15 Refreshing Films to Watch This Spring

Adapted from William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You centers around Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) and Katarina “Kat” Stratford (Julia Stiles) as they navigate their first teenage romances. Their overprotective father has banned both sisters from dating, which frustrates Bianca, the most popular girl in school, while Kat has no interest in dating at all. However, when boys learn that Bianca can only date once her sister does, they hire a charming but reckless bad boy, Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), to date Kat in the hopes that they will eventually win over Bianca. This film encapsulates the excitement of springtime love, complete with playful paintball matches, paddle boating, and the anticipation of prom.

Where to stream: Disney+

Among all the films in the To All the Boys I Loved Before trilogy—a teen romance series based on the YA novels by Jenny Han—this one stands out as the ultimate springtime love story. Although it's not about the beginning of a relationship, it's about the new chapter that comes with high school graduation and the looming possibility of a life apart if they are accepted into different universities. The story kicks off during spring break, with Laura Jean (Lana Condor) spending time with her family in Seoul, and follows their journey through major milestones like awaiting college acceptance letters and preparing for prom. Laura Jean and her boyfriend Peter (Noah Centineo) must face the challenges ahead and decide if their love is strong enough to withstand the changes. The idea of letting go of the past and embracing a new future captures the essence of spring.

Where to stream: Netflix

It’s the end of senior year, and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) are finally leaving high school behind for college, where they expect to find a more sophisticated crowd than the one they left behind. But when they realize that their classmates, who partied all through high school, also made it to Ivy League schools, the two girls regret not living a little more and vow to make up for lost time. In their quest to catch up on their wild teenage years, they break their own rules, staying out late and even experimenting with substances (even if only accidentally). Though set at the tail end of spring, Booksmart still embodies the spirit of spring flings, with Amy and Molly discovering love and understanding how their friendship will need to evolve as they move into the next phase of life. It’s a brilliant story about shedding the old you and embracing the new.

Where to stream: Hulu

In Mean Girls, Cady Heron has just moved to the suburbs of Illinois after spending the past 12 years in Africa with her zoologist parents, conducting field research. Thrust into high school for the first time after years of homeschooling, Cady has to learn how to navigate the social dynamics of a public school. When she encounters “the Plastics”—a clique of mean girls who dominate the social scene—Cady must decide whether to join them in their cruelty or remain true to herself. As it humorously explores the social behaviors of teens, Mean Girls is full of springtime energy.

Where to stream: Digital rental: Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV

In Dope, Malcolm (Shameik Moore) is a high school senior who takes his studies seriously. Along with his friends, they enjoy typical teen activities like riding bikes through the springtime air in Southern California. However, when they inadvertently become involved in a drug deal gone wrong, Malcolm must juggle his everyday life—new crushes, making music, and preparing for school interviews—while trying to get rid of a backpack full of drugs. This fast-paced teen comedy also reflects the springtime spirit of finding the determination to start a fresh chapter in life.

Where to stream: Digital rental: Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV

Big Fish tells the captivating story of Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) and his extraordinary life, filled with fantastical tales of giants, witches, mermaids, and other magical creatures. When Edward falls ill, his son Will Bloom (Billy Crudup) attempts to understand the real man behind the elaborate stories but soon realizes that these tales are a core part of his father’s identity. The film shifts between past and present, but every moment feels like a new beginning, with traces of springtime throughout. From young Edward (Ewan McGregor) declaring his love in a daffodil-filled field to enchanting outdoor celebrations, the essence of spring is woven into the narrative.

Where to stream: HBO Max

The Disney classic Bambi begins right at the dawn of spring, when the first leaves start to sprout and animals emerge from their hibernation. However, this also coincides with the start of hunting season. Bambi demonstrates the harshness of the world, but also highlights the healing power of nature. After losing his mother to hunters, Bambi discovers the strength of resilience in the natural world, and learns how friendship can be a source of salvation. There’s no better springtime backdrop than this wild landscape, brimming with hope and the possibility of new connections.

Where to stream: Disney+

Set in the heart of spring, Ant Island’s colony is already preparing for the harsh winter ahead. The catch is, they're not just collecting food for themselves, but also for the greedy grasshoppers who dominate their land. The fate of the colony rests on the shoulders of Flick, a clumsy inventor who inadvertently caused their food shortage, and his unlikely team of warriors, who are actually circus performers. The animation brings spring to life on a microscopic scale, with characters soaring on dandelion seeds and using dew drops as makeshift telescopes. It’s a delightful story that perfectly captures the whimsical spirit of the season.

Where to stream: Disney+

Mary Poppins stands as the quintessential spring cleaning film. A magical nanny descends from the sky, floating down on her umbrella to guide children in tidying up and shaping up. Using magic and song, Poppins encourages the kids to take their medicine, clean their rooms, and behave properly. While the setting is London, offering insightful commentary on the wealth and greed tied to the UK banking system, it’s the memorable moments of chores and orderliness that stand out. The sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, continues the theme: Poppins is once again teaching kids the importance of cleanliness, good manners, and joy. Both films celebrate breaking through the clouds to let the sunshine in, flying kites in a spring park, and embracing fresh beginnings. Perfect to watch while tackling your own spring cleaning and reshaping your life.

Where to stream: Both Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins Returns are available on Disney+

After her car breaks down, Beatriz, a holistic healer, is invited to stay at the home of some well-off debutantes by one of her clients. While there, she cannot hold back against the way the guests treat her and the discriminatory views they hold. One guest, Doug Strutt (John Lithgow), is particularly offensive, mistaking her for the help, questioning her legal status in the U.S., and constantly interrupting her. The seaside and Tuscan-style house evokes a springtime ambiance, while Beatriz’s sharp rebuke of Doug Strutt mirrors the satisfaction of spring cleaning—throwing out the unwanted and restoring order.

Where to stream: Tubi

Memoirs of a Geisha is based on the bestselling novel by Arthur Golden. Set in the 1920s, Chiyo (Suzuka Ohgo) is sold from her home and trained by Mameha (Michelle Yeoh) to become Japan’s greatest geisha. Despite controversy over the cast being mostly Chinese rather than Japanese, and the fact that it was based on a book written by a white man from Tennessee, the film offers a springtime viewing experience for its stunning visuals. The cherry blossoms in Japan are in full bloom, providing a breathtaking backdrop for much of the drama.

Where to stream: Prime Video

With its focus on a secret garden, The Secret Garden evokes the feeling of spring. Based on the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this story follows Mary, a young orphan sent to live with relatives in the countryside. The family is trapped in a bleak and despondent state, but everything changes when Mary stumbles upon a hidden garden, untouched and full of life. This magical place serves as a symbol of nature's power to heal and rejuvenate. As Mary and others spend time among the flourishing vines and blooming flowers, they rediscover their joy for life. The tale has been brought to the screen several times, with the most recent version released in 2020, starring Dixie Egerickx and Colin Firth.

Where to stream: The 2020 version is available on Hulu, and the 1993 adaptation can be streamed on HBO Max.

Tuck Everlasting, based on Natalie Babbitt's novel, is centered around a literal spring of eternal life. When a curious 12-year-old girl uncovers the truth about her neighbors—who remain ageless—she learns that the Tucks have discovered a secret spring on their property that grants them immortality. However, they must keep this gift hidden in order to protect it. The story unfolds in the lush, serene woods, offering a reflection on the complexities of life, love, and the desire for eternal youth.

Where to stream: Disney+

This Academy Award-winning musical is the perfect way to welcome the arrival of spring. The film follows Maria (Julie Andrews), a novice whose love for the mountains and music grows beyond the boundaries of her abbey. She leaves the convent to care for the seven children of a widowed captain, teaching them the joys of music and a life without strict rules. With stunning mountain vistas and heartwarming melodies, this film is sure to fill you with the joy of spring and the urge to dance in the fresh air.

Where to stream: Disney+

Daughters of the Dust is rooted in the rich history of Gullah Island, a small island off the coast of South Carolina, home to descendants of former slaves who continue to practice their ancestral West African Yoruba traditions. The film begins at a pivotal moment, with the island community divided between leaving for the mainland to begin anew or staying behind to preserve their cultural heritage. The story weaves elements of spring and renewal, with rituals taking place amid the trees, waters, and winds of the island, as the people seek to honor both their past and the promise of new beginnings.

Where to stream: Prime Video