This last heatwave chased us indoors for more days than I care to remember. You know when the pool begins to feel like tepid bathwater, it’s time to find another way to cool off! I spent a good portion of those hot summer nights re-watching some of my favorite summer movies.
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From classic Hitchcock to more recent romantic comedies, these summer movies entertained! You’ll swoon, reach for a fan, or laugh as you stay cool with these nostalgic films. A perfect mix of family-friendly films and a few for just you and your significant other!
Note: Availability of these movies can change at any time and is based on U.S. availability at the time of publishing.
10 Excellent Summer Movies to Escape the Heat
(In No Particular Order)
#1 Rear Window
The tension is heavy in this classic film starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly. And it’s not just because of the mystery occurring across the courtyard. Lisa and Jeff ignite the screen with their off-the-charts chemistry!
Where to Watch: You can rent/buy on digital or DVD.
#2 Shag
This is one of those summer movies low on plot but full of fun! Pudge and Chip are by far my favorites in this movie of friendship and what it means to be true to yourself.
Where to Watch: Buy on DVD.
#3 Dirty Dancing
The quintessential summer movie of summer movies. It’s the perfect tale of a summer romance between a bad boy and Daddy’s girl. And yes, the dancing is hot!!
Where to Watch: STARZ. You can also rent/buy on digital or DVD.
#4 Crazy Rich Asians
I will never tire of watching this movie! If you have not yet seen Crazy Rich Asians, it’s currently available on HBO. The romance between Nick and Rachel is lovely. It’s one of those romances that just begs for swooning!
Where to Watch: HBO or HBO Amazon Channels. You can also rent/buy on digital and DVD.
#5 My Girl
Oh, this sweet movie is the perfect tear-jerker for a hot summer day. An adorable first kiss, the confusion of entering young womanhood, and the pain of loss make this a must for any summer movies list!
Where to Watch: IMDB TV on Amazon (free with ads), Roku, Showtime/Showtime on Amazon, Sony Crackle, Fubo TV, and Pluto TV. You can also rent/buy on digital or DVD.
#6 Southside with You
The story of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s first date is classically romantic. From the art exhibit to ice cream at Baskin Robbins, it’s everything you want in a romantic movie. Plus, actors Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyer are so perfect you feel like you’re watching the Obamas.
Where to Watch: You can rent/buy on digital and DVD.
#7 Roman Holiday
There are so many classic films that should be on anyone’s summer movies list. Roman Holiday is absolutely near the top. This intense, one day romance between a reporter and a princess is heartbreaking yet beautiful!
Where to Watch: STARZ/STARZ on Amazon. You can also rent/buy on digital and DVD.
#8 To Catch a Thief
This thriller not only satisfies the suspense element but also the romantic in all of us! I love how the sizzling tension between Frances Stevens and John Robie rises along with the suspense surrounding the jewel thief. Grace Kelly and Cary Grant are perfection in this romantic thriller!
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Kanopy. You can also rent/buy on digital and DVD.
#9 Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Anyone else wish for a magic pair of jeans after seeing this movie? Yeah, me too. This movie on enduring friendship and first romances is a must for lists of fun and memorable summer movies.
Where to Watch: Netflix. You can also rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
#10 Moonrise Kingdom
This coming-of-age film is sweet and quirky in all the right ways. As far as summer movies go, this story of first love should be high on anyone’s list!
Where to Watch: STARZ/STARZ on Amazon.
Escaping the heat has never been so entertaining!
What are your favorite summer movies to beat the heat? Tell me about them below!
Photo Credit For Featured Image: Paramount Pictures
i love the movie Shag…..definitely a great summer movie. Also Crazy Rich Asians is a really great movie and the wedding in the movie is AHHHHHHMAZING