Summer is in full swing – although it may not always feel like it thanks to our lovely British weather.

But never fear, there are other ways to get your escapism kicks. Hollywood has been kind enough to provide us with many different portals into the magic of summer travel, delivering the holiday vibes that we so sorely crave this time of year.

Whether it’s a hot romance that you’re hankering after or a bonkers trip with a friend, we’ve pulled together the best movies to watch that will make you feel like you’re heading off somewhere new.

Here are 20 of our top cinematic recommendations for holiday bliss.

Crossroads (2002)

One of our most precious throwback movies of the 00s, Crossroads tells the story of three friends who take a road trip across the USA. 

Starring Britney Spears (!) and written by Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal showrunner Shonda Rhimes, this film is the epitome of a coming-of-age story, with the added magic of being set on the road. Strap in for holiday nostalgia, tears and friendship goals.

La La Land (2016)

It’s difficult to think of a summery film more dreamy than this Damien Chazelle (think Whiplash and First Man) musical set in Tinsel Town itself. If you haven’t seen it before, it follows the story of Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), who fall in love while trying to make their dreams come true in Hollywood.

With the perpetual sunshine, catchy jazz-esque soundtrack and swooning romance, this musical treat will transport you far away from home. 

A chance meeting in Tokyo leads to an unlikely friendship between a burned out actor (Bill Murray) and a lost young woman (Scarlett Johansson). It manages to encapsulate all the wonderment, unpredictability and catharsis that can come with a really good trip away – particularly if you can find yourself in the process.

The Darjeeling Limited

ThisWes Anderson favourite sees three brothers take a trip across India by train. They start to wonder about their relationships with each other and whether anything can be done to build their bond. Stunning scenery matched by heart-warming sentiment.

Girls Trip (2017)

Starring Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Regina Hall, this one is a delightful tale of debauchery. We head on a trip to a New Orleans festival with a group of long-time friends as they attempt to reclaim their party-going days and rekindle their friendships.

The Notebook (2004)

What started as a boy-meets-girl summer romance between Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling) unfolds into something much deeper. A tearjerker and a summer classic all wrapped into one, the film follows the story of the couple as they realise that you can’t outrun love. 

How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)

Hardworking stockbroker Stella takes a much-recommended first-class holiday to Jamaica, and is forced to re-evaluate her life and priorities when she embarks on a steamy romance while she’s away.

We are jealous of all of these exciting developments.

Eat Pray Love (2010)

Adapted from Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir and starring Julia Roberts, we follow the protagonist on an enviable trip of a lifetime to Italy, India and Bali. From eating amazing pizza in Rome to meditating  post-divorce woes away in a yoga ashram, this film gives us plenty of escapism, as well as inspiration for our next trip overseas.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

What feels more summery and symbolic of an escape to paradise than Hollywood favourites singing Abba classics against the backdrop of a Greek island?

Starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth (to name a few), we are absolutely living vicariously through their beach frolics, sailing and Greek taverna outings.

The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)

Set on the beautiful Italian coast, the tense story of an underachieving young man (Matt Damon) who sets out to steal everything a spoiled playboy (Jude Law) has unfolds over a beautiful summer holiday.

It’s stylish, it’s full of suspense and full of panoramic views of the towns surrounding Naples. What more could you want for your travel fantasies?

The Beach (2000)

Based on the novel by Alex Garland, The Beach follows a solo backpacker’s discovery of an idyllic Thai island untouched by tourism. But the community living there may not be all it seems.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio in his prime, The Beach’s gorgeous views of Koh Phi Phi island and its crystal blue ocean is enough to make you want to book a one-way ticket to a far off destination. One day!

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

A young couple travel from New York to Singapore for a wedding, but there’s one hitch – Nick Young (Henry Golding) never told his girlfriend Rachel (Constance Wu) that he’s a member of one of the most fabulously wealthy (but no less dysfunctional) families in the country.

Singapore is a stunning setting, as are the opulent parties and the amazing fashion. You’ll be adding it to your list of holiday destinations before you know it.

The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)

A nostalgic treat for all Disney Channel and Hilary Duff fans, we follow lovable high schooler Lizzie McGuire and her class on a school trip to Rome.

As if a movie set in the Eternal City isn’t enough, Lizzie begins a love affair with an internationally famous singer (because of course) and is seen riding around on a Vespa for most of the film. We quite literally love to see it.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

An absolute classic. Baby (Jennifer Grey) falls in love with a handsome dance instructor (Patrick Swayze) while spending her summer at a holiday camp in Upstate New York.

It’s the holiday romance we’ve all always wanted, not to mention the iconic soundtrack and dance moves.

The Parent Trap (1998)

Are you even a Millennial if you don’t know every word of The Parent Trap off by heart? This Nancy Meyers classic sets the scene at an American summer camp where two twins (both played by a young Lindsay Lohan) cross paths for the first time since being separated at birth when their parents split. They soon decide to switch places (it’s a brilliant beyond brilliant idea) in order to trick their parents into getting back together. With its lighthearted soundtrack and its luscious shots of sun-soaked California (and, inexplicably, a few sunny shots of London, too), The Parent Trap is the ultimate feel-good, nostalgic rom-com to get you in a summery mood.

Emma. (2021)

This fun, frilly Jane Austen adaptation is the very definition of sun-soaked. From its candy colour scheme to its light-hearted romance and brilliant cast of Anya Taylor-Joy, Josh O’Connor and Johnny Flynn, and its addictively silly score, this film just feels like summertime fun in period drama form.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

The beautiful cinematic adaptation of André Aciman will transport you straight to the piazzas of Italy, as two men – one young, one older – grapple with their feelings for each other over one stifling summer. Starting Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer.

A Room With a View (1985)

The sumptuous 1985 adaptation of E. M. Forster’s novel is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. The stunning cinematography in Florence and rural England looks more like a moving painting, while the story of an upper-class, straight-laced girl (an early Helena Bonham Carter role!) confronted with her first passionate love is achingly romantic.

Sabrina (1954)

Audrey Hepburn stars in this iconic Cinderella story about the daughter of a chauffeur who falls for the wealthy son of her father’s employer. Stunning locations, covetable clothes and an unexpected romance make this film one of the classic rom-coms that instantly evokes warm summer nights that are filled with romantic possibility.

Much Ado About Nothing (1995)

It’s hard to think of a more summery film that the 1995 adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. It’s all floaty white sundresses, Italian vistas and soft, slow romance. It feels reductive to say that this film is the embodiment of TikTok’s tomato girl trend but… it kind of is. Emma Thompson gives a particularly mesmerising, loveable performance as the outspoken Beatrice.

Images: Warner Bros / Rex Features / Sony Pictures/ 20th Century Fox / Getty / Disney / MGM / Focus Features