7 Must Watch Shows and Films for Summertime
By Lyza Lawal
Summertime is for relaxing, dancing the long days away into night, and creating memories. However, it is also a season for fun, new journeys, and more. Here is a list of shows and movies for sleepovers with the girls and the theys, for the solo watchers with wine in hand, or a chill session with the family. Summer also represents a season of abundance, vitality, and growth. In the spirit of this season, here are seven TV and film recommendations to get into.
The story follows Jabari, a charming graffiti artist who gets the chance to turn his work into a graphic novel. Meadow is a cool and stunning photographer working on her new exhibit. Both of them have to figure out how to make space for each other while dealing with their past traumas and more. This movie is a stunning piece of art. Animation brings the story to life in a manner that live action can’t do. The music fills in the gaps by telling a story, giving the audience a break from the intensity of the dialogue. It stars Kid Cudi, Timothée Chalamet, Jessica Williams, and more.
Entergalactic is written by filmmaker Kenya Barris and Ian Edelman, who also worked on the Vince Staples Show. This is a perfect film for a summertime movie night with friends, lovers, and everyone in between.
It's available to stream on Netflix.
If you have not yet caught Forever fever, where have you been?! This story follows Keisha and Justin, two Los Angeles high schoolers navigating first love and intimacy amid social and parental pressures. The show is based on Judy Blume’s 1975 book Forever, dealing with teenage sexuality, adapted by Maya Brock Akil, the creator of Girlfriends. If you are craving something gentle, nuanced, and different from the stories we are usually given in teen romance shows (fast-paced, sexually explicit, and drug-filled), Forever is the perfect summertime watch. The show stars Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., Xosha Roquemore, Karen Pittman, and Wood Harris.
It is available to watch on Netflix.
Directed by Andrew Ahn, Fire Island is an unapologetic modern-day rom-com showcasing a diverse, multicultural examination of queerness and romance. The story follows a group of queer best friends who gather in Fire Island Pines for their annual week of love and laughter, but a sudden change of events might make this their last summer in gay paradise. Written by and starring Joel Kim Booster, the film co-stars Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora, James Scully, and Margaret Cho. This is a fun watch for those looking for something different and interested in content with heavy queer themes. Again, this could be great for a summertime movie night with friends, family, or lovers.
It is available to watch on Hulu/Disney+.
This cult classic follows a young girl new to a Catholic school as she befriends a coven of witches whom the other students either shun or fear. However, soon they become poisoned with power, and the consequences may be too much for each person to bear. This would be great for a summertime movie night with friends or family, especially if you are looking for something a little spooky before Halloween (or for Summerween). Besides the spookiness, this is a fun watch starring Faiza Balk, Neve Campbell, Robin Tunney, and Racheal True. The film deals with teen issues including sexuality, girlhood, and tough topics such as racism and mental health.
It is available to watch for free on Tubi or to rent on Amazon Prime.
This sultry story follows Ji-woo and Ji-hoo, two coworkers who enter a contractual relationship as partners in consensual play, pleasure, and pain. As the story unfolds, we see them develop romantic feelings towards one another alongside their contractual obligations. Starring Lee Jung-Young and Seohyun, the film touches on sexuality in a repressed society and what it means to be accepted for who you are. This is a great watch for cozy lovers looking for a summer evening flick or for a girls’ night in, with funny and spicy scenes that make for great conversation.
It is available to watch on Netflix.
This movie follows a matriarch named Juanita, who, when fed up with her life, leaves her grown kids behind, and hits the road in search of a fresh start. Starring Alfree Woodhard, the film explores the importance of new beginnings, especially for older Black women, and finding love in a hopeless place. This pick is a fun watch with family and friends, with funny scenes starring Blair Underwood.
It is available to watch on Netflix.
This film follows an ex-bodyguard grieving the loss of a best friend she couldn't protect as she sets out to fulfill her dear friend's last wish: sweet revenge. Starring Jeon-Jung Seo, this gritty watch keeps you on the edge of your seat, with powerful fight scenes and trope killers that provide comedic relief. One thing South Korean entertainment gets right is a fun, realistic, and cathartic revenge plot. This is a fun watch with friends or family and a good introduction to those trying to watch more international films.
It is available to watch on Netflix.
These recommendations have a mix of plotlines, diverse castings, and well-written stories that are sure to give you that hopeful summer feeling. Hope you enjoy!
