FOMO, the Fear of Missing Out, is a feeling I’m sure you’re all familiar with. This list is here to fuel the FOMO of anyone craving a “Euro Summer”, a summer exploring the diverse and beautiful countries of Europe. Whether you want to go city hopping, relax on the beach, or learn about a country’s rich history, Europe offers something for everyone, making it the perfect summer destination. Watching the films on this list will showcase the many wonders of Europe in the summertime, even if you’re watching from the comfort of your living room.
1. Mamma Mia! (2008)
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, and with a star-studded cast, Mamma Mia! Is a joyous movie-musical, featuring the songs of ABBA. Set on the islands of Greece, Mamma Mia! will have you dancing, singing and wishing you could run away to Greece, as you watch Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) try to find her dad on the brink of her wedding day. Also starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth, Mamma Mia! is a fun-filled, energetic rom-com, perfect for getting you into the summer spirit.
2. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (2005)
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants is a nostalgia-filled, childhood favourite about friendship, acceptance and a little bit of magic. Directed by Ken Kwapis and starring America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, Blake Lively and Amber Tamblyn, the film follows a group of best friends over their summer break, and how they all keep in touch while they are split apart. Bledel’s character, Lena, travels to Greece where she meets the handsome Kostas. Their subsequent story of romance, with the beautiful backdrop of Greece in the summer, makes this film the perfect addition to the list.
3. Roman Holiday (1953)
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s classic, Roman Holiday, is a story of romance and forbidden love as Princess Ann (Hepburn) meets American reporter Joe Bradley (Peck) on a trip to Rome, Italy. A timeless classic, and a love story as beautiful now as it was in 1953, Roman Holiday is a staple of the summer season, and one everyone must watch when craving a European getaway.
4. Amélie (2001)
Amélie, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, is a French comedy, starring Audrey Tautou as the title character. Amélie is a film about a lonely girl who creates her own fantastical dream world filled with joy, beauty and love. She uses her inner joy to then embark on a journey of helping others around her to lead happier lives, before she then decides to focus on her own romantic efforts. Amélie is a truly weird and wonderful film, set in Paris, and is a must-see for summer.
5. Monte Carlo (2011)
Another film filled with nostalgia, Monte Carlo is the story of a young girl who is mistaken for a superstar and, along with her step-sister and best friend, is whisked away to Monte Carlo for a luxurious trip of a lifetime. Starring Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy, Monte Carlo showcases a life of luxury and glamour along the French Riviera, which will definitely make you crave a French adventure.
6. Luca (2021)
Set on the Italian Riviera in the 1950s, Disney’s Luca centres on a young sea monster, who transforms into human form on land, as he decides to explore Italy along with his two new friends. Starring Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Emma Berman, Luca is a fun and bright film about true friendship and growing up. Along with is beautiful animation, and stunning original soundtrack, Luca makes a strong addition to the list as one which will definitely fuel your FOMO.
7. The French Dispatch (2021)
Wes Anderson’s 2021 masterpiece, The French Dispatch, is a weird and wonderful story about an American newspaper, operating in France. Wes creates, yet again, a bright, colourful, and fantastical setting for the film, drawing the viewer in to his eccentric world. Hailed as “a love letter to journalism”, The French Dispatch is a unique and creative film, showcasing France in an interesting and never-before-seen way.
8. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Luca Guadagino’s Call Me By Your Name is a coming-of-age queer romance set in stunning Italy. Guadagino’s recognisable style transports the viewer to Italy with Elio and Oliver, with the bright colour grading and 35 mm film making Italy look even more beautiful. Along with great acting from Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer, Call Me By Your Name becomes a strong edition to this list as one which will fuel your FOMO and make you want to take a trip to Italy this summer.
9. The Lizzie Maguire Movie (2003)
The Disney Channel Original Movie, The Lizzie Maguire Movie, joins the list as another example of childhood nostalgia for many. Following on from the popular Lizzie Maguire television series, the movie follows Lizzie (Hillary Duff) on her school trip to Italy. A film of romance and stardom, The Lizzie Maguire Movie is a firm childhood favourite of many, and one which originally sparked the craving for an Italian summer.
10. Letters to Juliet (2010)
Letters to Juliet becomes the final film on this list, and the second one starring Amanda Seyfried as a character called Sophie, only this time she is exploring Italy, not Greece. The film, set in Verona, follows Sophie as she discovers that letters left at the famous Juliet’s Balcony, are answered by a team of women who offer comfort and support to the writers. Sophie becomes obsessed with the group, and eventually writes her own response. The film has made the list as a beautiful and romantic film, and will, yet again, have you craving a European getaway.
Whether you are fortunate enough to be travelling to Europe this summer, or if a staycation is what your summer has instore, hopefully this list has something for everyone. This was a very fun list to compile, channelling the summer spirit and dreaming of a European holiday!
