Astrology

The 12 Best TV Shows, Movies, Books & Songs to Spice Up Leo Season

RuPaul, Sabrina Carpenter, Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine
Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images for The Recording Academy / Prime Video

Cancer season was about getting in touch with your feelings, but Leo season is about feeling yourself. Leos are fire signs, and that means intensity. They are known as the lions of the zodiac. Lions are the kings of the jungle, so this season is about owning your space and not being ashamed of that.

You’ve worked through all the emotional baggage in Cancer season, so now it is time to shine. Leo season is where Hot Girl Summer really comes into play. This month’s recommendations are all about keeping that energy up, feeling confident, and going for what you want.

The TV shows, books, movies, and songs in this month’s list are about helping you access the best version of you. Even if you don’t think it’s the best version of you, put your best foot forward, and fake it until you make it, babe. We believe in you, and these recommendations will encourage you to believe in yourself, too.

TV Shows

We’re looking for bold and daring main characters and high-risk storylines when it comes to a Leo season TV show. It’s about adventure, mess, and being glamorous while doing it in these TV show recommendations for the second half of summer.

Motorheads

Zac (Michael Cimino), Alicia (Mia Healey) in Motorheads

Prime Video

Few things take more confidence than street racing. Motorheads is kind of like Fast and Furious, but make it high school, and add a town mystery instead of a drug conspiracy. Zac (Michael Cimino) is definitely representing the Leos as the new kid in school who’s eager to follow in his absentee dad’s racing footsteps. However, another key element of being a Leo is loyalty, and that’s what Zac has with his crew, who are rebuilding his dad’s race car. The adventures these ride or dies go on are a great binge to get you ready to hit the pedal to the medal this summer.

Where to watch: Prime Video

Perfect Match

You know what takes confidence? Walking into a house full of singles – including your ex in multiple cases – and putting your heart on the line to find your perfect match. Love Island USA made a lot of headlines this summer, but this season of Perfect Match is what many of us hoped Love Island would be. This show is all about standing on business for what you want and going for it, which is why it is a great Leo season watch.

Where to watch: Netflix

RuPaul’s Drag Race

'RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars' key art

Albert Sanchez / World of Wonder Productions, Inc. / Paramount+

Who knows better how to own their space than a drag queen? RuPaul’s Drag Race is literally about putting on your best face and hitting the runway. Yeah, the judges and fellow contestants may throw shade, but at the end of the day, it’s about fighting for your life and giving the best performance you possibly can. Get yourself together and werk, honey.

Where to watch: VH1/Paramount+

Books

When it comes to our Leo season beach reads, we are looking for main characters that know their worth. The characters in the following books know what they want and are not afraid to go after it, which is inspirational for all of us.

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

Have you ever wanted to jump into a relationship with your older brother’s super-hot and even older friend? That sounds messy, and like a great time for a Leo. That’s the fun Ali Hazelwood brings us in Problematic Summer Romance. Maya Killgore has known she wants Conor Harkness since she was 20 years old. Three years after their first encounter, they are stuck in an Italian villa together for her brother’s wedding, and Maya isn’t letting Connor deny their connection any longer. Who cares if it’s complicated if it feels right?

The Score by Elle Kennedy

All of the boys in Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series are confident, but none of them give off Leo energy like The Score lead Dean DiLaurentis. This man has confidence oozing from every pore of his perfectly toned body. It’s rare you’ll find us recommending blonde men in these pages, but Dean has a charm that you can’t stay away from. Allie Hayes is the only person who can tame this tiger, and it’s very fun to read about her making him work for her love. Both of these characters are not shy about what they’re worth, so they make for a perfect Leo season romance.

King of Pride by Ana Huang

It’s all in the name, really. Ana Huang’s Kings of Sin series explores billionaire romances through the lens of the seven deadly sins. Kai and Isabella’s love story in King of Pride requires them to tackle Kai’s intense pride – a common obstacle for our Leo brothers and sisters. Their relationship is messy, and most importantly, spicy. It’s a perfect combination for a Leo summer read.

Movies

We’re digging into the classics again this month because you have to make sure to have a strong central character. The couples in these movies do not lack confidence – at least not when it matters. This is the energy you should be injecting into your Hot Girl Summer.

Clueless (1995)

Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) is the patron saint of Leos. She is a self-confidence queen who believes that everything is up for negotiation, including her grades. In the wise words of Wendy Williams, “She is a queen. She is an icon. And she is the moment.” If you’re taking tips from anyone on how to have a Leo girl summer, it is her. The world is your oyster, and you should claim it as such.

Where to watch: Paramount+

The Idea of You (2024)

Nicholas Galitzine and Anne Hathaway in 'The Idea of You'

Prime Video

Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine) is the Leo of this story (Anne Hathaway‘s Solene gives it a Virgo moon). Changing your set list to impress a girl and then buying everything in her art gallery so she has no choice but to hang out with you? Total rich boy Leo behavior. There’s a lot of risk in their relationship, but Hayes believes that their love can conquer all. Most of our Leo summer adventures will not be on this scale, but metaphorically speaking, now is the time to get on the flight to New York, wear the sexy dress, and dance with the chicken tenders like no one is watching. It’s what Hayes would want you to do.

Where to watch: Prime Video

Hitch (2005)

Sometimes we need a little coaching to get into our most confident mindset, but Hitch teaches us that being your authentic self is often the sexiest approach to life, even if it looks dorky to everyone else. This is one of the most underrated rom-coms of the 2000s era, but it’s a great reminder about harnessing your “quirks” that make you a unique person. If you find channeling that Leo confidence a bit difficult, Hitch is the movie you need to stream ASAP.

Where to watch: Available to rent on all major platforms from $3.99

Leo Summer Playlist

It’s not Leo season without the right mix of hype songs. When it comes to creating a Leo playlist then you need to stick to the Barney Stinson rule of playlisting – all rise, all the time. If the song does not get you moving and feeling in your best mood, then it doesn’t belong here. These three songs will help you get into that “I’m a baddie” headspace.

“Confident” by Demi Lovato

It’s in the song title, honestly. Demi Lovato is a Leo herself, and she’s written multiple self-esteem bangers. “Confident” is the most obvious for our purposes, though the bisexual anthem, “Cool for the Summer,” also makes for a great Leo playlist addition. “Confident” is screaming Leo appeal even from the first line, “It’s time for me to take it, I’m the boss right now.” Harness that energy!

“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter

No pop star is giving ferocious confidence like Sabrina Carpenter right now. Does she have an insecure bone in her body? I mean, she’s human so probably, but you can’t tell when it comes to her vivacious stage presence and her consistent stream of singles about wrapping pathetic boys around her finger. “Espresso” kicked Sabrina Carpenter into a new echelon of pop stardom, and it is a total Leo anthem. It’s that you espresso babe, own it.

“Finesse” by Bruno Mars (feat. Cardi B)

This is a double whammy because both Bruno Mars and Cardi B are known for their self-confidence. When you put them together? It’s a Leo anthem for the ages. This is a perfect getting-ready song for an epic night out with your friends. And if you need more Leo bangers, you can peruse either artist’s catalog for more suggestions.

What are your favorite Leo season recommendations?