From Meet-Cutes to Heatwaves: The Best 7 Summer Rom-Coms to Stream Now

For me, summer nights mean breaking out the fire pit, the marshmallows, and, yes, my favorite movies. Most of the best summer memories I have from growing up involved sitting down with friends after a day at the beach or pool to watch a cute or classic film together. Of course, I'm biased and think my fave summer rom-coms should be celebrated all year long. But there's something about the temperature being warmer and sun setting a little later that just make them hit different.

Turns out, there's a scientific reason why we return to our summer classics each year. Studies have found that when people revisit enjoyable experiences—like watching a favorite movie—they're not just chasing nostalgia: they're deepening a personal connection and hoping to seek new meaning or growth.¹

Your brain is literally wired to crave universal emotions like love and intimacy, like the ones portrayed in these classic rom-coms, which just so happen to take place under the hot sun. Plus, who doesn't love a sweet summer romance?

Without further ado, grab your pillows, flip on your film projector (we like the Dangbei N2 Mini Projector, $199), and get to streaming these seven must-watch summer rom-coms.

1. Mamma Mia!

To me, Mamma Mia! is the truest summer movie there could ever be. From the beautiful scenery of the Greek islands, to the vibrant music, I could watch Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep navigate the troubles they’ve gotten themselves into through song over and over. Between the bright blue waters of Greece, the romance, the catchy numbers, and all-star cast, it's no wonder this 2008 film is a fan favorite.

2. Letters to Juliet

Speaking of Amanda Seyfried in Europe, I only discovered Letters to Juliet recently, but it quickly has become one of my go-to comfort movies. Amanda Seyfried plays Sophie, a young engaged journalist who takes a pre-wedding trip to Italy with her chef fiancé. When she comes across letters written to Shakespeare’s Juliet looking for advice on love, she makes it her mission to help a woman in Verona find the one that got away. 

3. Before Sunrise

More European summer content? Before Sunrise has got it—it’s a '90s classic for a reason. Actors Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy play two young travelers who meet on a train and decide to spend a day together in Vienna, Austria. Between their deep conversations and silly antics in a new city, it's safe to say I've fallen in love with the characters quicker than they have with each other.

4. 500 Days of Summer

I mean, come on, summer is literally in the title. 500 Days of Summer follows Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character Tom Hansen, a hopeless romantic who tries to recount the 500 days he spent in his last relationship and figure out just when it went south. And while Summer refers to Zoey Deschanel’s character name rather than the season, the whimsy and youth of this movie give this list the emotional and heartfelt oomph it needs.

5. La La Land

Euro summer not the vibe? Maybe sunny Los Angeles is instead. In this lively summer musical, Emma Stone plays an aspiring actress who runs into Ryan Gosling’s character, Sebastian, a jazz fanatic and aspiring club owner. The pair bond over helping each other pursue their dreams against the colorful setting of southern California, incredible dancing, and catchy tunes. To me, La La Land is a love letter to chasing what sets your soul on fire.

6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Forgetting Sarah Marshall has got to be one of the funniest romantic comedies that exists in the world. The 2008 film features a star-studded cast: Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, and Jason Segel who plays Peter, a heartbroken musician who takes his woes to Hawaii to forget about his ex, only to find her staying at the same tropical resort with her new beau. I laugh, cry, and wish that I, too, were in Hawaii for their shenanigans every time.

7. Roman Holiday

Last but certainly not least, the Euro-summer vibes come in strong with the Audrey Hepburn classic, Roman Holiday. Hepburn, who plays a European princess, is whisked away by a reporter, played by Gregory Peck, on a moped in Italy. What was supposed to be her day off turns into a day of budding romance, getting in the way of both of their initial objectives. Grab tissues and get ready: This black-and-white-film is a tearjerker.