Along for The Ride recently hit Netflix. The coming-of-age story, based on Sarah Dessen's novel of the same name, is the perfect movie to get viewers into the summer mood, with a stunning seaside setting and the right amount of blossoming teen romance.
There is something to be said about coming-of-age films that center around the summer. They are carefree, nostalgic, and most importantly, relatable. Whether these films focus on falling in love or out of love, friendship, or the joy of summer jobs, all elements come together to create the perfect summer atmosphere.
The Last Song (2010)
Stream on Disney+
Miley Cyrus stars as Ronnie Miller, a teenage girl who is sent with her little brother to spend the summer with her estranged father. While there, she reconnects with her father and begins to spend time with a local boy named Will.
Set in a beautiful beach town with perfect ocean views, The Lost Song is the perfect summer movie. The central themes are first love and heartbreak and with a clear focus on Ronnie's maturity, there is growth that viewers will surely relate to. There are many layers to this coming-of-age film that fans would not expect and the movie still holds up 12 years later.
Now And Then (1995)
Stream on Tubi
Now And Then follows four childhood best friends as they reconnect years into their adulthood with flashbacks to their adolescence. One of Christina Ricci's best movies according to IMDb, Now And Then is the perfect film to go back to when feeling nostalgic. It is all about childhood memories and how those experiences play a part in growing up and coming to with who people are.
Friendship is at the root of this film and it's the special relationship between the four girls that makes it worth watching. The young versions of the characters are highly relatable and have their own eccentric personalities that pull the audience into thinking about their own bittersweet childhood memories.
Adventureland (2009)
Stream on HBO Max
Set in the '80s, this coming-of-age movie is about James Brennan, a young man working during the summer to his dream of traveling to Europe. Although he isn't thrilled about working at an amusement park, he meets Em that turns his mood around.
Adventureland centers around a summer job that feels mundane but the film turns this around by introducing offbeat characters that make the story both comical and heartfelt. An entertaining watch, the film features Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg and is guaranteed to get viewers feeling ready for their own summer spent in a theme park.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Stream on FuboTV & DIRECTV
Dirty Dancing follows Baby as she begins a summer at a country club with her family. There, she meets a dance instructor named Johnny who invites her to be his dancing partner.
Dirty Dancing is a classic summer movie that takes place in the Catskills. The summer atmosphere is palpable since it shows activities that anyone would associate with summer and also features a blossoming summer love that never felt too sappy. Dirty Dancing is one of those movies that will make you feel like falling in love and, despite tackling serious topics like abortion, it manages to remain a feel-good movie that has viewers dancing along until the credits roll.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Available to rent on VUDU, AppleTV+, & YouTube
The 2017 film, Call Me By Your Name follows 17-year-old Elio as he spends the summer in Italy. During the trip, he is introduced to his father's intern, Oliver.
This award-winning film features the most ravishing part of Italy so audiences get a front-row seat to the greenery and captivating architecture. It's a movie guaranteed to inspire wanderlust and have viewers longing for a summer in Europe. Aside from the stunning scenery, Call Me By Your Name follows an unexpected first love and first heartbreak, with meaningful performances and a memorable soundtrack.
Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants (2005)
Stream on HBO Max
In Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, four very different best friends exchange a pair of jeans that magically fit them throughout the summer before their senior year of high school.
Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants offers the realities of the highs and lows of being a teenager. It focuses on the friendships the girls share while they are spending the summers separated, making it relatable and engaging for young viewers. Many emotional moments impact the characters for the better and it is very clear that they evolve from it, creating a coming-of-age story that's perfect for the summer.
Summer '03 (2018)
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
This female-focused coming-of-age film tells the story of 16-year-old Jamie as she explores her sexuality and lives her summer to the fullest after the death of her grandmother.
Summer '03 is a movie that not only perfectly captures the excitement of summer, but also the teen experience. After her grandmother tells her to live life to the fullest and enjoy being young, Jamie is on a mission to fulfill her grandmother's wishes. While it explores making mistakes and trying to grow from them, the film has a carefree feel that is perfect for a summer viewing.
Say Anything (1989)
Stream on HBO Max
In this classic '80s teen romance film, a teenager named Lloyd is on a mission to win the heart of the straight-A student, Diane. Howeber, her father gives him a hard time and doesn't approve of the relationship.
An ideal movie to watch during summer due to its laidback feel, Say Anything is innocent and sweet, meaning it will capture the hearts of hopeless romantics. The film has a lot of heart and humor which makes it fun to watch for people who've never seen it before. As an all-around feel-good movie, there are many things in Say Anything that still hold up today, including the iconic boombox scene which will put viewers in a carefree summer mood alone.
Banana Split (2018)
Stream on Netflix
Banana Split follows a high school graduate named April as she deals with a devastating breakup from her long-time boyfriend, Nick. April begins a surprising friendship with Nick's new girlfriend Clara and things get complicated.
This film does a great job of capturing that feeling of uncertainty in the summer after high school graduation. April and Clara go on many summertime adventures throughout the film and they bring that carefree summer feeling with how happy-go-lucky they are. The characters are realistic and funny and viewers will be highly satisfied with the ending.
The Kings Of Summer (2013)
Stream on FuboTV & Showtime
Three teenage boys decide to escape their overbearing parents and live in a house they built in the woods in The Kings of Summer. They must decide if they can live off the land and with each other.
The Kings Of Summer explores the complicated themes of adolescence and young people's need for independence with a funny and wholesome feel throughout. The film expertly balances emotional moments with light-hearted ones, while providing an important message about freedom - meaning it's the perfect film to watch this summer.
