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What's the best movie for a summer hangout? NPR staffers share their thoughts

NPR | By Rob Schmitz,

Stephen Thompson, Avery Keatley

Published August 16, 2026 at 3:44 PM CDT

Some movies are just glorified hangout parties. What is it about these that make us want to watch them again and again?

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All Things Considered

Rob Schmitz

Rob Schmitz is NPR's international correspondent based in Berlin.

See stories by Rob Schmitz

Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson is a host, writer and reviewer for NPR Music and Pop Culture Happy Hour. He appears frequently on All Songs Considered and NPR newsmagazines.

See stories by Stephen Thompson

Avery Keatley

See stories by Avery Keatley

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