The Ultimate Summer Movie Guide: What to Watch for Every Scenario
Summer is here. It's a time for beaches, bonfires, basking in the afternoon sunshine, and going on road trips with your family crammed in the car—eating peanut butter sandwiches that your siblings squished on purpose in retribution for you dumping cold water on them from the lake earlier in the day.
And it's one of the most exciting seasons for movies. Whether you're walking out of the theater into the warm night air after witnessing a life-changing blockbuster, or popping a VHS into an old Zenith television at your family cabin, summertime is one of the best times to watch movies.
Now, what makes summer moviegoing so special is that typically you're experiencing it as part of another social event: a weekend away, a party, or a sleepover. And while watching movies with others is a constant calendar happening, summer is when we gather at the end of a long day of fun to put something on your TV or project it on a janky outdoor theater setup, hoping the wind doesn't knock over the screen held up by boulders from the garden.
But here's the challenge when watching a summertime flick: actually choosing which movie to watch. The last thing you want to do on a summer night is have a debate over which movie to watch. It really dampens the mood. Plus, summertime has that small sliver right as the sun is setting when people are in the mood to watch something and keep the night going. You have to capitalize on it. Otherwise, people leave, people do other things. It's a very small window to make a decisive decision. So, yes, what movie you choose to watch at the end of a long summer day can really make or break your entire summer.
But have no fear, Luke Ferris is here—the host and creator of Least Important Things, and a guy who once applied to be a movie store clerk but never got a callback. I'm here to guide you through summer selections so you'll be prepared when the time comes, in any scenario this summer, to pick a movie. Let's go.
Welcome to Least Important Things, a podcast about movies, friendship, and finding meaning in the most important of the least important things. If this is your first time, welcome. If you're a loyal listener or watcher, welcome back.
Alright, I've got stacks of movies here on my side. I've got a list of movies. Now, I could just run through the ten best movies to watch this summer or just do a generic listicle. But you know you're gonna get something special here on Least Important Things. So, I'm gonna go through specific categories and specific scenarios where you could want to recommend a movie to friends or just yourself after a long summer day.
Movies to Watch After a Long Day at the Beach or on the Water
Okay, this is a crucial aspect of watching summer movies because most people's energy is pretty sucked out by being outside in the sun all day. So, you don't necessarily want to pick a movie that's too long or takes too much effort to get into. Summer is for fun, easy watching, and fan favorites. That's why these movies are always going to be crowd-pleasers, even if you've seen them a hundred times.
Jaws (1975)
The original. Now, you could watch the sequels, but I have my Jaws Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray Collector's Edition. Probably my favorite movie of all time. This film gets better every year I watch it because I think it captures a moment in time in the '70s on that small little island, and it's just summertime.
If you get this physical media edition, it's got a pamphlet with behind-the-scenes info. I think one of the reasons why this movie's enduring legacy continues is they used real people on Martha's Vineyard—real townspeople to be part of this movie—so it really feels steeped in that era. And it's got all the summer elements: bonfires at the beach, parades, the 4th of July, and oh yeah, a killer shark.
I don't know what else we can say about Jaws, but if you've never seen it, watch it this summer. I've told this story on the show before, but last year I watched it in the theater for the first time, actually, on an original 35mm print for the 50th anniversary. And guess what? People still jumped out of their chairs in some of these moments. So this movie still impacts audiences today, and I think every generation needs to see it and watch it, especially in the summertime.
The Parent Trap (1998)
Next is The Parent Trap, the 1998 version. We talked about it on one of our rewatch episodes on the show last year. Go take a listen to that—that'll tell you all the reasons why this is a perfect summer movie. The summer camp scenes, the energy before the kids go back to school... it has all the elements of a great summer movie. Oh, and some pool—there's a lot of good pool action. And if you're a millennial, it's an easy watch. Everyone knows it. Everyone can say the lines and sing the songs from the soundtrack. Definitely a crowd-pleaser.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
And for fans of the show, they are going to be familiar with this next choice. It's Pirates of the Caribbean. Now, this rewatch series almost broke the show, but the first film, again, is one of the more entertaining, fun family movies from Disney. It's right on the edge of using heavy CGI like they do in the sequels, so it still feels grounded in reality; it still feels like they're on sets. It's a swashbuckling tale of fun adventure, and I think it's good to go back to this original if you want something to watch.
Movies to Watch on an Outdoor Projector
If you have time to go to a drive-in in your area, please go to one this summer. It's one of the most unique moviegoing experiences you can have, and it feels nostalgic, Americana, and pure summer. If you can't get to a drive-in, I highly suggest making it a makeshift outdoor theater projection night with your neighbors or your friends. There's something about watching movies outside that adds an entirely new element to the mood. Here's my list for movies to project outside:
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Dirty Dancing has become one of my favorite rewatches. It captures the 1950s in this very unique time in America, where families would go to these resorts in more rural areas and spend months there. It was a window in time in that resort culture in America pre- and post-World War II that is kind of forgotten, and I feel like Dirty Dancing captures it. Plus, you're bringing in the sway of it all with the '80s. The story still holds up really well from a modern context, and every scene, every moment, it just looks gorgeous. It's a perfect summertime movie to project outside.
Roman Holiday (1953)
I think one of the best ways to experience an outdoor movie is to play an old, old movie. Roman Holiday is an Audrey Hepburn classic with Gregory Peck set in Rome, of course. Some of the most iconic shots in cinema are in this movie. It is in black and white, and I highly suggest trying out a black-and-white projection outside because, I don't know, it just feels like you're stepping back in time with the movie and experiencing it as many people saw it projected on a screen back in the day. They saw this movie in a theater that way. It's a fun one and an easy one to watch.
To Catch a Thief (1955)
Another throwback that I think would look great on a projection night is To Catch a Thief from 1955, starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. It's just one of the best movies to look at. It's an Alfred Hitchcock film, and it's not necessarily his best "gotcha" whodunit mystery thriller, but it's a caper. It's a fun caper, and the way it's shot in the French Riviera in that 1950s almost-vacation seaside style... it just looks beautiful. The costumes, the culture of that time in resort towns—you don't really even have to know what's going on. I think you can just look at that movie and you're gonna enjoy it.
Jurassic Park (1993)
And then lastly, it wouldn't be a Least Important Things episode without a reference to Jurassic Park. No, I've got two of the VHSs—Jurassic Park and The Lost World—but you could project these films or watch them on VHS this summer. Highly suggest doing it. Of course, they look great on Blu-ray or 4K Ultra, but I think Jurassic Park especially is one of the more fun movies to watch outside.
My wife and I went to a drive-in movie theater a couple of years ago to watch Jurassic Park, and there's nothing better than literally driving away from the drive-in movie theater and hearing that John Williams theme as you're exiting with all the other cars. Just an amazing summer night that we had. So whether it's the first one, the second one, or even the third one—we're huge fans of JP3—get those on the big screen outside. They're fun to watch outside. There could be dinosaurs roaming the earth, and you wouldn't even care.
Movies for the Whole Family
Let's face it, you're probably gonna be on a family vacation or weekend getaway this summer. So how do you pick a movie that your seven-year-old niece, 75-year-old uncle, and mom can all enjoy? Here's a few summertime family favorites:
The Sandlot (1993)
I think we're probably gonna have to cover this one on a rewatch because I have so much to say about this movie—the lore, the legacy, the nostalgia of it all. The Sandlot. Again, it's one of those movies that was made in the '90s talking about the '60s, and I think there's a reason that the original group of kid actors are still coming back together for conventions. People love this movie for the lines, the moments, the Wendy Peffercorn of it all. It's a very important film, I think, to a lot of young millennial kids, especially guys, of course. And it captures almost the endless possibilities and romance of being a child in the summer. S'mores, a 4th of July game... what else do you need?
Barbie (2023)
This is probably one of the more modern movies I'm suggesting. Just re-watched it a couple of weeks ago with my wife, and it is bright, colorful, and fun. I think anybody can kind of be watching it or not watching it, and it's gonna be interesting to look at, interesting to even hear or listen to. So if your mom's cleaning up from dinner in the background, or maybe people are outside going in and out from your cabin, I think people are gonna enjoy having Barbie on. It's just a good hang to have on—and of course, Ken.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
And last but not least, we've already talked about two Steven Spielberg movies, but E.T. is a summer blockbuster classic that was released in June of 1982. Even though there's a scene that captures Halloween time, I still feel like E.T. is a summer movie because of when it came out. It's a Spielberg movie; it's a blockbuster for the whole family. My wife has never seen E.T. or doesn't remember seeing it, so we're gonna work on that this summer.
Movies to Celebrate America
Here in America, the 4th of July is the crescendo of the summer. And what better way to celebrate 250 years of the stars and stripes than some cinematic red, white, and blue?
Independence Day (1996)
Of course, Independence Day. I mean, it's in the name. This alien attack movie, I think, is probably more prevalent than ever. It feels very '90s, but also there's just a lot of weird stuff going on in the world. So when you hear Bill Pullman giving that speech, it gives you hope for what's to come in America and the world.
Top Gun (1986) & Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Okay, we can't talk about red, white, and blue without Top Gun. I have my Blu-ray copy of the original. Watch it on any physical format if you can, but Top Gun—or I'll include Top Gun: Maverick—watching one of these two around the 4th of July era is pure Americana. You'll have a lot of pride in what it means to play beach volleyball, what it means to be Tom Cruise, and no, we have not lost that loving feeling for this movie.
National Treasure (2004)
And last but not least, I'll probably do a whole essay episode about this: National Treasure. Why? I can't even begin to start with this movie. My friends and I started re-watching this movie on the 4th of July 20 years ago, and we've all watched it and kept to that tradition of watching National Treasure on the 4th of July. Sometimes, as we're getting a little bit older, we can only get through the first 45 minutes. I don't know why we started watching it on the 4th of July. It's basically about all these clues to American history that are completely made up; it makes no sense. But Nic Cage... I don't know, the nostalgia of it, the national treasure of it. Watch this movie, you won't be disappointed. Trust me. I can't even begin to tell you—I'm gonna have to save it for the essay episode.
Movies for an Oppressively Hot August or Rainy July Afternoon
Let's face it, summer isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes you're going to want to escape the heat and enter a dark, damp, cool basement—like the one I'm in right now—and watch a more serious movie. Or maybe a long summer rain dampens your plans. Well, there are sometimes perfect scenarios for a serious summer viewing experience, and typically, the weather tells you when to do it.
La Piscine / The Swimming Pool (1969)
First up is The Swimming Pool, which is a French summer classic filled with—as you would expect for a 1960s French movie—intrigue, romance, and risqué elements. This one's just fun to have on. It's not a big deal with the subtitles because it's a rainy day or it's a really hot day, and you're just kind of absorbing it all.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Next is Do the Right Thing, Spike Lee's joint. A very hot movie, actually. Heat is one of the core elements of this movie—they wake up in the first scene and they're sweating. So watch this movie in the summer. I think, one, it's a great film, a great story, beautifully shot, and an independent movie that really put Spike Lee on the map. But sadly, I think the messages of this movie still need to be shared with people. I watched this movie for the first time in college and I couldn't believe I'd waited that long. It was fresh then, and it's fresh now, for good or for worse. But I think people need to watch this movie, and the summertime is a perfect time to go and do the right thing.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. I'm an unapologetic Wes Anderson fan, and nothing feels more summer than Steve Zissou with his cast of characters, the Belafonte on the Mediterranean waters, their adventures, their quips, and that melancholy sensibility that only Wes Anderson can bring.
Intense Indie Dramas: Call Me by Your Name (2017) & The Florida Project (2017)
And following up, two more modern independent classics: Call Me by Your Name and The Florida Project. These are two additional, more intense indie dramas that really capture the warmth of summer—one set in Italy, one set in Florida—that are astounding films and still magical, beautiful, and mystical to watch during the summertime.
The Ultimate Action Picks: '80s, '90s, and Early 2000s
Alright, let's face it. This is my show. '80s, '90s, and early 2000s action movies. Summer is about going for it. It's not thinking about things too much, having fun, and experiencing life to the fullest without regret. And what better way to match that energy than an '80s, '90s, or early 2000s action movie?
To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
One that's more recent for me is To Live and Die in L.A. An '80s action movie—all '80s, all the time. The sun in that film is shot perfectly. It just has this glow over a grimy, gritty Los Angeles. This is another one where you could just have it on in the background. The soundtrack by Wang Chung, which I've talked about on the show before, has just embedded into my brain over the past couple of months since I first watched it. But I'll probably be re-watching it this summer.
Point Break (1991)
One of the patron stories of this show... I actually don't have my Point Break poster out here, but Point Break—that is summer. Again, California. A lot of California-themed movies here for our '80s, '90s, and early 2000s action movies. But Point Break is a high-octane thriller. Swayze's back, Keanu Reeves... what more do you want from a Least Important Things recommendation?
Mission: Impossible II (2000)
Again, it wouldn't be Least Important Things without a Mission: Impossible recommendation. We're tiptoeing into the 2000s with MI2. You can listen to the episode; we'll tell you why. I recently got my hands on a special edition Paramount Pictures VHS version, so I'll be firing this one up. And yes, yes, yes—don't worry, there are doves on the back of this VHS.
Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
And Gone in 60 Seconds. Another orange-based movie cover. This one is silly, stupid, and so much fun. Nic Cage, again, in some of the most absurd moments of his career—he's got a lot of them—but specifically the one where he is pretending to be someone buying a Ferrari as an English person. Just take a watch of that and you'll be in awe. Thank you, Jerry Bruckheimer.
Movies to Watch with a Group of Friends: The Safe Choice
Sometimes when you're with a group of friends in the summer, you just need to put on a movie to have that final activity when people are almost sick of talking to each other but are still pouring their last beverages or craving a s'more or a bucket of popcorn. Now, these movies need to be interesting enough to spur conversation, but not so serious that if someone is talking over the movie, it ruins it for everyone—or that you can honestly be okay with falling asleep by the third act.
Grease (1978)
Now, not everyone loves musicals, but I think musicals are that perfect balance of, yeah, people can watch it or not watch it, they can laugh at it, they can sing along. And Grease is gonna be one of your classics that everyone kind of knows, but maybe people haven't watched in a long time or haven't watched all the way through. There's probably some "I can't believe they did that" or "I don't think that aged well" moments.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Another musical that I love is Mamma Mia! You just gotta escape into the music on this one. It is frivolous, it is silly, it is fun, it has big stars, and it features Meryl Streep having the time of her life on a Greek island. I think it's a good energy setter at the end of the night with a group of friends.
Bridesmaids (2011)
For something that's a little bit more comedic: Bridesmaids. What's more summertime than going to a wedding? And whether you are a bridesmaid, whether you are the bride, whether you're going to weddings or have gone to weddings, everyone can get something from Bridesmaids—including the iconic lines and the colonial woman on the wing churning butter.
La La Land (2016)
And lastly, another musical—Wow Luke, musicals!—La La Land. This is another fan favorite, but I expect people to fall asleep halfway through this one. I think the opening number people are gonna like, but I expect people to doze off about halfway through. It's a cozy movie, it's a fun movie, it's a happy movie, but yeah, people are gonna fall asleep by the end of this one.
Movies to Watch with a Group of Friends: The Bold Choice
Yeah, sometimes you want to crank it up at the end of the night in the summer. Maybe you're gonna pull an all-nighter, I don't know. And if the group dynamics are right, you can push the limit of a genre film to make the night never stop.
Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
Wet Hot American Summer. This cult comedy classic has everyone you know and love in modern comedy at the early onset of their careers just going for it. It has the summer camp vibe, it's silly, it's goofy, it's a little cringey at times, but it's a fun watch for everybody, especially because we know who these people would eventually become.
Prestige Horror: Get Out (2017) & Midsommar (2019)
Okay, gonna get into the horror genre. I said genre films—Get Out. Everyone loved this movie when it came out, but I expect most people haven't re-watched it in a while, so I think it's the perfect time for a Get Out rewatch this summer with your friends.
And another prestige horror movie that came around the same time that shocked the world: Midsommar. I mean, summertime, midsummer... I don't know if "fun" is the right word, but you could definitely get some screams and some shouts. And I expect most people haven't re-watched this one as well in a long time. Not as entertaining of a watch, I think, as Get Out, but both are two prestige horror movies that I think could work well in a group dynamic this summer.
Campy '80s Slashers
For folks that don't like horror movies, or maybe people that want to laugh at an old horror movie, I suggest any of the camp slasher movies. So that is Friday the 13th, parts 1 through 4, or 7 or 8. The first two are probably actually pretty scary still, especially if you're watching this maybe outside or at a cabin. But it's not gonna be scary enough where people aren't gonna be able to sleep at night or people are gonna turn the TV off. I mean, The Strangers is a fun one to re-watch, but I suggest sticking to something that's a little bit more campy, and these '80s slashers are campy. Some other ones of that era that are a little bit fringe: The Burning or Sleepaway Camp. I'm sure you'll have discussions at the end of that movie.
Stealing Beauty (1996)
Okay, we're moving on from the horror genre. This one's a bit off the beaten path: Stealing Beauty, starring a young, young, young Liv Tyler. This is a weird movie. It feels like you're watching a coming-of-age rom-com, but some weird stuff happens in it. I can't really explain it, but it would be really fun to watch with a certain group of friends at the end of the night.
High School Musical 2 (2007)
And lastly, speaking of millennials, I would suggest potentially—I would not endorse, but if you took some substances or if you had some adult beverage influences at the end of the night—try popping in High School Musical 2. We all have seen it, don't lie out there, and I think if everyone's a little loose, this movie becomes really fun to watch with a group. This is one of those "love to hate, hate to love" types of movies. It might be fun to watch starting after midnight. You know that term like, "Eh, nothing good happens after 1 a.m."? I think watching High School Musical 2 with your friends with some enhancements is one good thing that could come after 1 a.m.
Movies to Watch Right When School Gets Out or Before School Starts
The summer is bookended with two feelings that, even as an adult without kids myself, I still feel to my core: the last few days of school and the final few days of summer. Fortunately, there are some amazing movies that capture the feeling of relief and bedlam at the start of the summer, and the melancholy and excitement for the return to school at the end.
For the Start of Summer
Back to the Future (1985)
Booksmart (2019)
Dazed and Confused (1993)
For the Return to School
American Graffiti (1973) – Which Dazed and Confused got a lot of its structure from.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) – The Wes Anderson coming-of-age story.
Remember the Titans (2000) – One to get hyped for the new school year.
Wrap-Up: What's on Your Summer List?
Okay, now it's time to watch some movies this summer. What are your favorite movies to watch in the summer? Please comment and share with me on social media—you can find those in the show links.
Join us on patreon.com/leastimportantthings. Share your favorite movies, share photos of maybe your outdoor movie setup this summer. I want to know your thoughts about our list, any categories we missed, or any suggestions that can help other friends of the show when they're in the situation where, "Hey, you're the movie fan, you should pick for our entire group this summer." Give them a suggestion, an idea. Let me know on patreon.com/leastimportantthings.
Have a great summer, and we'll talk to you next time on Least Important Things!