The 55+ Best Summer Movies Of All Time, Ranked

The 55+ Best Summer Movies Of All Time, Ranked

Ranker Film
Updated May 30, 2024 58.9K views 58 items
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Vote up the best summer movies.

Latest additions: Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp, Snack Shack
Most divisive: Almost Famous
Over 1.6K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Greatest Movies About Summer

It’s summertime – the perfect season for beach days, campfire evenings, and starry nights. What better way to enjoy the season than with a great summer movie? Many iconic films are set during these warm months, capturing the essence of summer's freedom and adventure.

This list celebrates the best movies about summer, featuring everything from lakeside retreats and beach adventures to classic family vacations and summer camps. These films range across genres and styles but all share a common setting in the sunniest time of the year. Classics like "Jaws," "Independence Day," and "Stand by Me" are included alongside fun flicks like "Weekend at Bernie’s" and "Meatballs."

Check out our selection of top summer movies including titles such as "Almost Famous," "A Streetcar Named Desire," and "The Seven Year Itch." 

  • The Sandlot
    1

    The Sandlot

    Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna
    399 votes

    Catching fireflies and the spirit of endless summer nights, this nostalgic flick instantly whisks viewers back to simpler times in the early '60s. Featuring a ragtag group of neighborhood kids and their unforgettable summer of baseball, it’s all about the feels. There's that quote about legends and heroes that'll hit you right in the feels. A true cult, it’s not just the coming-of-age vibes, but also that over-the-fence adventure with “The Beast” that sets it apart. Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez and his PF Flyers? Pure '90s magic. This gem's summer legacy is truly one for the ages.

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  • Stand by Me
    2

    Stand by Me

    Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman
    644 votes

    Plunging us into the heart of summer adventures, this gem captures the essence of childhood friendships and epic quests. Its legacy echoes through generations, especially with that profound question about having friends "like the ones I had when I was twelve." The film thrives on nostalgia and those raw, unfiltered moments between its young cast, making it feel both genuine and timeless. A unique element is its enchanting soundtrack, with tunes from the ‘50s and ’60s, which adds a layer of authenticity. The camaraderie and emotional depth set this movie apart, making it a summer classic that continues to resonate.

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  • Jaws
    3

    Jaws

    Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
    748 votes

    Bursting onto the scene during the steamy summer months, this blockbuster flick redefined what it means to terrorize beachgoers. Its legacy still casts a long shadow, especially with that unforgettable line about needing a "bigger boat." Filmed on the actual ocean, the production faced wild challenges, but those struggles only added to its mythos. The minimalist, spine-chilling score—a couple of notes that send shivers down the spine—became the soundtrack of our summer nightmares. This movie didn't just make waves at the box office; it practically invented the summer movie season as we know it. Pure vibes!

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  • Vacation
    4

    Vacation

    Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Christie Brinkley
    621 votes

    This classic comedy road trip flick sends a hilariously dysfunctional family across America to get to their dreamy amusement park destination. The film’s legacy lives on as the ultimate vacay-gone-wrong narrative, with Clark's relentless optimism driving the chaos. A memorable quote about the "moose out front" keeps fans chuckling. The unique Wagon Queen Family Truckster, with its absurd design, adds to the charm. It's got all the retro feels, rollercoaster mishaps, and the ultimate lesson that sometimes, the journey is more memorable than the destination. Total throwback to carefree summer misadventures!

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  • The Goonies
    5

    The Goonies

    Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen
    101 votes

    Blending the magic of summer with the thrill of childhood treasure hunts, this cult classic takes viewers on an unforgettable adventure with a band of misfit kids. Its legacy as a quintessential summer romp is cemented by the catchphrase, "Goonies never say die!" A treasure map, an eccentric group of friends, and a hidden pirate ship? Yes, please! Shot in the picturesque town of Astoria, Oregon, the film's charm is as timeless as its tale. It's that perfect mix of funny, heartwarming, and downright thrilling, capturing the essence of making lifetime memories during those lazy, hazy summer days. 

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  • Dirty Dancing
    6

    Dirty Dancing

    Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach
    793 votes

    Kicking off romantic vibes under the summer sun, this swoon-worthy flick set at a dreamy resort dives into the heart of dance and forbidden love. Its legacy is pure gold, forever captivating audiences with the unforgettable line, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." The film’s unique blend of sizzling dance chemistry and emotional depth is truly unmatched. Filmed in the gorgeous settings of Lake Lure and Mountain Lake, this movie’s backdrop is as lush as its narrative. The romance, the groundbreaking soundtrack, and that final lift? Absolute movie magic! Totally a must-watch for summer nostalgia. 

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  • The Great Outdoors
    7

    The Great Outdoors

    Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Stephanie Faracy
    443 votes

    Serving up a big slice of summer chaos, this comedy flick is all about family vacay vibes gone hilariously wrong. Its legacy as a must-watch for awkward reunions and campfire mishaps is solid gold. Remember that bit about the legendary "Bald-Headed Bear"? Classic! Filled with LOL moments between two very different families trying to bond (and avoid a complete meltdown), it features epic one-liners and antics that still resonate today. Shot in the scenic Bass Lake, California, the film’s backdrops are as breathtaking as the laughter is side-splitting. Definitely a summer tradition if you're into feel-good nostalgia and belly laughs.

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  • Grease
    8

    Grease

    John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing
    725 votes

    Drenched in the vibrant energy of summer lovin', this legendary musical film captures the essence of 1950s teen life with catchy tunes and jaw-dropping dance moves. It left us with that unforgettable line, "You're the one that I want!" The film's unique blend of greaser culture and high school drama has made it a timeless classic. Shot in sunny California, the backdrop perfectly complements the sunny vibes and carefree days of summer. A cultural phenomenon, its epic soundtrack and electrifying performances continue to enchant new generations. This movie is a joyous rollercoaster of youthful exuberance and nostalgic charm.

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  • Dazed and Confused
    9

    Dazed and Confused

    Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Sasha Jenson
    542 votes

    In sun-soaked vibes of a 1970s Texas summer, this cult classic nails the chaos and freedom of teenage life. Its legacy as a must-watch summer endures, thanks in part to McConaughey's unforgettable "alright, alright, alright." Showcasing an ensemble of future stars, the film thrives on its authentic, improvisational feel. Each character brings something unique, from the quirky stoners to the rebellious athletes. The nostalgic soundtrack, loaded with rock anthems, sets the perfect backdrop for mischief and self-discovery. This movie perfectly captures that end-of-school-year restlessness, making it a timeless ode to youthful rebellion.

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  • Caddyshack
    10

    Caddyshack

    Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray
    541 votes

    Unleashing gut-busting hilarity under the summer sun, this comedic gem centers on the mayhem at a posh country club. It forever changed sports comedies with one of the most quoted lines, "Cinderella story. Outta nowhere." The film’s irreverent humor and legendary cast, including a wild Rodney Dangerfield, make it a timeless classic. Filmed on lush golf courses in sunny locales, it effortlessly captures the carefree spirit of summer. The gopher vs. groundskeeper subplot adds a unique twist, making every scene unforgettable. A cult classic, this movie is the perfect summer watch for endless laughs and nostalgic vibes. Pure gold!

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  • Field of Dreams
    11

    Field of Dreams

    Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones
    219 votes

    Basking in the golden glow of a summer evening, this heartwarming film combines America’s favorite pastime with a touch of magic realism. Its legacy lives on, especially thanks to that mystical whisper, "If you build it, he will come." Kevin Costner turns a humble cornfield into a timeless ballpark, summoning legends of baseball to play once more. It's got all the feels—nostalgia, reconciliation, and ghostly yet comforting supernatural elements. Filmed in the idyllic landscapes of Iowa, the film is not just about baseball; it’s about redemption, dreams, and the eternal bond between fathers and sons. An absolute gem for summer nights!

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  • Point Break
    12

    Point Break

    Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey
    441 votes

    Packed with adrenaline and summer vibes, this cult classic dives into the heart of the surfing subculture while blending in a thrilling heist narrative. The legacy of this film is undeniable, with memorable lines like, “I am an FBI agent!” giving it perennial charm. Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze's on-screen chemistry is pure fire, making their complex, bromantic dynamic unforgettable. Set against the backdrop of stunning California beaches, the film's unique mix of surfing and skydiving scenes sets it apart, giving it an endless-summer feel. A total must-watch for those seeking high-octane action and gnarly waves.

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  • Weekend at Bernie's
    13

    Weekend at Bernie's

    Andrew McCarthy, Jonathan Silverman, Terry Kiser
    490 votes
    In Weekend at Bernie's, a riotous comedy, Richard (Jonathan Silverman) and Larry (Andrew McCarthy), two low-level corporate employees, stumble upon an embezzlement scheme. Their boss, Bernie (Terry Kiser), invites them to his beach house, intending to have them killed. However, when they arrive, they find him dead. To avoid suspicion and enjoy the weekend, they pretend he's alive. The duo becomes entangled in misadventures involving parties, romance, and run-ins with the hitman who originally intended to kill them. An absurdly hilarious plot unfolds as the pair desperately tries to maintain their ruse.
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  • My Girl
    14

    My Girl

    Anna Chlumsky, Macaulay Culkin, Dan Aykroyd
    130 votes
    In the heartwarming drama My Girl, precocious 11-year-old Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky) navigates the trials of adolescence in 1972 Pennsylvania. Living with her widowed mortician father, Harry (Dan Aykroyd), Vada's world is colored by death and grief. Her best friend, the sweetly allergic Thomas J. Sennett (Macaulay Culkin), offers a ray of joy in her life. As Vada grapples with first love, loss, and growing up, she learns valuable lessons about life. The film beautifully captures the innocence and confusion of childhood amidst profound themes of mortality and transformation.
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  • American Graffiti
    15

    American Graffiti

    Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat
    399 votes
    Immerse yourself in the nostalgic whirlwind of American Graffiti, a 1973 comedy-drama directed by George Lucas. The spotlight shines on a group of freshly graduated high school friends, led by Steve Bolander (Ron Howard) and Curt Henderson (Richard Dreyfuss). As they navigate through a single night filled with drag racing, drive-ins and rock 'n' roll, they grapple with life-altering decisions about their futures. This film is an ode to the end of an era, offering a snapshot of American youth in the early 60s. Notably, it received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
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  • To Kill a Mockingbird
    16

    To Kill a Mockingbird

    Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford
    129 votes
    Set in the throes of the Great Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird unfolds in a sleepy Southern town where racial tension simmers beneath the surface. Scout Finch (Mary Badham) and her older brother Jem (Phillip Alford) navigate their childhood under the watchful eyes of their father, Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck). Peck's portrayal earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. This film adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel delves into themes of racism, morality, and innocence lost. The story climaxes when Atticus, a principled lawyer, defends Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), a black man unjustly accused of rape, inciting a flurry of societal backlash.
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  • Summer School
    17

    Summer School

    Mark Harmon, Kirstie Alley, Robin Thomas
    350 votes
    Apathetic gym teacher Freddy Shoop (Mark Harmon) is ready to take the summer off in Hawaii, but he's forced to either teach summer-school English or risk losing his tenure. Now he's stuck teaching a group of unmotivated students as disappointed to be stuck in school over the summer as he is. But with the help of a friendly history teacher (Kirstie Alley), Shoop is at least learning how to act the part of supportive mentor and perhaps even learning something about himself as well.
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  • Rear Window
    18

    Rear Window

    James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey
    391 votes
    In Alfred Hitchcock's classic suspense thriller Rear Window, James Stewart portrays the role of L.B. Jeff Jefferies, a photographer confined to his New York apartment due to a broken leg. Grace Kelly stars as Lisa Fremont, Jeff's high-society girlfriend, who becomes embroiled in his voyeuristic routine. As Jeff observes his neighbors through his rear window, he suspects one of them may have committed murder. This Academy Award-nominated film cleverly combines elements of mystery with intense character development, making it a masterclass in the genre of psychological thrillers.
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  • I Know What You Did Last Summer
    19

    I Know What You Did Last Summer

    Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe
    398 votes
    In I Know What You Did Last Summer, four friends - Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt), Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.), Helen Shivers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Barry Cox (Ryan Phillippe) - grapple with a horrifying secret. After a celebratory night turns tragic, they swear to bury the truth, only for it to resurface in the form of an ominous message one year later. This suspenseful thriller, laden with mystery and terror, follows their desperate attempts to outsmart an unseen stalker. The group's unity is tested as they are plunged into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, where survival hinges on unearthing hidden truths and confronting their darkest fears.
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  • Friday the 13th
    20

    Friday the 13th

    Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Harry Crosby
    410 votes
    On a chilling Friday the 13th, Camp Crystal Lake reopens after two decades of closure following a series of tragic accidents. The new group of young, energetic counselors, including Alice (Adrienne King) and Bill (Harry Crosby), are unaware of the ominous history that haunts this seemingly serene locale. As darkness descends upon the camp, an unknown assailant begins to pick them off one by one. Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, this seminal horror film combines suspenseful storytelling with a haunting score to create a classic slasher flick that birthed the infamous character Jason Voorhees, albeit in his mother's guise initially.
  • The Parent Trap
    21

    The Parent Trap

    Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson
    497 votes
    In the delightful family comedy The Parent Trap, Hallie Parker and Annie James (both played by Lindsay Lohan), are identical twin sisters separated shortly after birth by their divorced parents. Unaware of each other's existence, they serendipitously meet at a summer camp. Swiftly recognizing their uncanny resemblance, they hatch a plan to switch places in an attempt to reunite their estranged parents, Elizabeth James (Natasha Richardson) and Nick Parker (Dennis Quaid). The movie unfolds as a light-hearted caper filled with heartwarming moments and humorous hijinks.
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  • Fast Times at Ridgemont High
    22

    Fast Times at Ridgemont High

    Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold
    120 votes
    In the iconic 80s coming-of-age film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, teenage life is under the microscope. Amidst Southern California's sun-soaked malls and high schools, we follow a group of students as they navigate adolescent adventures. Our key characters include Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a young girl grappling with her burgeoning sexuality, her best friend Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates), Mark Ratner (Brian Backer) the shy novice in love, and Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn), the perennial surfer dude. Directed by Amy Heckerling, this movie weaves together tales of love, loss, and teen angst against a backdrop of carefree adolescence and rock 'n' roll.
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  • Call Me by Your Name
    23

    Call Me by Your Name

    Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg
    70 votes
    In the sun-drenched Italian countryside, a profound encounter unfolds. Call Me by Your Name, a romantic drama, weaves the tale of Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), a 17-year-old spending the summer in his family's villa. He crosses paths with Oliver (Armie Hammer), an American scholar visiting as his father's research assistant. As days pass, an intimate bond develops between them. The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on André Aciman's novel, has garnered acclaim for its tender storytelling and evocative cinematography, earning four Academy Award nominations and winning Best Adapted Screenplay.
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  • Thelma & Louise
    24

    Thelma & Louise

    Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel
    72 votes
    In the engaging road film Thelma & Louise, friends Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) embark on an impromptu road trip. Their journey spirals into a chaotic flight from law after an unexpected incident, evolving from a simple getaway to a symbol of rebellion against societal norms. Directed by Ridley Scott, this movie is lauded for its strong female leads and won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1992. As the plot unveils, viewers witness the transformation of Thelma and Louise as they navigate through their unforeseen predicament.
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  • Summer Rental
    25

    Summer Rental

    John Candy, Richard Crenna, Karen Austin
    103 votes
    After air traffic controller Jack Chester loses a plane (it's covered on his screen by a fly), he's told to take a break. Jack books his family into a plush resort, but it turns out that their lodgings are in a hut by the beach, and that's as good as the vacation gets.
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  • What About Bob?
    26

    What About Bob?

    Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss, Julie Hagerty
    157 votes
    In the comedic roller-coaster What About Bob?, Bob Wiley (Bill Murray), an endearingly neurotic patient, desperately seeks help from renowned psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss). Their relationship spirals into chaos when Bob, unable to detach himself from his new doctor, follows him on a family vacation. Set against the serene backdrop of Lake Winnipesaukee, this film blends comedy and drama in equal measure. As Dr. Marvin's professional composure crumbles under Bob's relentless intrusions, the movie serves up laughs and surprises at every corner, painting an entertaining portrait of two men locked in a hilarious battle of wills.
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  • Almost Famous
    27

    Almost Famous

    Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson
    321 votes
    Almost Famous is a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama directed by Cameron Crowe. It follows the journey of 15-year-old William Miller (Patrick Fugit), an aspiring rock journalist who gets his big break when he lands an assignment for Rolling Stone magazine. He goes on tour with emerging band Stillwater, led by charismatic frontman Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and experiences the highs and lows of the '70s rock scene. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and features a breakout performance from Kate Hudson as groupie-with-a-heart-of-gold, Penny Lane.
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  • The Notebook
    28

    The Notebook

    Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner
    56 votes
    The Notebook, a romantic drama, sweeps us into the tale of Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) and Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling). Set in the backdrop of 1940s South Carolina, it follows the couple's fervent love story from their youthful summer romance to the trials of old age. The narrative unfolds through an elderly man's recollections, Duke (James Garner), reading from his faded notebook to fellow nursing home resident, Miss Hamilton (Gena Rowlands). Directed by Nick Cassavetes and based on Nicholas Sparks's novel, The Notebook won eight Teen Choice Awards in 2005.
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  • Mamma Mia!
    29

    Mamma Mia!

    Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth
    79 votes
    Mamma Mia! is a delightfully vibrant musical comedy. Its heart beats to the rhythm of ABBA's greatest hits, led by Donna Sheridan (Meryl Streep), an independent single mother running a hotel on a Greek island. The story swirls around her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), who, on the eve of her wedding, secretly invites three men from Donna's past (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård) hoping to discover her real father. Amidst this chaos, laughter and melodious mayhem ensue. A box office success, Mamma Mia! was nominated for multiple awards including two Golden Globe Awards.
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  • The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
    30

    The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

    Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera
    106 votes
    In The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, four best friends - Lena (Alexis Bledel), Carmen (America Ferrera), Bridget (Blake Lively), and Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) - discover a pair of jeans that fits each of them perfectly, despite their different shapes and sizes. This seemingly ordinary garment becomes a symbol of their enduring bond as they embark on separate summer adventures, passing the pants along like a baton in a relay race of love, loss, and laughter. The film skillfully weaves together these distinct narratives into a cohesive tale of friendship and growth. A heartwarming coming-of-age drama, it's a testament to the power of shared experiences and lasting connections.
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