After three long quarters full of hard work and stress, spring break provides students with a week of pure rest and relaxation. There’s no better way to rejuvenate the soul than by watching a movie. From Friday night to Sunday afternoon, this list of movies provides a satisfying viewing of one movie for each day of spring break!
Friday: “Mamma Mia!” (2008)
Hit the start of spring break off with a party! This classic jukebox musical is filled to the brim with ABBA hits. The film follows Sophie, a young bride-to-be who invites three men—each of whom could be her father—to her wedding. The vibrant, sunny Greek island setting, paired with bohemian costumes and campy energy, is a sure-fire way to prepare for a week of relaxation.
Saturday: “27 Dresses” (2008)
Off the heels of “Mamma Mia!”, this quintessential 2000s romcom continues the fun, relaxed vibes full of frills and bold color. Follow Jane, who has been a bridesmaid 27 times, as she faces a turning point in her life when her younger sister becomes engaged to the man she secretly loves. Meanwhile, journalist Kevin Doyle, who covers the wedding circuit, discreetly starts writing about her. This feel-good movie will offer a comforting viewing experience that pairs well with the refreshing feeling of spring break.
Sunday: “Uptown Girls” (2003)
Use this movie to ease into a full, school-free week with amazing character dynamics and emotional warmth. Set in Manhattan, New York, Molly is the naive daughter of a famous rock musician, who was left the fortune of her father, but everything changes when it’s discovered that her manager stole all her money. She lands a job as a nanny for Ray, a precocious hypochondriac girl whose serious attitude is the polar opposite of Molly’s carefree nature. Through its energetic NYC setting and uplifting themes of growth, this movie evokes a refreshing, seasonal shift.
Monday: “Hairspray” (2007)
After such an emotional movie, bring the energy back up with this vibrant musical. Not a jukebox this time, “Hairspray’s” original songs will get stuck in your head for the rest of the week. Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, the film follows teenager Tracy Turnblad as she pursues stardom as a dancer on a local television dance show while simultaneously rallying against racial segregation. With its optimistic themes, this musical will have you coming into the last quarter of school with hope and positivity.
Tuesday: “Emma.” (2020)
This 2020 adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel with the same name automatically gives spring due to its appealing pastel color palette and warm weather. In Regency-era England, Miss Emma Woodhouse is a well-meaning but selfish young woman, and constantly meddles in her friends’ love lives. If you’re a Jane Austen fan, enjoy dry humor, or simply love period pieces, this movie is the perfect pick for you.
Wednesday: “Palm Springs” (2020)
Switch it up in the middle of the week with a fun twist to the typical romcom with a Groundhog Day premise. Strangers Nyles and Sarah meet at a wedding in Palm Springs and find themselves stuck inside a time loop. With strong chemistry between the two leads and fun science-fiction elements, this movie’s chaotic energy is paired with melancholic themes that won’t leave you bored.
Thursday: “Moonrise Kingdom” (2012)
As you get closer to the end of the week, lean into a movie with whimsical, heartfelt storytelling that captures both friendship and youthful innocence. Two 12-year-olds fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. While authorities set out on a search mission, a violent storm approaching them catches their attention. Under the direction of Wes Anderson, this movie captures a charming, “storybook” feel with themes of new beginnings and reawakening, preparing you for the end of the school year.
Friday: “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)
With an amazing ensemble, this movie will shift the vibe into something more emotional and meaningful. A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant takes a cross-country trip in their iconic yellow Volkswagen bus, focusing on finding joy rather than “winning”. This film balances heavy themes with tender and heartwarming moments that will keep you engaged. With a warm visual aesthetic, themes of renewal and growth, and a hopeful soundtrack, this movie is the perfect transition from winter to warmer weather.
Saturday: “People We Meet On Vacation” (2026)
Get reflective as the break comes to an end with the most recent movie on this list, an amusing adaptation of Emily Henry’s novel. Opposites Poppy and Alex become best friends after sharing a car ride from Boston to their small Ohio hometown. Despite their distance from one another, they have spent a week of summer vacation together for the past ten years, which ultimately results in a stronger bond. This visually bright and formulaic romcom will have you wishing spring break felt like one of Poppy’s and Alex’s summer trips. With the theme of escapism, this movie will make you upset that a week of bliss is coming to an end.
Sunday: “Everything Everywhere All At Once” (2022)
End spring break with a bang with a film that has the biggest emotional and cinematic payoff. While undergoing an IRS audit, Evelyn Quan Wang, a Chinese-American immigrant, learns that to stop a strong entity from destroying the multiverse, she must communicate with copies of herself in a parallel universe. Combining crazy humor with a poignant tale about family, existentialism, and generosity in the face of nihilism, this film is a whirlwind of emotions. As Sunday comes to an end and quarter four begins, bring Waymond’s (Evelyn’s husband) optimism and googly eyes with you.
Take the teacher workday on Monday to recover from all the stories you experienced. Whether you traveled or stayed at home all week, hopefully, after watching all these movies, you will feel motivated to push through the final quarter of the year!
