Can't Wait Until Summer? Here's 5 Sun-Soaked TV Shows and Movies to Binge Right Now
The countdown is officially on. We’re finally at that point where the days are stretching out, the heavy coats are disappearing, and the first real weekend of summer feels close enough to touch. But if you’re tired of waiting for the calendar to catch up with your mood, you don’t have to. From the nostalgia of boardwalk nights to the thrill of a spontaneous road trip, these five shows and movies offer the perfect atmospheric shortcut. If you need a taste of that "everything-is-possible" energy right now, hit play on these summer essentials.
People We Meet on Vacation
Imagine diving into a friendship that feels like home, but with the excitement of exploring new places. This film adaptation of Emily Henry’s beloved novel is all about Poppy and Alex, two friends whose annual summer trips are filled with laughter, longing, and unspoken truths. It's a story that beautifully captures the warmth of the sun on your skin and the tender ache of what could have been.
Laguna Beach
A classic throwback to the early 2000s, this OG reality TV show serves up a heavy dose of nostalgia and sun-drenched drama. Follow a group of high school friends navigating love and life in the affluent coastal town of Laguna Beach, California. Expect plenty of beach bonfires, teenage angst, and that irresistible feeling of endless summer nights.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
This list wouldn't be complete without TSITP. Follow Belly as she returns to the place she’s spent every summer of her life, but this year, everything’s different. With themes of first love and self-discovery, it’s a tale that perfectly encapsulates the transformative power of summer.
The Kings of Summer
This indie gem is a heartfelt ode to the restless spirit of youth. It follows three teenage boys as they escape to the woods to build their own house and live off the land, far from the prying eyes of adults. It’s quirky, it’s funny, and it’s a reminder of the intoxicating freedom that summer can bring, with its promise of adventure and rebellion.
Along for the Ride
Based on the Sarah Dessen novel, this film captures the essence of summer nights filled with mystery and magic. Auden meets Eli, a fellow insomniac, and together they embark on nightly quests to experience the carefree life she’s missed out on. It's a story that weaves together the quiet beauty of a seaside town with the powerful pull of new beginnings.
So, instead of just checking the weather app and waiting, dive into these stories for an immediate hit of Vitamin D. They’re the perfect way to prime yourself for the season ahead—reminding you that the best parts of summer are just weeks away.
