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“The Bad Guys 2.” Photo: courtesy Universal Pictures
When the mercury starts to rise in the summer, sometimes you need to slow down, grab a cool drink and escape into a great story. Whether that means cooling off at the theater or watching something at home, summertime entertainment abounds!
With so many exciting releases hitting the big screen and my family’s favorite streaming platforms this summer, there’s truly something for everyone. From animated adventures to binge-worthy series and big-budget blockbusters, we’ve rounded up the best picks to keep your whole crew entertained all summer long.
Summer movies coming to theaters
Nothing beats an air-conditioned movie theater on a hot summer afternoon. Round up the kids and beat the heat at a summer matinee.
“Superman”
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superman! Flying into theaters this summer, Superman is back to save the day and the world. And this time he has a dog. With a cape. Early reviews seem positive, so if you are looking for action this summer, this will be right up your alley.
In theaters July 11, rated PG-13
“Smurfs”
La la, la la la la, la la la la la. The Smurfs are back! In their latest adventure, Papa Smurf is kidnapped by Razamel and Gargamel, and the other Smurfs go on a rescue missing to bring him home. Voice actors include James Corden, Nick Offerman and Rihanna!
In theaters July 18, rated PG
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps”
Looking for more superhero action this summer? You’re in luck! The Fantastic Four must balance their roles as heroes with their bond as family as they work together to defend Earth from the evil space god, Galactus. If your kids are excited about this one, but you are still on the fence, consider this: Pedro Pascal is one of the stars of this movie. Now go buy your tickets.
In theaters July 25, rated PG-13
“The Bad Guys 2”
The Bad Guys are having a hard time convincing the world that they have truly become good guys. When a crew of Bad Girls tries to recruit them for a crime, they see an opportunity to show the world they really have changed. Can they do it? Have they really changed for good? You’ll have to watch to find out!
In theaters Aug. 1, rated PG
“The Wildman of Shaggy Creek”
Scott and his family move across the county to a new house in a small town, and you know what that means — bullies and scary town secrets. The Shaggy Creek woods behind his house look peaceful, but when Scott uncovers evidence of the “Wildman” (who sounds a lot like Bigfoot), will he be able to overcome his fears and learn the truth? This independent film has already won a lot of awards, including Best Picture, Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, Best Young Actress and Best Young Actor at the Los Angeles Film Awards!
In theaters Aug. 1, will probably be rated PG
“Sketch”
Amber is a young girl who has always loved to draw, and uses her sketchbook to help her work through emotions. When the sketchbook falls into a weird pond in the woods, her drawings all come to life. And this girl has drawn some strange stuff. Amber, her brother and dad must come together to save the town from a disaster they never meant to unleash. This exciting and creative film has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 100 percent, and is going on my “must watch” list for sure.
In theaters Aug. 6, rated PG
“Freakier Friday”
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are back! It’s been 22 years since Tess (Curtis) and her daughter Anna (Lohan) switch bodies. And while the concept is the same, this time Anna’s two daughters are in the mix! Get ready for misunderstandings, adventures and plenty of laughs.
In theaters Aug. 8, rated PG
“Grand Prix of Europe”
If you are looking for a movie about race cars that is a little shorter and less intense than “F1: The Movie,” this might be for you. Edda dreams of driving in the Grand Prix, and finally gets her chance when she disguises herself as her hero, Ed. Oh, I should probably mention that they are all mice. This animated movie is full of adventure, laughs and plenty of heart.
In theaters Aug. 22, rated PG
“Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie”
Gabby is heading to her Grandma Gigi’s house when she loses her magical dollhouse, which is promptly stolen by the evil Vera (played by Kristen Wiig). Gabby has to shrink down and join her dollhouse friends to save the day. If you have a Gabby fan at home, mark your calendars!
In theaters Sept. 26, not yet rated, appropriate for all ages
“Zootopia 2”
Ok, clearly this is not exactly a summer release, but we had to include it! Rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend the fox, Nick Wilde, are back to solve another case in this fun-filled adventure. With voice actors including Jason Bateman, Quinta Brunson and Fortune Feimster, you know you are in for some laughs. This movie comes out the day before Thanksgiving, perfect entertainment for the long weekend!
In theaters Nov. 26, not yet rated, PG is likely
Summer shows and movies to stream at home
Going to the theater is always fun, but sometimes you just want to turn something on at home and kick back in your jammies. From family classics to new releases, here are some great options coming to the small screen this summer.
“Paw Patrol,” seasons 2 and 3
A boy named Ryder and his team of six rescue dogs work together to protect the town of Adventure Bay. This popular kids show has been around for over a decade and has won multiple awards. Check it out!
Stream on Netflix July 1, rated TV-Y7
“Annie”
The sun will come out, tomorrow … sorry, couldn’t help myself. Belt your way through this classic musical about little orphan Annie and her quest for a family. Carol Burnett, Tim Curry and Bernadette Peters are perfection (as always).
Stream on Netflix July 1, rated PG
“Mission: Impossible,” “Mission: Impossible II,” “Mission: Impossible III,” “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol,” “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation”
If you are looking for action movies to binge, look no further! Watch Tom Cruise solve crime and climb buildings, dangle from helicopters and shatter the glass of a giant fish tank. What more could you want?
Stream on Netflix July 1, all rated PG-13
“The Karate Kid,” “The Karate Kid Part II,” “The Karate Kid Part III”
What’s that? You want more classic family movies? How about three! In the original, teenager Daniel LaRusso learns karate and life lessons from Mr. Miyagi, allowing him to stand up to bullies and face his rival in a tournament. In part two, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi travel to Okinawa. Part three sees Daniel tempted by a darker path when a ruthless businessman tries to manipulate him into betraying Mr. Miyagi and fighting for the wrong reasons.
Stream on Netflix July 1, all rated PG
“Happy Gilmore”
Get ready for the sequel released later in July by watching this ‘90s classic starring Adam Sandler. When a bad-tempered hockey player takes up golf to save his grandma’s house, the sport will never be the same again.
Stream on Netflix July 1, rated PG-13
“All the Sharks”
As you may have guessed, this show is about sharks. All of them. In this new reality competition show, four teams of shark experts at six locations have one task: find and photograph as many sharks as possible.
Stream on Netflix July 4, rated TV-PG
“Building The Band”
Speaking of reality shows, contestants in this new show must build a band without ever seeing any of the competitors. Once the bands are formed, they come together and perform in front of judges who will decide on one winning band. Get ready for singing, dancing and plenty of drama!
Stream on Netflix July 9, rated TV-14
“7 Bears”
These silly little fuzzballs are putting a spin on all the fairytales you thought you knew. So get ready, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and Cinderella. These little bears are about to shake things up.
Stream on Netflix July 10, rated TV-G
“Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires”
A group of friends head out on a summer road trip in this Disney original movie. After a car crash (where no one is injured at all) they find themselves in a battle between vampires and day walkers. Can our heroes help everyone learn to live together and get along, while also performing dance numbers? You’ll have to watch and find out (but, it is Disney, so the answer is probably yes).
Stream on Disney+ July 11, rated TV-G
“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+”
Join Mickey Mouse and friends back at the Clubhouse for all-new adventures on this fun animated kids show.
Stream on Disney+ July 22, rated TV-Y
“My Melody & Kuromi”
This charming stop-motion series is set in the whimsical land of Mariland, where My Melody opens a cake shop and Kuromi runs a rival sweets shop across the street. When My Melody discovers a mysterious pink heart in the forest, Mariland is thrown into chaos, prompting the two to team up for a sweets-making contest judged by pastry chef Pistachio, unaware that their rivalry may threaten the entire town.
Stream on Netflix July 24, rated TV-PG
“Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation”
Dracula and his monster crew take a break from the hotel and set off on a luxury cruise. Mavis plans the trip to give her dad a rest, but things get complicated when Dracula falls for the ship’s mysterious captain, Ericka. But, Ericka is hiding a big secret and a plan that could spell trouble for monsters everywhere.
Stream on Netflix July 24, rated PG
“Happy Gilmore 2”
He’s back, and still playing golf! After years of struggling with his golf game, Happy is making a comeback to try and win the money he needs to pay for his daughter (played by his real-life daughter, Sunny Sandler) to attend ballet school. As expected, this movie is filled with silly jokes and tons of physical comedy. Adam Sandler can get a little crass, and there is some swearing for sure. Probably best for tweens and older.
Stream on Netflix July 25, rated PG-13
“Project Runway”
One day you’re in, and the next day, you’re out. Heidi Klum is back (for season 21!) as the host of this reality show where designers compete to show their work at New York Fashion Week and win a variety of prizes. The competition is fierce and the talent is undeniable. Who knows what you will be inspired to make after watching!
Stream on Hulu and Disney+ July 31, rated TV-PG
“My Oxford Year”
Anna heads to England for a year abroad at Oxford where she falls for a handsome Brit. If you are looking for a romance that includes British accents and kissing in the rain, look no further. There are some sexual situations and swearing, best for Anglophiles who are teens or older.
Stream on Netflix Aug. 1, rated PG-13
“Wednesday,” season 2, part one
Wednesday Addams is back for season 2 in this funny, slightly creepy, mysterious show. Fresh adventures and supernatural mystery await at Nevermore Academy, as Wednesday faces new foes with her deadpan expressions. But with Tim Burton as director and executive producer, we’d expect nothing less! Part two of the season will air Sept. 3.
Stream on Netflix Aug. 6, rated TV-14
“Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical”
This is the first Peanuts musical in over thirty years! Charlie Brown and his friends discover the magic of summer camp in this new animated musical (with songs written by Emmy Award nominees Jeff Morrow and Ben Folds). Charlie Brown wants to make his last year at camp special, but his little sister Sally is nervous as a first-time camper. Snoopy and Woodstock discover a treasure map that takes them on their own adventure. At 40 minutes long, this is the perfect, low-key show for an afternoon rest on a hot summer day.
Stream on Apple TV Aug. 15, appropriate for all ages
“Eyes of Wakanda”
This animated miniseries follows the warriors of Wakanda as they protect their homeland and seek adventure.
Stream on Disney+ Aug. 27, rated PG-13
“Barbie Mysteries: Beach Detectives”
Best friends (and Barbies) Brooklyn and Malibu work together to solve crimes in this animated show. Does this mean that now Barbie’s job is “beach”? Guess we’ll have to watch and find out.
Stream on Netflix Aug. 28, rated TV-Y7
