If there’s one thing more painful than staying indoors, it is staying indoors during beach bonanza time! But some crazy travel enthusiasts came up with the most amazing pandemic-safe guide to beat the travel blues. – a) Choose a movie with a great beach theme, b) Put on your favorite swimwear (because the devil is in the details), c) Tune into Netflix, and d) Use your imagination to believe you are sipping Mai Tais on a beach!

So, while you still cannot book the next flight to your favorite beach vacation spot (it is best to avoid non-emergency travel), you can certainly make some popped corn, put on your #instaready Vilebrequin shorts, and tune into Netflix! To make your movie night a huge hit, here is a list of four Hollywood classics that will help soothe your travel blues while you are safe in your house.

The Must-Watch Beach Movies

So, before going into the list, let’s talk about the main features that make a basic beach movie a pandemic must-watch.

  • Was it filmed at a beach?
  • Does it have information (food, stay, to-dos) about the beach?
  • Can you get beachwear #inspo?
  • Does it help your mind to travel to the beach?

So, the basics are done. Now let’s move on to the list. Happy browsing!

Fool’s Gold (Starring Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey)

Fool's GoldNo beach movie list is ever complete with this classic from the early 2000s. Fool’s Gold is a must-watch for all beach and comedy lovers with white sand beaches, turquoise water, and a fun-filled treasure hunt in the Caribbean. If you are not in for the picturesque locales, you possibly cannot ignore the goofy yet adorable chemistry between Kate and Matthew in this all-time favorite romantic comedy.

Mamma Mia! (Starring Meryl Streep and others)

Mamma MiaBeach or no beach, any movie with Meryl Streep automatically becomes a must-watch. However, when it comes to Mamma Mia, there is more than one reason why it is on this list of pandemic must-watches. The film is set on spectacular white-sand beaches in Greek islands surrounded by pristine white buildings. So, watch it to get your much-needed fix of beach vibes and, of course, for Meryl singing classic ABBA songs!

Into the Blue (Starring Paul Walker and Jessica Alba)

INTO THE BLUEIf one destination sums up everything nice about a beach, it is the Bahamas. Into the Blue not only captures the true essence of the Bahamas, but it is also a great movie if you like adventure thrillers. God-like bodies, great swimwear, and a great time with the much-missed Paul Walker, this is a timeless classic.

Soul Surfer (AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton)

Soul SurferBased on the real-life story of the brave Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a horrendous shark attack, the movie is about resilience and keeping your hopes high! Filmed in picturesque locations in Hawaii, Soul Surfer is an ode to life in a pandemic, making it a must-watch.

Summing Up                                     

Missed your yearly trip to the beach? Well, here’s hoping this list of 4 classic Hollywood movies with a beach theme will help you beat #travelblues until you can pack your packs and feel the sand again!