Summer is here and you probably have a lot of free time on your hands. What's a better way to spend that free time than by inviting some friends over, popping some popcorn, and sitting down for a movie night!? Some of these movies aren't considered "new," but they are definitely worth the watch (or re-watch if you've already seen it).
In no particular order, here are 10 movies that are perfect for a summer movie night:
1. Dazed and Confused (1993)
Dazed and Confused is a comedy about a group of teens during their last days of school in 1976 and stars Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, and more.
2. Zootopia (2016)
A rather recent Disney movie, Zootopia follows the adventure of Judy Hopps, a bunny police officer, who is investigating a case when she teams up with Nick Wilde, a smart, con artist fox who was framed for the crime. They have to work together to solve the mysterious case. This movie is cute, funny and totally worth the watch, no matter how old you are! Zootopia is currently on Netflix.
3. Because of Winn-Dixie (2005)
In this charming and deep movie, a 10-year-old girl named Opal moves to a small town with her father where she meets a stray dog at a Winn-Dixie store. She decides to keep the dog and name him after the store. He helps her learn valuable life lessons and meet the townspeople as well as recover the relationship with her dad. Spoiler: the dog doesn't die in this story, thankfully!
4. Gone Girl (2014)
Nick Dunne's wife, Amy, disappears and gains a lot of media attention. People began to suspect he had killed her when his secrets began to surface, but Amy may not be innocent, either. While the movie is long (a total of 2 hours and 29 minutes), it is suspenseful and worth the watch!
5. Forrest Gump (1994)
If you haven't seen this movie yet, what are you waiting for? It tells the story of Forrest Gump, a disabled man, from boyhood to serving in the Vietnam War and even becoming a ping-pong champion and more. He tells his story to different people throughout the movie while sitting on a bench waiting for a bus. Forrest Gump is currently on Netflix.
6. Water for Elephants (2011)
Water for Elephants is a romance about Jacob (played by Robert Pattinson), a veterinary student who has lost both of his parents and is practically homeless starts working at a circus. He meets Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), the ringmaster's wife and falls in love with her; however, this isnt good considering the ringmaster is a violent and possessive man, especially when it comes to Marlena.
7. Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away is one of my favorite movies on this list. It is an animated movie from Studio Ghibli about a young girl who is moving to a new town with her mom and dad. While on the way to their new house, they get sidetracked and end up in an abandon amusement park. While there, she gets separated from her parents and meets a mysterious boy. The amusement park is actually a town filled with ghost, demons, and spirits and she has to work at a bathhouse for them in order to get her parents back and return home. The story, along with the animation, is quite beautiful and filled with adventure. 10 out of 10 would recommend, even if you aren't into anime!
8. The Sandlot (1993)
This movie is a classic. During the summer of 1962, a boy new to a town meets a group of kids who teach him how to play baseball. The Sandlot takes you on the adventure of the group while playing baseball, sleeping in a treehouse, and even causing a little trouble.
9. Dirty Dancing (1987)
This movie is about a girl how visits a resort with her family for the summer. She meets the camp's dancing instructor and falls in love with him. Dirty Dancing stars Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. If you're looking for something a little more current, ABC recently just produced a remake of the movie.
You should definitely sit back, relax, and check out these movies! Happy summer!
