Summer of 69 (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
A heartfelt, raunchy teen comedy that surprises with genuine emotional depth.
The teen sex comedy genre has seen its fair share of hits and misses over the years, and in 2025, Summer of 69, directed by Jillian Bell, arrives as a refreshing, female-forward entry that wears its raunchy heart on its sleeve. What begins as a provocative setup slowly unfolds into a coming-of-age film that is both funny and disarmingly sincere.
If you’re looking to watch Summer of 69 online, it is currently available exclusively on Hulu in the United States. Let’s dive into what makes this film stand out and whether it’s worth adding to your watchlist.
Plot Summary: More Than Meets the Eye
On the surface, Summer of 69 seems like a typical teen romp. High school senior Abby (played by the effortlessly charming Sam Morelos) sets out to impress her long-time crush Max (Matt Cornett), freshly single after a breakup. In a desperate attempt to win his attention, she learns—via the school mascot, no less—that Max has a fondness for a certain sex position. Abby, lacking experience and confidence, enlists the help of an unlikely mentor: Santa Monica (the scene-stealing Chloe Fineman), a local stripper with attitude, charisma, and a dream of her own.
As Santa Monica trains Abby in seduction and self-confidence, what begins as a quest for validation shifts into something more profound. Abby’s journey becomes about identity, friendship, and self-worth—wrapped up in neon lights, awkward encounters, and a surprisingly emotional narrative.
Cast Highlights & Performances
Sam Morelos as Abby
Abby is every bit the awkward, misunderstood outsider—a gamer girl hiding behind Halloween masks on livestreams, virtually invisible in real life. Morelos delivers a grounded performance, balancing comedic timing with emotional vulnerability. Her portrayal feels authentic, particularly in scenes of quiet self-doubt and tentative growth.
Chloe Fineman as Santa Monica
Best known from Saturday Night Live, Fineman is a revelation here. She infuses Santa Monica with both sass and sadness, presenting a woman whose confidence masks deep insecurities. The chemistry between her and Morelos forms the emotional backbone of the film. Their growing bond is more compelling than any romantic subplot.
Paula Pell as Betty
A comedic legend in her own right, Pell once again proves she can elevate any role. As the owner of the strip club Diamond Dolls, she adds heart and hilarity in equal measure. Her character’s struggle to save the club adds stakes and charm to the story.
Other noteworthy mentions include Charlie Day as sleazy rival club owner Rick Richards, Nicole Byer and Liza Koshy as exotic dancers with wit and wisdom, and Natalie Morales in a minor but memorable role.
Direction & Writing: A Promising Debut
Summer of 69 marks the feature directorial debut of Jillian Bell, who also co-wrote the script with Jules Byrne and Liz Nico. Bell, long an underrated comedic performer, brings her natural timing behind the camera. While the film leans heavily on genre tropes and nostalgic callbacks to Risky Business, Sixteen Candles, and even Superbad, it’s elevated by its characters’ sincerity and vulnerability.
Yes, some jokes miss the mark. The humor is uneven, particularly in the second act, where it struggles to balance campy set pieces with real emotional beats. But even at its most awkward, the film never loses its heart.
Themes: Female Empowerment, Friendship & Identity
Despite the provocative title and raunchy premise, Summer of 69 is less about sex and more about connection, identity, and the pressures of growing up. Abby doesn’t just want to be desired—she wants to feel seen. The film does a great job portraying how easy it is to confuse longing for love with longing for acceptance.
Equally, Santa Monica’s subplot—grappling with her self-worth ahead of her high school reunion—mirrors Abby’s journey in a more adult context. Both women are, in their own ways, seeking validation. Their evolving friendship is what gives the film its unexpected soul.
Nostalgia Meets Modern Comedy
The film blends 80s-style teen movie nostalgia with Gen Z sensibilities. Musical cues like Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” give scenes a dreamy, reflective tone. It’s a nod to the genre’s roots without fully surrendering to the clichés.
The film’s strongest moments often involve subtle subversions of expectations. For instance, Abby doesn’t transform into a “cool girl” by the end. She grows more confident but remains proudly nerdy and awkward—a refreshing take in a genre that often rewards complete makeovers.
Where to Stream Summer of 69
You can watch Summer of 69 exclusively on Hulu in the United States. As of May 2025, it’s a Hulu Original and not available on other platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or HBO Max. A subscription is required, but new users can usually access a free trial.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?
Summer of 69 isn’t perfect. Some jokes fall flat, the pacing lags midway, and the ending ties things up a bit too neatly. But its charm, sincerity, and lead performances more than make up for its shortcomings. It’s a sweet, raunchy, and heartfelt comedy that will appeal to fans of Booksmart, The To-Do List, and The Girl Next Door.
If you’re in the mood for a comedy that delivers laughs with a surprising emotional punch, give Summer of 69 a shot. With standout performances by Chloe Fineman and Sam Morelos and a message that reminds us to love ourselves first, it’s more than just a teen sex comedy—it’s a story of friendship and finding your voice.
👉 Watch Summer of 69 now on Hulu
📽️ Perfect for fans of heartfelt comedies with a raunchy edge.
