The Essential Jewish Summer Movie Watchlist

Hello from Team GOLDA!

Today, we’re handing the newsletter over to Daniel Zana and Harry Ottensoser, hosts of the Jews on Film podcast (you might remember their conversation with Stephanie about The Prince of Egypt). Daniel and Harry are here to share their picks for the five definitive Jewish summer movies. Enjoy!

Summertime can mean so many things for the Jewish people. In years past, it meant loading up the wood-paneled station wagon and schlepping up to the Catskills to watch a Borscht Belt comic and connect with family and friends in the great outdoors. For the younger crowd, it signals the start of packing duffle bags with bug spray, hiking shoes, outfit changes, and snacks for sleepaway camp. And for some, it’s time to grab your sandals, a towel, and a fun beach read and head to the beach.

On our podcast, Jews on Film, we look at movies both old and new through our unique Jewish lens. Since we’re currently on a summer hiatus (Season five is starting just after Labor Day!), we thought we’d compile a list of five summer “Jewish” films that we really enjoy and hope you’ll check out!

Some of these are very obviously Jewish movies based on the cast and crew, the plot, and the themes depicted within. Some are less explicitly Jewish, but have enough going for them that you’ll be able to sense an unmistakable Jewish vibe or sensibility.

Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

This zany summer camp classic boasts an incredible lineup, including Molly Shannon, Janeane Garofalo, Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, and Bradley Cooper in his debut film performance. David Wain and Michael Showalter from The State and Stella comedy groups wrote this primarily based on experiences they had as kids at Jewish Summer camps. The actual plot takes a back seat to make way for shenanigans: campers in peril on a river rafting trip gone awry, an arts and crafts teacher getting marriage counseling from kids, a science teacher preventing some of Skylab from crashing on the camp and so much more! Wet Hot American Summer is similar tonally to teen comedies from 80s & 90s as well as classic spoofs like Airplane! and The Naked Gun.

Theater Camp (2023)

This is a newer entry into the Jewish summer canon. What Theater Camp lacks in explicit Jewish text, it makes up for in the Jewish spirit that Molly Gordon, Noah Galvin, and Ben Platt infuse into the film’s humor and heart. The film tells the story of a rag-tag group of theater kids at camp who come together to attempt to save the camp from going bankrupt by putting on a musical inspired by the camp’s founder. It’s bursting with the kind of neurotic warmth, offbeat humor, and ensemble weirdness that’ll draw in anyone that feels more at home at arts and crafts than on the basketball court.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

A Jewish summer movie list wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Catskills, and Dirty Dancing might be the definitive entry in that category. Remembered moreso for its iconic moments (and dance sequences), Dirty Dancing is, at its core, a story of a protective Jewish father and his daughter (Jennifer Grey), who falls hard for a dance teacher and member of the non-Jewish staff (Patrick Swayze). It’s also a love letter to the now-faded world of Catskills resorts, where generations of Jewish families vacationed, bonded, and danced through the summer heat.

Listen to our episode on “Dirty Dancing” with guest Emily Alhadeff

The Heartbreak Kid (1972)

Elaine May’s underrated classic, The Heartbreak Kid, is a genuinely hilarious and witty look at the dangers of two Jews going to the beach. Charles Grodin puts a sardonic spin on the neurotic Jewish archetype, as the newlywed Lenny who instantly regrets his marriage to Lila (played by May’s daughter, Jeannie Berlin) and sets his sights on a blonde shiksa Kelly (Cybill Shepherd) and the WASP-y life she represents. If anything, this movie is a great warning of all that could go wrong if you forget to apply your sunscreen.

Check out our episode of “The Heartbreak Kid” with guest Esther Werdiger 

The Long Goodbye (1974)

In this LA-based noir, Elliot Gould puts a reserved-shlemiel spin on his portrayal of private eye Philip Marlowe. While unraveling the mystery of his disappeared friend Terry Lennox and Terry’s neighbor Roger Wade, Marlowe encounters misdirects, doublecrosses, and even Jewish gangster Marty Augustine. With its beachy setting, Gould’s carefree interrogation style, and a jazzy score by John Williams, The Long Goodbye has a distinctive laidback vibe that makes it a must watch. Plus, enjoy a young Arnold Schwarzenegger in his second acting role as Augustine’s henchman! 

Listen to our episode of “The Long Goodbye” with Noah Rinsky

Before we go, we have a very important announcement!

We are so excited to welcome Sadie Bea Cohen to the GOLDA fam! Stephanie, baby, and big sister Edith are all doing great.

Stay GOLDA!