Skip to Content

The Ultimate Summer Movie Bucket List

Sharing is caring!

Summertime is the perfect time to get out and enjoy a movie. In this post, we have a great list of our favorites that you should add to your summer movie bucket list!

There’s no doubt that summertime is the perfect time to catch up on some great movies. From rainy days to fantastic evenings watching movies in the backyard, there is always time for a cool movie.

Whether you’re looking for something lighthearted or something more serious, here are 40 of our favorite summer movies to add to your bucket list!

SUMMER MOVIE BUCKET LIST

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Affiliate Disclosure for more information

MORE FUN SUMMER BUCKET LIST IDEAS

Best Friend Summer Bucket List {50 Fun Ideas For The Best Summer Ever}

Family Summer Bucket List

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List

Below we have put together some of the best summer movies for you to watch this year.

From family favorites to more adult content, if you are looking for some great movies that will get you in the mood for sun and surf, look no further than this awesome bucket list of summer movies.

Thelma And Louise (1991)

Thelma and Louise summer movie bucket list

Here is a summer road trip classic for you – Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis star as accidental outlaws on a desperate flight across the Southwest after a tragic incident at a roadside bar.

This is a film that should be on everyone’s summer movie bucket list.

Jaws (1975)

Jaws Movie

Jaws was Steven Spielberg’s first big hit and the movie stands the test of time as a classic summer movie.

The special effects might be a bit outdated for the younger audience but this is a timeless film that you can watch over and over again.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

 summer movie bucket list

This coming of age tale of a young teen on vacation with her family at a resort is one of those stories that we can all somewhat relate to.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

the best movies to watch this summer

Four teenagers getting ready for their high school reunion get involved in a hit and run accident that haunts them in this teen horror flick.

The Notebook (2004)

the best summer movies

If you love cheesy romances, then this is the ultimate summer chick flick for you.

This old -fashioned tearjerker tells the love story of Allie and Noah and is one of the best summer romances out there.

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

ultimate summer movie bucket list

Follow the Griswold’s as they head on a cross country drive to the Walley World theme park.

Like the other movies in the franchise, this is full of silly antics and (slightly adult) language and humour.

Caddyshack (1980)

caddyshack

Another great summer movie featuring Chevy Chase is Caddyshack.

Set on a golf course, this hilarious comedy is perfect for a summer movie night.

Do The Right Thing (1989)

do the right thing - summer movie

Set on the hottest day of the year, this funny Spike Lee movie tells the story of the life of the residents of one block in Brooklyn.

Point Break (1991)

the best summer films

Keenu Reeves goes undercover with a group of surfers so most of this movie is spent at the beach, making it perfect for your summer movie bucket list.

Bernies (1989)

 the best summer movies of all time

This is a great movie cult comedy classic that most 80s and 90s kids will know.

It’s about two co-workers who have to pretend their dead boss is very much alive – hilarity ensues.

Old (2021)

the best summer movies for your bucket list

This creepy movie from M. Night Shyamalan is set on a beach during a family vacation.

If you are headed to the beach this year, it is sure to get you in the mood!

Mamma Mia (2018)

Mamma mia

Meryl Streep and an all-star cast make this musical movie one of the most feel-good films of summer.

Sophie has just one wish to make her wedding perfect: to have her father walk her down the aisle. Now she just has to find out who he is..

Grease (1978)

 Grease is a must-watch movie for your summer movie bucket list

The funny thing about this summer movie classic is that the majority of the movie is set after the summer, once the kids head back to high school.

That being said, it is still iconic for its depiction of “summer lovin'”.

Looking for your own summer romance this year?Make sure to check out our Summer Bucket List For Couples.

Independence Day (1996)

the best summer films

This summer blockbuster is one of the best of the catastrophe movies and is set in summer, making it perfect for this list.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

 summer movies bucket list

Peter feels like a loser when his TV celebrity girlfriend, Sarah Marshall, dumps him for a rock star.

Set in a tropical resort, this is funny feel-good summer movie.

The Beach (2000)

The Beach with leonardo caprio

Head to Thailand for this tropical adventure that follows a young American backpacker in an exciting thriller.

The soundtrack is also the perfect companion to your summer road trip.

In The Heights (2021)

summer movie bucket list ideas

This fun movie is adapted from the Broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

It is set in the summer in Washington Heights and follows a Bodega owner and his friends as they follow their dreams.

The Perfect Summer (2013)

summer film bucket list

17 year old Jakes goes to live in a coastal town where he learns to surf.

This is a wholesome movie that the whole family can enjoy together.

King Richard (2021)

summer movies

Set in both Los Angeles and Florida and all about the ultimate summer sport, tennis, this is one of the best summer movies in recent years.

The true story of the rise of tennis greats, Serena and Venus Williams, this is a must-watch for any tennis fans.

Blue Crush (2002)

the best movies to watch this summer

This teen surfing movie is set in Hawaii and has a great soundtrack.

It also has some really strong female leads which makes it a great movie to watch with your kids.

Summer Movie Bucket List For Kids

If you are looking for something for the kids to watch this summer, below are our top picks for their own summer bucket list of films.

Hotel Transylvania 3 – Summer Vacation (2018)

kids summer movie bucket list

This toddler-friendly movie follows  Drac, Mavis, Johnny on a summer cruise to Atlantis.

Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

the best summer movies for kids

This classic funny f0llow Pee-wee in his cross-country search for his stolen bike.

The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants (2005)

kids summer movie bucket list

 Though miles apart, the four friends experience life, love and loss together via a pair of thrift store pants – resulting in a summer they’ll never forget.

My Girl (1991)

kids summer film bucket list

Thomas and Vada star in this beautiful summer movie that the whole family will enjoy.

The summer adventures go from first kiss to last farewell as they enter the world of adolescence. 

Lilo and Stitch (2002)

The best movies to watch with the kids this summer

This cute Disney movie is set in Hawaii and tells the story of a little girl and her alien friend.

The Babysitter’s Club (1995)

summer movies for kids

You probably know the books from your own teen years and this movie has stood the test of time.

In the movie, the club spends the summer running a day camp for kids.

Judy Moody and The Not Bummer Summer (2011)

summer movie bucket list for kids

This movie is based on several of the popular Judy Moody books and is perfect for the 6-8 year old crowd.

Moana (2016)

 Moana

The beach, the surf and the music – this tropical adventure is the perfect summer movie.

You will be singing along in no time!

Wonder Park (2019)

Wonder Park

Most of us spend at least one day in the summer at an amusement park so this movie is perfect for your summer movie bucket list.

It stars a little girl who is obsessed with creating her own theme park complete and the adventures she has with her friends.

Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams (2021)

Barbie Big City,Big dreams

If you have a Barbie fan in the house, you will love this one! Our favorite Californian leaves Malibu to attend a summer dance program in NYC and there she meets another Barbie Roberts.

The two become fast friends and an epic adventure awaits.

Summer Movie Bucket List – Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoy this list of fun and entertaining summer movies! They are sure to keep you entertained all summer long!

Whether you are looking for a comedy or a thriller, this bucket list of summer movies has it all.

More Fun Summer Bucket Lists

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List: 80+ Summer Bucket List Ideas

The Ultimate Beach Bucket List – 40 Things To Do At The Beach

summer bucket list ideas