The Guardian has curated a list of nine films ideal for watching during a heatwave, offering a mix of sun-drenched classics, steamy thrillers, and atmospheric dramas that match the intensity of hot weather. These selections are designed to complement the sweltering conditions, providing both escapism and a reflective mirror to the heat outside.
Classics and Cult Favorites
The list includes iconic films such as Do the Right Thing (1989), Spike Lee's explosive drama set during a scorching Brooklyn summer, which uses heat as a catalyst for racial tension. Another pick is The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), where the sun-drenched Italian Riviera contrasts with the protagonist's dark obsessions. Jaws (1975) also makes the cut, its beach-town setting and tense atmosphere perfect for a hot day.
Modern and Indie Gems
More recent additions include A Bigger Splash (2015), a psychological thriller set on a sun-baked Italian island, and The Florida Project (2017), which captures the oppressive heat of a Florida motel in summer. Palm Springs (2020) offers a comedic take on a time loop at a desert wedding, while Summer of Soul (2021) is a documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, celebrating music in the heat.
International and Underrated
The list also features the French film Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019), set on a remote island in the 18th century, where the heat mirrors the growing passion between the characters. Y Tu Mamá También (2001) takes viewers on a road trip through Mexico, with the dusty roads and humid atmosphere enhancing the coming-of-age story. Finally, Beach Rats (2017) explores a young man's summer in Brooklyn, capturing the sticky, languid days of a heatwave.
Why These Films?
According to The Guardian, these films were chosen because they either feature intense heat as a central element or evoke the sensory experience of a heatwave—sweat, sun, and slow-burning tension. The list aims to provide viewers with a curated selection that feels immersive and seasonally appropriate.
