By Aisha Duldul

As the freedom that comes with summer starts to slip away and the looming deadlines start to creep in, students are in the perfect spot to squeeze in a few last movie nights before the semester takes over. These seven picks bring laughter, comfort and the inspiration you need to wrap up the summer on the right note.

One of Them Days (2025)

SZA and Keke Palmer team up for a chaotic buddy film about two best friends/roommates as they scrape together rent, juggle bills and attempt to survive new jobs and new beginnings. The pair have to figure out a way to make an absurd amount of money in a short amount of time to keep their apartment. This movie is definitely for hustlers, friends and people who want a good laugh. It’s loud, messy and relatable to anyone who’s ever been broke but still keeps pushing through.

White Men Can’t Jump (2023)

Jack Harlow and Sinqua Walls hit the court as two totally different basketball players who might have more in common than they think in this sports comedy. Their one-on-one games help them keep the cash flowing, but not without some consequences. This fresh take on the 90s classic serves up sun-soaked Los Angeles energy and big summer vibes, as the two men play ball, figure out family drama and deal with past injuries. A total slam dunk for your end-of-summer watchlist.

Booksmart (2019)

On the eve of their high school graduation, overachieving best friends, Molly and Amy, decide to make up for all the time they’ve spent studying by cramming four years worth of fun into one night. This coming-of-age comedy is filled with loads of chaos, laughter and unexpected events along the way. A must-watch for anyone who’s been in this exact position, especially during the last few weeks of summer. Best enjoyed with your funniest friend or family member and a pile of snacks!

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

A smart, heartfelt look on love, timing and self-reflection in this romance by Marc Webb. Tom is a hopeless romantic who reminisces on the 500 days he spent with his girlfriend, Summer, before she suddenly broke up with him. Reevaluating all the moments he shared with her and trying to piece together what went wrong, he attempts to prove to her that love is real. A movie that will definitely have you rethinking your current opinions on love and dating.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

Set on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, this classic jukebox musical follows a young Sophie as she prepares for her wedding. With the aim of finding her biological father, she secretly invites three men from her mother’s past, hoping to resolve the mystery before the big day and have one of them walk her down the aisle. With chaos, tender moments and humor, this film will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, the kind that is more fun to share with friends or family.

Little Women (2019)

This timeless story based on the 1868 book with the same name follows four sisters: Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy, as they navigate the expectations placed on them as women in the 19th century while chasing their dreams. Spanning multiple stages of their lives, each sister follows their own path, figuring out their passions and love lives. It’s heartfelt, inspiring and the perfect watch to spark motivation for the new school year, while still savouring those last moments of summer freedom.

Do the Right Thing (1989)

Spike Lee’s iconic dramedy takes place on one scorching hot summer day in a Brooklyn neighbourhood, following locals as they juggle work, relationships and everyday life. When, racial tensions mount between a business owner and the community, the neighborhood erupts into conflict. Unfolding entirely over the course of a single day, the film delivers a poignant look at racism, inequality and the heat of social unrest, making it as thought-provoking as it is unforgettable.

Whether you’re diving into a rom-com, a heated drama or escaping to an adventure on a European island, these movies perfectly capture that bittersweet moment between the end of summer and the start of something new. So gather your friends, put your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb,’ stock up on your favourite chips and candies and settle in for a great movie. After all, that is what summer is all about.