Summer is a fantastic time of year, and every so often this is emulated in the movies we watch. There is no one universal summer experience, and as a result, there’s a wide variety in what can be considered a “summer movie.” Here are some great films about summer to get you excited for the next few months..

1. Jaws

As the classic summer flick, Jaws is always a fun watch but will definitely keep you from swimming in the ocean for a few days.

2. Wet Hot American Summer

As an outrageous spoof of the summer camp experience, Wet Hot American Summer has become a cult classic and has even spawned a Netflix original mini-series, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.

3. The Kings of Summer

This lesser-known indie flick combines many of the elements of a typical summer experience and adds some more complex plot points to create a great coming-of-age story.

4. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Spending the summer apart from your friends can be hard, but it’s always great when you find a way to keep connected. You’re (probably) not going to keep in touch with your friends through sharing a magical pair of jeans, so gather everyone together to watch this movie instead.

5. National Lampoon's Vacation

One of National Lampoon’s most iconic films, this one is the epitome of a family trip gone awry.

6. Point Break

The original Point Break — directed by the fantastic Kathryn Bigelow and starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze — is an exciting crime thriller which also explores the fun surfing culture.

7. Moonrise Kingdom

Wes Anderson’s classic artistic filmmaking style is only one part of what makes this film spectacular. The coming-of-age storyline coupled with a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era always makes Moonrise Kingdom an enjoyable watch.

8. The Parent Trap

Easily one of Lindsay Lohan’s best movies — second only to Mean Girls — The Parent Trap combines many of the fun antics of summer camp with a sweet story about family.

9. The Sandlot

Some of the best summers are those of your younger years, and The Sandlot brings these feelings back with a fun youth baseball story.

10. Adventureland

For anyone who’s dealt with a crummy summer job, Adventureland explores many of those accompanying sentiments while also making use of the great on-screen chemistry between Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart.

11. Mamma Mia!

Based on the hit musical using Swedish pop group ABBA’s music, Mamma Mia! is a fun family movie with a star-studded cast that will have you singing the whole way through.

Summer is a season best characterized by fun activities, new experiences, and warm weather. This blend of action-packed, feel-good, and nostalgic classics will help bring that "summer" feeling to your break and keep you entertained for those days that need a bit more excitement.