10 Best Springtime Movies To Celebrate the End of Winter

The last snowflakes are beginning to melt away, and it’s almost time to say goodbye to the winter blues and embrace the warmer days. Springtime is a time of rebirth, joy, and endless possibilities. It is a season that allows people to step out of their cozy hibernation periods and look forward to the sound of birds chirping, the promise of sports, prom dances, and budding romances.

When it comes to movies, there are plenty of classics that capture the transition between the two seasons. From the tender excitement of exploring new things and the thrill of high school baseball to the sickly-sweet feeling of falling in love and rediscovering oneself, there are cinematic gems that replace our winter worries with hope and optimism. While this list of springtime movies is by no means exhausting, the 10 movies mentioned below will leave you feeling good and inspired.

10

‘Notting Hill’ (1999)

A quintessential romantic comedy set against the colorful backdrop of London’s charming Notting Hill neighborhood, Notting Hill follows the story of a humble and slightly awkward bookstore owner named William Thacker whose quiet life is turned upside down when a famous Hollywood actress, Anna Scott, walks into his shop. Their immediate chemistry sets off a whirlwind romance that defies odds and reignites hope.

Delightful Storybook Romance

Notting Hill is a story that is as sweet as it is swoon-worthy; a story that unfolds in quiet bookshops, bustling street markets, and blooming parks. After all, can anyone forget the scene where Will and Anna trespass the Rosemead Gardens and share their first kiss? From Richard Curtis’ beautiful screenplay and Roger Michell’s tender direction to Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant’s timeless performances, the movie creates a world you want to live in.

9

‘Eat, Pray, Love’ (2010)

Also starring Julia Roberts in one of the crowning moments in her career and based on the 2006 memoir of the same name, Eat, Pray, Love centers around Liz Gilbert, a woman who goes through a painful divorce and decides to uproot her entire life and take off on a year-long quest to rediscover herself. She travels across Italy, India, and Bali, turning each destination into a tool for finally pursuing happiness.

Charming and Inspiring

Sometimes, spring isn’t about romance, but about rediscovering yourself. Directed by Ryan Murphy, this movie is a cinematic equivalent of the idea of “rebirth.” Roberts is stunning as Liz. She indulges in the culinary delights of Italy, reconnects with her spiritual self in India, and finds love in Bali. It’s a circle of beauty and embracing change and witnessing yourself into a better version of yourself with the power of love.

8

‘Big Fish’ (2003)

Big Fish

Release Date

December 25, 2003

Runtime

125 minutes

Criminally overlooked in Tim Burton’s decorated filmography, Big Fish is a story about love and family. It follows Edward Bloom, a man whose penchant for exaggeration turns his words into myth. When he passes away, his estranged son, Will, decides to explore his father’s tall tales and tries to separate fact from fiction.

Bittersweet Story About Family

This one features a series of magical and whimsical scenarios to capture the essence of spring and the boundless imagination it brings. From witches and giants to bold adventures, the narrative is as powerful as it is emotionally resonant. The movie is also star-studded, with Billy Crudup, Ewan McGregor, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Danny DeVito, and a cameo from 10-year-old Miley Cyrus elevating the humor and heart.

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7

‘The Sound of Music’ (1965)

The Sound of Music is a five-time Academy Award-winning classic and an ideal springtime movie to celebrate the end of winter. It tells the story of Maria, a free-spirited young nun-in-training who is dispatched to the von Trapp family home to take care of the seven mischievous children residing there. When Maria discovers order and rigidity in the household, she brings music and joy and turns things around.

A Classic to Sing Along To

It is impossible to forget Julie Andrews frolicking and laughing in the snow-capped hills and beautiful, blooming Austrian outdoors. Her portrayal of Maria feels as fresh as the landscapes she twirls across. The direction by Robert Wise captures the sweeping backdrops as much as it highlights the intimate story of the von Trapp family finding the courage to overcome the darkest of times. That said, there is no better way to welcome spring than with a movie that heals and inspires.

6

‘A League of Their Own’ (1992)

Another exciting aspect of spring is baseball, and when it comes to movies, A League of their Own is a well-regarded addition to the sports genre. Set during World War II, it tells the story of a group of women who grab the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of going pro by forming the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. At the heart of the film is the sibling rivalry between Dottie Hinson, a gifted pitcher, and her ambitious younger sister, Kit.

A Celebration of Fresh Starts

The perfect way to sum up this gem is by calling it empowering and hilarious. It takes the main characters, their unforgettable teammates, and a washed-up manager, on a journey filled with struggles, laughter, tears, and resilience, up until an emotionally charged championship game. It’s also got iconic dialogues like “There’s no crying in baseball!” and “You got yourself in the league. I got you on the train.” Moreover, the movie is a visual treat too – lush baseball fields under bright skies and authentic 1940s Americana style.

5

‘Field of Dreams’ (1989)

“If you build it, he will come.” With that vague and mysterious line, Field of Dreams takes viewers on a wild and magical ride. The movie revolves around Ray Kinsella, a humble Iowa farmer who hears a voice that commands him to build a baseball diamond in the middle of his cornfield. Despite believing it to be irrational, Ray takes a leap of faith, and it pays off as the ghosts of former baseball legends come to play on the field.

A Mystical Home Run

At its heart, Field of Dreams is more than just about baseball – it is about faith, family, forgiveness. Directed by Phil Alden Robinson, it builds a portrait of subtle emotions, moments of drama, fantastical elements, and the timeless appeal of baseball, and yet, stays grounded in tone. The picturesque setting of rolling green fields under endless skies and the captivating performance of Kevin Costner anchor the film and dare you to believe in the impossible.

4

‘La La Land’ (2016)

La La Land

Release Date

December 9, 2016

Runtime

128 Minutes

A dazzling musical set in the heart of Los Angeles, La La Land introduces us to two dreamers – Mia, a struggling actress who cannot seem to catch a break, and Sebastian, a passionate jazz musician chasing his dream of changing the musical industry. Their chance meeting turns into romance and as their relationship deepens, so do the highs and lows of pursuing their ambitions while staying in love.

An Irresistible Musical Masterpiece

Despite knowing just how gut-wrenching the ending is, we still find ourselves tuning back into this masterpiece because of the boundless energy and the magic of new beginnings it displays in the first act. The striking dance numbers, vibrant costumes, dreamy bars, a warm palette of yellows and blues, capture the breezy aesthetic of spring. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling share an undeniable chemistry and their performances garnered critical acclaim, with Stone even winning the Best Actress Oscar.

3

‘Pride and Prejudice’ (2005)

Pride and Prejudice

Release Date

November 23, 2005

Pride and Prejudice transports you to the rolling green countryside of Regency-era England. Directed by Joe Wright, the movie begins with the Bennet family eagerly waiting for the eligible bachelors to arrive so that the mother can see her five daughters married. Elizabeth Bennet, a quick-witted and fiercely independent young woman, clashes with the wealthy and aloof Mr. Darcy, only to end up feeling a growing affection for him.

Brooding Romance Before Spring Arrives

Jane Austen’s beloved novel is the very metaphor for the transition from winter to spring because both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy go from sharing biting dialogue and simmering contempt to burgeoning affection and tender vulnerabilities with one another. The film adaptation unfolds against the backdrop of misty doors, grand estates, and early spring blossoms, when the thrill of falling in love is unmatched. Starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen and featuring Dario Marianelli’s sweeping score, Pride and Prejudice is worth multiple rewatches.

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2

‘Palm Springs’ (2020)

Palm Springs

Release Date

July 10, 2020

Runtime

90 minutes

Director

Max Barbakow

Two wedding guests, a time loop, and lots of existential comedy. Not an ideal setting for a springtime movie, but think again, and Palm Springs turns out to be the exact escape you need this season. The movie throws you into the chaos of a wedding gone south and introduces you to Nyles, a carefree plus-one who finds himself stuck in a never-ending loop. He’s joined by Sarah, a maid of honor, and together they navigate the idea of reliving the same day over and over again.

Clever Spin on the Time-Loop Trope

Palm Springs is all about living spontaneously, at the moment, and making the best out of what you have with reckless abandon, so when you look back, you have no regrets. But the film also explores the absurdities and frustrations of its characters’ situations by offering a deeper introspection into life itself. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti perfectly complement each other and the warm, infectious, sunny visuals scream spring renewal.

1

‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986)

No springtime movie list is complete without Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a classic comedy about youthful rebellion and one perfect day of skipping school. Ferris Bueller, a high school student, plans the ultimate escape from the ordinary with his best friend, Cameron, and girlfriend, Sloane. They do everything, from crashing a parade to borrowing (yes, “borrowing”) a Ferrari while cruising along wide roads and open skies in Chicago.

More Than Just a Comedy

A timeless classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a must-watch when the days start to get warmer because it reminds you to take a break from the daily grind and learn how to embrace the present. In Ferris’ words, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” John Hughes’ masterful direction turns a light-hearted premise into a film packed with hilarious missteps and over-the-top antics. Moreover, Matthew Broderick’s effortlessly cool turn as Ferris only makes the film more relatable.

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