It’s a summertime rite of passage to seek refuge in the cool air of a movie theater when the temperatures start to climb. But if you want a mental escape from steamy temperatures without leaving your home, you can stream some of the best summer movies right from the comfort of your couch.
We’ve collected some of our favorite picks this summer that are available for streaming. Whether you’re looking for a classic movie with iconic stars like Marilyn Monroe, or need to entertain the whole family with something a little more modern, we’ve got you covered.
Scroll down to see the movies that we think you’ll love watching during a heat wave.
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A Star Is Born
Warner Brothers A Star Is Born
The 2018 remake of A Star Is Born was a smash hit, and it's no big surprise. With a cast headlined by Lady Gaga as the unknown singer/songwriter Ally and Bradley Cooper playing the troubled mega star Jackson Maine, this movie is full of instantly familiar songs and memorable performances. Stream it on Amazon and you won't be disappointed. Amazon $14.99 or watch for free with a 7 day trial of HBO.
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A Star Is Born
A Star Is Born
If Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper aren't your cup of tea, try the 1976 version of A Star Is Born (which was itself a remake of the 1937 original). The story is the same: a rising star meets an established performer whose own star is dimming. It is full of tumult and song. The sparks fly between Barbara Streisand and Kris Kirstofferson. To see if for yourself, stream it here: Vudu $2.99
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Bohemian Rhapsody
20th Century Fox Bohemian Rhapsody
If you didn't get to see Bohemian Rhapsody while it was in theaters, now's your chance to catch up on the legacy of the iconic '70s rock band, Queen. The film follows the band's formation along with its lead singer Freddie Mercury, portrayed by Remi Malek, during their explosive rise. You'll most likely to be able to sing along with all the songs! Stream it here: Amazon $19.99 or free with a 7 day HBO trial.
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Jaws
Universal Pictures Jaws
There may be no bigger summer classic than Jaws. When a ferocious great white terrorizes the New England seaside town of Amity, a stand-in for Martha's Vineyard, the new police chief does everything in his power to keep his townsfolk safe. Even if you've seen it dozens of times, you can always watch it once more and undoubtedly get a shiver down your spine when great beast emerges from the water for the first time. Stream it on Amazon $3.99.
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Crazy Rich Asians
Warner Brothers Crazy Rich Asians
Kevin Kwan's best-selling novel Crazy Rich Asians was adapted to film in 2018 and was just as big—if not even bigger—hit than the book. In it, the smart and beautiful Rachel, who is from humble means, is taken back to meet her boyfriend Nick's family in Singapore. As the title suggests, his family is crazy rich. It's a really delightful rom-com that gives the watcher a view into a kind of lifestyle that few of us will ever experience. You can watch it here: Amazon $9.99 or free with a 7 day HBO trial.
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Some Like It Hot
United Artists Some Like It Hot
If you're looking for a classic film that truly showcases Marilyn Monroe's charm, opt for Some Like It Hot. (And please excuse the obvious pun that makes it so appropriate for a steamy summer day.) Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon's characters are trying to escape gangsters who have it out for them. They opt to disguise themselves as members of an all-female band, of which Monroe is a member. Hilarious romance and comedy ensues as the two try to avoid detection. Watch this classic on Vudu $2.99
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Toy Story 3
Walt Disney Studios Toy Story 3
Toy Story 4 is in the theaters now and well worth the price of admission. But if you want to prepare yourself for the next episode in the series, watch Toy Story 3. In an unusual twist, the third story in this saga is potentially the best by far in the excellent Toy Story franchise. The secret life of toys that happens when none of the kids are watching is wildly original and remarkably touching. Just try not to shed a tear at the emotional final scene of this 2010 hit. Watch it by streaming on Vudu $2.99
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The Seven Year Itch
20th Century Fox The Seven Year Itch
We couldn't resist adding one more Marilyn Monroe classic to this summer list because the heat of the season is almost as big a character as its stars. Left at home while his family heads to Maine to beat the heat, Richard is taken quite by surprise when an actress and model, played by Monroe, moves in upstairs. He faces a (mostly imagined) crisis when he finds himself falling for her. Watch how it turns out on Amazon $3.99.
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A Streetcar Named Desire
Warner Brothers A Streetcar Named Desire
Yet another classic with heat and humidity as an uncredited main character, A Streetcar Named Desire is a must-watch (or rewatch!) for summer. If you choose to watch it just to see Marlon Brando in his prime, we would hardly blame you. The Tennessee Williams story takes place in New Orleans over several steamy months as Stanley and Stella cope with Stella's sister Blanche who has suddenly turned up as a troubled, and unwelcome guest. Catch it here: Vudu $3.99
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Spiderman Into The Spider-verse
Columbia Pictures Spiderman Into the Spider-Verse
If you need to compromise with kids on what movie to watch, we recommend this 2018 Best Animated Feature. Spiderman Into the Spider-Verse is full of comic-book-inspired animation (which the kids will love) and even more full of heart (which the adults will love). There's a great twist on the classic Spiderman tale that we won't give away here, but suffice it to say it might be the most original animated movie you've seen. Stream it here: Vudu $2.99