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The best movies to watch in the summer don’t all have to be set on beaches or revolve around holidays. Sometimes, it’s the atmosphere that’s important. A warm evening in a foreign city, a spontaneous journey, a soundtrack that feels like sunshine or characters who make you want to pack a bag and see the world can all capture the feeling of summer. The following 10 best summer movies each offer something different, so they’re perfect for a weekend marathon or a slow afternoon when it’s to hot to enjoy the outdoors.

1. Before Sunrise

There’s something magical about meeting someone by chance and deciding to spend just one day together. Before Sunrise follows two strangers, Celine (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke), who wander through Vienna after meeting on a train. The film unfolds almost entirely through conversation, as the characters talk about everything from love and dreams to the future. 

With a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie invites you to slow down with it. The warm European streets and golden light create an atmosphere that feels tailor-made for summer. It’s the perfect choice when you’re craving something thoughtful, nostalgic and romantic. 

2. People We Meet on Vacation

Love the friends-to-lovers trope? This one’s for you. Based on Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, People We Met on Vacation celebrates friendship, travel and the complicated feelings that sometimes grow between the two. The film stars Emily Bader as travel writer Poppy and Tom Blyth as her dependable best friend, Alex.

Every year, the two reunite for a holiday somewhere new to create memories that slowly blur the line between friendship and romance. The chemistry between the leads keeps things interesting, even if the story sticks closely to familiar romcom territory. It’s a light, easy movie to watch in the summer that might leave you dreaming about your next getaway.

3. Mamma Mia!

ABBA’s greatest hits and a sun-soaked Greek island are reason enough to press play on Mamma Mia!. Amanda Seyfried plays Sophie, who invites three men from her mother Donna’s past to her wedding without her knowing. She invited them in the hope of finding her father. Meryl Streep, starring as Donna, leads an impressive cast that also includes Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Dominic Cooper, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters.

The singing may not always be polished, but that’s part of the fun. Packed with colorful scenery, big dance numbers and plenty of laughs, you’ll find singing along hard to resist.

4. One Million Yen Girl

Not every summer film needs big adventures to leave an impression. One Million Yen Girl finds beauty in ordinary moments as Suzuko (Yu Aoi) leaves home after serving a short jail sentence and starts over in different towns across Japan. Each time she saves one million yen, she packs up and moves somewhere new in the hope that a fresh start will solve everything.

Along the way, you get peaceful scenery, simple daily routines and a look at what it really means to grow up. If you enjoy slow-paced, character-driven stories, this gentle slice-of-life drama offers a refreshing change of pace.

5. Roman Holiday

There’s a reason Roman Holiday still appears on lists of the greatest classic romances as well as the best summer movies to watch. Audrey Hepburn won an Academy Award for her performance as Princess Ann, a royal who secretly spends a carefree day exploring Rome with an American journalist she meets unexpectedly, Joe, played by Gregory Peck. 

The two wander through famous landmarks, enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere and create one of cinema’s most iconic Vespa rides. The romance is warm, but not overly sentimental. Plus, Rome itself is every bit as charming as the leading stars. 

6. Almost Famous

Turn up the volume before pressing play because Almost Famous is as much about the music as it is the story. Inspired by director Cameron Crowe’s own teenage years writing for Rolling Stone, the Oscar-winning film takes you on tour with the fictional rock band Stillwater.

Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Patrick Fugit and Frances McDormand deliver unforgettable performances, with McDormand’s famous line, “My son has been kidnapped by rock stars!” remaining one of the film’s most iconic highlights. Add in a soundtrack packed with classic rock favorites, and you’ll have plenty of songs to carry your summer.

7. How Stella Got Her Groove Back

Jamaica provides the postcard-worthy backdrop in How Stella Got Her Groove Back, but the Caribbean island is only part of the story. Angela Bassett is Stella, a stockbroker who has become so focused on work that she barely makes time for herself. A holiday with her best friend, Delilah, played by Whoopi Goldberg, changes that when she meets Winston (Taye Diggs), a charming man 20 years her junior.

The romance is fun, complicated and heartfelt. It asks whether love is worth pursuing despite distance and an age gap. Between the tropical scenery and Stella’s journey back to herself, this is one feel-good film that fits perfectly into a summer movie marathon.

8. La Chimera

Golden Italian landscapes and dreamy cinematography give La Chimera the feeling og a summer holiday you never want to end. Josh O’Connor stars as Arthur, a British archeologist living in rural Tuscany who uses his unusual gift to find ancient burial sites with a group of grave robbers.

Beneath the treasure hunting lies a moving story about grief, love and searching for purpose after loss. Director Alice Rohrwacher mixes fantasy with reality. On the other hand, cinematographer Hélène Louvart uses different film formats to create a beautifully timeless look. It’s an unusual film, but one that rewards anyone willing to settle into its slow rhythm.

9. Some Like It Hot

Chaos kicks off almost immediately in Some Like It Hot. After witnessing a mob crime in Chicago, musicians Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon) disguise themselves as women to join an all-female band heading to Miami.

Along the way, they meet Sugar Kane, played by Marilyn Monroe, whose dream of marrying a wealthy millionaire leads to even more hilarious misunderstandings. Directed by Billy Wilder, this comedy has earned its reputation as one of the funniest films ever made. The jokes still land decades later, which proves that great comedy really doesn’t go out of style.

10. Call Me By Your Name

Long, lazy afternoons, quiet bike rides and endless Italian sunshine give Call Me By Your Name its sun-drenched atmosphere. Set in northern Lombardy, the film turns every garden, country road and al fresco meals into the perfect summer escape. 

Timothée Chalamet delivers a breakout performance that gives him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film also received four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Whether you like the story or not, there’s a good chance you’ll want to watch it again just to experience the beauty of Northern Italy captured by the movie.

Popcorn Beats Sunburn

Some days, the best summer plans happen indoors. Now go pour yourself a cold drink, dim the light and let these best summer movies bring all the sun-soaked vibes without the heat.