Not sure what to watch this summer? Here are my top recommendations for a movie night with friends or a summer holidays binge watch!
FYI: this article was written by April, a member of our teen community.
FILMS
1. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2
The sequel film to the 2000s classic set in a picturesque country club in Utah featuring the cast as they are on summer vacation. It contains iconic songs like Sharpay's "Fabulous" and Troy and Gabriella's "Gotta Go My Own Way". It’s a fun family favourite to watch with friends to kickstart the summer holidays because "What time is it?” Summer time
2. CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
Set in Italy, it follows a summer romance between Elio and Oliver. It has a beautiful soundtrack by Sufjan Stevens featuring hits “Mystery of Love” and “Futile Devices”. The cinematography is stunning, making every viewer wish they were immersed in an Italian summer. It stars Timothée Chalamet and I'm a big fan favourite of his projects!
3. PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION
This hit romcom just released onto Netflix and was a TikTok sensation. The film follows Poppy and Alex telling their friends about their lovers' relationship in a dual timeline. Features a romantic rain confession and is the TV adaptation of a popular BookTok book under the same title (however some copies are titled “You and Me on Vacation”) which I read last summer by the pool!
4. THE FLORIDA PROJECT
Not as well known as the other films on this list, The Florida Project is a gritty indie film shot on iPhone footage following Moonee and Halley, a mother-daughter duo growing up in a motel in Florida, just outside of Disney World. I fell in love with this film when I first watched it. The cinematography is beautiful and follows the children from their POV and how they see their home whilst contrasting with the parents who are struggling to get by. It’s a really important film to tell underrepresented stories.
TV SHOWS
1. THE OC
If you ask any Millenial about this show, they will know what you're talking about and how much of a hit this was circa 2003. However, it's a classic teen drama from the 2000s that's has hit TikTok in the way that Gossip Girl and Gilmore Girls have. I discovered it for the first time this winter and it's my new favourite! Take the stunning location of Newport beach in Orange County California mixed with all the drama of high society living and you have one of the most entertaining shows. It has an indie soundtrack featuring bands such as Oasis and The Killers and follows the story of outsider Ryan Atwood as he navigates his way around Newport after being taken in by The Cohens.
2. THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY
If you haven’t already heard of this show yet you must’ve been living under a rock! With the first season being released in 2022 and the third and final season having HUGE social media vitality it would have been hard to miss it. The debate of Conrad vs Jeremiah took the internet by storm as lead Belly Conklin had to decide which fisher brother she will end up with. The 2009 book adaptation was such a success that the show got picked up by a final feature film to close out the story which begins production this April. The show is filmed in Wilmington North Carolina to create the fictional town of Cousines beach providing viewers with the perfect escapist location whilst watching.
3. H20: JUST ADD WATER
In honour of indu's recent expansion to Australia, I had to include the most iconic Australian teen drama of the 2000s. Following Emma, Cleo and Ricki as they gain the power to transform into mermaids when they come into contact with water. It has the catchiest nostalgic theme song “No Ordinary Girl” and is set in the Gold Coast in Queensland Australia featuring notable locations such as the moon pool and Juice Net Cafe offering stunning views of the beaches for the perfect summer vibes. If you love playing mermaids in the pool with your friends, you will love this show!
4. 90210 REBOOT
The 2008 reboot of the popular 90s teen drama came to Prime Video last summer and was amazing! It’s the west coast version of gossip girl following a group of teens living in Hollywood. It has all the glitz and glam of the LA lifestyle as Kansas native Annie settles into her new home with her adopted brother Dixon. It has all your typical high school tropes and crazy potlines that makes you want to binge watch all five seasons in one sitting.
