5 Summer Movies to Escape on Holiday Without Leaving Your Sofa

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If it's sweltering outside and there's still no vacation in sight, there's one tried-and-true way to feel like you're by the sea, in the mountains, or at an Italian villa — put on the right movie.

We at zoomboola.com picked five films (from "Eat, Pray, Love" to "Mamma Mia!") that work like a one-way ticket: straight to vacation mode, even if you're stuck on the couch with a fan and a blanket.
Actress Meryl Streep in a blue dress and actress Julia Roberts in a gray jacket under sunlight
Scenes from "Mamma Mia!" and "Eat, Pray, Love"
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"Under the Tuscan Sun" (2003)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 62%

Starring: Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan

A writer going through a divorce impulsively buys an old villa in Italy and starts life with a clean slate. Romance, Tuscan hills, fresh peaches, kind neighbors, and just a touch of solitude.
"Under the Tuscan Sun" trailer
It's unhurried but warm cinema. If you've ever wanted to escape everything and start over, this is your movie.

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, Saoirse Ronan

Technically this isn't exactly about summer, but Wes Anderson turns every frame into a journey. The story of a legendary hotel concierge and young lobby boy becomes an adventure comedy filled with chases, arrests, cakes, and jewels.
"The Grand Budapest Hotel" trailer
Visual paradise that triggers a strange urge to pack a suitcase and escape to fictional 1930s Eastern Europe.

"Eat, Pray, Love" (2010)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 35%

Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, James Franco

Who'd turn down a trip through Italy, India, and Bali with Julia Roberts? Sure, there are plenty of clichés and soul-searching moments, but if you want to escape anywhere — this works like a charm.
"Eat, Pray, Love" trailer
Especially those pasta and wine scenes in Roman cafés.

"Crazy Rich Asians" (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina

A New York professor flies with her boyfriend to his friend's wedding in Singapore — and suddenly discovers he's not just a cute guy, but heir to one of Asia's wealthiest families.
"Crazy Rich Asians" trailer
Gorgeous mansions, wedding receptions, tropical locations, and a dash of drama — the perfect summer escapism you'll want to dive into.

"Mamma Mia!" (2008)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 55%

Starring: Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan

Greece, ABBA songs, wedding secrets, and Meryl Streep in overalls. This movie doesn't even try to be serious — and that's exactly its charm.
"Mamma Mia!" trailer
Everyone sings, dances, and glows with happiness. The best cure for the blues, especially if deep down you've been craving an island getaway and a colorful sundress.

These movies won't save you from the heat, but they'll definitely deliver a little vacation magic.