21 movies that just scream summer vacation

Kristen Wiig and her Bridesmaids’ co-writer Annie Mumolo teamed up once again for 2021’s Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. It went a little under the radar, given it was released when the world was going through some things, but it’s a must for those who enjoy random humor and fun in the sun.

The Baby-Sitters Club is a feel-good movie about making the most (money) with one’s summer vacation with friends. While it’s a nostalgic trip for many, it also doubles as entrepreneur inspo.

Greece and the music of ABBA? Yes, and yes.

It's an entertaining movie for the entire family and quite possibly a reminder that movie nights might be a little more convenient and easier than a family vacation on the road.

Who knew when Will Smith delivered “Summertime” as The Fresh Prince in 1991 that it would act as a sort of premonition to his future as a summer Blockbuster titan?

Kids today need to know that going out on their bikes to solve an old murder mystery is a million times more interesting than scrolling through true crime TikTok.

Patrick Swayze lifting Jennifer Grey in the air will forever be a summer mood.

What’s summer without a sleepaway camp in which one finds their twin they never knew about, which launches into a plan to get their parents back together?

There aren’t many comedies about friend groups coming together as adults and enjoying the simplicities of summer, like waterparks, BBQs, and catching up with one another.

Let’s not reserve all the horror for spooky season in the latter half of the year.

The visuals alone will make one want to book a trip to the coast of Italy.

Some need to spend the summer between high school and college learning certain things.

High School Musical 2 very much took inspiration from that time Saved by the Bell just tossed the kids into the workforce at Malibu Sands beach club. Instead of Zack Morris and shenanigans, Zac Efron and Co. worked at the Evans’ country club with 100% more singing and dancing.

Sisterhood takes audiences everywhere, from California to Mexico to Greece and back again.

Jurassic Park first hit theaters in June 1993, and since then, it has continued to be a summer favorite, with it almost always popping back up in theaters annually as well as on the lineups of outdoor movie events in cities around the US.

Lizzie McGuire really showed the world how to vacay when she headed to Rome, sang with an international pop star, and got the guy.

Not the most feel-good summer movie, but The Way, Way Back will make some remember the absolute awkwardness and angst of their summers as teenagers.

Summers in Sweden seem like perfection. Just so long as one doesn’t head off to a commune.

Ben Stiller has done a lot in his career, but playing a raging exercise fiend at a camp for overweight youths might be his best.

Will Smith is a proven box office king, and it all started back in the ‘90s with a couple of heavy hitters, Men in Black included. For those worried that this might feel dated, it doesn’t. The graphics, the comedic timing, Tommy Lee Jones’ gruff personality: it all still works oh so well.

Playing all day out in the sun with friends until the streetlights came on, public pool antics, and fireworks displays. The Sandlot continues to work for every generation because while it is set in a particular time and place, its aspects truly capture the essence of the perfect childhood summer.