I’m sure for everyone, especially students, summer can’t come quick enough, so here is a list of some of my favorite movies to get you in the summer spirit.

Princess Protection Program is a Disney original movie that was released in 2009. The story takes place in rural Wisconsin with Selena Gomez playing Carter Mason and Demi Lovato as Princess Rosalinda. Rosalinda is the princess of a small country that was targeted and taken over by an enemy nation. Carter’s father. Mr Mason is an agent that works with the Princess Protection Program, who saves Rosalinda and gives her a temporary fake identity. The princesses are taken to a place where they know no one will ever find them, and for Rosalinda, it was in the home of Mr. Mason with his stubborn daughter Carter. The two girls are complete opposites but eventually form an unlikely friendship as they go through the different battles of highschool of just living as a teenage girl. This movie is perfect for summer due to the nostalgia many people have for this 2000’s Disney movie. But even if you haven’t seen this movie before, watching a movie from this time and seeing the different clothing, and sets that remind you of when you were younger will no doubt have you feeling nostalgic as well.

For those who don’t enjoy Disney movies, or are interested in the horror or mystery genre, Midsommar is the perfect movie to watch. The lead, Dani, who is played by Florence Pugh, travels with her boyfriend and his friends to one of their hometowns in Sweden. They decided to visit in order to experience their midsummer festival, but their traditions and customs begin to be more violent and deadly, terrifying some guests more than others as they realize their safety is in the hands of a brutal cult. It is important to mention that these scenes can be quite graphic, as the movie is rated R, so if you are unsure about seeing blood and a lot worse, definitely do not watch this. If this is your first time watching, it may be a bit shocking, as many of the scenes leave out no detail. The story is incredibly compelling though, with many twists and turns. The visuals are beautiful, though it only takes place in a small plot of land, they use bright flowers, colorful buildings and everyone wears white linen clothing with floral embroidery. Their use of nature and unique architecture are what help give it a summertime feel.

Dinner in America is a comedy romance that was released in 2020, but went viral in the second half of 2024. The movie is set in the midwestern suburbs and follows the story of Patty, an awkward and unmotivated 20 year old. The only thing that truly matters to her is the band The Alliance, but she is particularly obsessed and in love with the lead singer whose identity is kept a secret. One day she comes across Simon, who looks like a typical punk or alternative guy in his twenties. He happens to be running from the cops and a relationship blossoms between the pair once he asks for her help. The unlikely pair go on adventures together as they grow closer, and the audience cannot help but admire the two. This movie is the perfect coming of age story for someone in their late teens or early twenties who might be struggling with forming relationships with others and finding purpose in life. I found it quite relatable as someone who lives in the suburbs and can sometimes sense that “stuck” feeling. Simon’s upfront and cold demeanor paired with Patty’s naive nature led to many funny interactions.

No matter what genre you like, I am sure one of these movies will become one of your favorites to watch that will get you excited for summer.