If there’s a season that likes to flirt, it’s summer. Let these nostalgic films remind you what this sultry, sunny time of year is all about.
“Dirty Dancing” (1987): Frances “Baby” Houseman heads on a summer vacation with her family, where she falls in love with the camp’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), carries a watermelon (if you know, you know), and perfects the lift with practice in the lake. Baby grows up this summer and probably never ever sits in the corner again. Artisan Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection
“The Notebook” (2004): Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling) sizzled on screen in this tear-jerking love story that made the actors America’s sweethearts for some time. The rain kiss MVP of the early aughts, “The Notebook” is a memorable love story that’s always available on cable TV. New Line Cinema
“Dirty Dancing” (1987): Frances “Baby” Houseman heads on a summer vacation with her family, where she falls in love with the camp’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). Artisan Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection
“Jaws 2” (1978): Although it’s not technically a summer romance, this film does include summer scenes and a group of teens navigating relationships. Complications arise when a giant Great White Shark is on the hunt, making the stakes incredibly high. The tagline, “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…” remains iconic. Bud Gray/Universal Pictures
“Say Anything” (1989): John Cusack’s underachiever Lloyd Dobler falls hard for valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye). Enjoy this classic teen romance filled with nostalgia and memorable moments. From 20th Century Fox“Sweet Home Alabama” (2002): Josh Lucas and Patrick Dempsey vie for the affection of Reese Witherspoon in this romantic comedy about a Southern belle balancing love and her past. Touchstone Pictures“Coming to America” (1988): In this comedy, Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) seeks true love in America, encountering humor and romance along the way. Moviestore Collection/Alamy“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018): New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) discovers that her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) comes from an extremely wealthy family in this vibrant rom-com filled with humor and drama. Courtesy of Warner Bros, Inc.“The Proposal” (2009): This rom-com pairs Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in a hilarious story that combines a fake romance with standout performances, particularly from Betty White. AA Film Archive/Alamy“My Best Friend’s Wedding” (June 1997): This beloved classic featuring Julia Roberts explores the twists of love and friendship in a wedding context. “Father of the Bride” (2022): In this HBO Max remake, a couple confronts the ups and downs of their marriage under the pressures of their daughter’s wedding. HBO Max
