Walking on Sunshine

Walking on Sunshine

Year: 2014

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Directors: Max Giwa, Dania Pasquini

RomanceComedy

Set to a soundtrack of 1980s hit songs, the story unfolds in a picturesque coastal village in present-day Italy. Maddie is preparing for her wedding to the charming Italian, Raf, and has invited her sister Taylor to celebrate. However, Taylor harbors a secret – she and Raf were once deeply in love during a past holiday, and he remains the love of her life, creating a complicated situation for everyone involved.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Walking on Sunshine yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Walking on Sunshine (2014)

Trace every key event in Walking on Sunshine (2014) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

A crossroad at the sea

Taylor and Raf discuss a future together; Raf asks her to stay in Italy, offering a 'real life' instead of university plans. Taylor recoils, torn between abroad opportunities and the traditional path she’s drawn to. The moment plants the seed of a choice she will carry with her.

Three years earlier Sea near Italy
2

Arrival in Apulia for a sun-soaked holiday

Three years later, Taylor travels to Apulia for a holiday while Maddie has already arrived with a lively circle of friends. The sunny setting promises a carefree break, but Maddie drops a bombshell about her upcoming wedding in two days. Taylor keeps her distance from the past romance she once had there.

Present day Apulia, Italy
3

Wedding bombshell and past romance revealed

Maddie announces her two-day wedding, inviting Taylor to attend. Lil hints at Taylor’s earlier romance in Apulia, catching the sisters and friends off guard. Taylor insists she won’t rekindle old flames and focuses on family and moving forward.

Wedding Eve Prelude Maddie’s holiday home, Apulia
4

Beach sighting and shocking kiss reveal

On the beach, Taylor runs into Raf among Elena, Enrico, Mikey and others. Maddie unexpectedly kisses Raf and reveals the engagement, shocking the group and reawakening old tensions. Taylor pretends not to know Raf, hoping to spare Maddie pain, while the group senses unfinished business.

Wedding week Beach in Apulia
5

Wedding outfits and old tensions surface

Maddie assigns Raf and Taylor to sort outfits and rings for the wedding. Old resentments flare as they argue about whether feelings should be announced openly. The result is a pair of wedding outfits that hint at lingering emotion and unfinished business.

Pre-wedding day Wedding venue in Apulia
6

Doug’s arrival and Elena’s secret

Doug arrives, pressing Maddie to take him back, but she declines and invites him to a goodbye dinner. Elena and Enrico share a hidden secret by the pool, and Elena reveals she is pregnant. The revelation adds tension to the wedding plans and loyalties.

Evening before wedding Poolside dinner
7

Final prep tensions and a bouquet of roses

Taylor and Raf are sent to finish final wedding preparations, with Taylor declining a plus one. Doug sends pink roses to Maddie with a note foreshadowing trouble, triggering a fiery argument among the group. The mood grows more volatile as the big day approaches.

Night before wedding Maddie’s home/venue
8

Tomato festival and lively celebration

The tomato festival provides levity and color as everyone heads to the festival together. The crowd sings along to Walking on Sunshine, lifting the mood despite underlying tensions. The event acts as a communal backdrop for evolving relationships.

Wedding eve Tomato festival, Apulia
9

Dusk walk and rooftop foreshadowing

As dusk falls, Raf and Taylor walk along the shoreline, the air heavy with what-ifs. The rooftop soon becomes a stage for confession, and the memory of their history surfaces with the hint of nostalgia. The moment sets the tone for the thunderous revelations to come.

Evening before wedding Shoreline and rooftop
10

Maddie’s hen party distraction and rooftop hint

Maddie’s hen party distracts the group, allowing Taylor to confront the truth of her heart. The rooftop scene carries the iconic line 'If I Could Turn Back Time,' hinting at the possibility of changing the past. Emotions tighten as the crowd awaits the next move.

Wedding Eve Rooftop
11

Raf joins and heartfelt confession

Raf joins Taylor on the rooftop, and they share a sincere, hard-won confession of love. Their kiss marks a turning point, proving that their history can be reconciled in honest dialogue. The moment shifts the trajectory of both their futures.

Evening Rooftop
12

Church ceremony and dramatic intervention

Back at the church, the ceremony begins with flourish, but Doug objects from the pews. Maddie declares that she’s in love with love itself and that Raf deserves someone who truly belongs with him. Raf walks away, and Taylor pursues him, refusing to let the past keep them apart.

Wedding day Maddie’s wedding church
13

Rooftop reprise and renewed connection

On the rooftop once more, Taylor sings to Raf, sealing their fate with a renewed connection. The couple chooses honesty over hesitation, fully embracing the love that exists between them. The moment frames the film’s message about forgiveness and reunion.

Wedding day celebration Rooftop
14

Reveals and new loves

The story returns to Elena and Enrico, who reveal Elena’s pregnancy, adding new family dynamics. Lil hints at feelings for Mikey, adding a thread of unfulfilled romance to the tapestry. The wedding party begins to re-center on love and friendship.

Post-ceremony Pool/house party area
15

Ending prank and final song

Doug’s prank takes a dramatic turn as a hang-glider scene launches him into the sea, carrying him away in a farcical yet symbolic finale. The film closes with a jubilant all-hands performance of Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, underscoring themes of reconnection and choosing love. The finale leaves the characters reconciled and optimistic about their imperfect but heartfelt futures.

Ending Sea/shore and final performance

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:34

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Unlock the Full Story of Walking on Sunshine

Don't stop at just watching — explore Walking on Sunshine in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Walking on Sunshine is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Walking on Sunshine Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Walking on Sunshine, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Walking on Sunshine Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Walking on Sunshine

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Walking on Sunshine. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Walking on Sunshine

Walking on Sunshine Spoiler-Free Summary

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Walking on Sunshine Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Walking on Sunshine

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Walking on Sunshine: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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