Everyone knows that summer is the perfect time for pool parties, trips to the beach, and all kinds of fun adventures with friends and family. That’s all well and good at first, yet eventually, the summer days begin to drag on. As the weeks go by and the temperature becomes unbearable, you may find yourself looking for better ways to beat the heat. If you’re anything like me, nothing saves you from a hot and humid day like a movie marathon (inside with the air conditioning on full blast, of course). So crank your AC all the way down, pull that fan near, and have your popcorn at the ready. Here’s your ultimate bucket list of the best movies to watch on your cool day in (not in any particular order, of course).
- Jaws
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This movie never fails on a hot July day. You’re probably old enough now to understand that sharks really can’t come that close to the shoreline (or at least.… they shouldn’t), so nothing’s stopping you from hitting play and reciting some of these classic lines. We’re gonna need a bigger boat!
- Dirty Dancing
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Summertime is probably the best season to binge on some of your most beloved 80s films, especially since this movie takes place at a summer resort. Get your dancing shoes on and get ready to sing along to some nostalgic hits!
- Mamma Mia!
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Watching Mamma Mia! always makes me want to book a flight to Mykonos. You may not be able to get there this summer, but who knows what the future holds? Anyways, with this upbeat movie, it’s not hard to pretend. Just close your eyes and try to imagine that your mother is Meryl Streep and that she owns a little hotel on a Greek island.… what, is that so hard?
- Camp Rock
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Did you even have a childhood if you didn’t spend some of it anticipating the release of this Disney original? Besides, with the recent return of the Jonas Brothers, it might be fun to reminisce on that crush you had on Shane Gray and his brothers.
- Mean Girls
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Seriously –– would this even be a movie bucket list without it?
- The Notebook
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Whether you’re pining over the crush you had from college or just need a distraction from the fact that you’re going yet another year without a summer love, this is the perfect flick for a summer movie-thon. Treat yourself to a pint of ice cream, and keep the tissue box close!
- Twilight
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That’s right. If you have the time, try to get through the whole series! Were you Team Edward or Team Jacob?
- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
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You just can’t go wrong with this classic chick flick. And besides, what’s a steamy summer day without a little Matthew McConaughey on the big screen?
- A Star is Born
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No, I’m not recommending that you buy a fresh DVD for $20. What I am suggesting is that you search for the version that came before all the Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper drama. This film was remade several times, and each is a little different than the one before it. If you’re a romantic at heart and are looking for a blast from the past, the 1976 version of A Star is Born starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson might be the perfect summer flick for you (if you can find a way to stream it, of course).
- Moana
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Okay, last Disney pick, I promise. But also, come on –– who can resist this princess picture? Get back in touch with the ocean and sit back and relax to sweet summery sound of Dwayne Johnson.
- Titanic
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You may not be sailing away on a cruise ship this summer, but if you squint just tight enough, you can try to picture yourself in Leonardo DiCaprio’s arms instead.
- Soul Surfer
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Yeah, remember this one? I ’m pretty sure we all remember walking out of the movie theater with tears in our eyes and still have a girl crush on AnnaSophia Robb to this day. Umm.… is someone cutting onions?
- Pulp Fiction
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A 90s classic that will definitely keep you glued to the TV for a while.
- 10 Things I Hate About You
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Just because I’m pretty sure we all still ship Kat and Patrick even after all this time.
- Shutter Island
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If you’re not big on horror movies, yet are still looking for a thriller to get you through the heat, this may be the pick for you. It’s got dramatic music, eye-catching scenery, gripping suspense, and of course, your daily dose of Leonardo DiCaprio.