"Summers hold some of my best memories—childhood or otherwise. As a kid, they meant no more homework, riding bikes, attending summer camp, and watching nostalgic summer movies. It’s a feeling we all remember and cherish: eating popsicles while sitting on hot pavement, running through the sprinkler, and getting “sun tired.” As an adult, summer may be a little less carefree, but still full of sun, fun, and enjoying some of the best blockbusters of the entire year.
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There are so many ways to lean into the nostalgia that summer brings around, from losing yourself in a romance novel to spending an entire day at the beach. But if you’re like me and your idea of a good time on a hot summer day is curling up in the AC with a comfort movie playing, there are plenty of nostalgic summer movies to add to your queue this year. Here are 13 throwback movies that capture the essence of summer break.
1. The Sandlot
No summer movie list would be complete without ‘The Sandlot,’ the 90s classic coming-of-age kids film. Newcomer Scott Smalls attempts to fit in with a group of boys who play baseball down at the neighborhood sandlot. Despite his initial lack of skill, Scott earns his place on the team with the help of their leader, Benny. The boys’ summer is filled with unforgettable escapades. The Sandlot is a heartwarming and humorous look at the bonds of friendship, the joys of summer, and the magic of baseball.
2. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ captures the poignant and transformative summer of four lifelong friends—Lena, Tibby, Carmen, and Bridget—who are about to spend their first summer apart. To stay connected, they decide to share a pair of jeans that magically fits each of them perfectly despite their different body types. Although it’s a silly concept, the film has a lot to say about growing up, finding yourself, and navigating life’s challenges. Luckily, in these girls’ cases, they have each other and a whole lot of summer firsts (both good and bad) to wade through.
3. Adventureland
Theme parks are a staple of summer vacations, but ‘Adventureland’ is no Disneyland. This comedy-drama is directed by the same guy who did ‘Superbad’ (Greg Mottola), so you know you’re in for a wild and crazy ride. ‘Adventureland’ is a hilarious and touching glimpse into the world of summer jobs and awkward romances. With Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart leading the way, this movie is like an 80s mixtape come to life. It’s perfect for those who remember their first summer job and all the chaos that came with it.
4. Wet Hot American Summer
‘Wet Hot American Summer’ is an absolute riot. This comedic gem satirizes 80s teen sex comedies while taking all the chaos and incestuousness of summer camp and cranking up the absurdity. With a star-studded cast, this film is an over-the-top classic that delivers nonstop laughs. From Paul Rudd’s hilariously exaggerated sulking to Amy Poehler and Bradley Cooper’s fervent yet chaotic production of the camp talent show, every scene is packed with memorable moments. ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ captures the essence of summer camp in the most ridiculously entertaining ways.
5. Dazed and Confused
One of the quintessential 90s stoner movies, ‘Dazed and Confused’ is a reminder of the magic that awaited us all on the last day of school before summer break. Directed by Richard Linklater, this cult favorite is a love letter to teenage rebellion and the joy of cruising aimlessly with your friends. The killer soundtrack, filled with rock anthems from the 70s, perfectly complements the film’s laid-back, rebellious vibe. It’s a true nostalgia trip that reminds us to keep livin’ for today and to cherish the carefree summer nights of our past.
6. The Parent Trap
Double the baby-faced Lindsay Lohan, double the fun! ‘The Parent Trap’ brings us the story of twin sisters separated at birth who, coincidentally, are sent to the same summer camp by their respective parent. After figuring out they’re twins, they hatch a plan to get their parents back together, and hilarity ensues. The film has all the charm of a 90s Lindsay Lohan romp and is definitely one of her best roles. Between the summer camp hijinks and the privileged lives the girls lead, this movie will make you wish you had a long-lost twin to reunite with this summer, too.
7. Blue Crush
‘Blue Crush’ is an inspiring surf movie set on Hawaii’s North Shore. It follows Anne Marie, her little sister Penny, and friends Eden and Lena as they balance working as maids to pay the bills with doing what they really love: surfing. If you like surfing, there’s plenty to go around in ‘Blue Crush,’ including waves caught by famous pro athletes. But even if you’re not a surfer, the locations alone in the film are enough to make you want to book a summer trip to the beach.
8. Mamma Mia!
Cue the ABBA! ‘Mamma Mia!’ is a joyful, sun-soaked musical inspired by the Swedish pop group’s music, set on a gorgeous Greek island. The story follows a young bride-to-be, Sophie, who invites three men from her mother’s past to her wedding, hoping to discover which one is her father. The film offers a delightful mix of romance, comedy, and all the ABBA sing-alongs you can handle. With an incredible cast led by Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, alongside Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård, this movie radiates pure, unadulterated fun. Perfect for a summer girls’ night in or any time you need to feel like a dancing queen.
9. National Lampoon’s Vacation
‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’ is the ultimate road trip comedy from the 80s, filled with hilarious mishaps and unforgettable moments. Chevy Chase leads the way as the well-meaning but hapless head of the family, Clark Griswold, who is determined to give his family the best vacation ever — at all costs. Will they ever reach Wally World? Who knows?! But it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters, right? ‘Vacation’ is a riotous reminder of all the things that can go wrong on a family trip, making it a perfect way to reminisce about your own dysfunctional summer family vacations.
10. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Sometimes, summers are full of heartbreak. But hey, at least you didn’t run into your ex and her new boyfriend while trying to forget her in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Forgetting Sarah Marshall follows Peter, who does just that after his breakup with Sarah. It’s a hilarious and heartfelt journey of self-discovery and healing, with a stunning tropical backdrop and a hilarious cast that in addition to Jason Segel and Kristin Bell also includes Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, Bill Hader, and Jonah Hill. If anything, it will make you feel better about your own life, and is perfect for a summer movie night in when you need a good laugh and a little Hawaiian escapism.
11. Aquamarine
‘Aquamarine’ appeals to that mermaid-loving little girl in all of us. Who wouldn’t want to find a real-life mermaid? This is the perfect film for that kid in all of us who wanted to be a marine biologist when we grew up. Besides the beautiful mermaid, ‘Aquamarine’ is also a heartfelt story about friendship, first crushes, and the challenges of growing up. It will make you miss summers with your childhood best friend, and those sun-soaked beach days of pre-teen adolescence when you had your whole lives ahead of you.
12. The Baby-Sitters Club
This movie is instant nostalgia for anyone who grew up reading ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ books. It’s like a whole bunch of the books rolled into one, with the girls getting into all kinds of adventures together during one long summer. This movie also has plenty of angsty tumultous family moments, crushes on boys, and 90s fashion to go around, too. Whether you ever babysat or not (or read the books or not), ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ movie makes you wish you did and were as cool as Kristy and her friends.
13. Dirty Dancing
Nobody puts Baby in a corner! ‘Dirty Dancing’ is the quintessential summer romance featuring Patrick Swayze as Johnny and Jennifer Grey as “Baby.” Funny enough, it’s based on writer Eleanor Bergstein’s own childhood, as she vacationed in the Catskills with her family. The movie gets a little more scandalous than reality as Baby navigates classism, misogyny, a friend’s abortion, and her budding romance. It’s really more soap opera than musical. But with its iconic dance scenes and a soundtrack that defined the 80s, Dirty Dancing is truly a timeless classic. Maybe this is the summer you learn to dirty dance from a hot dance instructor at a vacation resort. Time to practice those lifts!