Summer Movie Night Guide

Hi! I’m a 35-year-old mom of seven kids, ages ranging from 13 down to 1½. There’s nothing I love more than ending a long summer day with a cozy movie night. After we’ve been out at the pool all day there’s something so satisfying about getting on the couch and watching a good movie.

The only problem? Figuring out what to watch.

There’s nothing worse than getting everyone settled, only to spend the next hour scrolling through Netflix because no one can agree. I’ve been at this for 13 years, and in that time, I’ve found some really great family movies that actually hold the kids’ attention and keep me entertained too. So if you’re tired of the endless scroll and want movie night to be a little easier, here’s my summer movie night guide with tried-and-true picks for every age in the house.

Let’s start simple.

My 1½-year-old really isn’t the type to sit still and watch TV. He’d much rather play with his toys or just wander around doing his own thing. But there are a few movies that catch his attention and that he’ll actually sit for (at least for a little while), talk about, or even ask for by name.

Here are his top three:

• Toy Story

• Little Bear

• Curious George

These are my go-to choices in the morning when I’m trying to get breakfast on the table or pack lunches. I feel good about putting them on because they tell an actual story and don’t feel like the endless, overstimulating loop of Cocomelon.

One movie I definitely recommend showing your kids is Matilda. It’s hilarious for all ages. Right now, my 3-year-old is completely obsessed—she asks to watch it constantly. If I’m in the other room, I’ll hear her laughing out loud, especially during her favorite scene when Bruce eats the chocolate cake. What I love about this one is that even though she’s the one requesting it, my older kids always end up watching too. It pulls everyone in, and honestly, I enjoy it just as much. It has a real story, fun characters, and it’s one of those rare kids’ movies that’s just as entertaining for adults.

Another one of my favorites is The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap is a great pick for ages 6 and up. The younger ones think it’s fun and silly, and the older kids really get into the storyline. I love the summer camp vibe—it makes it such a fun watch during the summer. This has always been one of my favorite movies, and it’s one that never gets old no matter how many times we watch it.

Some other good ones for this age group are

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Little Rascals, and Rookie of the Year

Another great one is E.T.. It is a super sweet, classic movie that’s perfect to watch with your kids. I’d say it’s great for kids 7 and up.

Moving on to movies for the kids 9 and up, here are some great picks. These have really good stories and fair warning, some of them can be a little sad too. But they’re all worth watching and make for meaningful family movie nights.

My girl (😢)

Little Manhattan

Wonder

Holes

If you’re looking for fun classics for the older kids The Goonies, School of Rock, and Back to the Future are always a hit. Stand By Me is better for the teens, a little more emotional, but such a good coming-of-age story.

Okay, on to some sports movies that my sons loveeee—and my daughters are into them too.

The Sandlot is our number one. It’s the perfect summer baseball movie and just never gets old.

Angels in the Outfield has more heart but still super fun.

Bad News Bears is great for older kids—funny but a little more edgy.

Little Giants is a classic underdog football story that’s so cute and funny.

More movies perfect for a summer movie night:

Freaky Friday – A funny body-swap movie. My kids love it, and I still laugh every time.

Grown Ups 2 – Great for older kids and tweens who love a good laugh. My kids love Adam Sandler movies. Big Daddy, Happy Gilmore, and Billy Madison are our favorites.

Cheaper by the Dozen 2 – Big family, summer chaos—relatable and hilarious.

High School Musical 2 – Summer vibes and my girls love it

Good Burger – So goofy and funny

Grease – A classic!

Four great summer movies for the older kids (13 and up) are The Kings of Summer, The Way, Way Back, Little Miss Sunshine, and Blue Crush. All of them have that perfect coming-of-age movies,

For Teen Girls

My 13 year old daughter is a night owl, so we tend to stay awake a little later than everyone else. We love watching series together. We have watched Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl, and The OC and are looking forward to finding more shows. If anyone has any suggestions let me know!

We just watched Unbroken because my daughter had to read it for 8th grade—such a good movie.

Another one I really love is Gifted. It’s definitely a little sad and covers some big topics, but it is totally worth watching.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, here are a few fun, feel-good favorites:

• To All The Boys I’ve Ever Loved Before

• Hannah Montana: The Movie

• The Last Song

• Starstruck

• A Cinderella Story

Perfect for a cozy night in when you just want something sweet and easy to watch.

That’s all I got. Leave a comment for other movies we should put on our list this summer!

Talk soon,

Mary