Summer’s always been the perfect time to unwind and relax.
And for me, sometimes that means staying in, cozied up in bed, finding a good movie to enjoy (shout out to all the introverts like me who relish the quiet moments) or catching a film at the Cineplex theater (with a generous dose of buttery popcorn, of course).
Here are my 10 picks that made both staying in and hitting the theaters so enjoyable.
1. Challengers (2024)
Tashi Duncan is a fierce and determined tennis player caught in a love triangle as intense as the matches on the court. Tennis was definitely the sport this summer, with everyone trying to pick up a racket and hit the courts, all thanks to Miss Zendaya’s captivating performance. And who doesn’t love Zendaya?
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Melodrama, Sports
Where to watch: Prime Video
2. Despicable Me 4 (2024)
The minions are back and so is Gru, now as a father navigating the challenges of parenthood. Also now a reformed supervillain turned secret agent, Gru moves his family to a safe house when an old rival seeks revenge. Oh, and don’t worry, Agnes is just as adorable as in the first movies!
Genres: Animation, Comedy, Science fiction
Where to watch: In theatres, YouTube ($)
3. Five Blind Dates (2024)
This wouldn’t be a real Kristina list without a good rom-com, would it? Lia is a tea shop owner who, after a visit to a fortune teller, is told that her soulmate will appear on one of her next five dates. Whether it’s dealing with the pressure to uphold family reputation, or feeling like life’s moving way too fast, this is a movie that many 20-something-year-olds will find incredibly relatable.
Genres: Comedy, Romance
Where to watch: Prime Video
4. Gifted (2017)
I’ve always hated math, but this movie had me completely hooked. Frank Adler is raising his brilliant and spirited niece, Mary, in a quiet coastal town in Florida. He dreams of giving her a normal childhood, but those plans are shattered when Mary’s extraordinary mathematical talents catch the attention of his strict mother.
Genres: Comedy, Coming of age, Drama, Melodrama, Romance
Where to watch: Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube ($)
5. Inside Out 2 (2024)
We’re back into the colourful and emotional world inside Riley’s mind, now as a teen facing the ups and downs of adolescence. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust are running a successful operation. But when headquarters undergoes a sudden demolition and Anxiety shows up, they aren’t sure how to feel. But that’s not all: it looks like Anxiety’s not alone!
Genres: Animation, Comedy, Coming of age, Drama
Where to watch: In theatres, YouTube ($)
6. Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
Okay, I first watched this movie in March, but I loved it so much, I watched it again over the summer. In this fourth movie, Po must train a new Dragon Warrior, but his plans take an unexpected turn when a powerful shape-shifting sorceress targets his Staff of Wisdom. The film is filled with thrilling action, heartwarming moments, and Jack Black’s signature humour!
Genres: Animation, Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Martial arts
Where to watch: Prime Video, YouTube ($)
7. Mother of the Bride (2024)
If you loved Miranda Cosgrove on iCarly, you’ll love her even more in this new rom-com. Lana is stunned by her daughter’s surprise wedding announcement, but the shock doesn’t stop there. She soon discovers that the groom’s father is none other than the man who broke her heart years ago.
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Where to watch: Netflix
8. The Darkest Minds (2018)
I saw a TikTok about this movie and immediately searched for where to watch it. In a world where teens with powerful abilities are deemed threats by the government, Ruby escapes a detention camp and joins a group of runaways seeking safety. Facing betrayal and danger, they must unite their powers to fight back and reclaim their future. Be warned though, you might need tissues by the end.
Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Romance, Science fiction, Suspense, Thriller
Where to watch: Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube ($)
9. The Thinning (2016)
Imagine a world where overpopulation forces countries to reduce its population by 5% each year. So the U.S. implements a brutal test known as The Thinning. Fail, and you’re executed – simple as that. Another movie I found on TikTok and I promise this one’ll keep your heart pounding and have you on the edge of your seat!
Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Science fiction, Suspense, Thriller
Where to watch: YouTube ($)
10. Trap (2024)
I’m normally not a thriller girlie. But Trap had me intrigued from the start. The movie follows a man and his teenage daughter as they attend what seems to be a normal, fun Lady Raven concert. But soon, they realize they’re in the middle of a dangerous situation… Trap is a thriller you won’t wanna miss!
Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
Where to watch: In theatres
And that wraps up my top 10 movies from this summer.
I hope you enjoyed this peek into my movie nights as much as I enjoyed sharing them. Did you catch any of these films? Let me know your thoughts (and any of your must-watch recommendations for the next season!).
The Lilac Blog 