Summer means many things, like beach trips and no school. It's also just plain hot most of the time. For those times, you need to beat the heat with an indoor activity, a movie is a great way to go.
The 10 films on this list have a summer theme. They are also not too risky to watch with tiny humans. The whole family will love them and cool down in the process of viewing them.
'Holes'
Holes is a 2003 film based on a book by Louis Sachar. It tells the story of unlucky Stanley "Caveman" Yelnats IV, played by Shia LaBeouf, who is wrongly convicted of stealing a pair of sneakers at a charity event. His punishment is 18 months at Camp Green Lake, where the desert temperatures are hot and rain never falls. Prisoners are forced to dig mysterious holes every day as punishment and no one knows why. To find out, watch this film on Disney+.
'The Parent Trap'
Consider this option double trouble. There are two excellent versions of The Parent Trap and both are worth a view. The first one was released in 1961 and starred Hayley Mills. The second option is the 1998 film, which was the directorial debut for director and cowriter Nancy Meyers. It was also actress Lindsay Lohan's first film. Both versions tell the story of twins Hallie "Hal" Parker and Annie "Ann" James who discover at summer camp that they were separated after birth. Their mission now is to make their parents fall in love all over again. Stream them both on Disney+.
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'The Sandlot'
If your kids have yet to see the 1993 classic film The Sandlot, you're killing us, smalls! It tells the story of fifth grader Scott Smalls who moves into a new Los Angeles neighborhood during the summer. His mom encourages him to make friends, so he joins a group of boys playing baseball in the sandlot. They have a magical summer playing ball, going to the pool, and facing the Beast. It's available to stream on Disney+.
'Now and Then'
This 1995 coming-of-age tale tells the story of childhood friends Samantha Albertson, played by Gaby Hoffmann and Demi Moore; Tina "Teeny" Tercell, played by Thora Birch and Melanie Griffith; Roberta Martin, played by Christina Ricci and Rosie O'Donnell; and Chrissy DeWitt, played by Ashleigh Aston Moore and Rita Wilson. Each role is played by two actresses because of the time hop. In 1991, the four now-adult women reconnect in their hometown of Shelby, Indiana, and recall the summer of 1970. This film is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
The Goonies
Steven Spielberg produced this 1985 classic set in Astoria, Oregon. A group of four young boys who call themselves the Goonies go on an awesome adventure to save their families' homes from greedy developers. There's a treasure map, pirates, and a young Sean Astin. Goonies never say die. This film is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants'
Before America Ferrera wowed in Barbie or Blake Lively became the iconic Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, they were in the sisterhood. This 2005 film tells the story of four childhood friends who spend their first summer apart. They keep in touch by sending a pair of magical jeans to one another. This film does have some sexual content, so make sure you are OK with that before showing it to your family. It is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Luca
This 2021 Pixar film does not get the recognition it deserves. It was feature directorial debut of Enrico Casarosa. Because of the pandemic, it was released directly to Disney+. It tells the story of sea monster friends Luca Paguro and Alberto Scorfano who are living in secret as humans in Portorosso, Italy. It teaches important lessons in acceptance and diversity.
'Flipper'
Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach. On the days you want to visit the ocean from the comfort of your own home, consider putting the 1996 film Flipper. Sandy Ricks, played by a young Elijah Wolf, is not excited to spend the summer with his Uncle Porter. A dolphin named Flipper changes all that. This film is available to rent on AppleTV.
'Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer'
This movie is currently streaming on Tubi, Sling, and Plex for free. It is based on the popular Judy Moody book series by Megan McDonald. Judy and her friends are determined to have the best summer ever, and even make it a competition. Judy is bummed when she is forced to stay home with her Aunt Opal but soon comes to love her.
'Camp Rock'
This Disney Channel Original Movie can be found (you guessed it) on Disney+. Mitchie Torres, played by Demi Lovato, has a beautiful voice but is sometimes unsure of it. She is thrilled to attend Camp Rock but embarrassed she is on a scholarship. When dance instructor and pop star Shane Gray, played by Joe Jonas, hears her voice but doesn't see her face, he spends the summer searching for the girl with a voice. Nick and Kevin Jonas also make an appearance as fellow members of Connect 3.
