8 Can’t-Miss Shows and Movies to Watch This Summer- Ana Rizvi

With just one week of school left, summer is right around the corner. Three months of pure, uninterrupted bliss sounds like a dream, and everyone is looking forward to something this summer. Ever since the first summer blockbuster movie came out in 1975, Jaws, movies debuting in the summer just hit differently. Harry Potter, Finding Nemo, Spider-Man 2, and Bridesmaids are just a few of the many summer blockbusters. The magic of summer lives both on and off the screen. People fall in love, solve mysteries, meet new people, and so much more. Below is a list of nine movies to get you excited for a summer to remember. From thrills to jumpscares, and swoons to tears, my favorite summer movies will definitely stir up some emotions. 

First on the list is Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. This series is definitely next on my list– right after I finish Bridgerton. This historical drama follows Queen Charlotte’s rise to power in the late 18th Century. The limited series shook Netflix and has earned the title of the most-watched show on the streaming service, with more than 158 million viewing hours. It held the crown number one for Netflix’s top shows and is on the list of most-watched shows on Netflix. If you love Grey’s Anatomy, you’re likely to love this show too, as it was created by the adored Shonda Rimes!

Second, on the list is Shutter Island. Originally a novel written by Dennis Lehane, this story is about a U.S. Marshal who goes to a remote psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane to investigate the disappearance of a murderous patient. With a mind-blowing plot twist, this movie is sure to keep you thinking about it long after watching it. This intense thriller was ranked as one of the top ten films of 2010 and grossed $299 million globally!

Third on the list is definitely a fan-favorite, How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. This tale tells of a ladies’ man who bets that he can get any woman to fall in love with him in 10 days, but little does he know that the woman he randomly chose is actually a magazine columnist working on a new column called “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”, and she’s trying her best to drive him away. This rom-com is very popular with a box office of $177.5 million, and it’s always a comfort movie– especially in the summer!

With another Leonardo DiCaprio movie fourth on the list, we have Catch Me If You Can. Produced by the famous Steven Spielberg, this story is based on the semi-autobiographical book by Frank Abagnale Jr., which is the same name of the main character. Frank writes that before his 19th birthday, he successfully carried out many cons worth millions of dollars by posing as a man of many professions. Starring Tom Hanks and Ellen Pompeo, this movie had a box office of $352.1 million. With a heartwarming ending, this movie is sure to keep you enraptured in the story! 

Fifth on our list is Ten Things I Hate About You. Definitely a favorite in the world of rom-coms, this story follows a girl named Kat who is beautiful, smart, and isn’t the most sociable person, unlike her younger sister, Bianca. Her father makes a rule saying that Bianca can’t date anyone until Kat does. So, an elaborate plan is put in place so that Bianca is allowed to date someone. Released in 1999, this movie has the perfect 90s summer vibes. With a box office of $60.4 million, this show is a must-watch!

Sixth on the list is Elvis. This awe-striking, beautifully played, and groovy film was released last summer in June. It has gathered so much attention and praise that it was nominated at the Oscars. The movie, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, follows the life of Elvis and is exceptionally creative, and intricate in design, and the performance was breathtaking. It grossed $288.7 million worldwide and is a perfect movie to watch this summer. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, and leave you feeling like you just stepped off of a rollercoaster.

Number seven on the list is Daisy Jones and the Six. This series is based on a novel written by Taylor Jenkins Reid of the same name. The series follows the rise and fall of a band who set out on a quest for worldwide fame. The fictional band was inspired by Fleetwood Mac and is set in the 1970s in Los Angeles. This show has been extremely popular and has won two awards. The series is sure to keep you hooked, and will present you with a myriad of emotions! Last on the list, but definitely not least, is Monte Carlo. Starring Leighton Meester, Selena Gomez, and Katie Cassidy, this movie is a dreamy story about two friends Grace and Emma who quit their waitressing jobs and travel to Paris for a summer adventure accompanied by Grace’s stepsister, Meg. Their vacation starts on a bad note, however, when Grace is mistaken for a British celebrity, she and her fellow travelers head to Monte Carlo to enjoy a week of Cornelia’s life, then the real Cordelia arrives. This cute and feel-good story is perfect for summer. Set in France during the summer, it’s a great movie to set the tone for summer!