The Summer of 2025 was a wildfire of surprises in music and entertainment, from crazy collabs and new emerging artists to box office bangers! Let’s dive into the hits that dominated the charts and the screens this summer.
TV
The 2025 summer certainly had a plethora of TV shows that had us in tears, anxious, on the edge of our seats—and likely yelling at the TV: “No! Belly, what are you doing?” (IYKYK).
Are you a fan of sizzling drama and hot new romances? Well, I’ve got the show for you! Season 7 of Love Island: USA (Peacock) premiered June 3, and viewers were immediately hooked. Thirty contestants took to the screen to find love (?) and compete for the $100,000 prize. This season, viewers felt the cast choices and recoupling choices were “clout chasing”. One viewer thought the interviews were “over the top” and “nothing that someone would just normally say.” An avid fan of the show, Paula Zanol ’27, felt that Season 7 wasn’t as “authentic” as Season 6. Despite the overplayed drama, cute couples dominated the show, with the majority of viewers being fans of “Nicolandria’s” emotional journey and strong bond. Although this match didn’t win the money prize, they sure won each other’s hearts—and ours—and it’s really something to watch.
Alongside Love Island: USA, this summer brought us the highly anticipated third season of Ginny & Georgia (Netflix). What was supposed to be a laughable and borderline cringeworthy show turned out to be a heartfelt thriller that left viewers wanting more. The season started with Georgia’s arrest (for murder, might I add) at her wedding and follows the struggles that Ginny, Georgia, and their friends and family go through as Georgia’s trial proceeds. Not only did the show feature a riveting plot, but the series also showed several real-world issues that affect teens today. One viewer pointed out that scenes between Marcus and Ginny made her feel “warm and insanely happy.” Luckily, more Marcus and Ginny scenes are on the horizon because a fourth season has been confirmed, and although the release date is not clear, keep on the lookout!
Next up on 2025’s summer hit-list, the popular book-turned-show We Were Liars. The psychological thriller is based on the YA novel by E. Lockhart, bringing a haunting and emotional story to the screen with a mix of mystery, drama, and suspense. The show follows the dark secrets and twisting revelations of the opulent Sinclair family. With a cast new to the big screen, the show brings a breath of fresh (and talented) air to perfectly capture the confusion and heartbreak of the plot. If you’re a fan of teen drama and psychological suspense, then this is the show for you.
This summer, we say goodbye to a show that’s kept us hooked for a long time: Squid Game (Netflix). The final season premiered on June 27 and left viewers heartbroken. This last season took the survival drama to new heights, with even more twisted games and shocking betrayals. The story delves further into the world behind the cruel competition, raising questions about morality, loyalty, and the nature of humanity itself. Another season filled with goodbyes to beloved characters, with some moments feeling darker than ever. While this is the last season of the Korean show, many new projects are in the works to expand the Squid Game cinematic universe even further.
Lastly, the show that has made us laugh, cry, and probably crash out is The Summer I Turned Pretty. Based on Jenny Han’s We’ll Always Have Summer, season 3 dove deeper into the complicated love triangle between Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad. The show follows Belly’s journey through Finch College and dating Jeremiah, while also focusing on other characters’ stories, like #TeamStaylor’s relationship dynamic and #ConnieBaby’s time at Stanford. One viewer even said that the show simply “made me rage”—a sentiment shared by several other viewers as well. The majority of fans are furious at Belly and Jeremiah for making some questionable choices this season, with most of the frustration directed at Jeremiah for reasons I cannot spoil if you haven’t watched yet. Nonetheless, if you’re a fan of tense love triangles and heartfelt teen dramas, this is a must-watch. With the last episode being released near the end of September, there’s no doubt that this show will be on everyone’s minds for a while. (BTW, #TeamConrad 4 life!)
MOVIES
Several blockbusters have taken over movie theaters and streaming platforms this summer with classic comedy sequels, a hero reborn, and even remakes of some of our fondest childhood favorites.
Although Lilo & Stitch wasn’t released in the summer, it sure dominated the box office for the majority of it. Released in May, Disney’s live-action remake brought the beloved animated classic to real life with a great cast, wonderful visuals, and an outstanding soundtrack. The young actress Maia Kealoha brought authenticity and infectious charm playing Lilo. Stitch was brought to life by CGI and voiced by Chris Sanders, who also voiced Stitch in the original movie. The movie also features a remake of the classic song “Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride,” sung by Iam Tongi and the Kamehameha School’s Children’s Chorus. The movie’s soundtrack brought me joy and a buzzy feeling that transported me to the beaches of Hawaii. I watched it in theaters, and I have to say it was the perfect way to begin my summer: “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind.” As simple as that message is, it truly is an important one. If you’re up for a tear-jerker, no matter how old you are, watch Lilo & Stitch.
How To Train Your Dragon is another childhood classic that was brought to life this summer with amazing visuals and a perfect homage to the outstanding original. How to Train Your Dragon perfectly captures the adventure and quirkiness that we remember, but the CGI is next-level, making Toothless and Berk feel more alive and wondrous than ever. Mason Thames nails Hiccup’s awkward charm and stubborn determination. One viewer felt the movie “captured all the major plot points.” When I watched it in theaters, the flight scenes were what made me, at the moment, with the awe of realism, particularly in the sweeping shots of a dragon breathing fire or flying through the sky. As opposed to several other live-action remakes, How to Train Your Dragon brought a world to life without losing the wonder of the original movie.
F1: The Movie raced ahead this summer with a mix of wild race-action and a classic sports-drama underdog story. It focuses on washed up driver Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) getting pulled back into the crazy world of F1 racing to resurrect a failing Grand Prix team and mentor the new rookie, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). In my opinion, the coolest thing about this movie is that several shots were filmed during GP events, meaning that the movie features shots of most of the actual Formula One racers. This movie kept viewers on the edge of their seats and astounded by the immersive experience. For hardcore F1 fans, the movie felt a bit too “Hollywood,” according to one viewer, but for newbies, the movie “opened up a new, fast, and thrillingly intense sport.” Even if you don’t know much about racing, F1: The Movie’s stunning visuals, underdog story, and great cast make it an experience you won’t forget.
The new Superman reboot brought a burst of fresh, quirky, and heartfelt energy to the DC Universe: Superman was a hit this summer. David Corenswet shines as the man of steel, with Rachel Brosnahan playing quick-witted Lois Lane. Similar to the F1 movie, Superman has brought many new fans to DC. When asked about her thoughts on the film, one viewer says she’d never watched a DC movie before, but while watching Superman, she was “entertained and laughing the entire time.” The movie has also made a huge positive impact on dog adoption. ADORABLE! With Krypto the superdog stealing the show, searches for “adopt a dog near me” increased by more 500% according to The Guardian. This remake of a superhero classic brings a hopeful and inspiring vibe to the screen for die-hard DC fans, and new fans too.
Happy Gilmore made a swinging comeback this summer with a hilarious new sequel, Happy Gilmore 2 (Netflix). The beloved comedy sequel follows an older and widowed Happy Gilmore as he gets his life back on track while taking care of his daughter. Adam Sandler reprises his title role and gives us another movie filled with hilarious one-liners, same-old golf antics, and more wild swings. Along with that, the sequel features a (golf)cart-load of celebrity cameos, from Bad Bunny to Marcello Hernandez, who plays Domingo on SNL. As Happy faces new rivals and reconnects with old friends, Happy Gilmore 2 is a perfect movie for a good laugh.
MUSIC
The summer of 2025 was also filled with a variety of great music hits, from chill and buzzy songs to new and old party anthem sing-alongs. I’ve put together a list of the top music hits from this summer (not in any particular order), according to the Billboard Hot 100, Spotify, and some friends, too. Enjoy!
- “undressed” by Sombr
- “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter
- “Just Keep Watching” by Tate McRae (from F1: The Movie )
- “ME JALO” by Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera
- Virgin by Lorde
- “Madeline” by Zach Bryan ft. Gabriella Rose
- “Rock That Body” by Black Eyed Peas
- “Mystical Magical” by Benson Boone
- Kpop Demon Hunters (soundtrack from the Netflix Film) by Kpop Demon Hunters Cast, HUNTR/X /X, Saja Boys, Netflix
- F1 The Album songs from several artists like Don Toliver, Tate McRae, ROSÉ, and more
