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Nothing puts you in the mood for fun in the sun quite like warm weather and sunny skies. Summer 2020 is in full swing, but we’ve all been forced to cope with the reality that things are a bit different this year. Vacations and trips to the beach may have been replaced by nights on the couch, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still have plenty of summer fun.
If you’re looking for the best way to enjoy this summer, you may want to consider staying safe at home in the air conditioning with a popcorn bowl and a blockbuster summer movie. Reality is a bit wild right now, so it’s the perfect time to escape with some sun, sand, and good times.
There’s certainly no shortage of summer blockbusters for you to enjoy this season from the safety and comfort of your own home. But, if you’re anything like us, your mind manages to draw a blank when it’s time to select a perfect summer movie. Fear not, because we’ve compiled a list of the best five classic summer movies you can stream right now.
Jaws
Where You Can Watch: HBO, HBO Go, HBO Now, HBO Max
When it comes to summer classics, no list would be complete without mention of Jaws, the 1975 blockbuster smash from director Steven Spielberg.
Jaws opens in the picturesque town of Amity Island, a favorite tourist destination among New Englanders who are hoping to escape the mainland for sand, surf, and sun. Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones who have taken an interest in the waters of Amity Island. A man-eating monster Great White shark is lurking just below the surface, ready to make a meal out of any unsuspecting tourist daring enough to dip their toes in the water.
The mayor and residents of Amity Island demand a return to normalcy immediately, forcing police chief Martin Brody to act swiftly to save the people of Amity Island from this monstrous shark. If you’ve never seen Jaws, or if you’re looking to relive this thrilling classic, there’s no better time to watch than during a hot summer day.
The Sandlot
Where You Can Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+
Everyone can relate to the heartwarming adventures of these boys of summer who captivated audiences in 1993 with this touching coming of age story.
The story opens in the summer of 1962, as our main character Scottie Smalls tries to get acclimated to the new town he moved to with his mother and stepfather. Fortunately for Smalls, he’s across the street from local baseball prodigy Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez.
Benny takes Smalls under his wing, and a series of hilarious and heartwarming adventures unfold as the boys come of age while honing their skills on the local baseball diamond.
Can’t Hardly Wait
Where You Can Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Few movies are as quintessentially summer as this coming of age classic from the late 90s. This movie opens at the end of the school year, as everyone from the varsity jocks to the cool kids to the tragically nerdy students of Huntington Hillside High get ready for a crazy end of year party.
This movie has it all: unlikely romance, heartbreak, drinking and debauchery, and a touching storyline that anyone who has had to navigate high school can relate to. Most importantly, it has a young Seth Green dressed like an extra from a 90s rap video shoot. I’m sure we all wish we could be enjoying an end of the year pool party right now, but since we can’t, Can’t Hardly Wait might be the next best thing.
Top Gun
Where You Can Watch: Amazon Prime and Hulu
This summer blockbuster set theaters nationwide on fire when it was originally released just before Memorial Day in 1986. The movie follows the elite fighter pilot academy class at the Miramar Fighter School, as they compete for the Top Gun trophy.
This movie is packed with action, adventure, romance, and heartbreak, and it should be required viewing to kick off any summer. If you’re looking for a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat this summer, queue up Top Gun for your next afternoon movie.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Where You Can Watch: Hulu
This instant classic from the mind of Judd Apatow is the perfect summer movie for anyone who can relate to getting dumped and trying to get over a difficult breakup. But, this movie is far from a bummer, and you’ll be laughing until your sides hurt as you watch this hilarious tale of romance gone wrong.
After being dumped by his Hollywood girlfriend, Peter decides to head to Hawaii to blow off some steam and try and forget about his ex. Unfortunately for him, he isn’t the only one with their eye on a Hawaiian getaway. Peter quickly realizes that his ex and her new boo are enjoying a vacation at the same resort.
This rather uncomfortable situation makes for plenty of awkward situations and tons of laughs. If you’re looking for a hilarious movie that’s perfect for enjoying the air conditioning this summer, throw on Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Honorable Mentions
These five summer classics are the perfect way to kick off your socially distant summer vacation. These movies are packed with action, romance, drama, and plenty of laughs, and watching one of these summer classics is the next best thing to being outside yourself.
Beyond these classic summer movies you can stream right now, there are so many more awesome summer hits you may want to throw on after you’re done with the movies above.
Here are a few more summer classics that are available on streaming platforms now:
- The Parent Trap – Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video
- Do the Right Thing – Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu (streaming for free)
- Wet Hot American Summer – Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video
- Endless Summer – Amazon Prime Video
- Adventureland – Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video
- Girls’ Trip – Netflix
