That's a very opinionated title, right? Nothing says classic summer film more than a (mostly) feel-good epic blockbuster. But there's so much more that defines a movie as a good summer film. Sure, many were released during the summer, take place during summer, there's often some magical element to them, and many times they follow an adventurous adolescent. They're nostalgic, but mostly there's just this underlying undefinable factor that feels... well... summery. So enjoy the summer of 2016 by watching (or rewatching) these timeless films to fully immerse yourself in the season of summer.
20. What about Bob
You'll never love and hate Bill Murray more. A timeless 90's comedy about a hypochondriac who unintentionally ruins his doctor's summer vacation.
19. Iron Man (2008)
This movie is just awesome. The first and best of a long (and potentially never-ending) string of Marvel superhero films, Iron Man combines the humor and likability of an egotistical Robert Downey Jr. into the perfect action comedy.
18. Armageddon (1998)
Believe it or not, it's in the Criterion Collection, not to mention a classic 90's disaster epic that while being ridiculously cheesy at times, is also incredibly entertaining. And to some degree, that's what a movie should be, right?
17. Transformers (2007)
In many ways Transformers is kind of just a stupid vapid action film, and though I continually boycott its successors (which seems to do them no damage at the box office), I feel the need to remind us that this film still is a pretty fun ride.
16. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Fresh on all of our minds as a fun remix of what was becoming a carbon copy Marvel universe, Guardians of the Galaxy was a blast and at it's very worst, is worth watching at least just for the soundtrack.
15. The Way Way Back (2013)
Who says a great little indie film can't live on a list with a bunch of big studio hits? If you haven't seen this gem coming-of-age film with the amazing Sam Rockwell... it's time you watch it. Plus it includes the 4th of July- instant summer movie points!
14. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
It's difficult to recall a time in which Pirates of the Caribbean only referred to a ride at Disneyland, but before 2003, that was a thing. Then Jerry Bruckheimer introduced us to this incredible film, which sadly morphed into a bombastic and unnecessarily drawn-out series.NOW STREAMING ON NETFLIX
13. North by Northwest (1959)
Before Spielberg ruled the cinemas, Hitchcock paved the way for many iconic films. Many would consider this film to be the precursor of the format for an action adventure blockbuster, not to mention a bit of a sneak peak into the action-espionage films that would take the form of James Bond. Though it is the oldest film on this list, North by Northwest easily stands the test of time.
12. The Incredibles (2004)
The Incredibles may not be Pixar's finest, but it certainly is one of their most entertaining films. We get the laughs, we get the feels, we get superheroes, tropical islands and Sam Jackson.
11. Super 8 (2011)
J.J. Abrams' fan film about E.T. and The Goonies. A group of kids making a movie over the summer find a monster. Okay, that was a terrible pitch for the film, but honestly if you love either of those movies, you have to give Super 8 a chance. I look forward to the day that Abrams can make more of his own content like this.
10. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Even though it takes place during halloween, E.T. possesses that magical trait that just feels makes it feel like a classic summer film. Although the film terrified me for most of my life (both E.T. and the scary biohazard agents at the end), I recently rewatched it and was practically in tears. The fun and magic of the film is only surpassed by it's capacity to pull on your heart strings.NOW STREAMING ON NETFLIX
9. Back to the Future (1985)
Back to the Future is nearly a perfect film, brilliantly written, acted, directed and easily one of the most fun films ever. It doesn't quite take place during the summer, but it is a must-see during the summer.
8. Star Wars Return of the Jedi (1983)
Some may argue that A New Hope is more of a summer film, but maybe it's just the combination of hot desert scenes on Tatooine and the warm nights on the forest moon of Endor that make this movie seem the most summery of the three. Regardless, do yourself a favor and just watch the whole trilogy.
7. Finding Nemo (2003)
This is not just in preparation for Finding Dory, but is celebrating one of Pixar's finest. Adults and kids love it, and probably fish as well.
6. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
What is there to say really?
5. Jurassic Park (1993)
Along with many films on this list, Jurassic Park is no stranger to lists of beloved iconic films. Easily one of the greatest, it's essentially a fun horror film that is incredibly well-written, directed, and rewatchable. You can currently watch Jurassic Park 1-3 on Netflix right now.NOW STREAMING ON NETFLIX
4. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
3. American Graffiti (1973)
Before people loved George Lucas for creating Star Wars (and hated him for revisiting it), he made this movie. With a soundtrack as good as the film itself, this one is a major throwback to the 60's car culture that Lucas grew up in. It was also a major breakout role for the soon to be infamous Harrison Ford. Between Lucas and Spielberg, half of the movies on this list were either directed or produced by these guys. Basically, they know how to make a great summer movie.
2. Sandlot (1993)
Growing up in the 90's comes with its imperatives, and this movie was definitely one of them. It may not speak for everyone, but for many Americans this movie epitomizes childhood and summer. Complete with Darth Vader.NOW STREAMING ON NETFLIX
1. Jaws (1975)
The inception of the summer blockbuster and the archetype for future ones to come. Spielberg really nailed the format down with this one - a fun action/adventure monster movie that takes place during the summer. Also the sole reason for preventing hundreds of thousands of Americans from taking up ocean sports like surfing.In case you don't care for these choices (why are we even friends?), or you've already seen them hundreds of times, below are 30 more to get you through the summer.
After spending a lot of time analyzing what all these summer films have in common, I came up with (and created this trendy infograph) a list of all the consistent themes represented by these films. Not all are the most beloved by critics, but many have become some of the most iconic, memorable, and rewatchable films of our culture. Here is a list of the 8 ingredients to the perfect summer film and many examples for each one, most of which are a hybrid of categories and could just as easily fit into another one.
Live Free or Die Hard, Heavyweights, The Parent Trap, Moonrise Kingdom
Chef, Hot Rod, Star Trek
A Goofy Movie, Cars, Lawrence of Arabia, National Treasure, The Muppet Movie, Muppet Treasure Island, A Bug's Life
Independence Day, The Lost World, Psycho, Rear Window, Alien, Avengers
The Goonies, Adventures of Tin Tin, Toy Story
Forrest Gump, Wild America, Anchorman, Cool Hand Luke
Mud, The Lion King
Air Force One, Top Gun
And after giving you 50 films to see, I leave you with this: HAGS
That dumb thing kids always wrote in your yearbook each school year.
No comments:
Post a Comment