Summertime means plenty of time spent outdoors – swimming, beach tripping, boating, barbecuing… The best of summer. But after a full day of adventures and sun, it can be nice to break away from the heat, keep cool, and relax. For those times, there’s nothing quite like a summer movie night. What could be better than free entertainment and creating priceless memories with friends and family?
Some of my favorite memories include watching movies with my friends and cousins. In the summer months, when school’s out and the days are hot and long and there’s nothing that has to be done, it’s the perfect time for blankets and popcorn and a good movie.
Here are my picks for the 10 best summer movies:
- To Catch a Thief – One of my all-time favorites! Starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, this Hitchcock film features romance, mystery, and intrigue along the beautiful French Riviera.
- The Parent Trap – I never tire of this one. Wholesome entertainment that everyone can enjoy. Plus, it all begins at a summer camp where the best kinds of memories are created.
- The Sandlot – A classic! Friendship, adventures, and America’s favorite pastime. It’s quite simply summer at its best.
- Beach Blanket Bingo – This film is silly and fun, and with music from Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, it has all the makings of a classic beach party movie.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl – One of the best adventure movies! No doubt, you’re familiar with this one…. I mean, it’s hard to forget a character like Captain Jack Sparrow. I love this Disney favorite.
- Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation – James Stewart is a businessman who takes his family on a seaside vacation, which turns out to be everything but relaxing.
- Hook – I love this retelling of Peter Pan. A grown-up Peter must remember who he is in order to save his kids who’ve been kidnapped by Captain Hook.
- Troop Beverly Hills – An all-around fun comedy. Shelley Long is a spoiled Beverly Hills housewife that takes leadership of her daughter’s Girl Scout troop and teaches the troops some very useful skills… like where to appraise diamonds!
- Gidget – A summer 50’s classic. Sandra Dee plays a teen that falls for two surfers who teach her to surf. I’ve enjoyed this movie since my teen years.
- Rear Window – Another Hitchcock film with a little more suspense. Jimmy Stewart stars as a photojournalist with a broken leg and little to do but observe his neighbors from his rear window during a sweltering New York summer. When he thinks he witnesses a murder, he tries to solve the crime himself alongside his love interest, Lisa Fremont, played by Grace Kelly. This movie is fantastic, and Hitchcock does well to tell stories within a story while never once leaving Stewart’s apartment.
Any other movies you’d add to the list? I would love to know!
