If there’s one hobby we all like, it’s making up a summer plan based on the shows we watch. From sun-drenched beaches, glittering cities and the insta-worthy outfits, there’s nothing like a good show or movie to fuel your wanderlust and shape your summer mood board.
Whether it’s chasing a Euro summer, a nostalgic coastal vibe, or just looking for an aesthetic escape, these picks are guaranteed to transport you. Passport? Not required.
Mamma Mia
Between the ABBA bangers, the sun-drenched scenery, and oh, the iconic Meryl Streep living her life in floaty fits, it’s basically a quick two-hour vacation of romance, chaotic “Who’s my dad” energy” and wedding drama. Set along the coast of Kalokairi, a soon-to-be wedded Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) invites three men who might just be her biological father.
Where to watch it: Apple TV
Xo, Kitty
What happens when the ultimate matchmaker tries to manifest her own love story? Utter. Chaos. Kitty Song Covey moves across the world to attend a school in Korea, partly to reconnect with her long-distance boyfriend, but seemingly ends up tangled in culture shock, complicated crushes and major identity shifts. The Seoul summer vibes and K-drama level twists? Absolutely binge-worthy.
Where to watch it: Netflix
The White Lotus
If you’ve ever wanted to eavesdrop on rich people unravelling in a five-star resort, welcome to The White Lotus: Koh Samui, Thailand. From passive-aggressive brunches to cold murder under the Southeast Asia sun, it’s pure chaos wrapped in linen shirts and scenic drone shots. The new cast, from BLACKPINK’s Lisa to Aimee Lou Wood, checked into a hotel with secrets, scandals, and zero self-awareness of what’s happening behind the scenes.
Where to watch it: Apple TV+
The Parent Trap
Between the crisp California vineyards and lakeside camp chaos, this ‘90s twin-swap classic is a nostalgic fever dream. Lindsay Lohan plays as long-lost sisters Hallie and Annie, who meet at a summer camp and plot to get their divorced parents back together. There’s fencing, Oreos with peanut butter, and Chessy.
Where to watch it: Disney+
Crazy Rich Asians
This one’s pure escapism-from sky-high bachelor parties to lush garden weddings (a scene living rent free in our heads) that look straight out of Pinterest. When Rachel flies to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family, she finds out they’re basically royalty. Cue the couture outfits, power plays, and a mother-in-law who could win Olympic gold in passive aggression. It’s glam, dramatic, and impossible to let go.
Where to watch it: Hulu
Emily In Paris
Messy office drama, hot neighbours, and outfits that make no practical sense? That’s Emily in Paris in a nutshell. It’s the ultimate Euro summer vibe—working (barely), flirting (a lot), and somehow going viral every other day. Watch with an espresso and unrealistic expectations. But be warned, Paris, the iconic fashion capital, will be a fever dream.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Teen Beach Movie
A wave pulls two modern surfer teens, Brady and McKenzie into a rewind where everyone’s stuck in a beach musical dance number in the ‘60s. From matching outfits, catchy songs, and villains that would lose a fight with a pool noodle, the film goes above and beyond with the biker versus surfer trope (enemies to lovers from different worlds? Yes!) as they musically battle over a loved hang out spot.
Where to watch it: Disney+
When Life Gives You Tangerines
There’s nothing like a summer escape to the vibrant greens of Jeju Island. This series follows the tender yet adventurous love life of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, taking you through a series of seasons of their romance, family hardships, and personal triumphs as they build a family. From Ae-sun dreaming of becoming a poet to being pushed into the ring of life chaos, Gwan-sik’s multi-season love is what everyone needs this summer. Warning: get 12 packs of tissue boxes.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Outer Banks
Outer Banks follows the Pogues, a scrappy friend group who lives at The Cut, hunting for legendary gold while dodging the rich kids, cops, and their own terrible decisions. The group, led by the show’s It-boy, John B, is where goonies meet teen drama with lots of wet hair and even messier feelings. The Pogues are here to battle out the obstacles between money, a fleeting North Carolina summer
Where to watch it: Netflix
H20: Just Add Water
The Aussie mermaid series that turned every bath into a secret transformation sequence. When three teens, Rikki, Emma, and Cleo, stumble upon a magical moon pool under a dormant volcano in the famed Mako Island, they don’t just become an iconic trio of besties; they become full-fledged mermaids with powers. From learning how to use their tails, experimenting with their powers out in the Australian sun and a few romances, this is peak summer girl energy right here.
Where to watch it: Netflix
My Life With The Walter Boys
When 15-year-old orphan Jackie Howard’s life is flipped upside down, she’s shipped from Manhattan to a ranch in Colorado, where she suddenly finds herself living with ten boys. Yup, ten. Set in a small-town with summer vibes, the show follows her quiet grief with cowboy-core chaos, love triangles, and a whole lot of emotional growth. Jackie’s learning to navigate a new family, a new life, and one massive question: who’s the real lover boy?
Where to watch it: Netflix
You don’t always need a passport to escape. Check out these summer staycation deals in Dubai.