10 Netflix Movies with Summer-Setting Storylines to Watch Right Now

When the sun is blazing and the days are long, there's nothing quite like escaping into a movie that perfectly captures the essence of summer. From sun-drenched romances and hilarious comedies to thrilling adventures and poignant coming-of-age tales, Netflix has a treasure trove of films that will transport you to idyllic summer settings. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or a fresh story to get lost in, our curated list of 10 Netflix movies with summer-setting storylines has something for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, kick back, and get ready to soak up the cinematic sunshine. For those who prefer a longer story, check out these 12 binge-worthy series for summer downtime.

1. The Last Summer (2019)

Before they head off to college, a group of Chicago high school graduates navigates the highs and lows of their final summer together. The Last Summer is a quintessential teen dramedy that weaves together multiple storylines of love, loss, and self-discovery. With a talented ensemble cast that includes K.J. Apa (Riverdale), Maia Mitchell (The Fosters), and Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf), the film captures the bittersweet feeling of being on the cusp of adulthood. From romantic grand gestures to hilarious misadventures, this movie is a heartfelt and relatable look at a transformative time in a young person's life.

As the characters grapple with their dreams, relationships, and identities, they are forced to confront the reality that their lives are about to change forever. The film's vibrant Chicago setting provides the perfect backdrop for their summer of fun and soul-searching. Whether they're working summer jobs, attending parties, or just hanging out, the characters' experiences will resonate with anyone who has ever had a memorable summer before a major life change. Looking ahead to new releases? See what's coming to Netflix in June 2025.

2. The Kissing Booth (2018)

One of Netflix's most-watched original movies, The Kissing Booth is a fun and flirty teen romance that became an instant sensation. The story follows Elle Evans (Joey King), a high school student who has never been kissed. When she decides to run a kissing booth at her school's spring carnival, she unexpectedly finds herself locking lips with her secret crush, Noah Flynn (Jacob Elordi), the bad-boy older brother of her best friend. The only problem? Her friendship with Lee (Joel Courtney), Noah's brother, is based on a set of rules, one of which is to never date a relative.

What follows is a whirlwind summer romance filled with secret dates, stolen kisses, and a whole lot of drama. Set against the sunny backdrop of Southern California, The Kissing Booth is a feel-good movie that captures the exhilarating and often-complicated experience of first love. With its charming cast, catchy soundtrack, and swoon-worthy moments, it's the perfect movie to watch when you're in the mood for a lighthearted and romantic escape.

3. Set It Up (2018)

For those who spend their summers working, Set It Up is a relatable and hilarious romantic comedy. The film follows two overworked and underpaid assistants, Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell), who devise a plan to get their demanding bosses off their backs by setting them up with each other. As they play matchmaker, they soon find themselves spending more and more time together, and an unexpected romance begins to blossom.

Set in the bustling city of New York during a sweltering summer, Set It Up is a witty and charming film that puts a modern twist on the classic rom-com formula. The chemistry between Deutch and Powell is undeniable, and their banter is both hilarious and heartwarming. The film also features standout performances from Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs as their over-the-top bosses. If you're looking for a smart and funny movie that will make you laugh and swoon in equal measure, Set It Up is a must-watch. If you're a fan of adaptations, be sure to check out these [suspicious link removed].

4. Wine Country (2019)

Summer adventures aren't just for teenagers. In Wine Country, a group of longtime friends heads to Napa Valley for a weekend getaway to celebrate a 50th birthday. Directed by and starring Amy Poehler, the film features an all-star cast of comedic actresses, including Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, Paula Pell, and Emily Spivey. As they sip their way through wine country, old tensions and insecurities resurface, leading to a series of hilarious and heartfelt moments.

Wine Country is a celebration of female friendship and the enduring bonds that tie us together. The film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, but it also has a lot of heart, exploring the complexities of aging, friendship, and the challenges of midlife. With its beautiful setting and a cast that is clearly having a blast, Wine Country is the perfect movie to watch with your own group of friends. For more on shows that have sparked global conversations, check out this article.

5. The Great Outdoors (1988)

For a dose of classic '80s comedy, look no further than The Great Outdoors. Written by John Hughes and starring Dan Aykroyd and John Candy, this hilarious film follows a Chicago family's summer vacation at a lakeside resort. Their plans for a peaceful getaway are hilariously derailed when their obnoxious in-laws show up uninvited. What follows is a series of comedic mishaps, from a water-skiing adventure gone wrong to a run-in with a grizzly bear.

The Great Outdoors is a timeless comedy that captures the chaos and charm of a family vacation. The chemistry between Aykroyd and Candy is electric, and their comedic timing is impeccable. The film is filled with memorable scenes and quotable lines that will have you laughing out loud. If you're looking for a nostalgic trip back to the '80s and a movie that the whole family can enjoy, The Great Outdoors is a perfect choice.

6. Mamma Mia! (2008)

Get ready to sing and dance your way through a summer in Greece with Mamma Mia!. Based on the hit Broadway musical featuring the music of ABBA, this feel-good film is a joyous celebration of love, family, and friendship. The story follows Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a young bride-to-be who invites three men from her mother's past to her wedding in the hopes of discovering which one is her father.

Set on a picturesque Greek island, Mamma Mia! is a visual feast, with stunning landscapes and vibrant musical numbers. The all-star cast, which includes Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård, is clearly having the time of their lives, and their energy is infectious. Whether you're a lifelong ABBA fan or new to their music, Mamma Mia! is a film that will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

7. Us (2019)

If you're in the mood for a summer movie with a sinister twist, Jordan Peele's Us is a must-see. The film follows a family of four on their summer vacation to Santa Cruz, where they are terrorized by a group of doppelgängers who are their spitting images. As they fight for survival, they uncover a dark and terrifying secret about the nature of their attackers.

Us is a masterful horror film that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. Peele expertly builds suspense and a sense of dread, creating a truly unsettling and unforgettable viewing experience. The film is also a powerful social commentary, exploring themes of identity, privilege, and the duality of human nature. With a standout performance from Lupita Nyong'o, Us is a summer movie that will haunt you long after the credits roll.

8. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

Based on the beloved young adult novel, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a heartwarming story about four best friends who are spending their first summer apart. Before they go their separate ways, they find a pair of thrift store jeans that magically fits all four of them perfectly. They decide to share the pants throughout the summer, sending them back and forth to each other along with letters about their adventures.

From a soccer camp in Mexico to a Greek village, the pants travel the world, connecting the friends as they each experience their own summer of growth and self-discovery. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a beautiful and moving film about the power of friendship and the importance of staying connected, no matter how far apart you are. For those who enjoy a mix of genres, including soapy western romances, you might also like Ransom Canyon.

9. Ibiza (2018)

For a wild and hilarious girls' trip, look no further than Ibiza. The film follows Harper (Gillian Jacobs), a New York publicist who is sent on a work trip to Barcelona. When her two best friends (Vanessa Bayer and Phoebe Robinson) decide to tag along, their business trip quickly turns into a wild adventure to Ibiza to track down a hot DJ.

Ibiza is a laugh-out-loud comedy that celebrates female friendship and the importance of letting loose and having fun. The chemistry between the three leads is fantastic, and their comedic timing is on point. The film is filled with hilarious and outrageous moments, but it also has a lot of heart. If you're looking for a fun and escapist movie that will make you want to book a trip with your own best friends, Ibiza is the perfect choice.

10. Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

A cult classic for a reason, Wet Hot American Summer is an absurd and hilarious parody of '80s summer camp movies. The film takes place on the last day of camp in 1981 and follows a group of counselors as they try to tie up loose ends before the summer is over. From a talent show to a life-or-death space mission, the film is a whirlwind of comedic chaos.

With an incredible ensemble cast that includes Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, and Elizabeth Banks (before they were household names), Wet Hot American Summer is a non-stop laugh riot. The film's deadpan humor and surreal gags have made it a favorite among comedy fans. If you're in the mood for something completely off-the-wall and ridiculously funny, Wet Hot American Summer is the perfect summer movie for you. And for those who are always on the lookout for the next great binge-watch, be sure to explore 10 Netflix shows that are perfect for binge-watching on a rainy weekend and the top 10 Netflix originals that redefined their genres. Happy streaming! For a look ahead at what's to come, check out what's on the horizon for July 2025.

Conclusion

From heartwarming romances to hilarious comedies and thrilling adventures, Netflix offers a wide array of movies that are perfect for a summer movie night. Whether you're looking to relive the nostalgia of your own past summers or escape to a sun-drenched paradise, there's a film on this list for you. So, as the temperatures rise, cool down with one of these fantastic summer-themed movies and let the magic of cinema transport you.

External Links

1. Rotten Tomatoes' Best Summer Movies of All Time: Explore a larger list of classic summer films

2. IMDb's Most Popular Movies and TV Shows set in Summer: Discover other summer-themed titles

3. The Last Summer - Official Trailer: Watch the trailer on YouTube

4. The Kissing Booth - Official Trailer: Watch the trailer on YouTube

5. Set It Up - Official Trailer: Watch the trailer on YouTube

6. Wine Country - Official Trailer: Watch the trailer on YouTube

FAQs

1. Are all these movies available on Netflix worldwide? Netflix's library can vary by region. While many of these titles are Netflix originals and widely available, some licensed films may not be available in all countries.

2. Are there any other summer-themed movies on Netflix? Yes, Netflix has a vast library with many other movies that have summer settings or themes. You can often find them by searching for keywords like "summer" or Browse through the comedy and romance genres.

3. Are there sequels to any of these movies? Yes, The Kissing Booth has two sequels, The Kissing Booth 2 and The Kissing Booth 3, which are also available on Netflix. Wet Hot American Summer also has two prequel/sequel series on Netflix: Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp and Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later.

   
   

4. Are these movies suitable for all ages? The ratings for these movies vary. Films like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Mamma Mia! are generally suitable for younger audiences, while Us is a horror film intended for mature viewers. It's always a good idea to check the rating before watching.

5. What other genres are represented in this list? This list includes a mix of genres, including teen dramedy, romantic comedy, horror, and family comedy.

6. Are there any documentaries on this list? No, this list focuses on fictional feature films.

7. Do I need to have seen the original movies to enjoy the sequels or series? For The Kissing Booth and Wet Hot American Summer, it is highly recommended to watch the original films first to understand the characters and storylines.

8. Are any of these movies based on books? Yes, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Mamma Mia! (which is based on a musical that was inspired by the music of ABBA) are based on pre-existing material.

9. Which of these movies are Netflix Originals? The Last Summer, The Kissing Booth, Set It Up, and Wine Country are all Netflix Original films.

10. Where can I find more recommendations for what to watch on Netflix? You can find more recommendations on the Netflix app and website, as well as on various entertainment news websites and blogs.

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Escape into the perfect summer getaway with our list of the 10 best Netflix movies with summer-setting storylines. From romantic comedies to thrilling adventures, find your next favorite summer film here.