Official movie trailers from summer blockbuster films | The set includes comedies, coming-of-age films, thrillers, slashers and big-budget spectacles.
The following movie trailers offer a sampling of blockbusters and summer-themed films from years past. Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” (1975) is credited with launching the summer blockbuster film. Since then, summer blockbusters have included comedies, coming-of-age films, thrillers, slashers and big-budget spectacles.
In 2024, The National Film Preservation Board added “Dirty Dancing” to the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress. To view list, see here.
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986) – John Hughes comedy starring Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, Alan Ruck and Jennifer Grey. Broderick’s raucous “Twist and Shout” lip-sych in downtown Chicago (above) included thousands of extras and was a film highlight.
“Dirty Dancing” (1987) – Scenes from the official movie trailer. The period drama included a soundtrack of classic sixties pop. The award winning title track, “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life,” topped the pop and adult contemporary charts. Stars Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and Jerry Orbach.
“Grease” (1978) – Promotional movie trailer from the classic musical starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John.
“Jaws” (1975) – Official trailer for the iconic film that spawned the summer blockbuster. Directed by Steve Spielberg. Stars Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss. Features a brilliant, suspenseful soundtrack. “You’re gonna to need a bigger boat.”
National Lampoon’s “Vacation” (1983) – Official movie trailer. Stars the hapless Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Imogene Coca, John Candy, Randy Quaid and Christie Brinkley. Screenplay by John Hughes.
“Beach Blanket Bingo” (1965) – Trailer for the frothy beach musical starring Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Paul Lynde, Don Rickles and Linda Evans.
“American Graffiti” (1973) – Official trailer for the nostalgic film that launched the careers of a generation of young American actors. Stars Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers, Cindy Williams and Wolfman Jack. Written and directed by George Lucas. “Where were you in ’62?”
“Caddyshack” (1980) – Official trailer for the summer comedy starring Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O’Keefe and Cindy Morgan. Directed by Harold Ramis.
“Dazed and Confused” (1993) – Coming-of-age film set during the last day of school in 1976 (the Bicentennial!). Written and produced by Richard Linklater. Features a classic ’70s rock soundtrack.
“The Endless Summer” (1966) – Documentary film on surfing and surf culture.
“Do the Right Thing” (1989) – Spike Lee’s thought-provoking film explores incendiary racial tensions and the cultural divide in Brooklyn. Stars Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, John Turturro, Giancarlo Esposito and Samuel L. Jackson.
“Independence Day” (1996) Science-fiction alien fantasy film. Stars Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Mary McDonnell, Jeff Goldblum, Randy Quaid and Judd Hirsch.
“Friday the 13th” (1980) – The low-budget slasher that launched the franchise. Stars Betsy Palmer. Kevin Bacon makes an early career appearance.
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