Best romance movies set in the summer to stream

By Neia Balao 5:16am PDT, Jun 16, 2021

As America begins to return to some semblance of normalcy, the last thing you're probably thinking about is what to watch over summer vacation… but for those us who need a break from the scorching weather? Consider lounging on your couch with the AC blasting while watching one (or many) of these summertime romance flicks… because who doesn't love some summer lovin'? First up on our list is 2010's "The Last Song," which is available to stream on Disney+. In this romantic drama, Miley Cyrus stars as Ronnie Miller, a rebellious teen from New York City who's forced to stay with her father in a small Southern beach town for the summer. As she struggles to repair her strained relationship with her dad, she begins to fall for handsome local Will Blakelee (played by Miley's future-ex-husband Liam Hemsworth). There's a lot to love about this film, like how it spawned the bop that is "When I Look at You," but the main reason we keep coming back is because it marked the beginning of Miley and Liam's off-screen romance (however tumultuous it may have been)!

Join Wonderwall.com as we look at more of our favorite summer romance flicks to stream…

"Blue Crush" on Hulu, Apple TV & YouTube

Where do we sign up to join this girl gang? 2002's "Blue Crush" stars Kate Bosworth as Anne Marie Chadwick, an ambitious surfer who's gearing up to compete during the Rip masters surf competition in Hawaii. However, her focus is entirely thrown when she meets professional quarterback Matt Tollman (played by Matthew Davis) and starts falling for him. Her charismatic roommates Lena (Sanoe Lake) and Eden (Michelle Rodriguez) and baby sister Penny (Mika Boorem) make for endearing additions to the cast.

"Holiday in the Sun" on Apple TV

We're aware that there are several noteworthy Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen films out there… but one of our favorites? Well, that's got to be 2001's "Holiday in the Sun." The twins play Madison and Alex Stewart, two teens vacationing in the Bahamas with their family who find themselves caught up in a smuggling ring. Of course, the girls also meet a couple of cute suitors (played by Ben Easter and Austin Nichols) in addition to encountering mean girl Brianna (Megan Fox in her movie acting debut), who's less than pleased by their presence at the resort.

"Spider-Man: Far From Home" on Hulu, Starz, YouTube & Amazon Prime Video

"Spider-Man: Far From Home" might not be a conventional romance movie, but it does explore the burgeoning (and adorable!) relationship between Peter Parker and MJ. The 2019 Marvel Cinematic Universe films stars Tom Holland as the titular teen superhero, whose European summer vacation — during which he intended to grow closer to his crush, MJ (Zendaya) — is interrupted when Nick Fury appears and recruits him for a mission. Throughout the duration of their high school trip, Peter struggles to keep up his heroic responsibilities while trying to find the best way to profess his feelings for MJ.

"Before Sunrise" on Hulu, Apple TV & YouTube

A happenstance encounter that leads to a burgeoning romance? Count us in. The first installment of Richard Linklater's "Before" trilogy, 1995's "Before Sunrise," tells the story of a chance meeting between Jesse (Ethan Hawke), an American traveller on his way to Vienna, and Celine (Julie Delpy), a Parisian student he meets on a train. After convincing Celine to join him in Vienna for the day, sparks begin to fly between the two and a romantic bond is forged. However, the closer they get, the more difficult it becomes to go their separate ways come morning.

"Sex and the City" on HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube & Apple TV

"Sex and the City" fans everywhere rejoiced when the cast of stylish 30- and 40-somethings came together four years after the hit series ended to film the first movie. The film "Sex and the City," which debuted in 2008, follows Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) as she gears up for her fairytale wedding to Mr. Big — only for him to change his mind mere moments before the ceremony. Freshly heartbroken, Carrie relies on gal pals Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Samantha (Kim Cattrall), along with her new assistant (Jennifer Hudson), to piece her life back together and reclaim a sense of self.

"Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" on HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV & Amazon Prime Video

When best friends Bridget (Blake Lively), Carmen (America Ferrera), Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) and Lena (Alexis Bledel) spend summer vacation apart, they keep in touch by sharing a pair of jeans that magically fits all four of them! In addition to learning more about themselves, unexpected bonds and romantic relationships are also forged in the process.

"Mamma Mia!" on Amazon Prime Video

In 2008's "Mamma Mia!" Amanda Seyfried stars as bride-to-be Sophie, who's preparing to marry at her mother Donna's (Meryl Streep) boutique hotel on a Greek island. Donna, however, is unaware that Sophie has a secret plan — she's invited three of her mother's exes to her wedding in hopes of discovering her father's identity so he can walk her down the aisle on her special day. Who doesn't love a romantic comedy set during the summer in Greece that also features the musical stylings of ABBA?!

"High School Musical 2" on Disney+

Really? You thought we'd compile a list of summertime romance flicks and not include the second installment of the "High School Musical" franchise? Nice one. "High School Musical 2," which debuted in 2007, saw the teens of East High School working at an Albuquerque country club over the summer months — but what's meant to be a time for the group to deepen their bond actually leads to a major divide. After Troy (Zac Efron) is introduced to bigwigs who have the power to seriously impact his future, his priorities begin to shift and he loses sight of what matters in the process. Excuse us while we scream-cry to "Gotta Go My Own Way."

"Moonrise Kingdom" on Hulu, Showtime, YouTube & Amazon Prime Video

Set in a New England coastal town in 1965, Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom" tells the story of Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward), 12-year-olds who've fallen in love and decide to run away together. Their plan to build a future, however, goes awry when a fast-approaching storm puts their lives at serious risk.

"Say Anything" on Amazon Prime Video

Fresh after his high school graduation, expert underachiever Lloyd Dobler (played by John Cusack) finally gets the chance to romance his longtime crush, studious valedictorian Diane Court (played by Ione Skye). As their romance begins to heat up in the months following senior year, the longevity of their relationship is threatened by Diane's overbearing (and shady) father. The 1989 flick, which also marked Cameron Crowe's directorial debut, also includes one of the most memorable scenes in pop culture… Peter Gabriel and a boombox, anyone?

"What A Girl Wants" on Netflix, HBO Max, YouTube & Amazon Prime Video

Finding out that your father is a member of the British upper class sounds like a pretty sweet revelation, right? Well, not quite. 2003's "What A Girl Wants" stars Amanda Bynes as New York City teen Daphne, who travels to London to meet her father, Lord Dashwood (played by Colin Firth), for the very first time. In addition to striking up a charming romance with musician Ian (Oliver James), Daphne soon begins to wonder if she'll ever fit in with her father's lavish, high-profile lifestyle. A teen rom-com set in London during the summer months? Yeah, we're on board with that.

"Dirty Dancing" on Amazon Prime Video

What starts off as a less-than-ideal summer spent in upstate New York quickly turns into a whirlwind romance of a lifetime! The critically acclaimed 1987 romance "Dirty Dancing" stars Jennifer Grey as Baby, a teenager who, after initially loathing her time at a lackluster vacation resort in the Catskills, meets Johnny (played by Patrick Swayze), the property's handsome dance instructor. As Johnny and Baby spend more time dancing together, they begin to fall in love — much to her father's dismay.

"Roman Holiday" on Paramount+, YouTube, Apple TV & Amazon Prime Video

Who could ever forget this classic tale? 1953's "Roman Holiday" stars Audrey Hepburn as the overworked Princess Ann, who flees her regal responsibilities in favor of an impromptu night out in Rome. Once there, a sedative she got from her doctor begins to take effect and she ends up falling asleep on a bench. After American reporter Joe Bradley (played by Gregory Peck) comes across the sleeping young woman, he takes her to his apartment in an effort to keep her safe — however, it doesn't take long for him to realize her royal identity. After convincing his editor that he can secure an interview with her, his plans for furthering his journalistic career go awry when he begins to develop feelings for her.

"Monte Carlo" on Netflix

What's better than traveling to Paris with your bestie and your stepsister? Getting mistaken for a British heiress and jet-setting to Monte Carlo as a result. 2011's "Monte Carlo" stars Selena Gomez as Grace Bennett, a Texas teen who finds herself pretending to be her doppelgänger, spoiled aristocrat Cordelia Winthrop-Scott. While she finds love and adventure in Monaco, Grace soon realizes that she's in over her head as her lie begins to deepen and affect those around her. We don't know about you, but this rom-com holds a special place in our hearts — maybe it's the fact that it takes us to a seemingly simpler time (the 2010s) or that Selena Gomez & the Scene (wow, throwback!) debuted the track "Who Says" to promote the film. Regardless of the reason, this one is a major favorite in our books!

"500 Days of Summer" on Hulu, Apple TV & YouTube

While the film might not be set entirely in the summer months, it does take place over the course of 500 days… so that sorta counts, right? 2009's "(500) Days of Summer," which was directed by Marc Webb, follows hopeless romantic and uninspired greeting card writer Tom (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he falls head over heels for his boss's assistant, Summer (played by Zooey Deschanel). As the title insinuates, the film charts their romance — from its hopeful beginning to its heart-wrenching end.

"The Parent Trap" on Disney+, YouTube & Amazon Prime Video

What's more adorable than estranged identical twins meeting by happenstance at a summer camp? The fact that they then join forces to try to reunite their divorced parents! "The Parent Trap," a remake that debuted in 1998, stars Lindsay Lohan as twins Annie and Hallie, who, after meeting for the first time one fateful summer, decide to swap places — Hallie goes to England to reunite with her mother and Annie goes to California to reunite with her father — in an effort to get to know the parent from whom they've long been separated.

"Camp Rock" on Disney+

This is real, this is me! 2008's "Camp Rock" marked the Disney debut of Demi Lovato, who portrays Mitchie Torres, a gifted yet introverted musician who dreams of attending an elite rock summer camp. Thanks to her mom's catering business, Mitchie manages to go — under the condition that she works in the kitchen for the camp's duration, a secret she keeps from her peers. As she hones her craft, Mitchie begins to develop a bond with high-maintenance pop star Shane Gray (played by Joe Jonas) — but their relationship is threatened when resident mean girl Tess Tyler threatens to expose the real reason Mitchie is there.

"Crossroads" on Amazon Prime Video

Before she gave us hit after hit on TV with shows like "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal" and "Bridgerton," Shonda Rhimes, believe it or not, wrote the screenplay for 2002's "Crossroads." The romantic comedy stars Britney Spears as Lucy, a teenager who embarks on a cross-country road trip to fulfill a pact with childhood best friends Mimi (played by Taryn Manning) and Kit (played by Zoe Saldana) despite having grown apart in recent years. While the trip begins on a high note, the three young women begin to realize how much they've changed and the longevity of their friendship is consequently put to the test. During their adventure, Lucy meets Mimi's mysterious friend Ben (played by Anson Mount), for whom she begins to develop feelings.

"Dazed and Confused" on Peacock, Philo, YouTube & Amazon Prime Video

School's out for summer! Set in 1976, Richard Linklater's "Dazed and Confused" follows a group of chaotic teens in Austin, Texas, as they embark on a rowdy celebration following their last day of high school. While the film is considered a comedy, it does include elements of romance — fleeting summer romances, to be exact — between some of the partying youths. Matthew McConaughey, who gained popularity following his starring role in the movie, shared the screen alongside notable Hollywood stars including Ben Affleck, Renee Zellweger, Milla Jovovich, Parker Posey, Anthony Rapp and more.

"Call Me By Your Name" on Amazon Prime Video

Adapted from André Aciman's novel of the same name, Lucas Guadagnino's 2017 coming-of-age drama "Call Me By Your Name" explores a flourishing romance in Northern Italy in 1983. Timothée Chalamet stars as Elio Perlman, a 17-year-old boy who begins to fall for Oliver (played by Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old graduate student who assists Elio's father, an archeology professor. As the two spend an increasing amount of time together, their feelings soon evolve from platonic to romantic.