Blue Crush
You could thrift a whole wardrobe trying to channel Kate Bosworth's breezy surfer vibes...or you could just pop this movie on. Your call.
2Cast Away
Honestly, thinking about being stranded on an island with a bunch of FedEx packages reminds me a lot of April 2020 quarantine lockdown times. But sometimes you just need to cuddle up with your volleyball bestie and watch Tom Hanks go to work.
3The Last Song
Miley and Liam might be over IRL, but this movie is forever. That's what happens when you combine a teen romance set on the stunning southern coast with Ms. Miley's singing. A major throwback, but you'll still belt out every word to "When I Look At You" when it comes on.
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4Rough Night
After Bridesmaids there were a ton of female-led ensemble comedies trying to recapture that vibe. This one kind of flew under the radar, but it's super fun! Your faves are in it and the antics are delightful. Nobody's gonna say no to a movie with Zoë Kravitz, Jillian Bell, Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, and Ilana Glazer.
5Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar
Seagulls in a group, can you hear my prayer? Barb & Star is already an instant classic. Two best friends step outside of their comfort zone for a beach vacation that's anything but basic... and all of the goofy shenanigans that Kristin Wiig can provide? Thank Trish for this perfect beach movie.
6Beaches
It's the ultimate chick flick and it's literally called Beaches, sooo...
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7South Pacific
The Rogers and Hammerstein musical has some classic beach looks and is honestly pretty challenging with its social themes. It's a tricky one, because there are some harmful stereotypes and really thoughtful exploration of implicit bias. Plus, you know, some banging melodies.
8The Other Woman
I guarantee you'll laugh your lil bum off throughout every second of this movie about, er, unconventional friendships...like becoming BFFs with the woman your husband cheated on you with and then joining forces to ruin the scumbag's life. Did I mention: beach scenes in the Hamptons and Jamaica. Plus Leslie Mann, Cameron Diaz, Kate Upton, and Nicki Minaj. Pee-your-pants funny.
9The Talented Mr. Ripley
This sexy psychological thriller would be nothing without its sunny beach setting. The water! The swimsuits! All the better for what goes down.
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10Nights in Rodanthe
Nicholas Sparks is a very beachy writer, and the beach inn featured in this movie is ICONIC. It's also set in North Carolina, so Outer Banks fans might want to take note.
11Mamma Mia!
I can't decide what's more mesmerizing in my all-time favorite movie: Meryl Streep singing ABBA or the breathtaking views of Greece. TG I don't have to choose, ya know? Mamma Mia! is basically an ad for the Greek islands with its deep blue ocean and crisp white buildings. It's also a magical, happy, feel-good movie that'll brighten your mood 100%.
12Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Also: Don't forget about the sequel!!
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13The Way Way Back
It's a coming-of-age story. It's a family vacation on the beach. There's a water park. It's very 2013 but what can you do?
14Portrait of a Lady on Fire
For the wistful, contemplative beach movie seekers out there, I got you. Lisa Frank colors aren't for everyone. Grab your coziest mug of tea, turn off folklore, and settle in for this gorgeous (and very sandy) romance.
15The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
This instant classic features a beach approximately 1/4 of the time, so we're counting it! There's no better summer movie, truly— especially because Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, and Amber Tamblyn star as the lovable core four.
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16Old
It's not a beach that I personally would like to visit, but it is a beach! Director M. Night Shyamalan's thriller about the beach that makes you old is a must-see, even if you need to read the Wikipedia page first.
17Whale Rider
This New Zealand-set coming-of-age story will warm your heart while you're enchanted by gorgeous scenery. Whale Rider is about a girl named Pai who believes she is destined to be the next chief of her Maori tribe, but her grandfather isn't willing to let go of patriarchal tradition. It's also a perfect family film if you happen to be in mixed company, BTW.
18Ibiza
Gillian Jacobs' work trip to Barcelona becomes a sexy adventure when her two chaotic BFFs insist on crashing, and before they know it, they're chasing hot DJ Richard Madden from gig to gig, all the way to the island of Ibiza. This movie is perfect, I have absolutely no notes. It's the only thing that made me smile in the early days of 2020 Vitamin D deprivation, you have no idea.
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19Teen Beach Movie
You know how sometimes you just wanna turn your brain off and watch a Disney Channel Original Movie? What if I told you this one is low-key a masterpiece? It's about two kids who, on the verge of breaking up after a perfect summer, get sucked into an old '60s style beach movie (it used to be a whole thing, Google "Annette Funicello") and fall back in love while figuring out how to sing and dance their way out of this wacky situation.
20Y Tu Mamá También
If you want to watch some seriously horny coming of age movie instead, Alfonso Cuarón's iconic film is right for you. When their girlfriends go away for the summer, Julio and Tenoch go on a road trip to the beach with an older woman that takes some angsty and sexy twists and turns. That's probably oversimplifying the plot of this, but uhhhh... vibes only.
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