Lazy summer afternoons in the sweltering heat call for the perfect summer watch. As you sit at home for yet another summer in the pandemic, these movies fill the void with their thrilling adventures. If you don’t have the energy to surf through your Netflix or Amazon for hours on end for the perfect movie, don’t worry! We’ve compiled ten of the best summer classics, peppered with a few fresh faces, just for you!
10. Moana
Disney movies aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but Moana is a must-watch for its stellar soundtrack and vibrant visuals. Set in the South Pacific island of Motunui, Moana is a coming-of-age story. 16-year-old Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) struggles between fulfilling her parents’ expectation of leading their clan and following her heart, and exploring the glorious sea. The warm colour palette of the movie effortlessly sets the tone for a bright summer to come.
9. Wake up, Sid
Wake up Sid is genuinely a nostalgic gem from the 2000s, and what is summer for if not reminiscing? Siddharth (Sid) Mehra (Ranbir Kapoor) is a carefree college student who lives for spontaneity and “living in the moment” with no clue about what comes next. His aimless life takes a sharp turn when he fails his exams and realises the need to stand up on his own two feet. When an aspiring writer, Aisha (Konkona Sen), enters his life and has a no-tolerance policy for his negligent and reckless behaviour, it’s a wake-up call for Sid.
8. Palm Springs
“It’s gonna be a beautiful wedding!” Niles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) cross paths at the destination wedding of Sarah’s sister. Sparks fly between the two as they hit it off immediately and get to know each other. Maybe more than they bargained for when the two of them inexplicably get stuck in a time-loop, reliving the wedding day over and over again. Helpless, they turn to each other as sudden partners in the same sinking boat.
7. Bachna ae Haseeno
Bachna Ae Haseeno follows playboy Raj (Ranbir Kapoor) through his quick conquests, breaking hearts left and right. A whirlwind summer romance in Switzerland and a bride left alone at the alter prove to be Raj’s downfall when the girl he truly falls in love with rejects him outright. Devastated, Raj undertakes an arduous journey to earn forgiveness for wronging his past loves but will he be forgiven?
6. Call Me by Your Name
Call Me by Your Name is the epitome of a young and electrifying summer love set in the summer of 1983 in Italy. A routine getaway at the summer home gives way to a passionate love between 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and the older Oliver (Armie Hammer). The two meet through Elio’s father, the latter working under him as a research assistant. In the reclusive atmosphere, they tumble into a love that will change them in unimaginable ways.
5. Dil Dhadakne Do
This family drama appears like a glimpse into the luxurious cruise in Italy celebrating Mehra’s 30th anniversary. But the close-quarters unearth the layers of troubles each of them fights to keep under the wraps. A series of shenanigans and misunderstandings make for an eventful trip that is both entertaining and enlightening. The Mehras are forced to confront each other about the fundamental problems threatening to tear them apart in a final bid to remain together.
4. Mamma Mia
This evergreen classic plays out in the picturesque Greek island of Kalokairi. Sophie’s (Amanda Seyfried) wedding is everything she ever dreamed of, but there’s only one thing missing. She desperately wishes for a father to walk her down the aisle on her special day. Some snooping revealed three flings of her mom’s (Meryl Streep), who could potentially be her father. Sophie invites them secretly, and the confused hysteria that follows is a delightful watch. The movie has a soundtrack filled with ABBA hits that are guaranteed to get you swaying in joy.
3. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Released in peak summer, this movie let us all live vicariously through it as we follow four friends through the summer of a lifetime. The exhilaration from an utterly spontaneous trip with strangers who become a chosen family is unparalleled for Naina (Deepika Padukone), who has always been a misfit. Bunny’s (Ranbir Kapoor) unquenchable thirst for travelling and exploring lights a fire in the hearts of many. But the fun is undercut with the emotional punches of heartbreaks and choosing between love and your passion.
2. Pitch Perfect
Though Pitch Perfect certainly isn’t set in the summer, the premise of the first year in college certainly fits the summer mood. Beca (Anna Kendrick) is resolved not to enjoy college in defiance of not being allowed to try out producing music in LA. But her dad’s condition of genuinely trying out college life has Beca reluctantly joining the college acapella group, the Bellas. This musical comedy is chock full of mesmerising singing, percussion and heart-warming moments of belonging in a group of oddballs.
1. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Any summer movie list would be remiss without the ultimate road-trip classic of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD). Filmed in Spain, Egypt, the United Kingdom and India, ZNMD takes us through the trip of a lifetime, setting the benchmark for every trip with college friends. Kabir (Abhay Deol), Imran (Farhaan Akhtar) and Arjun (Hritik Roshan) decide to face their biggest fear during a Bachelor’s party trip to Spain before Kabir’s wedding. The three friends discover themselves and the meaning of life whilst having the time of their lives.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your popcorn and ice cream and get watching!
