Kait Mae

With summer starting up, and my first year working in an office through the season, I just knew I’d need some movies that let me live out the vacay vibes despite being in an office 8 hours of the day. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but I miss the summer already. So, I made a list of movies that feel like summer to me. So, without further ado, here they are if you need a touch of summer.

‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again’

I don’t think anyone can blame me for putting both of these musicals. I remember watching the sequel in college and going, “I want that kind of summer minus the pregnancy.” I wanted nothing more than to dance through Greece – which I know is far-fetched, but a theater kid can dream.

‘The Sandlot’

There’s something that just feels like summer when I watched The Sandlot a few years ago. So, I’m adding this baseball classic that everybody should watch at least once. And if you have watched it already, watch it again.

‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’

This movie is basically four summers in one. Whether it’s Lena in Santorini or Tibby stuck working back home, there’s something about it that captures every flavor of what summer feels like – growth, longing, friendship, and a few questionable fashion choices. Bonus points if you have a group chat that’s been trying to plan a trip for three years.

‘Aquamarine’

Mermaids. Sleepovers. Tropical, girly chaos. Aquamarine is middle school summer in a bottle – complete with poolside crushes and magical glittery moments. It’s sweet, it’s silly, and it makes me want to wear seashell earrings and believe in true love all over again.

For more mermaid content, check out: How I Would Adapt the Emily Windsnap Series

‘Palm Springs’

A time loop in the desert might not sound like summer vibes, but trust me – this one delivers. Think infinity pool meets existential crisis, with Andy Samberg in a Hawaiian shirt. It’s like summer vacation for your brain, plus some surprisingly heartfelt moments. I might have to revisit it again this summer.

‘Luca’

I watched Luca and immediately wanted to run off to a sleepy Italian town (which isn’t a new thing, to be honest), ride a Vespa, and eat pasta until I melted into the cobblestones. It’s sun-drenched and full of friendship and freedom – the exact spirit of a kid’s summer that never ends.

‘Grown Ups’

Okay, hear me out: Is it high cinema? No. But Grown Ups is basically a long weekend at the lake with people you’ve known forever. It’s dumb fun, has waterparks and backyard BBQs, and kind of makes you want to call your childhood friends just to reminisce. Bonus points: you can do a mini marathon with the sequel, or just watch all Adam Sandler movies.

‘Along for the Ride’

A low-key beach town, nighttime bike rides, and a classic YA girl-meets-boy story – it’s very much a “coastal coming-of-age” kind of summer. It’s soft, it’s reflective, and it makes me want to stay up late and stargaze, even if I’m just sitting on my porch. I’m definitely going to have to revisit this book and movie combo.

Want more rom-coms? Check out this post on romantic comedy books and movies!

‘The Little Mermaid’

Whether you’re watching the animated version or the live-action, The Little Mermaid will always be peak summer escapism. It’s the ultimate beach day fantasy – sea caves, singing crabs, and that “I just want more” summer feeling. Also, who doesn’t love playing mermaids in the pool, even as adults?

‘Blue Crush’

I watched this movie and immediately believed I could surf (note: I cannot) (another note: I’m actually scared of the ocean). Blue Crush is soaked in ocean spray, determination, and low-rise everything. If you’re craving some early 2000s beach grit and girl power, this one’s for you.

‘The Way, Way Back’

This is one of those quieter summer movies, but it hits hard. A coming-of-age story set at a waterpark with Steve Carell somehow playing the worst stepdad? Sign me up. It’s awkward and warm and weirdly comforting, like a sunburn after a day well spent.

‘The Last Summer’

This one is a bit of a teen drama buffet, but it leans into all the clichés I secretly love—final parties, figuring life out, saying goodbye. It’s summer right before everything changes, and sometimes that’s exactly the vibe I want. This cast had so many actors I spent high school watching, so that’s a bonus point in my book.

Wish it were still spring? Check out these movies that feel like spring!

‘Girls Trip’

Hot girl summer personified. This movie is chaotic in the best way—hilarious, heartfelt, and filled with friendship and fruity drinks. It makes me want to book a trip with my friends immediately (and maybe pack extra zip ties… just in case). Can the sequel come quicker?

‘In the Heights’

No movie screams “it’s too hot to function” quite like In the Heights. With its sweat-slicked dance numbers, block parties, and dreams dripping in sunlight, it’s a celebration of community, culture, and summer in the city. I wanted to jump into the screen and sing along—badly, but with heart.Which of these is next on your watch list? I think The Last Summer is calling my name this weekend.