21 Classic Summer Movies

By Caitlin Peterkin  |  June 21, 2011 | 10:16am
Movies Lists

14. The Parent Trap
1961/1998
Knock Lindsay Lohan and her fake British accent all you want—we loved the remake almost as much as the original. Eleven-year-old LiLo had all the charm and maturity of Hayley Mills. Who knew that was as far as she was every going to mature? Don’t pretend that you didn’t try to learn their super-cool handshake.

13. I Know What You Did Last Summer
1997
Though it didn’t create quite the franchise of Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer certainly provides the same quality terror perfect for those summer sleepovers.

12. The Endless Summer
1966
A classic documentary about surfers in search for the perfect wave, The Endless Summer transports viewers around the world to some of the most beautiful oceans and sunny, sandy beaches.

11. Dirty Dancing
1987
The summer romance between Baby and Johnny Castle is a favorite among many. We could save you from the multitude of cliched quotes Dirty Dancing delivers, but where’s the fun in that? Instead we’ll end with this—when you watch this movie, you’ll have the time of your life.

10. Do the Right Thing
1989
Spike Lee’s masterpiece, taking place in scorching Brooklyn in the summer, has been considered one of the best movies of all time, and certainly one of the most controversial, with poignant depictions of race relations. Do yourself a favor, and rent Do the Right Thing for the next heat wave.

9. American Graffiti
1973
Hollywood loves nostalgic movies, and George Lucas’ film takes place in the 1950s on the last day of summer, following a group of teenagers in their adventures before they leave for college. With heavyweights such as Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Mackenzie Phillips and Harrison Ford, this is a must-see for any teenager heading off to college.

8. Now and Then
1995
The Stand By Me for girls, Now and Then brings together four women who were childhood friends. Demi Moore narrates the film, as they reminisce about the summer of 1970—a summer of discovery that changed their lives.

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