Follow this list of the top Summer Movies for Kids to watch with your family!
With the school year over, are you ready to kick back, relax, and enjoy quality time with your kiddos this summer? Doing outdoor activities is fun, but there are some summer days when you just need to avoid the summer heat, relax at home, and enjoy the air conditioning!
Look no further because we’ve got the scoop on the best family movies to stream that are perfect for those lazy summer days. From timeless classics to exciting new releases, these summer kids’ movies will keep you and your kids entertained.
Ready for some awesome family movie nights this summer and to cross off some items from your summer bucket list? Grab your popcorn, snuggle up on the couch (or not, because who wants to cuddle when it’s hot???), and check out these must-watch family summer movies!
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The Best Summer Kids Movies to Enjoy Over Summer Break
This list is separated by age groups that have been provided by Common Sense Media, a group that works hard to make technology safer and healthier for kids everywhere.
#1 It Takes 2 (1995) 5+
Identical twins meet by chance at Summer Camp and they couldn’t be more different from each other. Amanda’s been navigating the foster care system, while Alyssa’s been living in the lap of luxury. So, they hatch a plan to swap identities, hoping to bring Amanda’s social worker and Alyssa’s dad together.
#2 Toy Story 4 (2019) 5+
I have to admit, the Toy Story series is one of my favorites to watch with my kids! And the animated adventures in Toy Story 4 didn’t disappoint. Not only did the little kids love it, but it’s entertaining for adults as well.
Woody, Buzz, and the gang take a road trip with Bonnie and a new toy, Forky. But things take a wild turn when Woody takes a little side trip and reunites with his old pal, Bo Peep. As they catch up, they realize they’re on totally different pages about what being a toy means.
#3 Turbo (2013) 6+
Meet Turbo, the snail with a need for speed. After a freak accident gives him superspeed, he sets out to win the Indy 500, proving that even a slimy underdog can chase big dreams.
#4 Mary Poppins Returns (2018) 6+
Michael Banks, now a parent himself, faces losing his home unless he finds a missing certificate proving valuable shares left by his father. Just when things seem dire, Mary Poppins swoops in to rescue the family with her trademark magic and whisk them away on a whimsical adventure.
#5 Luca (2021) 6+
In a picturesque Italian seaside town, Luca enjoys a memorable summer of gelato, pasta, and scooter rides with his new best friend. But their fun is jeopardized when Luca’s secret is revealed: he’s actually a sea monster from beneath the waves.
#6 Honey I Shrunk The Kids (1989) 6+
When kids accidentally shrink themselves with their dad’s experimental shrink ray, they face a tiny adventure. Now just 1/4-inch tall, they have an epic journey to make their way back home through a treacherous yard filled with giant obstacles like sprinklers and stampeding ants.
#7 The Parent Trap (1999) 6+
In this modern twist on a classic film, twins Annie and Hallie, played by Lindsay Lohan, meet by chance. With their parents living on opposite sides of the Atlantic, the girls come up with a plan to switch identities. They hope to reunite their parents and to stay together as a family.
#8 Babe (1995) 6+
A true family-friendly film, Babe is about farmer Arthur Hoggett who wins a piglet named Babe at a fair. Babe learns to herd sheep with help from collie Fly. But can he fit in with the other farm animals, especially Fly’s jealous husband Rex?
#9 Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (2011) 6+
Judy Moody is just the ticket for a summer movie day with the kids. It’s packed with cool adventures and surprises that’ll keep everyone hooked. Whether it’s Judy’s pals going off on wild trips or dealing with her annoying brother, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, it captures that carefree summer vibe perfectly.
#10 The Entire Harry Potter Series (2001-2011) 6-12+
Harry Potter” is the ultimate family movie pick, especially for a cozy night in with the kids. Join Harry, an orphaned boy and regular kid who finds out he’s got some serious wizarding skills, as he kicks off his magical journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
It’s not just about waving wands and mixing potions; it’s a tale of self-discovery, family secrets, and standing up against the forces of darkness. With its captivating adventures and intriguing mysteries, it’s a flick that’ll have everyone glued to the screen, young and old alike.
#11 The Secret Life of Pets (2016) 7+
Max, a spoiled terrier, and Duke, a giant canine, face trouble with alley cats and end up in the pound. Snowball, a rebellious bunny, saves them and recruits them for a mission against humans.
#12 The Baby-Sitters Club (1990) 7+
When Kristy’s mom struggles to find a babysitter, Kristy takes charge and starts a babysitter club. The girls meet regularly so parents can easily reach multiple sitters with just one call.
#13 The Rookie (2002) 7+
The Rookie is a true story about a coach who proves dreams can still happen and is perfect for family movie nights! Jim Morris, a former minor league pitcher sidelined by injury, now teaches chemistry and coaches high school baseball in Texas.
Jim’s team strikes a deal with him – if the team wins the district championship, Jim will try out for the majors.
#14 Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985) 7+
This is the story of Pee-wee Herman, a quirky, childlike guy who’s obsessed with his beloved red bike. When it gets stolen, Pee-wee embarks on a wild journey to find it, meeting all sorts of characters along the way, including a motorcycle gang.
Turns out, his bike’s being used in a movie, and Pee-wee’s on a mission to get it back.
#15 Camp Cool Kids (2017) 8+
With a little push from his eccentric grandfather, a boy bravely confronts his fears during his time at summer camp.
#16 Because of Winn-Dixie (2005) 8+
Opal, a young girl, moves to a small Florida town with her preacher dad after her mom leaves them. Feeling lonely, Opal finds a stray dog she names Winn-Dixie. With Winn-Dixie by her side, she makes friends with some quirky locals and starts to bond with her dad again.
#17 The Little Rascals (1994) 8+
Spanky and Buckwheat, two troublemakers, lead an anti-girl club and choose Alfalfa to race for them in a soapbox car rally.
But when they catch Alfalfa cozying up to Darla, they’re determined to split them apart. Meanwhile, their race car gets swiped by some tough kids.
#18 Daddy Day Camp (2007) 8+
Charlie and Phil, daycare owners, buy their old camp, Camp Driftwood, to send their kids to summer camp. They face competition from Camp Canola and seek Charlie’s estranged father’s help to restore the camp. (Be aware that there is a lot of potty humor in this movie)
#19 Yes Day (2021) 8+
Yes Day is truly a great movie to watch with your kids! Allison and Carlos, feeling like they always have to say “no” to their kids, decide to give them a “Yes Day,” where the kids get to make the rules for 24 hours.
#20 Rookie of the Year (1993) 8+
A freak accident turns 12-year-old Henry into an amazing pitcher, leading to a contract with the MLB team The Chicago Cubs. With guidance from a veteran player, Henry navigates the pressures of the big leagues while his mom’s boyfriend tries to sell his contract to a rival team.
#21 The Princess Diaries (2001) 8+
Shy teenager Mia Thermopolis discovers she’s a real princess of Genovia, throwing her life into chaos. With her strict grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, Mia embarks on a comical journey to learn the ropes of royalty.
#22 Freaky Friday (2003) 8+
Single mom Tess and her teenage daughter Anna are constantly fighting with one another, but when they mysteriously switch bodies after getting fortunes at a Chinese restaurant, chaos ensues. Stuck in each other’s shoes, they gain newfound respect and understanding for one another.
#23 Camp Rock (2008) 8+
Kids will absolutely love this movie because it stars real-life pop sensations like the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato. It’s about aspiring musicians trying to make it big at a special camp for future stars.
The film is packed with catchy tunes, cool performances, and relatable stories about friendship and chasing dreams. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the world of fame and music, making it a must-watch for any young music lover.
#24 The Sandlot (1993) 9+
New kid Scottie Smalls befriends a group of kids who play baseball at the sandlot in his new neighborhood. They embark on a series of funny and heartwarming adventures.
Trouble brews when Smalls borrows a ball from his stepdad and accidentally hits it over a fence, sparking a challenging situation for the boys. With themes of teamwork, friendships, and taking risks, this is a fun movie to watch with young children.
#25 Heavyweights (1995) 9+
Gerry dreads his summer at a weight-loss camp, but the Bushkins, who run it, make it enjoyable. When they sell it to a fitness fanatic, the camp becomes a nightmare. Determined to take back control, the kids plot their rebellion.
#26 Goonies (1985) 10+
A group of adventurous kids stands up against a property development company set on destroying their home for a country club. They stumble upon an old pirate map and embark on a treasure hunt in an underground cavern, facing many challenges on their way to find the treasure.
#27 A League of Their Own (1992) 10+
During World War II, when America’s male athletes are off fighting, an all-female baseball league springs up in the Midwest, thanks to candy maker Walter Harvey’s publicity stunt.
Sisters Dottie Hinson and Kit Keller, along with a crew of teammates, fight their way to fame under the watchful eye of scout Ernie Capadino and the grouchy but lovable coach Jimmy Dugan.
#28 My Girl (1991) 11+
Tomboy Vada Sultenfuss, raised in a funeral home, grapples with loss, friendship, and her crush on her teacher.
#29 The Great Outdoors (1988) 11+
Chicagoan Chet Ripley’s fishing trip with his family gets interrupted by his annoying brother-in-law, Roman Craig, and family, leading to tension at the Wisconsin lakeside cabin.
#30 Jumanji – Welcome to the Jungle (2017) 11+
Four teens get sucked into the Jumanji video game, landing in a wild jungle. To escape, they have to beat the game.
#31 The Karate Kid (1984) 11+
The Karate Kid is a heartwarming movie that has great messages about hard work, overcoming adversity, and self-confidence.
The main character, Daniel, played by Ralph Macchio, moves to Southern California with his mom, Lucille, only to become the target of a group of bullies who train at the Cobra Kai dojo. To defend himself, Daniel learns karate from Mr. Miyagi, a war veteran and handyman. With Miyagi’s help, Daniel trains for a karate tournament to stand up against his bullies.
#32 Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) 12+
This is the perfect movie for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories about friendships! Four best friends, Bridget, Carmen, Lena, and Tibby, are spending their last summer together before going their separate ways.
While Bridget heads to Mexico and Lena visits Greece, Carmen and Tibby stay home. Despite the distance, they stay connected by sharing a pair of magical jeans that symbolize their strong bond.
#33 Now and Then (1995) 12+
Three strong women, Roberta, Samantha, and Tina return home to support their childhood friend Chrissy through her first pregnancy. As they reunite, they reminisce about the unforgettable summer adventures of 1970, when they all grew up together.
#34 Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) 12+
Mrs. Doubtfire is a great family-friendly comedy that deals with themes of family, love, and parenting. A divorced dad disguises himself as a British nanny, Mrs. Doubtfire, to spend time with his kids. But juggling his dual identity gets complicated.
#35 Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitters Dead (1991) 13+
When their single mom leaves for the summer, the kids are thrilled until they meet the terrible babysitter she hired. When the sitter unexpectedly dies, they realize their summer money was in her purse. With no mom or money, they must find a way to survive the summer by working.
#36 The Way, Way Back (2013) 13+
Shy 14-year-old Duncan joins his mom, her boyfriend, and his daughter for summer vacation near Cape Cod. Struggling to fit in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, the Water Wizz water park manager. This has a great cast including Steve Carrel, Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell, and Maya Rudolph.
#37 Legally Blonde (2001) 13+
Legally Blonde is such a fun film! Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon, seems to have everything, but she’s determined to win back her boyfriend by proving she’s more than just a blonde. So, she pulls out all the stops, gets into Harvard, and sets out to show she’s got brains too.
#38 Moonrise Kingdom (2012) 14+
It’s 1965 on New Penzance, a serene island off the New England coast, where life seems sheltered from the chaos of the outside world. Twelve-year-olds Sam and Suzy fall in love and plan to run away.
But as a violent storm approaches, a quirky group of adults, including Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, and Bill Murray, must band together to find the kids before disaster hits.
Final Thoughts on Summer Movies for Kids
With the school year over, it’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy these fun summer movies for kids! These top picks for the best summer movies for kids offer plenty of entertainment for the whole family during the hot summer months.
From heartwarming adventures to exciting escapades, these family-friendly movies have something for everyone to enjoy.
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