Summer is here and that means one thing… movies… lots of them! It is very easy when one puts together a list like this to try and go broad. This is all well and good but sometimes we end up going a mile long and an inch deep, only to make it difficult for certain moviegoers to find the films specific to them. And while it’s easy to throw a list together we decided to go a different direction and target kids with this current offering of movies.
As much as we think of younger people when we think about summer, it’s hard not to feel like, with all the movies coming out, kids can sometimes be forgotten. With young people having tablets, phones and other things with screens thrust at them from a very young age, it is easy to think that any form of content can be a virtual baby-sitter. The reality is that this isn’t the case and our young friends want good content just like everybody else. Quite simply, being discerning doesn’t really have an age after one is a year or two old.
Now, some people might wonder about some of the movies on this list. For example, they may question whether a movie likeAvengers: Infinity Waris really a kids film? This is a valid question. However, the fact that the movies are dealing with superheroes and done with layers upon layers of CGI only seems to blur the line between live action and cartoon.
Also, there are some films on this list that have already come out. The list I have compiled does go back to April. Now, before you start crying foul please understand that most of the already released films on this list will play for a long time. Yes, somewhere over the summer, in a second run theater of some merit, you will be able to watchShow Dogs. It’s just the way the release cycle works.
So parents we hope that you enjoy our complete summer movie list for kids. We tried to be as comprehensive as possible while also giving young people a variety of content to chose from. This list contains action, adventure, comedy, thrills, chills and just about everything else you might expect from any other summer movie list!
12Avengers: Infinity War (April 27)
Avengers: Infinity War, for a lot of people, has come and gone. However this monolith of a film is filled with a ton of action, adventure and downright surprises. This tale of the Avengers trying to stop Thanos from grabbing all the Infinity Stones is the stuff of Marvel legend. There is a solid balance between action, dialogue and all around Marvel zaniness and fun. At the same time,Avengers: Infinity Warthat might just get kids thinking about the big issues that are at the forefront of this film. Chances are they will want to re-watch the other Marvel films that they have already seen. Heck, they might even break out the graphic novels which means, you guessed it, more summer reading!
11Lu over the Wall (May 11)
What makes so much present day anime appeal to so many different audiences is the way they mix the present day with the fantastical.Lu Over the Wallfollows a middle school student named Kai who finds that everything is a bummer. However, their world is upended in the best of all ways when they meet a mermaid named Lu. Suddenly, Kai comes to realize the true meaning of friendship and also that life isn’t so bad after all. Aside from the fact that middle school is an amazing place to set a coming of age story,Lu Over the Wallis a gloriously fantastical tale that plays strongly to the idea that differences should never get in the way of true friendship. What better kids summer movie lesson could there be? Throw in the whole musical element to this story and this is a film you need to see somehow… someway!
10Show Dogs (May 18)
At first glass you’ll probably think thatShow Dogsis simplyMiss Congenialitywith animals. You are right and not so right.Show Dogsfollows a Rottweiler named Max. He’s a police dog who likes to keep things simple. He wants to have an easy life and all of that is taken from him when he has to go undercover in a dog show. He is aided in this by Frank (Will Arnett), his human partner, who always appears to be one step behind his canine friend. As you’re able to guessShow Dogsis filled with hi-jinks, laughs, and moments where you might think that our animal friends might really be in trouble. As is usually the case, none of that bad stuff happens, and it is us humans that end up the foils. Sure, the whole talking animal thing kinda looks silly but in a movie calledShow Dogsshould it really be any other way?
9Solo: A Star Wars Story (May 25)
Alright, don’t listen to the people sounding the death knell for theStar Warsfranchise.Solo: A Star Wars Storyis an action filled adventure that, while maybe not totally necessary in theStar Warsuniverse, still manages to tell a great story. This tale of a young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) scamming his way across the galaxy is a sight to behold. That he eventually hooks up with Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) only shakes up his world further. Han Solo is an opportunist of the highest order and what he is able to achieve here is nothing short of legendary. He eventually finds himself doing a major deal with Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany), only to discover that this deal is ill-fated and actually puts him in the crosshairs of one ofStar Warsmost infamous baddies. Kids will love it. Parents might be a bit more discerning but this film might not be for you anyway.
8Won’t You Be My Neighbor (June 8)
Mister Rogers. You say that name and it evokes many thoughts and feelings.Won’t You Be My Neighboris an exploration of the life of Fred Rogers. It examines his show,Mister Rogers' Neighborhoodwhich used simple sets, simple life lessons, and the warm host at the heart of the show to influence millions and millions of people. That it ran for 31 seasons and is the precursor to such shows asBlues Clues,Mister Rogers' Neighborhoodis a true example of substance over style. Sure, this is a documentary and it might not appeal to all kids. However, our kids watch documentaries all the time on YouTube. They just don’t realize it because it is usually an unboxing or gaming video that they have an interest in. Take a chance onWon’t You Be My Neighbor. It will most likely invoke interest in the original show which is filled with life lessons for kids and adults.
7Incredibles 2 (June 15)
In a role reversal that seems to mirror our modern times,Incredibles 2sees Mr. Incredible having to look after Jack-Jack as his wife Elastigirl is out saving the world. Sure, there’s a lot more going on here than just that plot line, otherwise why involve such other characters such as Frozone, Frozone;s Wife, Dash and others? Factor in that Bob Odenkirk is playing a smarmy character named Wilson Deavor, and that just adds to theIncredibles 2anticipation level. Making this even more exciting is the fact thatThe Incrediblesoriginal director, Brad Bird, is back at the helm for this sequel. Bird brings a real sure hand to these films, and that makes for films that are fun, whimsical, and contain very important messages. Whether you love animation or are just lukewarm to it, you’re able to’t deny thatIncredibles 2looks like maybe the best time at the movies this summer!
6Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (June 22)
Extinction is the order of the day inJurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. In this highly regarded summer sequel, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) do everything in the power to save the dinosaurs from extinction when an old volcano starts spitting out lava again. Considering what the world bore witness to when Hawaii’s big island experienced the same thing, the pre-historic tale ofJurassic World: Fallen Kingdomfinds itself, oddly enough, being more timely than it ever imagined. With thrills, chills, and the best special effects that money can buy,Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdomhas a rabid fan base that has been patiently waiting for this movie to stomp into theaters. Based on the previews it doesn’t seem like it is going to disappoint.
5Ant-Man and the Wasp (July 6)
If the kitschy cool of this film doesn’t grab kids the way it most likely will adults,Ant-Man and the Waspcan at least boast outstanding effects and lots of fun dialogue from Paul Rudd (aka Ant-Man). This one sees Scott Lang aka Ant-Man aka Paul Rudd as he juggles his duties as a crime fighter AND being a doting dad. His life gets uber complicated when Dr. Pym (Michael Douglas) presents him with another urgent matter to attend to. Aiding him is The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) and, as you can guess, Ant-Man is in dire need of her abilities.Ant-Man and the Wasphas a lot going for it. Not the least of it will be its ability to appeal to adults AND kids. On top of that, Paul Rudd is imminently likable, Evangeline Lilly is superbly cast, and the supporting cast (Douglas, Michael Pena, Michelle Pfeiffer, Walton Goggins, etc.), all bring something unique to the table. This kids film is truly the best of both worlds!
4Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (July 13)
There are some animated franchises likeDespicable Methat can kind a get a little stale. In the case ofHotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacationthat is not something we need to worry about. In this new installment, Mavis (the voice of Selena Gomez) sets her dad, Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler), up with a relaxing cruise. This is all well and good until Dracula falls in love with Ericka (voiced by Kathryn Hahn), only to find out that Ericka’s last name is Van Helsing. Alright, this idea would be clever on it’s own. To set it aboard a ship, and flip the script so that theHotel Transylvaniaseries sees Dracula taking a siesta, is nothing short of genius. We live in very odd times. It is nice to see that certain things remain stable.Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacationrepresents the best kind of stability. It will make us laugh, think and engage in a healthy discourse about how we perceive one another. Win-win!
3Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (July 27)
Well, Warner Bros. needs a boost in their superhero franchises and it looks likeTeen Titans Go! To the Moviescould be it. This story sees the characters of Superman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Batman, Robin, etc. as teenagers aspiring to make it big on the silver screen. Sadly, their plans get upended when a crazy, super-villain tries to take over earth. At this point our faithful heroes must choose between art and humanity. With a voice cast that includes the likes of Kristen Bell, Jimmy Kimmel, Will Arnett, and Nicolas Cage (finally, sort of, playing Superman!), how can you not be excited about this summer film?!?
