Best movies to watch for post-summer feels

Oh, the wonders of summertime. ’tis the season of flooding golden rays, calm ocean breezes, and bottomless urges for adventures. As we watch the days grow longer and the temperature warmer, we just have to experience that magic you can only get from the heat given by the summer sun. And if going out is not an option, why not immerse yourself in movies? They will effortlessly transport you to sun-drenched destinations, spur devil-may-care laughs, and kindle the spirit of wanderlust within! Even if you’ve exhausted a lot of summer energy outside, watching summer movies will surely charge you up once again!

So, if you’re craving to embrace the essence of summer and embark on a cinematic journey that won’t feel the same any time of the year, then your search ends here. We handpicked a compelling collection of films that capture that refreshing tropical feeling. We promise you that even your nights will feel like summer on the shore! So what are you waiting for? Join us on a sun-kissed adventure through the silver screen. Here are the best movies to watch to experience the summer vibe in all its personal, mystical, and endlessly amusing glory!

Best movies to watch this summer!

The Way Way Back (2013)

Let’s kick off our summer film lineup with the ultimate combination: the irresistible blend of coming-of-age tales and aquatic adventures! The Way Way Back is a heartwarming gem that follows a teenager as he navigates the ups and downs of their family summer vacation. All the while, he forges an unlikely friendship with a water park manager along the way. I mean, let’s face it, who can resist the allure of water parks? Indeed, these delightful havens provide the perfect respite after a scorching day under the sun. It offers just the right mix of warmth, delight, and thrilling escapades that make summer truly memorable.

We’ve all been there—the tumultuous teenage years filled with social anxiety and epic glow-ups. And through laughter and tears, this remarkable film invites us to confront our own emotional hurdles. It inspires us to embrace our true selves during the slickest season of them all. With themes of loneliness, awkwardness, and the blossoming of self-confidence, it shows us that a single summer is an opportunity for growth!

Adventureland (2009)

Ah, what better way to add an extra dose of summer magic than with a perfect blend of amusement parks and romance? Adventureland is a delightful film that whisks us away to the summer of 1987, where a college graduate finds himself taking on a job at his local amusement park. As the season unfolds, he encounters a roller coaster ride of emotions with a fellow park employee. While our previous pick explored the journey of coming-of-age, this film delves into the realm of early adulthood. It captures their navigation through an unfamiliar world that can be both disappointing and exhilarating.

In it, a bunch of misfits uncertain gather to seek their way in both life and love while navigating adulthood. Against the backdrop of colorful amusement parks and the fervor of youthful angst, this film presents an unforgettable experience. And let’s not forget the soundtrack because it’s brimming with nostalgic tunes that perfectly capture the essence of youthful romances.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

And indulge me, for I simply must include Mamma Mia! in this esteemed lineup! As a certified ABBA aficionado, there’s no season more fitting than summer to wallow in the melodic splendor of this immortal supergroup. To elevate the experience, immerse yourself in their harmonies while relishing the idyllic air of sun-soaked panoramas. We follow the journey of an independent single mother on the cusp of marrying off her spirited daughter, whom she has lovingly raised alone. However, everything takes a turn as the daughter clandestinely invites three of her mother’s former flames to uncover the truth about her biological father.

Every aspect of the film exudes the essence of summer. Surrender to the enchanting fusion of ABBA’s timeless melodies and a heartwarming tale of familial bonds and community love. It’s the ultimate escapist movie, offering an irresistible escape when venturing outside may prove challenging. Within moments, you’ll find yourself transported to a sun-drenched Greek island, drowning in wine, and belting out Dancing Queen with unabashed glee. This is just one of the best movies to watch when you want to feel summer every once in a while.

Action movies to watch that are under 90 minutes!

Journey to the Shore (2015)

Let us now delve into a more melancholic summer. In Journey to the Shore, a mesmerizing tale that unfolds in the wake of Mizuki’s husband, Yusuke, mysteriously vanishing after three long years. Suddenly, he reappears, extending an invitation to Mizuki for a transformative journey. Together, they embark on a poignant road trip, retracing Yusuke’s footsteps and reconnecting his fragmented moments on his previous odyssey. This film serves as a bewitching ode to the ceaseless procession of time, where miles journeyed intertwine with cherished memories.

Beaches have long held symbolic significance within the realm of cinema, and Journey to the Shore is no exception. Deliberately paced, atmospheric, and intensely contemplative, this gem encapsulates the choices we make in our lives, much like the decision to abide on the shore or plunge into the vast blue ocean. We find ourselves immersed in the characters’ profound intertwining of past recollections and their resolve to forge ahead. For in the end, it is not solely the destination that matters, but rather the cathartic power of the journey itself.

Shara (2003)

We shall conclude our list with another cinematic gem that beautifully captures the bittersweet essence of summer. For even amidst the sun-kissed days, the season can harbor its fair share of dramatic narratives. Shara is a poignant tale of the Aso family, a quaint household nestled in the historic town of Nara. As the Jizo Festival unfolds under the sweltering midsummer heat, tragedy strikes when one of Aso’s twin boys mysteriously vanishes, leaving the family in disarray.

The film stands as both a celebration and a tragedy. It showcases life in its purest form, devoid of artifice or embellishment. Shara delves deep into the human experience, pondering on the inexplicable anguish that resides within us when we navigate the uncharted territories of loss. All of this unfolds against the emancipatory backdrop of the scorching summer heat and the relentless flow of time. Allow yourself to be consumed by its evocative essence. Oh god, the mesmerizing street festival scene—a captivating feast for the senses. You’re most certainly welcome.