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The Best Summer

Play trailer The Best Summer 2026 1h 24m Documentary Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 12 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
A found footage documentary from a concert tour in 1995 that features live performances, candid interviews and a behind the scene view of what it's like to be on tour with Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Foo Fighters, Beck, Pavement, Rancid, The Amps and Bikini Kill

Critics Reviews

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Anna Smith Rolling Stone UK Feb 10
3/5
You feel like you’re piecing all this together with Davis, without the benefit of her memories. But it’s still a fascinating, nostalgic insight into these iconic bands in their youth. Go to Full Review Liz Shannon Miller Consequence Feb 3
A-
A nostalgia play in some ways, but also a loving scrapbook to youth and rock and friendship. Go to Full Review Matt Melis AV Club Feb 3
B-
Davis also deserves significant kudos for making sure that The Best Summer didn’t forget about the girls at a time when women’s contributions were often overlooked across the alternative rock landscape. Go to Full Review Louisa Moore Screen Zealots 2d
A music documentary needs more than access and vibes, and this one never finds anything deeper to say. "The Best Summer" is the kind of documentary that mistakes access for substance. Go to Full Review Barbara Goslawski Exclaim! Feb 11
7/10
The Best Summer stands as a terrific record of a special time in the history of music. Go to Full Review Alan French Sunshine State Cineplex Feb 9
8/10
The legendary moments (including a "Sabotage" performance for the ages) are so much fun that I could not help but feel pure joy watching The Best Summer. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Tamra Davis

Director

Tamra Davis

Producer

Shelby Meade

Producer

Movie Info

Synopsis A found footage documentary from a concert tour in 1995 that features live performances, candid interviews and a behind the scene view of what it's like to be on tour with Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Foo Fighters, Beck, Pavement, Rancid, The Amps and Bikini Kill
Director
Tamra Davis
Producer
Tamra Davis, Shelby Meade
Genre
Documentary, Music
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 24m