13 Good Movies to Romanticize Your Summer
Discover our curated list of good movies to watch this summer—elegant, aesthetic films that will move, inspire and transport you.
Summer invites us to step outside of our mundane routines and immerse ourselves in leisure and the pursuit of pleasure. It’s a season that asks us to slow down, savor each moment, and perhaps, see our own lives through a more romantic lens. What better way to nurture that mindset than by escaping into films that capture the spirit of aspiration and adventure?
We’ve curated and summarized (no spoilers) a list of cinematic gems that offer more than just entertainment. Each is a masterclass in mood, setting, and style—whether it’s the sun-dappled streets of Rome, the shimmering Mediterranean coast, or the enchanting glow of Paris at midnight. Together, they form a collection designed to inspire you to dream a little bigger, live a little more beautifully, and truly romanticize your summer.
Romantic + Lush
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Amélie (2001)
Roman Holiday (1953)
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Aesthetic Thrillers + Mysteries
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
La Piscine (1969)
A Bigger Splash (2015)
Death on the Nile (2022)
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Uplifting + Life-Affirming
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
La La Land (2016)
The Great Beauty (2013)
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
A sensitive coming-of-age story where a teenager experiences first love during a languid summer in 1980s Italy.
This is an achingly beautiful portrait of first love and fleeting youth. It transports viewers to the Italian countryside, where languorous afternoons and endless sun create the perfect backdrop for a transformative summer. The film’s lush visuals, evocative music, and tender storytelling make it an unforgettable film.
Amélie (2001)
A shy waitress in Paris sets out to secretly change the lives of those around her while grappling with her own loneliness.
With its whimsical aesthetic and poetic charm, Amélie invites us into a world where the small pleasures of life become grand adventures. Set in an artistic vision of Paris, this film is a celebration of kindness, imagination, and the quiet magic that exists all around us.
Roman Holiday (1953)
A sheltered princess escapes her royal duties for a day of adventure and freedom with a charming reporter in Rome.
A timeless tale of freedom, romance, and adventure, Audrey Hepburn plays a princess who dares to escape the constraints of duty for a day of discovery in the Eternal City. With its graceful charm and iconic performances, this classic reminds us of the joy found in the unexpected.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
A nostalgic writer visiting Paris finds himself mysteriously transported to the 1920s each night, mingling with his artistic idols.
This film is a love letter to the City of Light, where nostalgia, art, and romance entwine beneath the glow of street lamps. Dreamers will delight in this enchanting film that explores the allure of bygone eras and the timeless magic of Paris.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
A young man becomes dangerously entangled in deception and envy as he infiltrates the glamorous world of a wealthy friend on the Italian coast
Set against the chic, sun-soaked backdrop of 1950s Italy, this psychological thriller dazzles with its impeccable fashion, dreamy seaside towns, and haunting atmosphere. It weaves a tale of envy, charm, and ambition—reminding us that beauty can sometimes mask the darkest secrets.
La Piscine (1969)
At a secluded villa in the South of France, simmering tensions between lovers and unexpected guests spiral toward tragedy.
Sultry, sun-drenched, and simmering with tension, La Piscine immerses viewers in a hypnotic world of desire and deception. Set beside a crystalline pool in the South of France, its minimalist elegance and slow-burn atmosphere linger long after the credits roll.
A Bigger Splash (2015)
A rock star’s peaceful retreat on a sun-drenched Mediterranean island is disrupted by the arrival of an old flame and his daughter.
Set on a remote Mediterranean island, A Bigger Splash blends art, music, and simmering emotions into a heady cocktail of sensuality and tension. Its sun-bleached scenery and slow, hypnotic pace make it the perfect film for those seeking a mood of languid, luxurious escape.
Death on the Nile (2022)
A luxurious river cruise turns deadly when a murder sparks a web of secrets, jealousy, and intrigue among high-society passengers.
An opulent, art deco-inspired mystery set against the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient wonders. It offers high-society intrigue, sumptuous costumes, and lavish settings, making it a visual feast as well as a captivating whodunit.
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
A wealthy art thief plays a seductive cat-and-mouse game with the brilliant insurance investigator determined to catch him.
Sleek, seductive, and endlessly stylish, this is a game of cat and mouse set among the art, wealth, and intrigue of high society. With its refined blend of romance, wit, and luxury, this film is pure escapism for those who appreciate sophistication and playful intrigue.
Eat Pray Love (2010)
A woman embarks on a journey through Italy, India, and Bali to rediscover pleasure, spirituality, and balance after a painful divorce.
A feast for the senses that follows a journey of self-discovery unfolding across different countries. The film celebrates the beauty of embracing pleasure, spirituality, and personal growth, offering inspiration for anyone craving renewal or adventure.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
An American woman discovers her boyfriend's family is among the wealthiest in Singapore, navigating love, culture, and high-society expectations.
This is a modern fairy tale set amid the splendor of Singapore’s elite. It dazzles with breathtaking settings, couture fashion, and heartwarming themes of love and belonging. It’s a jubilant, aspirational celebration of family and identity wrapped in visual delight.
La La Land (2016)
Two ambitious artists fall in love while chasing their dreams in Los Angeles, facing the highs and lows of passion and ambition.
With its vibrant color palette, enchanting music, and vintage Hollywood charm, La La Land is a bittersweet ode to dreams and romance. The film will encourage you to reflect on ambition, love, and the magic of possibility.
The Great Beauty (2013)
An aging writer and socialite reflects on love, art, and the fleeting nature of life amid the decadence of Rome’s elite circles.
A visual and philosophical feast, this film immerses us in the decadent world of Rome’s high society. With painterly cinematography and profound introspection, it invites viewers to contemplate the nature of beauty, art, and meaning amid life’s fleeting pleasures.
Each film on this list opens a door to another world—whether it's the romance of a sunlit city, the intrigue of high society, or the joy of self-discovery. These cinematic journeys can enrich your summer, offering moments of wonder, beauty, and inspiration.
To make time for all 13 films, consider dedicating two evenings per week to a film night, mixing genres to suit your mood. Alternatively, set aside a lazy weekend afternoon or evening for a mini-marathon. With a glass of champagne and your favorite summer dish, you can savor these stories at your own pace and make the season feel even more extraordinary.
