Ten summer movies

With summer in full swing, many will start planning their BBQs, vacations, and Fourth of July events. Another popular pastime is watching movies. Movies, after all, are a great way to spend time with family and friends, escape the summer heat, or unplug from the world. Consider my picks of ten summer movies if you want to watch something but don't know what to go for. This list will have a mix of classic summer movies and some released during the season.

Jaws- Ah, summer, a time to be at the beach and … wait, what's that in the water? Jaws is a horror classic about a shark terrorizing a small town during summer. It can be rented on Amazon, Apple TV, Google, and Youtube if you want to watch it.

Barbie- I initially rolled my eyes when I heard a Barbie movie was being made. Then the trailer came out, and I loved it. If you are like me and want to see it for yourself, Barbie will dazzle its way into theaters on July 21.

National Treasure- Masonic Conspiracies and Nicolas Cage stealing the Declaration of Independence. What more needs to be said about this action classic? National Treasure can be watched on Disney + or available to rent on Amazon if you want to learn American history with a dash of Cage.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem- Cowabunga dudes! That is right; the turtles are returning to the movies this summer, this time focusing on the turtles being teenagers. With an art style similar to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and a cast including John Cena and Jackie Chan. The film looks perfect for the whole family. Check it out when Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem parties its way into theaters on Aug. 4.

Independence Day- A film that is traditional to play for many this time of year. It has a fantastic cast, including Jeff Goldblum, Will Smith, and Bill Pullman. The film has a great blend of comedy and action and has a great message with a nice boost of patriotism. The film can be streamed on Hulu and Peacock or available for rent on Amazon and Apple.

Gran Turismo: The Movie- This upcoming film is a sports drama about Jann Mardenborough, a teenager whose only racing knowledge came from the Gran Turismo video games. With that passion, against the odds, he became a professional race car driver in the British circuit. The film looks to be fun and inspiring. You can see it when Gran Turismo races into theaters on Aug. 11.

Captain America: The First Avenger- In 2011, the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduced us to Steve Rogers. He was a physically frail but morally strong man who wanted to serve his country during WWII. Thanks to a bit of science, Rogers became Captain America, a symbol of patriotism and doing the right thing. Captain America: The First Avenger can be watched on Disney + or for rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and YouTube.

Blue Beetle- Based on the DC comic superhero. This film will follow Jamie Reyes, a recent college graduate who obtains an alien artifact and is thrown into the superhero world. The film looks promising thanks to the cast, which includes Xolo Maridueña, George Lopez, and Susan Sarandon. If you are up for a superhero flick, check this out when Blue Beetle flies into theaters on Aug. 18.

Top Gun- Highway to the Danger Zone, a young Tom Cruise, high-flying action, what more could you ask for? This film is the right blend of everything people want to watch this summer. Top Gun can be watched on Paramount +, Roku, or Amazon Prime and be rented through Apple TV, YouTube, or Redbox.

The Last Voyage of The Demeter- Most of us have heard countless stories of Dracula. This film offers something different as we see the untold story of the crew that transported the lord of vampires from his home to London. The only thing we know about this film is that it will be scary. You can see their fate unfold when The Last Voyage of The Demeter sinks its fangs into theaters on Aug. 11.

That is my list for the summer. Hopefully, this will help you decide what to watch as summer unfolds. Until next time, try to have a good rest of your shift and be safe during the summer.