As summer break rolls around, kids look for exciting activities to fill their days with adventure and fun. And what is a better way to keep them entertained than by treating them to a fantastic movie experience?
Movies can transport young minds to incredible worlds, sparking their imagination and creating unforgettable memories, and in this curated list, we’ve handpicked the 50 best summer movies for kids that will captivate their hearts and minds.
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Related Reading: Fantastic Summer Camp Kids Activities
50 Best Summer Movies for Kids in 2023
Here are some popular summer movies of 2023 for the family to enjoy during the summer break:
1. Toy Story 4
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the gang embark on a road trip with their toy friend, Forky. As the gang navigates through unexpected circumstances, they learn valuable lessons about loyalty, friendship, and finding one’s purpose.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
2. The Little Mermaid (2023)
Genre: Family, Fantasy, Adventure
A young mermaid Ariel strikes a risky deal with a sea witch, Ursula, trading her voice for human legs to explore the world above and win the heart of a prince.
Where to watch: Theatres (initial release), Disney + Hotstar (after the theatrical run).
3. The Lion King (2019)
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
A live-action/CGI remake of Disney’s classic animated film. It follows the journey of Simba, a young lion prince who must navigate the challenges of life and reclaim his rightful place as king of the Pride Lands.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
4. Frozen
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
A musical fantasy film that tells the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna. Elsa possesses magical ice powers that she struggles to control. After accidentally plunging their kingdom into eternal winter, Elsa flees, and Anna embarks on a journey to find her sister and save their kingdom.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
5. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
This movie is a highly anticipated sequel to the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The movie continues the story of Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy as they confront new enemies and unravel a dangerous mystery that could have catastrophic consequences across the multiverse.
Where to watch: Theatres
6. Finding Nemo
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
A heartwarming story of a clownfish named Marlin who embarks on a daring journey to find his son, Nemo, who has been captured and taken to a fish tank in a dentist’s office.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
7. Aladdin (2019)
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Musical
This movie is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated film. The movie follows the story of Aladdin, a kind-hearted street urchin who discovers a magical lamp containing a powerful genie. With the help of the genie, Aladdin transforms himself into a prince to win the heart of Princess Jasmine and thwart the evil plans of the sinister Jafar.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
8. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
In this heartwarming comedy-drama, when 11-year-old Margaret’s family decides to leave the bustling city and settle in the peaceful suburbs, she finds herself facing a series of new challenges.
Where to watch: Peacock
9. Zootopia
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
In the city of Zootopia, where anthropomorphic animals live in harmony, a rookie bunny police officer named Judy Hopps teams up with a sly fox named Nick Wilde to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the peace between predator and prey.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
10. The Incredibles 2
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
The super-powered Parr family takes on a new mission that brings about a change in their family roles. Mr. Incredible (Bob Parr) finds himself managing the household responsibilities while his wife, Elastigirl (Helen Parr), goes out to save the world.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
Related Reading: Best Chores for Kids by Age
11. Karate Kid
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: Action, Drama, Family
A young teenager named Daniel LaRusso moves to a new town with his mother and finds himself targeted by a group of bullies from a local karate dojo. Seeking to defend himself, Daniel turns to the wise and skilled Mr. Miyagi, an unassuming maintenance man who happens to be a martial arts expert.
Where to watch: Netflix
12. High School Musical 2
IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
Genre: Drama, Family, Comedy
“High School Musical 2” follows the thrilling summer adventures of Troy, Gabriella, and their friends from East High School. With the school year ending, the group eagerly anticipates their summer break. However, new challenges and unexpected opportunities arise, putting their friendships and relationships to the test.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
13. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Family
Harry Potter, an orphaned boy, enters Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on his eleventh birthday and unravels the truth about his magical heritage, his family, and the looming darkness that threatens the magical world.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
14. Shrek 2
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Shrek and Fiona visit Fiona’s parents in Far Far Away. They face challenges as they try to fit into the royal lifestyle while a conniving Fairy Godmother tries to break them apart.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
15. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
Dracula and his monster friends embark on a well-deserved summer cruise. They enjoy all the luxuries the ship has to offer. However, Dracula’s relaxing vacation takes an unexpected turn when he falls for the mysterious ship captain, Ericka.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
16. Moana
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
This summer movie tells the story of a young Polynesian girl named Moana who sets sail on a daring journey to save her island and her people. Guided by the demigod Maui, Moana embarks learnon an epic adventure across the vast ocean.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
17. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Our beloved feline hero, Puss in Boots, realizes that his adventurous spirit has cost him eight of his nine lives. Determined to reclaim what he has lost, Puss embarks on an epic journey to discover the mythical Last Wish.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
18. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
An epic tale of Hiccup and his loyal dragon companion, Toothless. As the Viking village of Berk thrives with humans and dragons living in harmony, Hiccup faces the daunting task of protecting their newfound utopia from a dangerous threat.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
19. Cars
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
“Car” takes viewers into a world where anthropomorphic cars live and thrive. The story follows Lightning McQueen, a talented race car on his way to the most significant race of his career. However, when he becomes stranded in a small town called Radiator Springs, he forms unexpected friendships and learns valuable life lessons.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
Related Reading: Best Car Games for Kids for Hours of Exciting Fun
20. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Genre: Comedy, Family
The movie follows the hilarious and relatable misadventures of Greg Heffley during his summer break. Greg dreams of spending his vacation playing video games and lounging by the pool, but his plans are disrupted by his family’s attempts to bond and engage in outdoor activities.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
21. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Genre: Adventure, Action, Sci-Fi
This movie is an epic battle to save Earth by the Autobots and the Decepticons takes a whole new level when they are joined by the new faction of Transformers – the Maximals.
Where to watch: Theatre
22. Inside Out
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
An epic story that takes us into the mind of a young girl named Riley, where her emotions, Joy and Sadness, embark on a journey to restore emotional balance after getting lost, teaching valuable lessons about the complexity of human emotions along the way.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
Related Reading: Amazing Short Stories for Kids That Teach Beautiful Lessons
23. Surf’s Up
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Adventure
Adventures of Cody Maverick, a young penguin with dreams of becoming a professional surfer. When he gets the opportunity to compete in the renowned Big Z Memorial Surf Off, Cody embarks on a thrilling journey to prove himself.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
24. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
This animated film is based on the popular video game franchise. It brings the iconic characters Mario, Luigi, and their friends to the big screen in a new adventure as they journey through the Mushroom Kingdom.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
25. Despicable Me
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
This summer movie introduces us to the lovable supervillain Gru, who finds his life turned upside down when three orphaned girls, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, enter his world.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
26. The Amazing Maurice
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
In the bustling city of Brickwall, a streetwise feline named Maurice leads a remarkable group of rats known as the ‘Crew.’ Together, they embark on a lucrative money-making scheme that is about to change their lives forever!
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime
27. The Princess and the Frog
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
The enchanting story of Tiana, a hardworking young woman with big dreams of opening her own restaurant. When she encounters a prince turned into a frog by a voodoo magician, they venture on a magical journey through the mystical bayous of New Orleans.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
28. Monsters, Inc.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
“Monsters, Inc.” takes us into the bustling city of Monstropolis, where monsters generate energy for the city by scaring children. However, when two monsters encounter a child who has managed to enter their world, they discover that the children are not as toxic as they once believed.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
29. The Secret Life of Pets
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
This amazing movie offers a peek into the lives of our beloved pets when their owners are away. Max, a lovable terrier, finds his cozy life disrupted when his owner brings home a new stray dog named Duke.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
30. Peter Pan & Wendy
IMDb Rating: 4.1/10
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
This film brings to life the classic tale of Peter Pan and his adventures in Neverland. The story follows Wendy Darling and her brothers as they join Peter Pan in his magical world, where they encounter fairies, pirates, and mermaids.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
Related Reading: Best Summer Activities for Kids to Have A Blast This Summer
31. Wreck-It Ralph
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Into the world of arcade games, where Ralph, a video game villain tired of being the bad guy, sets out on a quest to prove he can be a hero.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
32. The Jungle Book (2016)
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family
An enchanting live-action adaptation that brings Rudyard Kipling’s timeless tale to life. Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the jungle, embarks on a thrilling adventure to discover his true identity.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
33. Kung Fu Panda
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Po, a lovable, overweight, clumsy panda who dreams of becoming a kung fu master, is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior to protect their land from the villainous Tai Lung.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
34. The Boss Baby
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
The animated movie features a suit-wearing baby with remarkable skills who teams up with his 7-year-old brother to thwart the evil plans of the CEO of Puppy Co.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
35. Strange World
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
In the movie, the Clades, a legendary family of explorers, embark on their most important mission. However, as they navigate treacherous obstacles and face internal struggles, the Clades must find a way to unite.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
36. Madagascar
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
The story follows the hilarious escapades of a group of zoo animals who find themselves unexpectedly shipped to the wild. Led by Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo, they embark on a madcap journey to return to their home in New York City.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
37. Elemental
Coming Soon: June 16, 2023
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy
“Elemental” follows the journey of Ember and Wade, two individuals living in a city where residents with the powers of fire, water, land, and air coexist. As Ember, a fire resident, and Wade, an air resident, cross paths, they discover a shared connection.
Where to watch: Theatres (initial release), Disney + Hotstar (after the theatrical run).
38. Trolls
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
A colorful and musical world inhabited by upbeat and optimistic Trolls. When the Trolls’ happiness is threatened by the grumpy Bergens, Poppy, a spirited Troll princess, embarks on a mission to rescue her friends from their captors.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
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39. The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
This new movie takes us on another delightful adventure with the beloved character SpongeBob SquarePants. When SpongeBob’s pet snail, Gary, goes missing, he sets out on a journey with his best friend, Patrick, to rescue him from the clutches of the devious Poseidon.
Where to watch: Netflix
40. Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
This is one of the best summer children’s movies that brings back the lovable and mischievous Shaun and his flock of sheep for another delightful adventure. When a mischievous alien named Lu-La crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun takes it upon himself to help her find her way back home.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
41. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Family
A young boy named Elliott discovers a stranded alien creature in his backyard. Fascinated by the extraterrestrial being, Elliott befriends the creature, whom he names E.T. Together, they embark on a heartwarming and extraordinary journey that transcends the boundaries of their worlds.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
42. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Four high school students discover an old video game console and are magically transported into the perilous world of Jumanji. Along the way, they encounter exotic creatures, face ruthless enemies, and uncover the true nature of Jumanji.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
43. Soul
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
A middle school music teacher named Joe Gardner dreams of pursuing a career as a jazz musician. Just when he gets his big break, an accident causes his soul to be separated from his body, transporting him to the ethereal realm of The Great Before.
Where to watch: Disney + Hostar
Related Reading: Best Music Games for Kids
44. Matilda
IMDb Rating: 7/10
Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
This movie follows the extraordinary story of a young girl named Matilda Wormwood, who possesses a remarkable intellect and hidden telekinetic powers to deal with her neglectful parents and tyrannical headmistress at school.
Where to watch: Netflix
45. Cinderella (I) (2015)
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Genre: Adventure, Romance, Family
It is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale. The film follows the story of Ella, a young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn after the tragic loss of her beloved parents. Left in the care of her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, Ella endures their mistreatment while holding onto the kindness and resilience instilled in her by her parents.
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
46. Paddington 2
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Family
The marmalade-loving bear, Paddington, has settled into his new life with the Brown family in London. Eager to find the perfect gift for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, Paddington embarks on a series of misadventures that lead him into a thrilling quest to clear his name and protect his newfound family.
Where to watch: Netflix
47. The Adventures of Tintin
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
A thrilling journey with the intrepid young reporter, Tintin, and his loyal canine companion, Snowy. When Tintin purchases a model ship containing a hidden secret, he becomes entangled in a dangerous quest for treasure and must outwit a notorious villain who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the valuable artifact.
Where to watch: Netflix
48. The Wizard of Oz
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
A beloved film that takes viewers on a magical and unforgettable adventure that revolves around Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who, after being swept away by a tornado, finds herself in the enchanting Land of Oz.
Where to watch: Max, HBO Max
49. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
A captivating journey of young Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy from a humble background who wins a golden ticket to visit the magical and eccentric chocolate factory owned by the enigmatic Willy Wonka.
Where to watch: Netflix
50. The Goonies
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
A group of young misfits stumbles upon an ancient map leading to a pirate’s hidden treasure. Determined to find the riches, they embark on a thrilling quest,
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Let’s Plug-In The Best Summer Movies For Kids!
With a mix of beloved favorites and exciting new releases, these 50 best summer movies for kids in 2023 promise to create magical and unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Enjoy the magic of summer movie nights with your loved ones while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Happy watching!
Related Reading: Summer Songs for Kids to Brighten the Season
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are all of these summer family movies suitable for kids of all ages?
While most of the movies on the list are generally suitable for kids, it’s always a good idea to check the content description to ensure they are appropriate for your child’s age.
Are these summer movies for kids available in all regions?
The availability of movies can vary by region and streaming platforms. Some movies may be geo-restricted or have different release dates in different countries. It’s recommended to check the availability in your specific region or check on the streaming platforms directly.
Which is the most-watched summer movie for kids?
The Lion King is the most-watched summer movie for kids. After that, Frozen is the second most-watched summer movie for kids.
