Five Movies Made for Summer

School is out. Summer is here. Here are five movies made for summer! I’d love to hear what your favorites are.

#1 The Sandlot (1993)

This cult-classic captures the best of what summer means for a young boy. Sleepovers in the tree house. A day at the pool. And of course, baseball. The story follows Scotty (Tom Guiry), a new boy in the neighborhood. It’s a summer he’ll never forget as he forms the strongest friendships he’s ever had and pulls his friends into the biggest pickle they’ve ever faced. There are some many famous quotes here. It’d take me FORRREVVVERR to quote them all. Sandlot is rated PG and great for the whole family.

#2 Jurassic Park (1993)

Here’s another classic, one of monstrous proportions! Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Michael Crichton’s stellar novel is one of my favorite films and it always reminds me of summer. Not only was this film ahead of its time in 1993, but its special effects still hold up today. I love the first scene in which we see a dinosaur. Matched with John Williams’ score, it’s a magical experience. But my favorite part of the movie is when the team embarks on the Jurassic Park ride for the first time and “all is well” (aka no dinosaurs are trying to eat them!). Here’s an echo of Eden as it once was and will be again one day. Of course, it doesn’t stay that way; we’re ushered into the Fall soon after as greed leads the way. Finally, this film is great because it’s a thought-provoking cautionary tale: Jurassic Park is what happens when man plays god. Jeff Goldblum tried to warn them! The film is rated PG-13.

#3 Flipped (2010)

I bet you haven’t heard of this movie before. Written and directed by Rob Reiner, this movie captures the vibes of summer like The Sandlot, but through the eyes of a young girl and boy—Juli and Bryce. The movie flips back and forth between Juli’s (Madeline Carroll) perspective and Bryce’s (Callan McAuliffe)—hence the film title. First love is an important plot point here, a powerful experience most of us still remember. The story follows Juli’s massive crush on Bryce, who is also her neighbor. When Juli finally gives up on convincing Bryce to care for her, this, of course, is when Bryce realizes Juli is one of a kind. Megan and I recently re-watched this film and loved it. While it technically doesn’t take place in summer, Reiner has captured the innocence of childhood and the pangs of coming of age that remind us of that season. It’s rated PG, and except for some language, it’s a thoughtful film suited for the whole family.

#4 La La Land (2016)

Still one of the most moving films I’ve ever seen, the opening sequence on the freeway in Los Angeles summer is why I’ve included this movie on this list. With clear nods to the finest musical in American cinema, Singing in the Rain (1952), La La Land stands on its own with its enchanting music and gut-wrenching romance. The film is about the sacrifices we make for pursuing our dreams, and since it revolves around two artists (Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone), it resonates with me.I even have the album for my record player. It’s about time to listen to it again! Due to language and some adult content, the film is rated R.

#5 The Way Way Back (2013) 

Here’s a hidden gem that my wife and I have watched every summer since we stumbled upon it. I now consider it one of my favorite summer films. The Way Way Back follows 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) and his summer vacation to a beach house with his mother (Toni Collette), her new boyfriend (Steve Carell), and his friends. Shy, insecure, and feeling out of place, Duncan jumps on a bike one day and stumbles upon the Water Wizz water park. Here he meets the never-serious, childlike manager, Owen (Sam Rockwell), and things change for Duncan. For the first time, he has a place where he belongs, a community of people who see his gifts and what makes him unique. The water park becomes a picture of Eden for Duncan and healing takes place. Unfortunately, he cannot live there, it’s only a vacation, he must return to the real (and fallen) world. But he’s changed now—a little more equipped to face life’s challenges as a young man. Besides these compelling themes, there are some wonderfully hilarious characters in this film! The film is rated PG-13 due to language and adult themes.

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Dane Bundy is President of Stage & Story and Director of Fine Arts at Regents School of Austin.