{"id":1813258,"date":"2026-07-04T19:20:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T19:20:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/pt\/?p=1813258"},"modified":"2026-07-04T19:20:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T19:20:39","slug":"25-best-movies-that-capture-the-american-summer-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/pt\/25-best-movies-that-capture-the-american-summer-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"25 Best Movies That Capture The American Summer Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Few things compare to the warm feeling of summer. Sunny days by the pool, backyard barbecues, steamy flings and the excitement of vacation season all help define what makes this time of year so special. Living it is one thing, but movies have a particular way of capturing that essence and turning it into one single, satisfying story.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The best summer movies know how to capture that feeling in all its forms, from coming-of-age tales and thrilling getaway trips to camp adventures and school-break shenanigans. Some even turn up the heat, offering a closer look at what a true American summer really feels like.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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If you\u2019re in the mood to watch something that captures the magic, mischief and reality of summertime escapades, ahead are 25 movies worth checking out. Spanning everything from summertime staples to new-age favorites, kick back, relax and enjoy these essential seasonal picks:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018The Sandlot\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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<\/div>\n
(L-R) Shane Obedzinski, Mike Vitar, Brandon Adams, Patrick Renna, Chauncey Leopardi, Victor DiMattia, Grant Gelt and Tom Guiry in “The Sandlot.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a920thCentFox\/Courtesy Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Considered the quintessential summer hangout movie, this beloved coming-of-age classic follows a group of young boys who spend their summer days bonding and playing baseball in a neighborhood sandlot. When one of them hits a priceless ball into the yard of a monstrous neighborhood dog, the kids embark on hilarious missions to retrieve it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Streaming On:<\/strong> Hulu<\/a> and Disney+<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018The Inkwell\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"A.J.<\/div>\n
A.J. Johnson and Larenz Tate in “The Inkwell.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Buena Vista Pictures\/Courtesy Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Set in the summer of 1976, this coming-of-age drama follows 16-year-old Drew (Larenz Tate) as he vacations with his parents (Joe Morton and Suzzanne Douglas) and wealthy relatives \u2014 Glynn Turman, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Duane Martin \u2014 on Martha\u2019s Vineyard following a traumatic incident. As he takes in the island\u2019s affluent Black community, the awkward teen learns about life, first love and himself with the help of new friends.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Jaws\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Richard<\/div>\n
Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw in “Jaws.”<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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Widely considered the first true summer blockbuster, Steven Spielberg\u2019s classic thriller<\/a> follows the police chief (Roy Scheider) of a seaside resort town as he teams up with a marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss) and a seasoned shark hunter (Robert Shaw) to stop a massive great white from terrorizing beachgoers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Dirty Dancing\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Jennifer<\/div>\n
Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze in “Dirty Dancing.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Vestron Pictures\/Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Set during a summer at a sleepy Catskills resort, this beloved star-crossed romance tells the story of Frances \u201cBaby\u201d Houseman (Jennifer Grey), a young woman who falls for the camp\u2019s charismatic dance instructor (Patrick Swayze) while vacationing with family. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Dazed And Confused\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Rory<\/div>\n
Rory Cochrane, Jason London and Sasha Jenson in “Dazed and Confused.”<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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Taking place on the last day of school in 1976, this cult-favorite comedy follows a crew of rowdy Texas teenagers as they celebrate the start of summer with parties, hijinks and more chaos over the course of one wild night.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Do the Right Thing\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Spike<\/div>\n
Spike Lee (R) in “Do the Right Thing.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9MCA\/Courtesy Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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This acclaimed Spike Lee classic takes place on the hottest day of summer in Brooklyn, where racial tensions in the neighborhood culminate in an explosive confrontation of violence and tragedy. Though far from a celebration of summer leisure, the film remains a staple in American cinema, capturing an unflinching portrait of the nation\u2019s soulscape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Crooklyn\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Delroy<\/div>\n
Delroy Lindo and Alfre Woodard with kids (L-R) Chris Knowings, Sharif Rashd, Carlton Williams, Zelda Harris and Tse-Mach Washington in “Crooklyn.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Universal\/Courtesy Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Another powerful film from Spike Lee, this heartfelt coming-of-age story unfolds over a pivotal summer in 1970s Brooklyn, following 9-year-old Troy (Zelda Harris) and her lively family \u2014 Delroy Lindo, Alfre Woodard, Carlton Williams, Sharif Rashed, Chris Knowings and Tse-Mach Washington \u2014 as they navigate financial hardships, everyday struggles and tragedy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Streaming On: <\/strong>Prime Video<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018The Parent Trap\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Lindsay<\/div>\n
Lindsay Lohan in “The Parent Trap.”<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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This classic \u201990s remake starring Lindsay Lohan follows identical twins Hallie and Annie, who were separated at birth and unexpectedly meet for the first time at summer camp. After realizing they\u2019re sisters, the duo teams up to switch places and try to bring their divorced parents back together, reuniting the family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Wet Hot American Summer\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Michael<\/div>\n
Michael Showalter, Christopher Meloni and A.D. Miles in “Wet Hot American Summer.”<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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This offbeat 2001 parody of summer camp classics and teen sex comedies follows the counselors and staff of Camp Firewood as they try to wrap up unfinished business \u2014 romances, rivalries, lingering drama and all \u2014 on a chaotic final day of camp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018American Pie 2\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Jason<\/div>\n
Jason Biggs, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Chris Klein and Seann William Scott in “American Pie 2.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Universal\/Courtesy Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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After a year apart at different colleges, this \u201cAmerican Pie\u201d sequel reunites the rowdy East Great Falls boys at a lakeside beach house to throw the hottest party of the summer and make it their most memorable one yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Amber<\/div>\n
Amber Tamblyn, Blake Lively, America Ferrera and Alexis Bledel in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Warner Bros\/Courtesy Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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The essence of friendship and the spirit of summer adventure come to life in this early 2000s favorite starring Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel. The film follows a group of best friends who, after many summers together, are spending time apart for the first time, staying connected through a pair of jeans they take turns sharing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Cheaper By the Dozen 2\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Jonathan<\/div>\n
Jonathan Bennett, Piper Perabo, Bonnie Hunt, Blake Woodruff, Steve Martin, Shane Kinsman, Brent Kinsman, Tom Welling and Forest Landis in “Cheaper By the Dozen 2.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a920thCentFox\/Courtesy Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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In this \u201cCheaper by the Dozen\u201d sequel, Tom (Steve Martin) and Kate (Bonnie Hunt) take the Baker kids to a lakeside resort for what they hope will be a peaceful summer getaway. But when Tom\u2019s old nemesis (Eugene Levy) shows up, the family gets pulled into a not-so-friendly rivalry that turns their vacation upside down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Roll Bounce\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Khleo<\/div>\n
Khleo Thomas, Marcus T. Paulk, Bow Wow, Brandon T. Jackson, Rick Gonzalez and Jurnee Smollett in “Roll Bounce.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Fox Searchlight\/Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Set in 1978 Chicago, this coming-of-age story follows teenager Xavier (Bow Wow) and his friends \u2014 Khleo Thomas, Marcus T. Paulk, Brandon T. Jackson, Rick Gonzalez and Jurnee Smollett \u2014 as they try to make the most of summer at a new roller-skating rink across town after their beloved neighborhood spot closes down. When the new rink announces a citywide skating competition, the determined crew sets out to take on the reigning champs and prove they belong.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Grown Ups\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Chris<\/div>\n
Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade and Adam Sandler in “Grown Ups.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Columbia Pictures\/Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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After the death of their beloved high school basketball coach, five middle-aged friends \u2014 Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade and Rob Schneider \u2014 reunite with their dysfunctional families for a riotous Fourth of July weekend at a lakeside cabin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Adventureland\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Jesse<\/div>\n
Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart in “Adventureland.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Miramax\/Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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This coming-of-age dramedy follows a recent college graduate whose plans for a backpacking trip across Europe fall apart, leaving him with a dead-end summer job at a rundown amusement park in Pittsburgh. But what starts as a disappointing summer soon becomes an interesting one, as he navigates quirky co-workers, unexpected romance and the growing pains of adulthood.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018High School Musical 2\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"(L-R)<\/div>\n
(L-R) Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Lucas Grabeel and Monique Coleman in “High School Musical 2.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Disney Channel\/Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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This Disney Channel classic proves summer is even better with friends. In the sequel to \u201cHigh School Musical,\u201d the East High crew \u2014 Corbin Bleu, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and Monique Coleman \u2014 land jobs at Sharpay\u2019s (Ashley Tisdale) family\u2019s upscale country club, where the Wildcats juggle work, friendships and a big talent show while trying to make the most of their summer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Camp Rock\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Demi<\/div>\n
Demi Lovato in “Camp Rock: The Final Jam.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Disney Channel\/Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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This Disney Channel summer favorite follows a teenage girl (Demi Lovato) who dreams of attending a prestigious music camp but can only afford to go by working in the kitchen. Everything changes, though, when a famous teen pop star (Joe Jonas) overhears her singing and sets out to find the girl behind the voice. The musical became such a staple, it spawned a sequel (seen above) and an upcoming third movie<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Streaming On: <\/strong>Hulu<\/a> and Disney+<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Robert<\/div>\n
Robert Capron, Zachary Gordon and Peyton List in “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a920thCentFox\/Courtesy of Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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The third installment in the \u201cDiary of a Wimpy Kid\u201d saga finds Greg (Zachary Gordon) ready to spend his summer glued to video games. But when his dad insists he make better use of his break, Greg makes up a lie about working at a ritzy country club, which quickly unravels, leading to a string of embarrassing misadventures and a camping trip gone horribly wrong.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018The Kings of Summer\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Gabriel<\/div>\n
Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias and Nick Robinson in “The Kings of Summer.”<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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In this coming-of-age comedy, three teenage friends \u2014 Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias<\/a> and Nick Robinson \u2014 escape their overbearing parents and set out to spend a rebellious summer living off the land in a homemade cabin deep in the woods. As they embrace their newfound independence, the boys learn the true meaning of family and freedom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018The Florida Project\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Christopher<\/div>\n
Christopher Rivera, Brooklynn Prince and Valeria Cotto in “The Florida Project.”<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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Set in sun-soaked Florida, this heartfelt drama follows 6-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) as she spends her summer forging adventures with her two best friends, blissfully unaware of her circumstances as she lives in a budget motel near Disney World with her struggling mother (Bria Vinaite).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Girls Trip\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Regina<\/div>\n
Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah in “Girls Trip.”<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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One of the ultimate summer getaway comedies, this laugh-out-loud hit stars Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah as estranged college besties who reunite in New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival. As they celebrate, old bonds are rekindled, shenanigans ensue and everyone rediscovers their wild side.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018The Last Summer\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Maia<\/div>\n
Maia Mitchell and K.J. Apa in “The Last Summer.”<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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True to its title, this Netflix<\/a> rom-com follows a group of Chicago high schoolers as they grapple with love, friendships and big dreams during one final, life-changing summer together before heading off to college.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Summer Of Soul\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Sly<\/div>\n
Sly Stone performing at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival in “Summer of Soul.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Searchlight Pictures\/Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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Questlove\u2019s Oscar-winning documentary brings a forgotten chapter of history back into the spotlight, transporting audiences to the summer of 1969 for the long-overlooked Harlem Cultural Festival \u2014 a landmark concert series captured during a moment when, as the film\u2019s title puts it, \u201cthe revolution could not be televised.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Theater Camp\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Ben<\/div>\n
Ben Platt and Molly Gordon in “Theater Camp.”<\/figcaption>
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\u00a9Searchlight Pictures\/Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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No childhood summer feels complete without a trip to camp. In this hilarious comedy, the eccentric counselors at a struggling theater camp join forces to save their summer haven after its beloved founder unexpectedly falls into a coma.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Streaming On: <\/strong>Hulu<\/a> and Disney+<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018People We Meet on Vacation\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\"Emily<\/div>\n
Emily Bader and Tom Blyth in “People We Meet on Vacation.”<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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Based on Emily Henry\u2019s bestselling novel, this breezy Netflix rom-com puts a sweet spin on the summer getaway. It follows unlikely best friends Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth), who live in different cities but reunite for an annual vacation every summer. After so many trips together, though, the pair begin to wonder whether their enduring friendship could become something more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n