The Best Movies to Watch This Summer — Especially by the Beach
By: Padraig Smith
It is a quintessential summer emotion, wherein the other person calls to mind the innocent eyes that chase sunsets, sleep late, and soak up the sun. Summer movies demand to be summer movies, which is probably the only way to justify their existence. So, whether on the beach, enjoying a good time with backyard cinema, or taking a break from the heat, here are some good summer flicks meant for those summer days indeed.
- Jaws (1975): Everybody knows that, when it comes to the classic summer movie, it is most rightly Jaws that sweeps the awards. This movie about a giant great white shark terrorizing the beaches of Amity Island required the genius of Steven Spielberg, who was truly a master of summer cinema. Jaws now drapes itself in brilliant sunlight from the extraordinary first sunlit shot right up to the unforgettable, ‘You’re gonna need a bigger boat’. It’s suspenseful, thrilling, and surprisingly character driven. Watching it for the thrill of seeing your friends approach, swimming in the ocean with disbelief, just does something to heighten the sense of purpose and dread that cannot be experienced anywhere else. But most of all, do not go swimming in the ocean before watching the film.
- The Goonies (1985): The Goonies are summer in a kid’s letter, encompassing every possible wonder and kids’ explorations for next summer. Set on the wind-blown Oregon coast, a group of kids finds themselves near an ancient map and sets forth on a treasure hunt crossing booby traps, underground caverns, and pirate ships on their way. Packed with humor, heart, and enough adventure to last a lifetime, The Goonies is an invitation back to a time when summer meant scraped knees, secret hideouts, and the thrill of an idea gone crazy. It’s the sort of film to remind us that sometimes the magic could just be around the corner – or maybe underneath where we’re standing.
- Moana (2016): The recent animated film that does justice to the soul of the sea is Moana. In classic Disney manner, the animation feature tells the story of a vibrant teenager on a frantic open-sea journey to save her island and find herself. The animation is stunningly beautiful; the songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda will linger in your soul; the story is nostalgic and empowering: all these elements define a modern-day classic. With the ocean as a character, a living and breathing entity filled with life, beauty, and unmistakable mystique, this film sums up your summertime memories of fun in the ocean, exploration, and growth. You would undoubtedly want to surf after watching Moana.
- Point Break (1991): If your idea of a good summer movie is surfing, skydiving, and bank robbery, Point Break is calling you. Keanu Reeves, who is an undercover FBI agent, and Patrick Swayze, the bank robbery spiritual leader, enjoy the thrill of the sun, sand, and double lives just enough for every last moment of summer.
- The Endless Summer (1966): This is one of the greatest love hymns to summer and the ocean. Soft beaches, ribboned narration, and almost unbearable wandering – an ill-shot documentary lacking plots of Hollywood melodrama. Just two surfers travel the world looking for the perfect wave – and an unending summer for them. Calm brings a steady rhythm, as a lullaby for the tides. It is a cycle of the sun. Watching that movie puts you in a state of being that is different from reality – the summer is always on hold.
- Finding Nemo (2003): An adventure into the sea in a nutshell. Pixar follows the ocean’s overhead flow with their animated movie – an overanxious clownfish named Marlin goes searching for his son- lost on the journey, adventure awaits everyone. You will never forget such characters as Dory, Crush the sea turtle, and a bunch of vegetarian sharks. It’s brightly lit, pulling heartstrings for children and adults alike. Watching Finding Nemo reminds you that, just beneath that beach you love, lies an entire secret underworld with all its charms, perils, and unexpected friendships.
- The Cast Away (2000): was primarily more serious: Even more serious and meditative, a cast. Survival tale – a thing that defies the spirit within, dwelling in that movie on the beach: conditions so bad that you would never think of them occurring. A man stranded by a plane crash on a deserted tropical island, where Tom Hanks gives one of his best performances: here lies the story of a man pitted against space, hunger, and the ocean. An emotional tale of humanity’s fight against isolation, hunger, and the ocean. So bare, Cast Away is summer: sun, sand, sea, and survival – reminding us of beauty and horror in nature, and appreciating those small things in life we take for granted, even a volleyball.
- The Karate Kid (1984): In this movie, the kid learns karate but primarily does not learn to spend time at beaches; instead, he transforms through perseverance, coming-of-age, and standing up. In short, the California setting is where karate-forming Daniel LaRusso meets a very patient and wise teacher with whom he connects. Cue the sunny southern California backdrop with iconic training scenes at the beach, and The Karate Kid unfolds as a different kind of story about hope, discipline, and inner strength. And oh! The expressions of ‘wax on, wax off’ and Daniel practicing the crane kick against the ocean backdrop are iconic. Pure summer stuff that reminds you that summer isn’t just about leisure, but also about hard work. The winning pair of a summer movie, indeed! Let us not forget the grand entrance in all its glammy glory. The grand entrance thrills, motivates, and inspires.
So, grab the popcorn and get ready to get lost in the summer adventure: no sunscreen required.
