10 classic summer movies and where to stream them

From campy cult-faves to horror flicks and summer-themed rom-coms, there are plenty of choices for that next rainy day. (iStock)

Some movies perfectly capture the essence of summer, from the thrilling fun of a beachside adventure to the nostalgia of childhood friendships and family road trips. Watching classic (or newly released) summer movies together is a fun way for the family to bond, especially on a rainy day. 

Whether you prefer comedies, horror, action flicks or rom-coms, movies can be a great way to break from the sun or entertain yourself during a staycation. So pull up a couch and grab the popcorn—Here are 10 classic summer movies that encapsulate the season's spirit and where you can stream them. 

Jaws: rent for $3.79

This summer thriller follows a police chief, a marine biologist and a shark hunter as they confront a menacing great white. (Amazon)

Steven Spielberg's Jaws is the summer thriller that transformed beach vacations forever. Set in the fictional town of Amity Island, the film that spawned three sequels follows a police chief, a marine biologist and a shark hunter as they confront a menacing great white shark. Its suspenseful storytelling and iconic score have made it a timeless classic.

The Sandlot: rent for $3.99

The Sandlot is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that follows a group of young boys who bond over baseball. (Amazon)

The Sandlot is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that captures the innocence and adventures of childhood summers. Set in the 1960s, it follows a group of young boys who bond over baseball and navigate the challenges of growing up. You can also consider the hilarious Rodney Dangerfield-helmed Ladybugs if you like the nostalgic sports theme. 

Wet Hot American Summer: rent for $3.79

Wet Hot American Summer follows camp counselors in their antics as they try to complete unfinished business before camp ends.  (Amazon)

This cult comedy parodies the classic summer camp experience with absurd humor and an ensemble cast. Set on the last day of camp in 1981, it follows counselors as they try to complete unfinished business before the day ends. Its satirical take on camp tropes has earned it a dedicated fan base, much like another fan favorite, Troop Beverly Hills.

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Dirty Dancing: watch on Apple TV for $9.99/month

Dirty Dancing’s iconic dance scenes, music and romantic storyline have made it a perennial favorite for generations. (Apple TV)

Set in the summer of 1963, Dirty Dancing tells the story of Frances "Baby" Houseman, who falls in love with a dance instructor at a resort in the Catskills. The film's iconic dance scenes, music and romantic story have made it a perennial favorite for generations. While you're at it, do a Patrick Swayze binge movie marathon and stream favorites like Road House and Ghost.

Do the Right Thing: watch on Netflix for $7.99/month

Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing explores racial tensions and community dynamics in a Brooklyn neighborhood on the hottest day of the year. (Netflix)

Spike Lee's masterpiece is set in a Brooklyn neighborhood on the hottest day of the year and explores racial tensions and community dynamics. Its powerful narrative and vibrant visuals offer a thought-provoking look at societal issues, making it a significant film in American cinema history. 

Adventureland: rent for $3.79

Adventureland follows a recent college grad who takes a summer job at an amusement park, leading to unexpected friendships and life lessons. (Amazon)

Adventureland follows a recent college graduate who takes a summer job at an amusement park, leading to unexpected friendships and life lessons. Set in the 1980s, the film combines humor and heartfelt moments, capturing the uncertainties of young adulthood. If you like this type of movie, consider Superbad or the movie that made Keanu Reeves a household name, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, which is free to stream on Tubi. 

The Parent Trap (1961): rent for $3.79

The Parent Trap follows a pair of identical twins separated at birth who reunite by happenstance and concoct a scheme to get their family back together. (Amazon)

This classic family film features Hayley Mills in dual roles as identical twins separated at birth who meet at summer camp and scheme to reunite their divorced parents. Its charming story and catchy songs have delighted audiences for generations and even spawned a remake starring a young Lindsay Lohan.

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Roman Holiday: rent for $3.99

In this classic 1953 rom-com, Audrey Hepburn stars as a princess who escapes her royal duties for a day of adventure in Rome with an American journalist. (Amazon)

In Roman Holiday, a classic 1953 rom-com, Audrey Hepburn stars as a princess who escapes her royal duties for a day of adventure in Rome with an American journalist, played by Gregory Peck. This romantic comedy captures the allure of spontaneous summer escapades and the beauty of the Eternal City. If you like romantic comedies, you might also consider (500)Days of Summer or Mystic Pizza. 

Beach Blanket Bingo: rent for $3.89

Beach Blanket Bingo is a lighthearted tale of surfers, skydivers and musical numbers.  (Amazon)

A quintessential 1960s beach party movie, Beach Blanket Bingo features Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello in a lighthearted tale of surfers, skydivers and musical numbers. Its campy fun and catchy tunes make it a nostalgic trip to the past, much like the cult-flick Grease and its sequel Grease 2.

Lilo & Stitch: watch on Apple TV for $9.99/month

Lilo & Stitch tells the story of a young girl who adopts a mischievous but adorable alien, leading to a heartwarming tale of family and acceptance.  (Apple TV)

Set in Hawaii, this animated film tells the story of a young girl who adopts a mischievous alien, leading to adventures that emphasize the importance of family and acceptance. Its vibrant visuals and heartfelt message resonate with viewers of all ages. If you’re wondering why you’re seeing the characters everywhere again these days, it’s because it’s the film’s 20th anniversary and Disney celebrated with a live-action remake. If it’s tropical vibes you’re after, you might also consider Disney’s Moana.