25+ Clean Summer Movies for Kids the Whole Family Will Enjoy
In this post: Check out 25+ wholesome, funny summer movies for kids that mom and dad love, too! Plan your ultimate summer movie night.
My family loves watching movies together. It’s a fun way for us to relax during our downtime. We’re not big TV people (unless we’re watching Andy Griffith!), but we love watching movies–especially on summer nights when there’s no school the next day.
However, we’re pretty strict about what we allow our boys to watch. We try to watch wholesome movies with a positive message, even if they’re not always Christian. Since we watch together, we want movies that mom and dad enjoy, too!
In our modern world, movies are getting less family-friendly. But, if you look hard enough and do some research, there are some great family movies out there.
No worries, I’ve saved you some work and found a great list of movies the whole family will enjoy together this summer.
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Summer Movie Night at Home
If you’re looking for fun family activities, a movie night is the perfect choice. You can watch these movies from the comfort of your living room. Or set up a screen with a projector for outdoor movies.
This list of low-priced films is a very family-friendly budget choice if you’re saving money for a big family trip–or just spending summer at home.
25+ Best Summer Movies for Kids and Families
If you’re looking for fun summer movies that the whole family can enjoy without worrying about questionable content, you’re in the right place! As a Christian mom, I know how important it is to find clean, uplifting entertainment for our kids—and bonus points if it’s something we actually enjoy too!
Here’s a big list of our family’s favorite summer flicks, with no cursing, no awkward scenes, and plenty of laughter, adventure, and heartwarming moments.
Classic Summer Camp & Vacation Vibes Movies
There’s nothing better during summer break than a trip to camp! These movies are the perfect way to take a camping trip without leaving home.
1. Family Camp
This movie is a hilarious Christian comedy about two families and their chaotic church camp experience. I’ve never been to a camp like this before…but I’d love to go!
2. Camp Cool Kids
Great for younger kids! Camp Cool Kids is a fun story about a young boy who finds courage and friendship at summer camp. My husband and I loved seeing AJ Trauth (from Even Stevens) and Leigh-Allyn Baker (from Good Luck, Charlie) playing roles in this faith-based movie. My 8-year-old watches this on repeat!
3. High School Musical 2
School’s out, and it’s time for summer jobs, music, and dancing. The High School Musical series was one of my favorites when I was a kid, and it has stood the test of time. I can still remember the words to the catchy tunes. You can stream it, but I may have this one on DVD from many years ago.
4. The Parent Trap (1998)
Twins separated at birth reunite at summer camp and plot to get their parents back together in this classic family favorite starring Lindsay Lohan. We recently watched this with our boys, and they LOVED it. They really enjoyed the pranks, however, they found the romance to be “disgusting.”
Animated Favorites for All Ages
Animated movies aren’t just for kids. These movies are perfect for family movie night during the summer months with younger kids–but mom and dad love them, too.
5. Finding Nemo
An unforgettable underwater adventure about family, courage, and friendship. Kids love this movie about a lost fish looking for his dad, and parents love the message showing how much we love our kiddos. I dare you to watch it without getting teary.
6. Rio
Bright colors, fun music, and a bird’s-eye view of Brazil! I did not expect to love this movie as much as I did. The main character is a bird, but that doesn’t keep him from having summer fun in a beautiful country.
7. Monsters, Inc.
This classic movie is silly and sweet with heartwarming themes of love and bravery. This one might be a little bit intense for younger kids, but it does have a happy ending.
8. Toy Story
Can you believe the first Toy Story movie was released in 1995? This movie franchise is a timeless tale of toys and the meaning of friendship. I’ve watched all of the Toy Story movies, and I truly believe they’re all great!
9. Cars
Road trips, racing, and small-town charm wrapped up in Pixar fun. This is a great movie for boys–no princes or kissing involved.
10. Zootopia
This is one of my favorite animated movies, and I think it’s underrated. It’s a powerful reminder that even little people can do great things if they work hard enough!
11. Despicable Me
Gru and his Minions deliver laughs with a redemptive twist. I never thought I’d somehow be rooting for bad guys–but Gru is an unlikely and lovable villain.
12. The Secret Life of Pets
Ever wonder what your pets do while you’re gone? This hilarious look at a group of misfits trying to save their friend who’s lost in the city will have you laughing and wondering what your pet is doing every day. And check out The Secret Life of Pets 2 where a family trip puts our animal friends in new situations!
13. Madagascar
Wild animals, island adventures, and plenty of dancing lemurs make this animated adventure a great choice for a fun summer night with your kids.
14. Shrek
This hilarious twist on fairy tales is a great choice for kids who are a little older. It has some mild potty humor, but it’s generally clean.
15. Paddington in Peru
In this family-friendly blockbuster, Paddington and his family take an epic journey to Peru. It’s truly perfect for all ages. Our family has loved all of the Paddington movies, and this one fully measures up to the rest of the series.
16. The Super Mario Bros Movie
Fun, fast-paced, and full of Nintendo nostalgia! This is one of the best family movies to watch with boys! I grew up playing Super Mario Bros video games, and I love how the movie is filled with little pieces from the games. We had a great time listening for the musical clues and noticing our favorite characters.
17. A Goofy Movie
Did you know that Goofy could make you cry? He can when you watch this movie about fathers and sons. Plus, you’ll get all kinds of 90s-inspired songs!
18. The Lego Movie and The Lego Movie 2
“This song’s gonna get stuck inside your head!” These movies are so funny, but have great themes of believing in yourself, sibling love, and cooperation. Both of these movies are on our list of family favorites.
Book-Inspired & Feel-Good Family Flicks
Summer adventures abound in these summer movies for kids that are based on books.
19. Ramona and Beezus
Sweet, funny, and perfect for fans of Beverly Cleary’s books. This movie stays pretty close to the books and brings so many of Ramona’s hilarious adventures to life. You’ll laugh like crazy and you’re sure to relate to one of the sisters in this movie.
20. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer
Silly and upbeat with lots of kid-friendly fun, Judy Moody is the perfect movie for summer vacation–especially if your family isn’t taking one! Poor Judy just wants to have the perfect summer with her friends, but everything goes against her.
21. Cheaper by the Dozen 1 & 2
Family chaos, sibling bonds, and Steve Martin at his best. These movies are full of chaos, jokes, sibling rivalry, and family fun. This one is best for older kids, as there is some mild language. Also, meat in underpants. Every boy’s dream.
22. Summer Magic
A vintage Disney classic full of charm and sweet family values. This sweet coming-of-age story stars Haley Mills and will give you all the feels.
23. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
A beautiful, inspiring story perfect for older elementary and up. Many of us who grew up in the nineties cried our way through this movie more than once! You can’t beat this classic story about Shadow, Chase, and Sassy on an unforgettable journey back to their kids.
24. Paddington & Paddington 2
(If you haven’t seen these before Peru!) These are warm, witty, and full of heart. Paddington and his marmalade sandwiches will steal your heart for sure.
25. Peter Rabbit
This laugh-out-loud movie about a rabbit trying to save his garden is perfect for kids in middle school and up.
26. Charlotte’s Web (2006)
This movie about a spider, a pig, and a farm girl is a perfect big screen adaptation of the classic book by E.B. White. It’s a timeless tale with themes of friendship, love, and sacrifice.
27. Nim’s Island
If you’re looking for a great movie with a young girl as the hero, this one is perfect! When Nim’s father disappears from their island home, she’ll look for help from an unlikely source.
28. Because of Winn-Dixie
This movie is based on the best-selling book by Kate DiCamillo, and it’s the perfect nostalgic movie for summer. It’s a sweet story about a lonely girl who bonds with a dog for an unlikely friendship.
Wrap Up the Summer with a Movie Night to Remember
When the days are long and the sun sets late, there’s nothing better than curling up with your people and enjoying a movie that makes everyone laugh, think, or just feel good. Whether you’re pulling out a cozy blanket indoors or watching under the stars in the backyard, these clean and family-friendly summer movies are the perfect way to slow down and savor the season together.
I hope this list gives you some new favorites—and maybe reminds you of a few classics, too!
If I missed one your family loves, drop it in the comments. I’m always looking for great recommendations to add to our next movie night!
More Family Fun You’ll Love
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