I walked outside last Sunday morning at 4AM. We were taking Aura’s cousin to the airport for an early flight, and while I knew it was going to be hot that day, I didn’t expect it to be so thick so early in the morning (that’s what she said). Nonetheless, before the sun had even come up, I could feel the sweat rolling down my back.
This time of year in Middle Tennessee, it’s brutal. You have to limit your exposure to the heat. It’s difficult to breathe. Hell, it feels like the restaurants and shops get a little less crowded because people just aren’t going outside any longer! On one hand, it’s awfully tough to deal with. On the other, it’s a sure sign that we’re in the home stretch of this thing. September, and *hopefully* a slight break in the heat, is just around the corner.
We’ve been under a heat advisory all week here in the Nashville area. I can’t even go check my mail without the sweat beading on my brow. But, it got me thinking about movies that match the vibe. If you haven’t already heard us talk about it on virtually any of our podcasts, the concept of seasons, and specifically which films are to be watched during said seasons, is a popular one to discuss. In honor of that spirit, I decided I’d reach out to Brandon and Our Buddy Brett to get their input as we compile a list of the sweatiest movies to celebrate this heatwave with.
The Sweatiest Movies to Celebrate This Heatwave With
Challengers - So sweaty and so horny that you’re practically guaranteed to go into cardiac arrest if you watch this thing in late July or August.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - I don’t know if this film makes you sweat because of the heat necessarily, though there are plenty of scenes shot in the middle of the desert. I think this one makes you sweat because the whole thing feels like a fever dream. On top of that, the movie was shot from the perspective of someone suffering from heat stroke.
Hell or High Water - “Bank robbing in the heat with adrenaline pumping will drench you. And poor Jeff Bridges has to chase them down. You know that cowboy hat stinks to high heaven!” -Brandon
Hustle & Flow - Anyone that has spent an August in Tennessee can relate to just how hot the characters of Hustle & Flow are just trying to navigate life in Memphis. We don’t even question or judge people with massive brown sweat stains on their shirts at this time of year.
Jaws - “Whether you’re sweating at the beach or sweating a shark feasting on your body - you’re going to need some strong deodorant.” -Brandon
Lawrence of Arabia - “I hope Lawrence had more than that one keffiyeh after
wandering around in the desert for hours and hours and hours.” -Brandon
O Brother Where Art Thou - With that summer sun beatin’ down on these boys, it’s no wonder they had to go and jump into the river. Set before the days of air conditioning, it’s no wonder this one has an air of pure hot heat to it.
Predator - Any kind of physical activity at this time of year is hot enough, but heading into the jungle to track a savage beast that you’re clearly outmatched against is literally otherworldly heat. Covering yourself in mud has never looked so (literally) cool.
Top Gun - Nothing says ‘heatwave’ like getting all oiled up and playing volleyball, shirtless and practically in panties, with all of your friends, sweating profusely.
What did we miss? Drop your picks for the sweatiest movies of all time in the comments.