Summertime. The season of ball games, pool time, fireworks, cookouts and of course, the blockbuster.
To paraphrase the unknowingly wise Forrest Gump, movies and summer go together like peas and carrots. When it’s too hot outside, there’s no better escape than a dark, AC cranked theater. And when dusk starts to pull the sun down over the horizon after a long summer day, there’s no better way to watch your favorite film than at the drive-in.
So, with summer in full swing, let’s check out some of the best summer films over the years.
The Sandlot
Smalls, Benny, Ham and the rest of the gang provide a hilarious coming-of-age story about the glory days of playing baseball and getting into shenanigans with the neighborhood kids in the summer. It’s charming, funny and a great watch for the entire family. A true 90’s classic.
Dazed & Confused
What’s a better way to kickstart summer than the last day of school? Another 90s classic that follows the high school trope of relationships and fresh summertime debauchery. Plus, it’s Matthew Mcconaughey’s first film and his most quoted line, “Alright, alright, alright.” So, if you haven’t watched it. Do it. Because it’d “Be a lot cooler if you did.”
Independence Day
What more do you need than Will Smith and Jeff Goldbloom fighting off an alien invasion on the 4th of July? If you like summer blockbusters, then there is none bigger than Independence Day. I mean, how many presidents can deliver that rallying speech and then hop in a fighter jet to personally kick some alien butt?
Jumanji (any of them)
Whether you’re a stickler for the late, great Robin Williams’ version or you prefer the more recent action-packed Rock’s foray, Jumanji is another summer blockbuster franchise that’s amazing fun for the whole family. It’s got all the action you want with a hefty dose of humor to boot.
Point Break
Surfer dudes who rob banks? A detective who goes undercover to stop them but blurs the line of becoming one of them? What sounds more outlandishly summer than that? The revered Keanu Reeves and the late Patrick Swayze star in this California summer romp that doesn’t lack on any of the action.
Marvel movies (pick one)
If you want a fun, out of this world (literally, in some cases) movie that gives you all the bang for your summer blockbuster buck, then look no further than the Marvel cinematic universe. With more than 20 action-packed movies to choose from, you can’t go wrong with any of the Avengers and co.
500 Days of Summer
Not every summer flick has to be chock full of explosions and action star one-liners. Sometimes, a happy (or sad) love story is all you need for a good summer movie. And when you’ve got charismatic actors like Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, the chemistry and relatability comes naturally.
Jurassic Park
What’s more blockbuster worthy than a theme park full of dinosaurs?! This mid-90’s adventure movie wasn’t short on the thrills or the action and the special effects/animatronics still hold up to this day.
Jaws
Sometimes, a good summer movie just makes you want to think twice about indulging in all the lure of what makes summer great – like the beach. You’d be lying if you said you never thought twice about getting into the water after a viewing of Jaws.
Honorable mentions:
Obviously, it’s near impossible to include all the great summer flicks into one list, so here are some other great summer sizzlers:
- Forrest Gump
- E.T.
- Stand By Me
- The Goonies
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- Dirty Dancing
- Wet Hot American Summer
- Now and Then
- Indiana Jones
