Spending the summer in a cool, air-conditioned movie theater is always a great go-to plan for the whole family. But you know what’s even better? Staying in, saving a few bucks and watching a family-friendly movie from your own living room. And with Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu at your fingertips, there’s always plenty of kid-appropriate flicks to choose from.
In the mood for a superhero movie that’ll get the whole fam cracking up? Thor: Ragnarok should do the trick. Or how about a live-action Disney film that’ll tug at everyone’s heartstrings? Press play on the remade Beauty and the Beast starring everyone’s favorite, Emma Watson.
We’ve rounded up 16 of the best streamable summer movies for kids, from newly released animated films and action flicks to tried-and-true classics. So, pop a bag (or two) of popcorn, pour your refreshments, and plop down on the couch — it’s movie time.
A version of this article was originally published in June 2017.
‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’
Miley Cyrus hit the big screen back in 2009 with this gem. Watch as Hannah Montana's stardom becomes too overwhelming, forcing Miley Stewart to take a trip to her hometown. (Watch on Hulu.)
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’
Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and the gang are back! This time, they’re trying to find Peter’s true lineage. But the real star of the film is Baby Groot (Vin Diesel), the tiny tree who loves to dance. Your kids will be talking about him all summer. (Watch on Netflix.)
‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’
Jack Sparrow is on a mission to the Devil’s Triangle to find Poseidon’s legendary trident. Though this film is rated PG-13, your younger kids will likely enjoy it if they've watched and enjoyed the previous Pirates films. In addition to Johnny Depp, other stars include Geoffrey Rush and Kaya Scodelario. This movie is currently playing in theaters. (Watch it on Netflix.)
‘Coco’
Miguel just wants to be a musician, but his family has an ancestral ban on music. Follow him as he enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather. (Watch it on Netflix.)
‘Beauty and the Beast’
The live-action version of this Disney classic — the love story of Belle and the Beast — will have your kids singing along. (Watch it on Netflix.)
‘Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie’
Two creative pranksters, George (Kevin Hart) and Harold (Thomas Middleditch), hypnotize their principal into thinking he's a silly superhero named Captain Underpants (Ed Helms). If your kids loved the Captain Underpants books, they'll love this hilarious animated adaptation. Other voice actors include Kristen Schaal and Jordan Peele. (Watch it on Netflix.)
‘Cars 3’
Speedy, cocky Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) sets out to prove to a new generation of racers that he's still the best race car in the world. Voice actors include Nathan Fillion as Sterling, Armie Hammer as Jackson Storm and Bonnie Hunt as Sally. (Watch it on Netflix.)
‘Sing’
Listen to Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson and more sing their hearts out in this fun sing-along. (Watch it on Netflix.)
‘Thor: Ragnarok’
Thor is back and funnier than ever in this next part of the incredibly successful Marvel series. Watch Chris Hemsworth and friends fight to stop Ragnarök. (Watch it on Netflix.)
‘Despicable Me 3’
Gru (Steve Carell) meets his long-lost twin brother, Dru, for the first time. Voice actors include Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand and Jenny Slate. (Watch it on Netflix.)
‘Kubo and the Two Strings’
A young boy, Kubo, is on a mission to find a magical suit of armor worn by his late father. Voice actors include Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey. (Watch it on Netflix.)
‘Roald Dahl’s The BFG’
A giant and an orphan become unexpected friends, and they embark on an adventure together to stop the man-eating giants. (Watch it on Amazon Prime.)
‘Hercules’
What a classic! The kids will love learning the songs in this Disney film about Hercules trying to reclaim his hero status. (Watch it on Netflix.)
‘The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature’
Surly (Will Arnett), Andie (Katherine Heigl) and Precious (Maya Rudolph) set out to stop Oakton City's mayor from destroying their home to make way for a dysfunctional amusement park. Other voice actors include Jackie Chan and Bobby Moynihan. (Watch it on Amazon Prime.)
‘The Emoji Movie’
Take a trip to Textopolis, the hidden city inside your smartphone where all the emojis live. While most emojis only have one facial expression, Gene (T.J. Miller) is an emoji who is bursting with multiple expressions. With the help of friends Jailbreak (Anna Faris) and Hi-5 (James Corden), Gene hopes to finally fit in. Other voice actors include Sofía Vergara as Flamenca, Jennifer Coolidge as Mary Meh and Patrick Stewart as Poop. (Watch it on Netflix.)
‘Leap!’
Félicie (Elle Fanning), an orphaned French girl, dreams of becoming a ballerina. When she runs off to Paris with Victor (Dane DeHaan), they find a whole new world of adventure. Other voice actors include Carly Rae Jepsen and Maddie Ziegler. (Watch it on Netflix.)
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