By Collection Management Librarian Andrea
Some of the best things about summer are the beaches, outdoor events, and, of course, cooling off in a movie theater. Why not recreate that movie theater experience at home with these throwback summer blockbusters?
Past summer movie hits
Alien (1979)
Why you should watch it: With fantastic visual effects, a powerful female protagonist, and lots of suspense, this sci-fi classic holds up against modern titans. Making $184.7 million during its summer release, Alien has something in store for all viewers.
Description: Terror begins when the crew of a spaceship investigates a transmission from a desolate planet and discovers a life form that is perfectly evolved to annihilate mankind. Each crew member is slain until only Ripley is left.
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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Why you should watch it: A sweet and heartfelt story of a young kid and an unlikely friend going on a captivating adventure. Making $792.9 million during its summer premiere, relive the magic again (or for the first time) with E.T.
Description: Captivating audiences of all ages, this timeless story follows the unforgettable journey of a lost alien and the 10-year-old boy he befriends. Join Elliot, Gertie, and Michael as they come together to help E.T. find his way back home.
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Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Why you should watch it: New fans of the movie might not know that Mad Max: Fury Road is a part of a post-apocalyptical franchise, and it has come a long way from the first 1979 film. Grossing at $415.2 million during its summer release date, this movie will surely take you on a wild ride across the Wasteland.
Description: A return to the world of the Road Warrior, Max Rockatansky. Haunted by his turbulent past, he believes the best way to survive is to wander alone. Nevertheless, he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by an elite Imperator, Furiosa. They are escaping a Citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe, from whom something irreplaceable has been taken. Enraged, the Warlord with his gangs, pursues the rebels ruthlessly in the high-octane Road War that follows.
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Men in Black (1997)
Why you should watch it: Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith make a terrific duo in this movie. With great banter, a fun supporting cast, and intriguing aliens, it is no surprise that this franchise is still going. Having made $589.4 million during its release, relive the adventure with these men in black.
Description: New York City is being threatened by a villainous bug that has inhabited the body of a farmer. The mission is to locate and exterminate the bug before it destroys the planet.
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Shrek (2001)
Why you should watch it: Somebody once told me that this movie is a cult classic, and with a great music soundtrack, memorable quotes, and a strong cast, I can see why! Earning $491.8 million during its release, find out why fans keep watching and won't stop watching.
Movie Description: Follow Shrek's daring quest to rescue feisty Princess Fiona, with the help of the lovable, loudmouthed Donkey, and win back the deed to his beloved swamp from scheming Lord Farquaad.
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Speed (1994)
Why you should watch it: This movie has everything, a young Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock's iconic bob, a bus that is arguably a supporting actor, action, and, of course, speed! Going 50 miles per hour and grossing at $350.4 million during its summer release, Speed will keep you entertained.
Description: Jack Traven is an L.A.P.D. SWAT team specialist. He and his partner diffuse a bomb planted in an office elevator, saving the passengers inside. Later, he is sent to diffuse a bomb that the same revenge-driven extortionist has planted on a bus. But until he does, Jack and a passenger must keep the bus speeding through the streets of Los Angeles at more than 50 miles per hour—or the bomb will explode.
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Spider-Man (2002)
Why you should watch it: With the new Spider-Man movie out in theaters this summer, some of us have a bit of a spider bite. Making $825 million during its box office premiere in 2002, why not go back to the first live-action Spider-man movie that started it all?
Description: After being bitten by a radioactive spider on a school field trip, Peter Parker finds himself gaining spider-like qualities. Adopting the name Spider-Man, Peter first uses his new skills to make money, but when the Green Goblin, another altered super-human, kills Peter's uncle, he swears to use his "spider-skills" to fight evil. Along the way, he has to juggle a new job as a local reporter and a budding romance with MJ, a beautiful former classmate.
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Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Why you should watch it: Grossing over $351 million worldwide, Who Framed Roger Rabbit became the second-highest-grossing film of 1988. Take a trip down memory lane and see this quirky, unique, and rare crossover between Disney and Warner Brothers characters.
Description: It's 1947 Hollywood, Eddie Valiant, a down-on-his-luck detective, is hired to find proof that Marvin Acme, gag factory mogul and owner of Toontown, is playing hanky-panky with femme fatale Jessica Rabbit, wife of Maroon Cartoon superstar, Roger Rabbit. When Acme is found murdered, all fingers point to Roger, who begs the Toon-hating Valiant to find the real evildoer.
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About Andrea
Collection Management Librarian Andrea is an avid audiobook and manga reader. When she isn't chipping away at her reading list she's attending local pop culture conventions.
