Feeling hot? If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, the answer is likely yes. July feels like the true start of summer, and with that comes the all-hallowed vacation season. Whether a quick weekend getaway or a multi-month escape, the sweltering months create an opportunity for self-discovery. While this time of year offers a prime opportunity for rest and relaxation, these holidays aren’t merely a chance to recharge, but also hold the potential for life-changing experiences, big or small—few mediums explore that better than cinema.
As we dive headfirst into summer and outrageously hot temperatures, a starter pack of twenty fantastic films about summer vacations awaits. While many are joyous and uplifting, summer isn’t always just about joy—filmmakers have also deftly used the summer months to explore unexpected loneliness, alienation, heartbreak; as much on an individual level, or even through families tearing at the seams. This collection of movies reminds us that a summer holiday is far from a cure-all; for the lovers and dreamers, and the non-believers, there’s something for everyone’s watchlists.