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Small Town USA Movies for Summer
So what I'm kind of getting at here with this list, are basically some feel-good, Summertime "small town" movies. You know the kind where there's always a problem (such as big corp coming to wipe out the farmer or little mom and pop shop); the people band together to take down the bad guy, and we throw in some family fun events like a 4th of July BBQ or County Fair.
Ironically, I grew up in a very small town, hated it and moved to the city as soon as I was able.
But the portrayed friendly, all-for-one town folk movies always seem to draw me in. I mean, I wouldn't go so far as to doubt there are small towns somewhere out there that are this way, it just hasn't been a personal experience. I guess that's why they call it television. Tell-a-vision 🙂
With all that said, here are 10 small town USA movies to get you through Summer!
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries – All of them.
Aurora Teagarden: Librarian by day, crime fighter by night. These movies take place in Lawrenceton, Georgia, which really I'm not too sure if it's a small town or small city, but I feel either way they fit the bill for our small town summer movie list. Aurora (Candace Cameron Bure), and her quirky friends from the "Real Murders Club" happen to always find themselves jumbled into the scene of a crime, no matter where they roam. With Aurora and the gang on the hunt for clues (usually stepping on police toes), you're sure to enjoy these eventful, plot-twisting films.
There are a few titles the in Hallmark Movies and Mysteries series which are seemingly situated in small towns; Garage Sale Mysteries and Murder She Baked are two of my other favs. And although not particularly one I'd watch in Summer, Christmas Under Wraps (starring Candace Cameron Bure) which takes place in small town Alaska, is also a Hallmark favorite.
Georgia Rule
Don't let the title fool you with this one, as today we are traveling over to small town Idaho. A completely relatable movie if you have ever found yourself struggling with turbulent mother/daughter relationships. Reflecting on the past, to learning to let go and deal with the future. A few cringy parts in relation to context, but seeing as I've watched it a dozen times, it's probably not that bad haha.
My Girl
My Girl, starring Macaulay Culkin and Anna Chlumsky takes place in small town Madison, Pennsylvania. This film has always been one of those where you can't really tell if it's a feel-good or tearjerker. I mean, I guess kind of both when you think about it. If you're a silver lining person, then yes, totally feel-good. If you have a hard time coping with terrible situations that don't necessarily have a nice outcome..well, it could be a little damaging; but also, a good cry never hurt anyone. Nonetheless, it takes place in a small town, so it made the list! My Girl does have a sequel (My Girl 2), but takes place in Los Angeles.
Now and Then
Now and Then starring some bigger names such as Melanie Griffith and Demi Moore, takes place in small town Shelby, Indiana. Four friends, now grown and gone their separate way, reunite with childhood friend, Chrissy (Rita Wilson) for the birth of her first child. Their reflection on days gone by to the Summer of 1970, may even trigger a few childhood memories of your own.
Steel Magnolias
Steel Magnolias comes to us from a small town community in Northwestern Louisiana. Southern women, a wedding, dramatics and a death. Steel Magnolias is your one stop shop for a small town, feel good (and tear jerking) flick. A star-studded cast with names you love, such as Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts and Sally Field.
Strawberry Summer
Rockstar meets small town festival in this wonderful Summer Hallmark featured film. With clashing egos, bumps in the road and the queen of the Strawberry Festival's crown at risk..Will it all come together in the end? Well, it is Hallmark, so the chances are pretty good 😉 With all aspects of that small town goodness, Strawberry Summer is a really fun paced and colorful film you're not going to want to miss!
Sweet Home Alabama
Sweet Home Alabama starring Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas, takes place in small town Pigeon Creek, Alabama. Melanie (Reese) has long since left her troubles behind and seemingly lives a life of "luxury" in L.A. Her nightmare comes true when she must head back to her roots, facing her estranged husband who stubbornly refuses the divorce needed in order for her to remarry the her new love – a political face moving his way up the elite ladder.
The Baby-Sitters Club
Set in the small town of Stoneybrook, Connecticut, where a young group of friends decide to open a summer day camp for the neighborhood children. While all the members agree to take on responsibilities, life certainly gets in the way with challenging up and downs and crazy mishaps. If you're an 80s or 90s kid, you may remember these awesome books! Did you ever try to start your own Babysitters Club? Haha.
Where the Heart Is
Welcome to small town Oklahoma. Population: Not very many! Meet Novalee Nation. A pregnant, down on her luck, little lady who gets left behind at the Walmart from her verbally abusive boyfriend. Novalee winds up giving birth in the Sequoyah Oklahoma Wal-Mart; setting off a series of intense events. From reuniting with her no good mother, to somehow stumbling upon an odd, but warm-hearted couple who offers her a place to stay. Many life-changing events unfold in this small town, feel good movie.
This is a list that could definitely be expanded on and has the potential to become fairly large; however, I didn't want to start getting too technical here. I mean, Friday Night Lights is a great small town movie; but it is a true story with a lot of trials, tribulations and some sadness. I wanted to make this particular Summer fun list a bit colorful, with a few of the more "girly" titles, that we could just kick back and enjoy.
Are there any small town movies you would add to this list?
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