Sammy Warshaw ’12
A&E Editor

5) The Sixth Sense: summer of ’99

Director M. Night Shayamalan’s second feature film was nowhere to be found on any “anticipation” list for summer movies in 1999. Little did audiences know that what they were watching would spark a rebirth of a genre. The horror/thriller genre was beginning to look a little tired, and it seemed like the last thing audiences wanted to do was waste two precious summer hours watching a creepy little kid see ghosts. “The Sixth Sense” turned out to be a cultural phenomenon, making nearly $300,000 at the box office. The film remains a darling among critics and audiences for its near-brilliant twist and unmistakable tagline, “I see dead people.”

4) Forrest Gump: summer of ’94

No, it is not the greatest movie of all time. It is not even the greatest movie of its year. But who could resist the utter charm and whimsy of Forrest. Audiences and critics alike fell in love with the film, as it raked in nearly $700,000 world-wide that summer. Lets not forget of its Oscar success, winning Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Say what you want about the film’s mawkish moments, but the magic is undeniable.

3) Jaws: summer of ’75

What else can I say? I dare you to find a movie that remains timeless 35 years later. The only downside: you have to drive to the nearby Wal-Mart in order to invest in heavy-duty water wings after viewing it. What sets “Jaws” apart is its ability to remain a real movie. Modern horror movies seem to exist in an alternative universe where bad acting reigns supreme and your next door neighbors can’t hear you scream. Joking aside, if there is a summer movie that is half as engrossing as “Jaws,” sign me up.

2) The Dark Knight: summer of ’08

Rarely does a summer movie work on so many levels. At heart, it’s a superhero movie. But oh God is it so much more. The film oozes with legitimacy. It is at times a crime drama, partly a character study, and occasionally just a slam-bang action picture. It was the highest grossing film of the decade, and it featured without a doubt the greatest performance of any actor in a superhero movie, Heath Ledger as the Joker. Kids loved it, parents were enthralled, and it will forever hold a place in my heart as the greatest modern superhero movie.

1) Star Wars: summer of ’77

George Lucas’ epic of all epics came out in 1977 and movie geeks have never been the same. When “Star Wars” was first released, people didn’t know what they were watching. Who was this caped villain in all black with a robot voice? Little did audiences know that they were witnessing history. To me, a great summer movie has to have it all; compulsive mental stimulation, a simplistic enough storyline, and a little something for the brain. “Star Wars” fit this criterion, and set the standard for future summer movies.