How do you define a “summer movie?” In Watch With Us‘ opinion, it’s anything fun and light-hearted, ideally with a story that turns up the heat in one way or another — either with romance, action or blush-inducing laughs.
They’re big, loud and colorful, and they’re not afraid to make a splash. These five movies, available to watch on Peacock, all fit into the summer theme for different reasons.
Be they classic thrillers like Jaws or newer movies like Wicked, these films on the NBCUniversal streaming service are perfect for summer viewing. Check out our five suggestions now.
‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987)
The ultimate summer romance film features hot stars (Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey), hot dancing and hot cabins that definitely don’t have air conditioning. Dirty Dancing takes place at Kellerman’s Resort in the Catskill Mountains, where Frances “Baby” Houseman (Grey) is vacationing with her family.
She’s instantly drawn to the working-class dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze), and when his dance partner is sick, she ends up training to do an imporant show by his side. Sparks fly as Johnny teaches Baby about dance, life and love. It’s steamy, sexy and underratedly funny.
‘Wicked’ (2024)
This summer, return to the 2024 movie musical that won over so many hearts so you can be ready when the sequel, Wicked: For Good, drops in November 2025. Wicked is an explosion of color and fun that hides a pretty serious message about standing up for what’s right.
Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a girl who’s mysteriously born with green skin and magical abilities, is drawn into a conspiracy involving the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) alongside her rival-turned-bestie Glinda (Ariana Grande). Elphaba, used to being cast aside and staying quiet, finds her voice and learns to defy gravity in this exhilarating musical.
‘Jaws’ (1975)
It’s been 50 years since that iconic John Williams score terrified moviegoers, and Jaws is still an unmissable summer thriller. Head down to the beaches of Amity Island for a seafaring adventure in which police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) tracks down the ravenous predator with the help of marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and professional shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw).
Jaws is genuinely scary while still being fun — not surprising for an entry from legendary director Steven Spielberg.
‘Shrek’ (2001)
Why not cool off in a mud bath with everyone’s favorite green ogre? The original Shrek movie absolutely holds up after more than 20 years. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz star as surly ogre Shrek, hyperactive talking donkey Donkey and feisty Princess Fiona, respectively, in this adventure comedy that started making fun of fairy tales before it was cool.
The emotional journey works just as well as the comedy in this movie about acceptance — of yourself and others — and the power of true love. The soundtrack is awesome, the visuals are eye-catching and the script is hilarious. If you haven’t watched it since you were a kid, pay attention — some of the jokes may have gone over your head back then and will hit you very differently today!
‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)
The sparkling shores of the Greek islands are calling in this beloved movie musical! Join Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) as she plans her wedding to Skye (Dominic Cooper) at the hotel run by her free-spirited mother, Donna (Meryl Streep). Many surprises are in store, but the biggest one is the three special invitations Sophie sent — to three of Donna’s former lovers, any of whom could be her father.
Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård and Pierce Brosnan play Harry, Bill and Sam, who all come to the wedding hoping to reconnect with Donna. The larger-than-life story will have you grabbing your snorkel and swimming toward the island of Kalokairi! (The island’s name means “summer,” by the way, just to really hammer home Mamma Mia!‘s summer movie status.)
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