After a long, exhausting day spent checking fun activities off your summer bucket list, a family movie night is the perfect way to bring everyone back together before bed. But before pressing play on one of the same movies your kids ask to watch all year long (hello, Frozen!), consider introducing them to summer movies that feature a few kids that are just like them. It can be especially sweet to watch the summer movies that were your own favorites when you were younger. And while that can be a risky proposition — kids' media has changed, and not every older kids movie can keep little ones' attention these days — there are several tried-and-true kids summer movies that will never go out of style.
From older classics, like "The Goonies," to newer summer movies for kids that are sure to last through the ages, we've compiled the perfect list of flicks for you and your family to work your way through this summer.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: While the premise of this movie is totally outdated, its humor is everlasting. A crazed Ben Stiller will throw your kids into fits of giggles, they'll want to befriend every single kid at Camp Hope, and they'll be begging you for a chance to jump on "The Blob."
What to look out for: Diet culture is a huge theme and this movie could help facilitate conversations about how to fuel your body with healthy foods while also promoting balance. There's also minor profanity and a bunch of fart scenes that may cause uncontrollable laughter.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: At a summer day camp, seven teens work toward opening an office for their babysitting group. Each club member faces their own individual struggle throughout the film, but ultimately they figure out how to work together to keep their dreams of opening the office alive.
What to look out for: This movie is the ultimate example of a child making a poor decision — like lying — and completely learning something from it. You'll have good opportunities to address some of the mistakes the teens make along the way, if you want to!
Reasons they need to see it this summer: Daniel and Mr. Miyagi's unlikely friendship is one for the ages. The iconic film deals with bullies and showing compassion even in tough situations, providing great learning moments. Your kids will also learn the meaning behind "wax on, wax off," as well as Miyagi's other gems.
What to look out for: Aside from the bullying and intense competitiveness, unless any of your kids can't handle a nose bleed or two, this one isn't too bad.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: Though the 1961 version is a great movie, your kids might relate more to the remake, which features the same storyline. Two twins separated by their divorced parents when they were babies find each other at summer camp and switch places in a scheme to get their parents back together. It's funny, it's clever, and it's Lindsay Lohan in her prime (twice!).
What to look out for: There's a DIY ear-piercing scene toward the beginning that still makes me squirm more than 20 years later, but for the most part, this movie is 127 minutes of wholesome family fun.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: First love, go-karts, talent shows, and more make up this iconic film that covers literally every aspect of a childhood summer in one mischievous little package. Also, mini Bug Hall and an adorable Travis Tedford will show your kids that even the best of friends have fights sometimes, but with a little work they can always forgive and forget.
What to look out for: The term "He-Man Woman Haters Club" and the kids' general outlook on gender could bring up a few meaningful conversations.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: Greg Heffley is looking forward to doing nothing but play games all summer (like a few other kids you may know), but his dad decides that they should spend some quality father-son time together, which triggers some embarrassing mishaps that'll send your kids into fits of giggles.
What to look out for: Tons of jokes featuring pee, farts, and boogers.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: This is the ultimate best-friend movie. The girls grow up together, share everything with each other physically and emotionally, and learn to deal with the way friendship changes and grows as they do. It also serves to prove that friends can get through anything together, like spending the entire summer apart.
What to look out for: The girls help Bridget cope with the loss of her mother, which is a bit upsetting, and there is a bit of language — when Carmen hits her breaking point with her dad — and a scene or two with some hot and heavy makeouts.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: One summer, Scotty Smalls faces the struggle of moving away from his friends and having to make new ones, something that young children going through the same thing could have anxiety about. The movie proves that you can make friends even with the most unlikely people, and that though something may seem scary, you can face it with people who support you (and if it ends up not being scary, you might meet a cute dog or a retired baseball player).
What to look out for: The scenes showing the boys' perception of The Beast are a bit scary.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: For kids who have ever felt like it's hard to fit in, the story of 14-year-old Duncan will be a relatable one. It's a sweet coming-of-age story that starts with Duncan being forced to spend all summer at the beach with his mom and her annoying new boyfriend, but some unlikely friends and a cool job change his perspective.
What to look out for: This one is definitely more for teens, as there is a fair amount of drinking and swearing, as well as some other adult concepts.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: There is a little bit of Dennis in every young child. He will make your child seem like an angel — that is, until they decide to start copycatting some of his antics with their friends. Most of all, this one will make your kiddo crack up.
What to look out for: The scenes with Christopher Lloyd as Switchblade Sam can be a little scary for young eyes, but Dennis drives him up a wall fast enough that the comedy comes back into play fairly quickly.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: This movie should be every child's first love film, as Vada and Thomas J. are just children themselves. The film covers the topics of death (of a parent and of a friend), lasting friendships, single parenthood, and family quirkiness (and accepting that for what it is). It's a powerful movie that will stick with your kids for a long time.
What to look out for: There are fewer movie scenes more tragic than Thomas J.'s sudden death and funeral (BRB, crying). Death is the main theme of this movie, so some kids might need some hard cuddling through the difficult scenes.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: The film's story shows the course of a first-love summer fling between two teens, and while not every relationship lasts in those early days, the movie does not downplay the importance of your first love. It's a great movie to show teens who are becoming interested in dating.
What to look out for: Though you could fast-forward through the one sex scene, this movie is definitely one for your teen regardless, as there isn't much in it for younger kids. The ending of the movie is a bit upsetting — or what I like to call "tragically beautiful" — but your teen should be able to cope.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: Besides the fact that baby Elijah Wood and his bright blue eyes star in it? This story of a boy who is worried about spending an entire summer with his uncle following his parents' divorce ends up being a tale of the strong bond between a child and an animal (and making the best of some not-so-great situations).
What to look out for: A bit of profanity, drinking, smoking, and violence — especially in the beginning when a dolphin is killed.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: When two brothers find out they may lose their house, they and the other "Goonies" go on a treasure hunt to find a way to keep their home. Featuring the iconic "truffle shuffle" and a kid nicknamed "Sloth," this movie will have kiddos giggling all through summer break and may inspire some "treasure hunts" with their friends.
What to look out for: Swear words, lots of them!
Ages it's best suited for: 10 and up
14 / 18
15"Luca"
Image Source: Disney/Pixar
Reasons they need to see it this summer: First of all this film is beautiful simply because of the setting. Luca, the titular character, has an unforgettable summer along the Italian seaside but there's one problem. He's not a human boy, he's a sea monster.
What to look out for: Some frightening and intense scenes.
Ages it's best suited for: 5 and up
15 / 18
16"Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation"
Image Source: Sony Pictures Releasing/Courtesy Everett Collection
Reasons they need to see it this summer: Even if you haven't seen the first two, the world of Hotel Transylvania is always a good time. Join Dracula and his extended family on a luxury Monster Cruise Ship for a new round of adventures.
What to look out for: Some sexual innuendos are made but most will go over kids' heads.
Reasons they need to see it this summer: A dip in the pool? A trip to the spa? It's time to introduce your kids to the world according to Sharpay Evans. Sing along with this blonde villain as she attempts to break up the high school sweethearts Troy and Gabriella. Don't worry it's a riot of a time.
What to look out for: It presents a fairly sanitized version of teen life.
Ages it's best suited for: 8 and up
17 / 18
18"Camp Rock"
Image Source: Disney Channel / courtesy Everett Collection
Reasons they need to see it this summer: The Jonas Brothers' acting debut is something that can't be missed this summer! Besides the fun singalongs, you can regale your kid with stories of which Jo Bro you pined for all those years ago.
What to look out for: Language like "jerk," "stupid," "loser," and "shut up," are used occasionally.
