17 Movies To Watch If You’re Desperate For A Beach Vacation
Happy First Day Of Spring, Y’all!!!!!
Here in Florida it is breezy and warm and the flowers are all blooming at my house :) :) There’s an earthy smell in the air and I can just FEEL the energy of the earth as she’s gearing up to warm up and grow. I hope that it’s feeling springy where you are, but if it’s still dreary and cold, don’t despair! I promise spring will be here before you know it!
I’m well acquainted with those March/April blues from my time spent up north when it feels as though winter will NEVER end. It’s part of the reason I started the F*CK WINTER MAKEALONG this year (#EffWinterMAL) over on IG. If you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s not too late to join! We’ll be WIPping on our spring and summer makes through April 10th so if you need to cast on something light and airy to remind you of warmer days ahead, come join us!!!
To help get y’all in the mood last week, I sent out my F*CK WINTER playlist on Spotify so you could WIP while listening to the sounds of steel drums and summer melodies. This week, I’m giving y’all a list of my FAVORITE beachy/tropical movies to help transport you to vacation time! Even if it’s only for 2 hours ;)
These are all movies that I’ve watched and personally enjoyed. Try pouring a tropical cocktail or mocktail and cranking up the heat while you watch to really set the mood!
ROMANCE/COMEDY
Fool’s Gold - Let’s start out with my FAVORITE movie for seasonal depression!!! Fool’s Gold stars Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson and takes you on an epic treasure hunt throughout the Florida Keys and Bahamas. This movie is fun, it’s sweet, and those crystal clear blue waters and white sandy beaches are a balm to the soul.
Mama Mia - I’ve yet to be able to watch this movie without getting up and singing and dancing. It’s got breathtaking views of Greece, a kickass cast, all the ABBA music your heart desires, and on a personal note, was one of the films of my bisexual awakening (Thank you Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper).
50 First Dates - I haven’t seen this one in forever, but I remember it was the first time I learned how pineapples actually grow and I was shocked. This movie, set in Hawaii and starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, is all about the lengths we’ll go to for love.
After The Sunset - Another guilty pleasure movie of mine I’ve seen many, many times. Salma Hayek. Pierce Brosnan. The Bahamas. You probably don’t need anymore information, but it’s about 2 ex-thieves “retiring” and the FBI agent who knows they might still be after one last heist.
Six Days Seven Nights - Anne Heche and Harrison Ford crash land on a deserted island (or is it) and must learn to get along to survive. Any movie with Harrison Ford is alright by me and a grumpy Harrison Ford saving the day and reluctantly falling in love in the tropics? I’m in.
Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar - I have recommended this movie to SO many people and I always get mixed reviews. Some people love it and some hate it. Incredibly goofy, wild, and a bit out there with hilarious Kristen Wiig and an absolutely magical Jamie Dornan. Seagulls On A Tire will be your ballad of the summer.
Couples Retreat- Four couples travel to a tropical island, not realizing their participation in couples therapy is mandatory for their stay. This movie is hilarious but also surprisingly heart warming and the views of Bora Bora will melt the SAD away.
ROMANCE/DRAMA
Dirty Dancing Havana Nights - This movie came out when I was in High School and made a BIG impression on sweet, then-virginal Chelsea. Set just before the Cuban Revolution, there’s lots of political, cultural, and sexual tension and plenty of dirty dancing in the hot, humid nights of Havana. Diego Luna and Romola Garai star.
The Blue Lagoon- This 80s movie was filmed in Fiji and stars a young Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins. The tropical island is GORGEOUS and there are long montages of the ocean, flora, and fauna of the island.
Blue Crush - Hawaii and badass surfer babes. This is peak 2000s cinema with Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez. I don’t surf but this movie has always made me want to learn (fear of the ocean be damned!).
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Lilo And Stitch - So I actually had never seen this movie until last year! Boy was I missing out. This movie pulls on your heart strings. “Ohana means Family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten”. *SOB*
Moana - Top 5 favorite Disney movies for me!!! Why? Ancient Polynesia, a strong willed, confident young girl FMC (NOT a princess…… but yea, she’s a chief’s daughter), absolutely amazing songs and cast, and the message that if you believe in yourself you can do anything.
Muppets Treasure Island - Yo ho ho and a bottle of fun!! The Muppets put their twist on this classic tale. Pirates, buried treasure, and Tim Curry as Long John Silver. This movie rocks.
THRILLER/HORROR
A Perfect Getaway - This movie might have you rethinking your honeymoon plans. Another incredibly gorgeous film shot in Hawaii (and also Puerto Rico for some scenes), this one is about 2 couples trying to outsmart the mysterious psychopathic murders killing tourists in Hawaii. The cast is pretty awesome and if you enjoy thrillers and watching pretty people in pretty places, you’ll like this one.
Turistas - Another movie that might make you rethink your vacation plans. STUNNING scenery and shot in Brazilian paradise. Buuuuuut this movie gets REAL dark and gruesome. Don’t watch if you can’t stomach gore. It’s got 2006 Josh Duhamel, Olivia Wilde, and Melissa George.
Fantasy Island - This movie came out just a few weeks before the pandemic and I think that’s why none of my friends remember it. While this is not Mr. Roarke’s “Fantasy Island”, this horror remake does honor its legacy. I thought this movie was really entertaining and it definitely gives you all the tropical paradise vacation vibes before getting all dark, twisty, and fabulously freaky.
Into the Blue - The attractiveness factor is off the charts in this action/thriller starring Jessica Alba and Paul Walker (RIP). Bikinis, Bahamas, diving, treasure hunting, drug cartels, this movie has got it all.
I hope these films help get you through the last few weeks of winter and get you dreaming of tropical vacations and warm, summer days! Let me know if there’s a movie you think should be added to the list!
Stay warm, Y’all!!!
