spooky entertainment

7 Movies to watch during Summerween for the perfect mix of sun and scares


Looking for the best Summerween movies? These seven horror favorites blend summer vibes with chilling thrills


© Getty Images
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
JUNE 17, 2026 4:43 PM EDT

Summer isn't just for pool parties, beach trips, and backyard barbecues. For horror fans, it's also the perfect time to celebrate Summerween, the growing trend that combines sunny days with spooky entertainment. Whether you're planning a themed movie marathon or simply want a break from traditional summer blockbusters, the right horror movie can make those warm nights even more memorable.

From terrifying beach creatures to eerie summer camp nightmares, these seven films capture the unique atmosphere where sunshine meets suspense.

Celebrate Summerween with these seven must-watch horror and thriller movies. From beachside terror to nostalgic scares, these films are perfect for a spooky summer movie marathon.
© Getty Images
Celebrate Summerween with these seven must-watch horror and thriller movies. From beachside terror to nostalgic scares, these films are perfect for a spooky summer movie marathon.

Jaws (1975)

No Summerween watchlist is complete without this legendary thriller. Set during a busy beach season, the film follows a small coastal town thrown into chaos by a massive great white shark.

The combination of summer vacation energy and relentless terror created one of the most influential movies ever made. Even decades later, it remains the ultimate warm-weather horror film.

Jaws (1975)© Getty Images

Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021)

Summer camp and horror have always been a perfect match. This installment in the Fear Street trilogy takes viewers to Camp Nightwing, where a mysterious killer turns a carefree summer into a nightmare.

Packed with nostalgic slasher vibes, memorable characters, and plenty of suspense, it's a fun choice for viewers who love classic camp horror.

Olivia Scott Welch, McCabe Slye, Sam Brooks, Fred Hechinger, Ryan Simpkins, and Ted Sutherland attend the Los Angeles premiere of Fear Street Part 2: 1978 on July 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Netflix)© Getty Images for Netflix

The Lost Boys (1987)

This stylish vampire classic perfectly blends horror, comedy, and summer adventure. Set in a California beach town, the story follows two brothers who discover that their new home is filled with vampires.

Its neon-lit boardwalks, coastal setting, and unforgettable soundtrack make it a Summerween favorite.

The Lost Boys (1987)

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

A staple of late-'90s horror, this slasher follows a group of friends haunted by a deadly secret after a tragic summer accident.

The coastal setting, Fourth of July atmosphere, and suspenseful mystery make it ideal Summerween viewing.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)© Getty Images

The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

What starts as a typical weekend getaway quickly transforms into something wildly unexpected. This clever horror-comedy plays with familiar genre tropes while delivering genuine scares.

It's funny, surprising, and packed with memorable moments that horror fans love revisiting.

The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

The sweltering heat in this horror classic feels almost tangible. A group of friends traveling through rural Texas encounters one of horror's most terrifying families.

Its gritty atmosphere and relentless tension make it a chilling choice for a hot summer evening.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)© LMPC via Getty Images