down the killer beast.

More than just a shark film, "Jaws" is a thrilling and layered character study, and while the motivations of the main trio may be different, they are united in their mission to eliminate the threat. Set around the time of the Independence Day holiday, "Jaws" is also a distinctly American film, with the shark not only threatening a place that survives through its tourist trade, but also endangering the sense of freedom and liberty represented in both the holiday and the season. With the summer playing such an important part in the film, it feels fitting therefore that "Jaws" would become the first summer blockbuster, having an indelible impact on movies for generations to come.