9 Summer Movies to Stream on Disney Plus
Summer just kicked off and there’s no better time to binge a few feel-good films. Disney+ has a really solid lineup of movies that capture all the fun, energy, and sun-soaked nostalgia of summer. Our list has titles for those in the mood for a musical, a heartfelt animated adventure, and some beachy throwbacks! Here are nine perfect summer movies on Disney Plus to stream right now.
Summer Movies on Disney Plus
1. Lilo & Stitch
A summer in Hawaii turns into a heartwarming tale of found family and alien mayhem. It’s funny, emotional, and filled with vibrant island visuals and great catchy music. Plus, Stitch is one of Disney’s most chaotic but lovable characters.
Fascinating Fact: The original story of Lilo & Stitch was set in Kansas before it was relocated to Hawaii to make the story more visually dynamic and unique. The small town of Hanapepe is the town that served as inspiration for the movie!
2. Teen Beach Movie
Two teens get swept into a 1960s beach musical. It’s cheesy, catchy, and pure Disney summer fun with retro surf style and dance-offs that feel entertaining if a little cheesy. Think surfboards, leather jackets, big musical numbers, and a clash of worlds as modern teens navigate the tropes of an old-school movie. It’s a clever and self-aware spin on the beach party genre that doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s exactly what makes it such a blast to watch.
Fascinating Fact: The movie was filmed in Puerto Rico, and many of the beach scenes were shot on the beautiful beaches of Vega Baja.
3. Moana
Set on the sparkling ocean, this inspiring adventure is all about courage, identity, and summer-worthy tropical visuals. A young adventuerer named Moana embraces the exploring nature of her ancestoers by setting out on a journey of her own. With music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, it’s got unforgettable songs and gorgeous animation.
Fascinating Fact: Auliʻi Cravalho was only 14 years old when she was cast as the voice of Moana, her very first acting role.
4. The Parent Trap (1998)
Lindsay Lohan shines in this double-role classic about twin sisters who meet at summer camp and plot to reunite their long divorced parents. The summer camp scenes and lighthearted tone make it a summer favorite.
Fascinating Fact: Lindsay Lohan actually played both twins with such precision that many viewers believed the roles were played by real-life sisters.
5. The Parent Trap (1961)
This is the one that started it all. Hayley Mills stars as the original pair of long-lost twins who meet at summer camp and scheme to bring their parents back together. It’s timeless Disney charm at its best and the scenes set in Monterey and of course, the sleepaway camp just scream summer.
Fascinating Fact: Hayley Mills played both twins with the help of clever camera tricks and a body double, which were revolutionary mvoie effects for the time.
6. Finding Nemo
Underwater escapades and sunny seascapes make this Pixar classic a relaxing, visually stunning summer watch. Finding Nemo is about the bond between father and child and it’s surprisingly an emotional, funny, and heartwarming tale of love, loss, and exploration.
Fascinating Fact: It was the first Pixar film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
7. Turning Red
It’s not a summer flick in setting, but Turning Red’s bold colors, energy, and coming-of-age story feel right at home during school break. The chaotic tween vibes that teeter between loving freindships and silly boy crushes make it a perfect summer mood booster.
Fascinating Fact: Turning Red was the first Pixar feature directed solely by a woman (Domee Shi) who previously won an Oscar for her short film Bao.
8. Jungle Cruise
Inspired by the classic Disneyland ride, Jungle Cruise follows wisecracking riverboat captain Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) and adventurous researcher Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) as they journey deep into the Amazon jungle to uncover the legendary Tree of Life. The film is ridiculous fun (from wild animals to conquistador zombies) and it has action, comedy, and fantasy blended into one of the most entertaining Disney Plus summer movies.
We have a fun Jungle Cruise themed popcorn snack to eat while watching the movie!
Fascinating Fact:
The film includes several Easter eggs and puns as a nod to the original Jungle Cruise ride and Dwayne Johnson even delivers the iconic corny jokes just like the real-life skippers do at the parks.
9. Summer of Soul
Directed by Questlove, Summer of Soul is a powerful and engrossing documentary that captures the long-overlooked 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Featuring never-before-seen footage of performances by musicians like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Sly and the Family Stone, it celebrates Black music and culture. The film also explores the festival in the larger context of the civil rights movement and what the event meant to the Harlem community.
Fascinating Fact:
The footage from the Harlem Cultural Festival sat unseen in a basement for over 50 years until Questlove unearthed it and brought it to light through this documentary.
Looking for something the whole family can actually agree on? Stream Disney classics, Marvel hits, Star Wars adventures, Pixar favorites, and more — all in one place.
👉Sign up for Disney+ and start watching today!
