As the end of the semester approaches, and summer is on its way, I know we all can’t wait to clear our minds of anything related to school. If you are planning to do a movie or tv show marathon during your free time like I will be doing, here are some of my favorites that would surely get you into the summer mood:)
Blinded By The Light (2019):
Taking place in England during the late 80s, this coming-of-age comedy about a Pakistani teenager wanting to pursue music will definitely get you into the best feel-good mood. Also, the songs will have you dancing around your house, as you jam to 80s hits and Bruce Springsteen!
The Way Way Back (2013):
This movie follows a teenager named Duncan (Liam James) who struggles to fit in until he makes an unexpected friendship with the manager of the water park he starts working at during his vacation. This movie has all the summer vibes, and with Steve Carrell in it as Duncan’s dad, it will surely have you entertained from start to finish.
Lady Bird (2017):
Another coming-of-age favorite of mine, this film centers around a teenage girl during the early 2000s wanting to leave her Sacramento life and pursue her passions in New York while also dealing with the tense relationship with her mother. The film will leave you with happy tears from laughing and a nostalgic feeling as well.
Looking For Alaska (2019):
Based on the book by esteemed young adult author John Green, this show is about a teenager named Miles (Charlie Plummer) who gets sent to boarding school, finds a group of friends, and falls in love with Alaska Young (Kristine Froseth). This show will definitely get you in all the feels and has the perfect summer kind of vibes as the filming location is in southeast Louisana.
Austenland (2013):
Okay, this one is for anyone who is in the mood for a period drama feel kind of movie. While this movie takes place in the modern day, it is about a girl who travels all the way to the UK to participate in a Jane Austen-inspired resort called Austenland, where guests can immerse themselves in a romantic fantasy that Austen would surely approve of.
The Kings of Summer (2013):
This is one of my go-to movies to watch because it has all the best summer vibes and it always gets me in the best mood. About three boys who get inspired to rebel, build their own house in the woods to get a taste of what independence feels like. It will definitely keep you entertained throughout with all the witty jokes and the crazy adventures the teenagers have together.
Uptown Girls (2003):
This early 2000s classic is just the perfect movie to watch for all kinds of moods. The movie follows a grown woman who ends up losing all her money to her manager, she starts working as a nanny to an 8-year-old girl who acts like an adult. The dynamic between Brittany Murphy and Dakota Fanning’s characters and their constant witty banters with each other always got me on the floor laughing.
Never Been Kissed (1999):
About a reporter who enrolls in high school as research for her story. This movie has a lot of cringey moments as the main character struggles to fit in a society of teenagers that has a totally different culture than when she was in high school. Despite this, it is definitely the most entertaining storyline, and while cringey at some points, it is still very funny and Drew Barrymore’s performance is just iconic.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010):
This movie honestly never fails in terms of how creative and fresh it is and every time I watch it, it just gets better. It is about a young man who finally gets a girlfriend but ends up having to defeat all seven of her evil exes in order to win her heart. The video game fantasy aesthetic and the witty lines in the movie will draw you in instantly.
Sing Street (2016):
And finally, another movie takes place in the 80s, this time in Dublin, Ireland. Centering around a boy who escapes his strained family to start a band in order to impress this new mysterious girl he had just met. The fashion, the soundtrack, and the hilarious dynamic between the characters will get you hooked right in the beginning. It is very underrated and deserves more recognition for how charming and relatable at times the film can be.
So this is the end of my list, and I know how draining these past few months have been being filled with endless assignments and exams. Whether you end up watching all or some, I hope these recommendations will get you in the right mood as you enjoy your summer vacation!