The Top Ten Summer Movie List to End All Lists

Now that the weather is finally warming up, and our blood is starting to thaw out after winter, it is time to look at great summer movies. No, not the huge blockbusters that are invading the world's theaters as you read this. We are going to look at ten of the top movies to watch on those warm summer nights while hanging out with friends. You will laugh. You will cry. You will love The Top Ten Summer Movie List to End All Lists.

Dazed and Confused (1993)
In the mid-nineties, there was a slew of 'Ëœslacker' movies that had come out (Slackers, Empire Records), and at the head of this pack is Dazed and Confused; a movie about nothing more than the last day of high school. More accurately, the partying that night. Following different students through their travels during the last day of school, we get to watch as these kids come into their own. This movie features an all-star ensemble cast of young talent (Ben Affleck, Mathew McConaughey) that play perfectly off each other. More than that, many fans of Dazed and Confused hold the movie dear because they simply relate to it. If you were ever a teenager, then you can relate with at least one character in Dazed and Confused '" and that is why it made The Top Ten Summer Movie List to End All Lists.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Who does not love a good old zombie movie these days? A great zombie comedy breaks up the monotony of all those peaceful summer nights. You will be hard pressed to find a zombie comedy more well done than Shaun of the Dead. Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz) managed to make the first mainstream romantic zombie comedy, which is an accomplishment. Not only is he a pioneer, he is funny. Shaun of the Dead follows two British slackers as the zombie apocalypse hits. Shaun has to manage to save his group, as well as his relationship with his girlfriend, while the world ends. This Top Ten Summer Movie mixes just enough zombie action and gore for any zombie fan, while keeping the characters very open and approachable to all audiences.

Scream (1996)
If you like your peaceful summer nights interrupted by more horror than comedy, then Scream is the top ten summer movie choice for you. Directed by horror master Wes Craven (Nightmare on Elm Street), and written by Kevin Williamson (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Scream is actually a good horror movie. This is made all the more important by the fact that for awhile, there were just no good Hollywood horror movies in the nineties. Mix in another great, young ensemble cast (Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox), and the ability to do all this while poking fun at itself, and you have the perfect formula for a great top ten summer movie.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
No summer is complete without great blockbusters, and the first one to make this top ten summer movie list is Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Sure, this is another movie on this list to have spawned off numerous sequels (some good, some bad), but the original is still the best. Introducing the now infamous Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), America instantly fell in love with this movie based on a Disney attraction. Great acting from an amazing cast and superb comedy will ensure the original Pirates of the Caribbean's place on any top ten summer movie list.

Kick-Ass (2010)
Why would Kick-Ass be included on a top ten summer movie list? Sure, there are no real super heroes '" though there is one butt-kicking little girl. Kick-Ass does not need a lot of super heroes running around to make it worthy of any top then summer movie list. This movie has a lot of heart. It makes the viewer really care about Dave Lizewski, a high school student who decides to become a super hero with no powers. This is one of the few movies you get done watching and just wish there was more.

Zombieland (2009)
Another zombie comedy on the top ten summer movies list? Yes, but for some different reasons. The acting is great with an amazing cast (Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone), but one actor in particular stands out. Jesse Eisenberg is the main reason this zombie comedy (with a little romance thrown in for flavor) makes this top ten summer movie list. Using the awkward, nerd-ish style that seems to come so natural to him, Jesse Eisenberg shines in his first major film role.

Cars (2006)
There are just too many reasons to list here, but the inclusion of Disney's Cars on this top ten summer movie list should need no defense. Pixar, yet again, came out of the gate running and raised the bar for other family animation to strive for. Not only is Cars visually appealing, but it is one of those rare movies that touch the hearts and minds of audiences of all ages. Considering the nineteen Oscar nominations it has received, there are many people who would agree with this entry.

Beetlejuice (1988)
A classic in so many ways, Beetlejuice is the movie that you never get tired of watching. A dark comedy with a very unique taste, this Tim Burton comedy follows a 'ËœBio-exorcist' who attempts to rid the living of a recently deceased couple's home. When they speak of all-star casts, this is the kind of cast there are speaking of: Alec Baldwin, Michael Keaton, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, and that is just breaking the tip of the talent in this top ten summer movie.

Falcon and the Snowman (1985)
Summer movie lists do not generally contain story driven dramas, but Falcon and the Snowman is the exception to the rule. Based on a true story, this thriller follows two childhood friends, as they take become walk-in spies for the Soviet Union. Sean Penn and Timothy Hutton propel this movie forward with amazing acting that makes you really care for these guys, and are really rooting for them by then end.

The Breakfast Club (1985)
This number one teen movie of all time also makes this top ten summer movie list. Following five students who are forced to spend a Saturday in detention together, The Breakfast Club brings something to the table for everyone. Each student represents a different clique, which makes each one relatable in their own way. The Brat Pack classic teaches us, while making us laugh until we hurt.

Other articles from Joshua Cook on the Yahoo! Contributor Network:
The Top Ten Teen Movie List to End All Lists
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