I am a film expert – here are the three best summer movies to stream n | Films | Entertainment
While most people would hope to spend their summers outdoors, it is not always possible to do so in the UK. And although staying indoors and watching movies may not be the first thing you think about when it comes to summer, there are so many perfect movies set against the backdrop of the warmer months of the year.
So, if you find yourself at a loose end this year, I have recommended three movies currently on streaming platforms that will provide you with some summertime satisfaction if the weather is failing to do so.
From a grittty Scottish release to a sentimental coming-of-age tale, here are my hot takes.
Thirty years on from its release, this summer is the best time to watch, arguably, Scotland’s best cult classic of all time. Trainspotting is a 1996 British black comedy drama film directed by Danny Boyle, and starring Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Robert Carlyle and Kelly Macdonald in her film debut. Based on the 1993 novel by Irvine Welsh, the film was released in the United Kingdom on February 23, 1996.
The film’s synopsis reads: “Renton is profoundly immersed in the narcotic circuit in Edinburgh. He endeavours to purify himself and quit consuming drugs, notwithstanding the allure of the drugs and the potent influence of pals.”
Trainspotting is available to stream on Channel 4.
It has the perfect summer feel, being set in California’s romantic city of Sacramento, in Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut, Lady Bird. It demonstrated Gerwig as a bold cinematic voice in this beautifully shot feature, mainly based around the dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship. The film follows ‘Lady Bird’ as she attempts to navigate high school and figure out who she is. The film stars Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet and Beanie Feldstein and is set in 2002 Sacramento, California, amidst a rapidly shifting economic landscape. Lady Bird explores the unmatched beauty of the place we call home and the beliefs that shape us. It picked up the 2018 Golden Globe Award for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy) among numerous other awards and is just a gorgeous film.
Lady Bird is available to stream on Netflix.
A new addition to Amazon Prime, My Old Ass is set during what turns out to be a transformative summer for its protagonist.The coming-of-age comedy-drama film was written and directed by Megan Park. It stars Maisy Stella in her film debut, Percy Hynes White, Maddie Ziegler, Kerrice Brooks, and Aubrey Plaza.
The film’s synopsis reads: “In this fresh coming-of-age story, an 18th birthday mushroom trip brings free-spirited Elliott (Stella) face-to-face with her wisecracking 39-year-old self (Plaza). But when Elliott’s “old ass” starts handing out warnings about what her younger self should and shouldn’t do, Elliott realizes she has to rethink everything about family, love, and what’s becoming a transformative summer.”
My Old Ass is available to stream now on Amazon Prime.


