With school now finally over and the stress of exams a thing of the past, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a good movie to get in the summer spirit. Narrowing down a choice of what to watch can seem overwhelming and time-consuming due to the seemingly infinite amount of film suggestions. Not to worry, this list narrows these down for you and presents five movies that are essential for summer.
Summer 2024 is nearly here! It is time to relax, travel, and step away from work or school to reset before the new academic year approaches again and the seasons shift. This list consists of a variety of genres, such as mystery, comedy, and romance. Consequently, at least one of the films listed is guaranteed to become your new summer favourite.
Here are five movies to celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of the holidays:
1. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
- Key actors: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey
- Director: John Hughes
- Run time: 1h 43m
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a timeless summer classic. Despite being released in 1986, this film is the epitome of fun, friendship and living in the moment.
The movie follows a boy called Ferris (played by Matthew Broderick) who devises a plan to skip school for the day with his two best friends, Cameron (Alan Ruck) and Sloane (Mia Sara). When their plan succeeds, the three friends travel to Chicago, where their chaotic adventure awaits.
John Hughes’s film is an essential watch for 2024 as a reminder to relax, hang out with friends, create memories, and experience life away from our phone screens. Ferris’ famous quote sums up the moral message of the film and is sure to inspire its audience: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”.
2. (500) Days of Summer (2009)
- Key actors: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Geoffrey Arend
- Director: Marc Webb
- Run time: 1h 35m
(500) Days of Summer is an unconventional yet bittersweet Rom-Com, perfect for both romantics and romantic pessimists alike.
This movie follows Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he takes an interest in his work colleague, Summer (Zooey Deschanel). However, from the beginning of the movie, we are made aware that their connection will last only 500 days.
Despite this prospect from the onset, Marc Webb’s film is perfect to watch for the upcoming season, as it shares through-provoking ideas on love and the reality of some connections. The 80s feel of the film will appeal to 2024 audiences, with the popular social media resurgence of vintage aesthetics. Additionally, the cinematography alone makes this movie a must-see, with iconic scenes such as when the two characters meet in the elevator and discuss The Smiths, as well as the reality vs expectations of a party shown simultaneously onscreen.
3. Glass Onion (2022)
- Key actors: Daniel Craig, Kate Hudson, Edward Norton, Madelyn Cline
- Director: Rian Johnson
- Run time: 2h 19m
Glass Onion, the sequel to the iconic Knives Out, is a fun summer mystery movie to keep you guessing.
The film follows Detective Blanc (played by Daniel Craig) as he travels to an island upon a mysterious invitation, meets new characters such as Whiskey (Madelyn Cline) and Miles (Edward Norton), and encounters drama, deceit, and of course death.
The summer of 2024 is the perfect time to finally watch this film as the third instalment in the series is set to be released in 2025, and the tropical island setting of Rian Johnson’s masterpiece will inspire summer plans.
4. Mamma Mia (2008)
- Key actors: Meryl Street, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth
- Director: Phyllida Lloyd
- Run time: 1h 48m
If you have not seen Mamma Mia yet, this is the perfect opportunity to do so, and if you have seen this classic movie then now is a great time for a re-watch. This film has all the perfect summer essentials – beaches, singing, family, friends and love.
The movie follows Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), who with her upcoming marriage approaching, invites three of her mother’s past boyfriends (played by Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård) in the hopes of finding out which one is her father. The ABBA songs throughout the film along with the famous cast members, solidify this humorous film as a modern classic.
5. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
- Key actors: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant
- Director: Sharon Maguire
- Run time: 1h 37m
Bridget Jones’s Diary, based on the book by Helen Fielding, is a famous Romcom with an excellent cast. The light-heartedness and humour make it a perfect movie to watch to celebrate the upcoming summer months.
The movie follows Bridget (played by Renée Zellweger) as she tries to navigate her career and her love life, ultimately having to choose between Mark Darcy (played by Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (played by Hugh Grant).
Sharon Maguire’s classic movie also has two sequels – Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), and Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016), as well as the highly-anticipated new instalment set to be released in 2025: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. Now is the perfect time to finally watch this classic (and its sequels) before the new film’s release date.
