From musical must-watches like “Mamma Mia,” to classics like “Jaws,” to mind-bending thrillers like “Midsommar,” plenty of great films are available via streaming services. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, chilling on a plane or hosting a backyard movie night, these movies are sure to entertain you all summer long.
A movie for that perfect Italian aesthetic…“Call Me by Your Name” (2017)
In the sun-drenched beauty of 1980s Italy, “Call Me by Your Name” spins a tale of unexpected summer love. Elio (Timothée Chalamet), a naive 17-year-old, finds himself enamored with Oliver (Armie Hammer), a charming American scholar staying with his family. As their romance blossoms, the film delicately navigates the complexities of desire, identity and heartbreak, all set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and an unfortunately memorable peach scene. It’s a poignant and visually captivating journey of love and self-discovery that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s available to watch on Hulu.
A movie for when you want to sing your heart out…“Mamma Mia!” (2008)
On a sun-kissed Greek island, “Mamma Mia!” unfolds like a musical postcard from the ‘70s. When Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) decides to invite her three possible fathers to her wedding, chaos ensues for her mother, Donna (Meryl Streep), who hasn’t seen them in decades, leading to a hilarious and heartwarming tangle of past flames and present-day shenanigans. With toe-tapping ABBA hits, glittering costumes and Streep belting her heart out, “Mamma Mia!” is a joyful reminder that even when life gets complicated, a little music and a lot of love can go a long way. The film is available now on Netflix.
A movie that will keep you up at night…“Midsommar” (2019)
“Midsommar” is like a vacation brochure from hell, offering a picturesque Swedish getaway with a side of cult activity. When Dani (Florence Pugh) and her friends join a rural community’s midsummer celebration, they expect quaint traditions and scenic beauty. Instead, they encounter a cult with rituals that make your average summer BBQ look tame. With unsettling rituals, creepy chants and a floral aesthetic that’s more sinister than serene, “Midsommar” is a horror film that proves sometimes the scariest things are hidden in plain sight. It’s available to stream now on Max.
A movie that will make you not want to go to the beach…“Jaws” (1975)
In “Jaws,” a seaside town’s summer plans go off the deep end when a great white shark decides to crash the beach party. When a trio of unlikely heroes — a police chief, a marine biologist and a grizzled fisherman — team up to stop this underwater terror, they soon realize they’re going to need a bigger boat and a lot more sunscreen. With iconic suspense, memorable one-liners and a soundtrack that makes you question every dip in the ocean, “Jaws” is a timeless classic that might just make you rethink your next trip to the beach. It’s available now on Amazon Prime Video.
A movie with an ending that will break your heart…“The Florida Project” (2017)
Set against the backdrop of a motel across the street from Disney World, “The Florida Project” follows the misadventures of six-year-old Moonee (Brooklyn Prince) and her ragtag group of pals as they navigate the ups and downs of their complicated childhood through rose-colored glasses. While the kids create chaos and mischief, Moonee’s single mom tries to make ends meet amidst the shadow of the happiest place on earth. With a mix of childlike wonder and gritty reality, “The Florida Project” is a bittersweet reminder that sometimes, the most magical moments happen amidst the most painful and unexpected places. “The Florida Project” is available on Netflix.
A movie to watch after blasting Harry Styles music in the car…“Don’t Worry Darling” (2022)
“Don’t Worry Darling” takes us back to the 1950s, when life was filled with glamorous clothing, retro cars and Harry Styles. When a housewife discovers that her idyllic suburban life might be a facade hiding sinister secrets, she dives headfirst into a stylish game of cat and mouse. As she peels back the layers of deception, she realizes that how everyone’s hair manages to stay perfect might not be the only secret. With a blend of ominous music, gorgeous fashion and chilling suspense, “Don’t Worry Darling” keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, proving that the past isn’t as glamorous as it seems. The thriller is available on Max.
A movie for a day you want that Wes Anderson magic…“Moonrise Kingdom” (2012)
“Moonrise Kingdom” is a heartwarming adventure that feels like a Wes Anderson-themed scavenger hunt through the wilderness of childhood. When two young runaways decide to elope on a small New England island, they set off a chain of events that involves a Scout troop, a stolen canoe and a crazy search party. With Wes Anderson’s signature style, “Moonrise Kingdom” offers us a charming escape that reminds us that sometimes love is worth breaking a few rules. The Anderson classic is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
A movie that will make you cringe, but will secretly enjoy…“The Kissing Booth” (2018)
“The Kissing Booth” is a romantic comedy perfect for a hot, summer day. When Elle (Joey King) decides to run a kissing booth at her school’s carnival, she never imagines that it will lead to a whirlwind romance with her best friend’s older brother, Noah (Jacob Elordi). As their forbidden love blossoms, Elle must navigate all the complexities of being stuck in a love triangle. “The Kissing Booth” is a guilty pleasure that’s sure to make you smile, cringe and maybe even laugh a little. The film is streaming on Netflix.
A movie that will remind you love is real…“The Notebook” (2004)
“The Notebook” is a love story that feels like a warm hug on a rainy day. When Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams) meet one fateful summer in the 1940s, sparks fly as they fall in love. However, war, social class differences and disapproving parents put their romance to the test. With more heartstring-tugging moments than a Hallmark movie marathon, “The Notebook” is a timeless tale of love, loss and the enduring power of love at first sight. The film is available now on Amazon Prime Video.
A movie that will remind you of your childhood…“The Parent Trap” (1998)
“The Parent Trap” is a twin-tastic comedy perfect for all ages. When Hallie (Lindsay Lohan) and Annie discover they’re twins at summer camp, they switch places in an attempt to reunite their divorced parents. With lots of chaos and fun mischief, this movie will have you in for lots of laughs and leave with you maybe wishing you had your own twin. The 90s classic is streaming on Disney+.
A movie to watch during a road trip…“Jurassic Park” (1993)
“Jurassic Park” is a dino-mite adventure that will have you wishing you could do more than just see dinosaur bones in a museum. When a billionaire’s dream of a dinosaur theme park becomes a nightmare, a group of visitors must survive a “vacation” they didn’t sign up for. As the dinosaurs run amok, we get an exciting firsthand look into what would happen if dinosaurs never went extinct. “Jurassic Park” is available on Netflix.
A movie to watch with friends…“Monte Carlo” (2011)
When a case of mistaken identity lands Grace (Selena Gomez) and her friends an opportunity to play heiress, they quickly embrace their luxurious new roles in “Monte Carlo.” But when navigating the life of riches turns complicated, the trio faces a plethora of wild entanglements. From stolen jewels, to elaborate balls, this movie might just have you planning a spontaneous trip. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video.
A movie to watch just for fun…“The Lost City” (2022)
“The Lost City” is a rom-com featuring Sandra Bullock, a damsel who doesn’t think she’s in distress, Daniel Radcliffe, a psychotic villain, and Channing Tatum, a vigilante with a few issues. When an author gets kidnapped by a billionaire, the pages of her novel start coming to life. It’s up to her cover model, who never actually read the book…or any book for that matter, to save her. The film is streaming on Hulu.
A movie for a day you need a good laugh…“Just Go With It” (2011)
“Just Go With It” brings together America’s favorite comedy duo: Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston. When plastic surgeon Danny (Adam Sandler) enlists his assistant Katherine (Jennifer Anniston) to play his fake ex-wife, a crazy story unfolds. With a trip to Hawaii on the horizon, and a crew of made-up kids and family members by their side, Danny and Katherine try to hilariously survive through the web of lies this vacation has entangled them in. The comedy is available on Peacock.
A movie that will resurrect your Leonardo Dicaprio obsession…“Romeo + Juliet” (1996)
“Romeo + Juliet” is a modern retelling of the Shakespearean classic infused with a hip-hop and Verona Beach flair. The film follows the ill-fated story of two young star-crossed lovers, as they battle family feuds, gun fights, crazy parties and, of course, love. With Leonardo Dicaprio and Claire Danes bringing these two iconic characters back to life, a passionate, spunky and chaotic story, filled with retro cars and Hawaiian shirts unfolds. The film is available on Hulu.