Kanopy Staff Picks: Hangout Films
Hangout films are all about the vibes. those types of films where you just want to hang out in the world the film makers have created the plot is almost secondary, we’re here for the characters comma environment comma and atmosphere a kick-ass soundtrack also helps.
Hell of a Summer
Watch Hell of a Summer on Kanopy
Available in the US only
In this horror-comedy throwback, a group of overconfident camp counselors arrive to reopen a shuttered summer camp, only to be stalked by a masked killer with a taste for theatrical kills. Co-directed by Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) and Billy Bryk, who also star as misfit counselors Chris (Wolfhard) and Bobby (Bryk), the film blends slasher tropes with sharp, self-aware humor. As bodies pile up and secrets surface, the night spirals into bloody chaos with no guarantee of survival.
Why We Recommend It: Hell of a Summer knows exactly what it is: a fun, nostalgic horror throwback you can just throw on and enjoy. If you love Friday the 13th (also on Kanopy) this riffs on that original horror classic in all the right ways while still carving out its own charm and vibe.
Fanboys
Available in the US and Canada
A group of Star Wars fans travel to Skywalker Ranch to steal a copy of “The Phantom Menace,” so that their terminally ill friend can see it before its release in theaters several months down the line.
Why We Recommend It: I love Star Wars. I also love people who love Star Wars. Fanboys is the ultimate love letter to that fandom. The good, the bad and the very nerdy wrapped in a kind of earlies 2010’s comedy they just don’t make anymore.
Let’s Start a Cult – US, CA
Watch Let’s Start a Cult on Kanopy
Available in the US and Canada
Having missed out on his cult’s long awaited ritual suicide, an obnoxious loser teams up with his bogus ex-messiah to rebuild their doomsday commune. Traveling together through middle America, the constantly-bickering duo induct a military wannabe, a mentally unstable mom, and a mysterious foreign hitchhiker into their cult… but will this family of outcasts fulfill their transcendent destiny, or decide this life might be worth living after all?
Why We Recommend It: Want Stavros Halkias in a feature instead of crowd work? Same. This is it. He’s a terrible cult member and an even worse cult leader. It’s weird, a little sad, but mostly just wildly funny and off the wall.
Clerks II – US
Available in the US only
A calamity at Dante and Randall’s shops sends them looking for new horizons, but they ultimately settle at Mooby’s, a fictional Disney-McDonald’s-style fast-food empire. Sequel to the 1994 film by Kevin Smith.
Why We Recommend It: Maybe the ultimate hangout movie (with respect to Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, also on Kanopy). Clerks 2 is one of those movies you probably saw two young, and it sticks with you. It’s got everything you want from a sequel you didn’t even know you needed. Including Jay and Silent Bob. And a donkey show. You know what I’m talking about.
Timecop – US, CA
Available in the US and Canada
Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who’s intent on changing the past to control the future.
Why We Recommend It: Timecop rules. If you’ve never seen a Jean-Claude Van Damme (welcome, call him JCVD now) movie, start here. It’s peak 90s action; ridiculous, confusing, and completely rewatchable. It barely makes sense, and that’s part of the magic. You’ll love it.
Everybody Wants Some!! – US
Watch Everybody Wants Some!! on Kanopy
Available in the US only
In 1980, freshman Jake and his new rowdy teammates must navigate their way between girls, parties and baseball, all in the last weekend before college begins. From Oscar-nominated filmmaker Richard Linklater comes the movie that proves good times never get old. Official Selection at the SXSW Film Festival. “Another love letter to the magic hour of adolescence from director Richard Linklater.” – Rafer Guzman, Newsday
Why We Recommend It: Linklater is the modern master of the hangout film. Whether you like baseball or don’t (I do not), this one nearly recaptures the hang-out magic of Dazed and Confused – but this time set around a college baseball team in 1980. Also, another kick-ass soundtrack too.
Dope – US
Available in the US only
Malcolm (Shameik Moore) is a geek into old-school rap who finds himself in the middle of an adventure involving shady drug dealers, offbeat weirdos and a backpack that can make or break his chance of getting into Harvard. Also starring rapper A$AP Rocky, Blake Anderson, and Zoe Kravitz, DOPE is vibrant and entertaining (Boyd van Hoeij, The Hollywood Reporter).
Why We Recommend It: There’s something about the coming-of-age high school comedy genre that’s the secret sauce for a banger hang out film. Three best friends (and self-described geeks) get in waaaaay over their head in this hilarious, endearing one-crazy-weekend comedy. For more comedy gold from Shameik Moore, also watch The Gutter on Kanopy (2024)
Dinner in America – US, CA
Watch Dinner in America on Kanopy
Available in the US and Canada
Set in the Detroit suburbs, this punk rock comedy follows Simon (Kyle Gallner), a volatile on-the-run band frontman, who finds unlikely refuge with Patty (Emily Skeggs), a shy misfit obsessed with his music. As their chaotic connection grows, the two outcasts spark a rebellious, foul-mouthed romance fueled by shared rage and outsider pride. With cops, parents, and conformity closing in, their bond becomes the loudest act of defiance.
Why We Recommend It: I’m sure that Punk being my favorite genre of music plays heavily into my love for this one. But I also love a rom-com, and this film has a core relationship that makes me cheer for John Q and Patty every time. Especially once they start writing music together.
Summertime – US, CA
Available in the US and Canada
Over the course of a hot summer day in Los Angeles, the lives of 25 young Angelenos intersect. A skating guitarist, a tagger, two wannabe rappers, an exasperated fast-food worker, a limo driver – they all weave in and out of each other’s stories. Through dialogue and poetry they express life, love, humor, heartache, family, home and the desire for a great cheeseburger.
Why We Recommend It: There’s another secret formula to making a great hang-out film – set it over the course of one day. Preferably one crazy day. Here we get to hang out with 25 young Angelenos as their lives intersect and inspire each other on one beautiful (an occasionally crazy) summer day.
Riddle of Fire – US, CA
Watch Riddle of Fire on Kanopy
Available in the US and Canada
A whimsical neo-fairytale fantasy adventure set in the wilds of Wyoming, evoking a menagerie of esoteric genres and dreamy cult-film vibes, where rebellious Hazel (Charlie Stover) and her friends Jodie (Skyler Peters) and Alice (Phoebe Ferro) embark on a quest to unlock a coveted video game console. To earn the password, they must deliver a blueberry pie to enigmatic witch Anna-Freya (Lio Tipton), plunging them into a surreal odyssey of hunters and secret rites. When their childlike mission spirals into mythic peril, innocence collides with legend.
Why We Recommend It: An overlooked gem from 2023 that captures the magic of classic kids-on-an-adventure films like Goonies. In the wilds of Wyoming, three friends are on a mission to play their new video game, except first they must complete several side-quests using teamwork and imagination. And maybe learn a few life lessons along the way.
Kanopy Spring Sale
Looking for new content to offer to you patrons? This spring, we’re running a limited-time sale that makes it a great moment to grow your collection! The more you add, the more you save and your patrons get a genuinely free, high-quality streaming option right through their library card. Learn more now!