This summer, like many others, brought us entertainment that served as a catalyst for the season.
The world turned green with the release of Charli XCX’s Brat, Marvel fans gathered around a bucket of popcorn for the release of Deadpool & Wolverine and The Bear fans shifted in their seats as anxiety-inducing season three made its way on-screen. There were also some resurgences of favorites from summers past, as some things never go out of style.
As we say goodbye to another season of sun, our writers shared the media they enjoyed most this summer: new, old and simply timeless.
Songs of the Summer
“Death & Romance” by Magdalena Bay
Pick by JJ Wiparina
It’s a captivating track that bursts with the energy of fireworks through its progressive climaxes, exploring themes of self, love and mortality.
“Otaku Hot Girl” by Megan Thee Stallion
Pick by Emma Rudkin
I found myself coming back to this most throughout the summer. It’s such a fun song conceptually, lyrically and in performance. It’s so cool seeing Megan lean into her nerdy side on a track and not just on social media.
“Summertime Clothes” by Animal Collective
Pick by Jocelyn Gale
This is my song of the summer every summer. Maybe it’s the title, maybe it’s the way it makes the season feel tangible unlike any other song… I hate being in sweltering heat, but this song makes me feel like there’s something romantic about perspiring at my hairline.
“Frankenstein” by Claire Rosinkranz
Pick by Karla Garcia
This was one of my most played songs this summer. Its bass-induced groove and playful verses were perfect for unwinding under the sun.
“Sailor Song” by Gigi Perez
Pick by Victoria Marx
I love the lyrics and Bon Iver-esque instrumentals: It sounds like the feeling of standing on a boardwalk by the ocean.
“Badfish” by Sublime
Pick by Braeden Pelko
This is the essential summer anthem for relaxing and taking it easy. It never fails to put me in a good mood.
“Harvest Moon” by Neil Young
Pick by Gwen Engelhart
A personal favorite, this song reminds me of a rainy road trip back from a sunny weekend this summer.
“Wannabe” by Spice Girls
Pick by Lauren Tolliver
My music taste was in the midst of a huge ’90s phase this summer, so it’s natural for me to mention a Spice Girls song! Bonus points for it being a perfect karaoke song #teamsportyspice.
“Kerosene!” by Yves Tumor
Pick by Makenzie McVey
This song is peak going fast on the highway with the windows down.
“Figure 8” by Peach Pit
Pick by Megan Harrison
The ease of each guitar strum and the beautifully painted lyrics make me smile. This song transports me to a beach where I’m decorated in the hues of sunset.
Movies of the Summer
Ponyo (2008)
Pick by JJ Wiparina
This Hayao Miyazaki movie, which re-released in theaters for the Studio Ghibli Film Festival this summer, stood out with its vibrant exploration of personal control while celebrating childlike joy. Though not new to me, Ponyo is an incredibly fun watch.
Pick by Victoria Marx
Ponyo is incredibly cute, endearing and visually appealing. I recently started getting into Studio Ghibli films and really enjoyed this one.
Django Unchained (2012)
Pick by Emma Rudkin
I sadly only watched four movies this summer, none of which were new, but Django Unchained was my favorite of those four. It’s an incredibly satisfying movie where you actually see justice being served (something that too seldom happens in our everyday world).
Longlegs (2024)
Pick by Jocelyn Gale
I saw this twice, and though its setting was more winter-esque, it gave me the feeling of a summer thriller I know and love. It was uncomfortable and made me jump: It fueled my love for movie theater trips in summer evenings.
Turtles All the Way Down (2024)
Pick by Karla Garcia
Relatable, eye-opening, funny and filmed in my neighborhood’s Applebees, this film was a summer pick-me-up for its authentic representation of friendship, love and mental health.
Creepshow (1982)
Pick by Braeden Pelko
This is, without a doubt, my favorite movie to rewatch over and over again because of its sheer silliness and scariness. It’s not really a “summer” movie, but it’s perfect to turn on if you want a good scare and a fun time.
Challengers (2024)
Pick by Gwen Engelhart
Thanks to its fantastic soundtrack, this movie quickly became one of my summer favorites. From Trent Reznor to Blood Orange, Challengers delivers exactly what I’m looking for.
Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
Pick by Lauren Tolliver
This early 2000s comedy is so iconic and clever! It fit in perfectly with the Brat summer theme.
American Honey (2016)
Pick by Makenzie McVey
I watched this during the week of the Fourth of July and it’s truly an unprecedented representation of the American Dream.
Iron Man (2008)
Pick by Megan Harrison
You would think I’d seen this movie before (especially if you knew me in my Marvel era), but alas, I had not. It delivered everything I loved about Marvel during that time: RDJ’s comedic excellence, a groundbreaking soundtrack and a new insight into the lore I was missing.
TV Shows of the Summer
Nodame Cantabile (2006)
Pick by JJ Wiparina
This was the perfect new summer TV show for me because it offers a deeply realistic and mature portrayal of romance. It loops together the genuine aspirations of each partner and the sacrifices required for two creatives to maintain their love.
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)
Pick by Emma Rudkin
I didn’t watch this… I read it. I had already seen both seasons prior to summer but was too antsy to wait for the release of season three (and beyond). So, I’ve been reading the manga ahead and somehow it’s only made me more impatient to see my favorite characters animated (shoutout Higuruma…).
Smiling Friends (2022)
Pick by Jocelyn Gale
I laughed out loud both times I watched this through. The characters are interesting, outlandish, jarring and really funny. I know my friends are sick of me telling them to watch it!
Ao Haru Ride (2023)
Pick by Karla Garcia
The number of times that I squealed while watching was insane! Its characters, romance, soundtrack and message to ‘stay true to yourself’ uplifted my mood and my summer.
The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022)
Pick by Victoria Marx
I can never get enough of sweet coming-of-age teen dramas. This show does a great job of depicting the essence of summer.
The Bear (2022)
Pick by Braeden Pelko
This is one of the most intimate shows I’ve ever seen, having worked in a restaurant. Along with that, the characters are amazing, the drama is great and the comedy keeps me coming back.
Impractical Jokers (2011)
Pick by Gwen Engelhart
I didn’t watch as much TV as usual over the summer, but Impractical Jokers was the perfect background show. You can tune in and out without worrying about missing the best moments, which makes it effortlessly enjoyable.
The Good Wife (2009)
Pick by Lauren Tolliver
Halfway through summer break, my mom and I decided to start watching The Good Wife together and we’ve been hooked ever since! This show following a group of lawyers is the perfect mix of drama and comedy.
Sex and the City (1998)
Pick by Makenzie McVey
I finally started it this summer and YES, it’s as good as everyone says it is! Everyone has a little Carrie in them #sorrynotsorry.
Outer Banks (2020)
Pick by Megan Harrison
I don’t care that the seasons get progressively more cringe, this is the ultimate feel-good summer show! Its lovable characters and sunny soundtrack make me long for a vacation in North Carolina.
Album of the Summer
Brat by Charli XCX (2024)
Pick by JJ Wiparina
No album defined the summer of 2024 quite like this one. It’s an explosive and vibrant record, showcasing the ideals of what summer is meant to be. Brat wouldn’t have been so prominent if it wasn’t for its deeply personal vulnerability, embodying the essence of summer as a time for aspirations and enjoyment, even if it sometimes falls short of those expectations.
Big Ideas by Remi Wolf (2024)
Pick by Emma Rudkin
Remi Wolf’s sophomore album captures the liveliness and adventure of summer as well as the melancholy and introspectiveness that the free time can offer.
Sublime by Sublime (1996)
Pick by Jocelyn Gale
The self-titled album was certainly my album of the summer: I bought the record and played it nonstop. It feels very carefree and familiar to me, plus it made the heat feel like it had a purpose. This is an album meant to be listened to in the summer.
Strawberry Rush by CHUU (2024)
Pick by Karla Garcia
This is the perfect mix of chill, quirky and dance-pop. Listening to Strawberry Rush made the hot breeze and blue skies 100 times more fulfilling.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan (2023)
Pick by Victoria Marx
Chappell is so brilliantly eccentric and puts so much life into her music. She brings ’80s synth pop back in full force (with a modern sapphic twist) and I love her for it.
Magnolia Electric Co. by Songs: Ohia (2003) & Jason Molina
Pick by Braeden Pelko
I found this album over the summer and I truly do not think there is a more beautifully written album out there. It’s melancholic, thought-provoking and sounds like if Elliot Smith was country.
Charm by Clairo (2024)
Pick by Gwen Engelhart
Warm and peaceful, this album encapsulates the essence of summer. It was worth the wait and did not disappoint.
Pick by Lauren Tolliver
I mean, what’s more summer than Mamma Mia? This album was constantly on repeat while I pretended that I was dancing under the moonlight in Greece instead of driving to work in rural Ohio.
Submarine by The Marias (2024)
Pick by Makenzie McVey
This album kind of gave me a more isolating vibe that I think gets looked past in the dog days.
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish (2024)
Pick by Megan Harrison
I remember hearing it for the first time in line at the airport: It sent chills down my spine. The lyricism and instrumentals combine with smooth vocals to truly make it an effortless listen.
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