12 Family-Friendly Movies to Watch This Summer
Popcorn, candy, and a big screen—movie nights are the epitome of summer fun. Add these family-friendly movies to your watch list for the perfect summer.
Sometimes, the only thing you need to make your summer perfect is a movie night. The epitome of staycation fun, these family adventures on the big screen will help you beat the summer heat. Whether you’re planning a cool indoor gathering or a fun outdoor screening under the stars, family-friendly movies offer the perfect entertainment for all ages. From forgotten classics to recent gems, this handpicked selection of movies is sure to delight and captivate your whole family throughout the sunny season.
Pop some popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready for a summer filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable moments as you embark on these cinematic journeys together.
Let’s get the film rolling!
New and Upcoming
1. The Little Mermaid
Release Date: May 26, 2023
Pairing perfectly with all your gadgets, gizmos, and thingamabobs, this live action take on a beloved Disney classic will be a perfect addition to your movie list.
2. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Rated PG
Our spidey senses are sensing a sequel to the sensational Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This cool animated movie follows Miles Morales, Gwen Stacey, and all the other Spider-Folk of the multiverses as they team up against a powerful new villain.
3. Elemental
Can fire and water get along? In a world where the beings are one of the four elements, Pixar tells the tale of a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy who have more in common than they believed.
4. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Release Date: June 30, 2023
Rated PG
Ruby Gillman is a sweet and awkward high school student who’s actually the granddaughter of the warrior kraken queen. But Ruby knows nothing about being royalty. Can she use her newfound powers to protect the ocean and those she loves?
5. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Release Date: June 30, 2023
Rated PG-13
The newest installment of a timeless series, this movie is a must-see (if your kids are old enough, that is). And even better, you could dive headfirst into all of the Indiana Jones adventures and fill your summer with fun.
6. Haunted Mansion
Release Date: July 28, 2023
Rated PG-13
Follow the story of the Haunted Mansion in this spooky and hilarious sequel. Are the ghosts of the classic theme park ride here to stay?
Forgotten Classics
7. Hercules
Release Date: 1997
Rated G
The legend of Hercules will never fade, but kids nowadays don’t know this household name. Go from “zero” to hero this summer with this animated classic.
Watch On
8. The NeverEnding Story
Release Date: 1984
Rated PG
This classic movie has set the tone for the fantasy stories of today. Just like a fairy tale, a troubled boy dives into a fantasy world through the pages of a mysterious book.
Watch On
9. Atlantis: The Lost Empire
Release Date: 2001
Rated PG
This summer, you can dive below the sea and rediscover one of the greatest mysteries of all time. Atlantis might be lost, but it shouldn’t be forgotten!
Watch On
10. Spy Kids
Release Date: 2001
Rated PG
Have you forgotten about the two spy kids who have to use gadgets and tricks to save their top spy parents? Yeah, we thought you might have. This classic movie will be the secret topping to the best summer movie nights.
Watch On
11. Balto
Release Date: 1995
Rated G
These sled dogs get lost in the snow, but this movie shouldn’t! This tale about a heroic half-wolf dog who risks his life to deliver medicine in an Alaskan snowstorm will be a cool breeze on your hot summer movie nights.
Watch On
12. Inspector Gadget
Release Date:1999
Rated PG
This classic movie about a security guard turned cybernetic inspector is so underrated. With state-of-the-art gadgets that never go out of style, this movie will fill your summer movie nights with laughter.
Watch On
For more movie inspiration, check out our articles “Top 10 Kids’ Movies You Forgot About” and “Top Family Movies of the Summer.”
Too many movie nights? These books will give your family something to do together.
- Big Book of Family Games
- Extreme Garage Science for Kids
- Marcel’s Mouse Museum
- Breaking the Grid
- The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids
Shaelyn Topolovec earned a BA in editing and publishing from BYU, worked on several online publications, and joined the Familius family. Shae is currently an editor and copywriter who lives in California’s Central Valley.