For kids, summertime isn’t just camp, pool days and staying up past school-year bedtime — it’s also about movies. And this year Hollywood is making sure younger audiences have plenty to choose from.
The biggest franchises — Star Wars, Minions and Toy Story — are answering the call of parents in need of two hours in a dark, air-conditioned room with snacks close at hand. There’s also superhero fare, live-action Disney remakes and even some Looney Tunes energy (beep beep).
To sort through the packed lineup of family films, we enlisted some serious expert help. Love on the Spectrum star Logan Pereira joined Yahoo as our Guest Movie Buff after winning over viewers with his genuine enthusiasm for Pixar and movies in general — making him the perfect guide for summer moviegoing.
Logan’s reactions focus on emotional stakes, animation and whether a movie will deliver for longtime fans, especially when Woody and Buzz are involved.
Jump ahead to Logan’s picks:
We also checked in with kids — the ones these movies are trying to win over. Ranging from ages 3 to 11, the 13 young viewers shared hot takes that are honest, enthusiastic and sometimes hilariously ruthless. (“So stupid but so funny” may be the review of the summer.)
A few themes emerged: Kids love chaotic comedy (Minions & Monsters is an overwhelming favorite), animals are a major selling point (“Her dog is really cute” was enough to recommend Supergirl), and older kids are quick to call out stories that felt recycled (“I already know the plot,” one says about live-action Moana).
Lastly, Common Sense Media — the nonprofit organization known for its parenting guides — weighed in to help identify the best options for different age groups. After all, while summer movies should be fun, parents also want to know what might be too intense for younger viewers. That’s also why we have a “scare-o-meter” for all the flicks.
Note: This list is evolving as critic reviews roll in and trendy merch and concession picks are unveiled, so be sure to check back throughout the summer for updates.
Now, on with the show …
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Plot in 10 words: Bounty hunter and adorable apprentice embark on an action-packed adventure.
Star power: Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White
The sit-still factor: 2 hr. 12 min.
Scare-o-meter (⚔️🔥🐉/🐍): Fighting, fire and a Dragonsnake make this more intense than Grogu’s cuddly appearance suggests.
Our kid expert says: “I was super excited to see it [opening weekend]. ‘Have you ever removed your helmet? Has it ever been removed by anyone else? If the answer is no to both, this is the way.’” — Rosalie, 11
Common Sense Media’s take: “It’s got lots of sci-fi action, violence and tense encounters (even a jump-scare or two), but this entertaining adventure for older tweens and up offers solid fan service — as well as themes of commitment, integrity, loyalty, teamwork and the importance of found family.”
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Masters of the Universe
Plot in 10 words: Long-lost prince returns home to save Eternia.
Star power: Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Jared Leto
The sit-still factor: 2 hr. 12 min. (varies by theater)
Scare-o-meter (⚔️🔥💀): Violence, fire, suggestive language and Skeletor are a better fit for bigger kids.
Our kid experts say: “I know this trailer. I already saw it on TV. ” [Turns away uninterested.] — Kaiden, 8
“Very suspenseful. Um, I’m really picky with my movies. I always, like, pick one and that’s my movie for the month. That probably wouldn’t be one.” — Sarai, 11
“I think they took ‘I have the power’ from the Barb the Last Berzerker book series.” Told it was the other way around: “Oh.” — Gigi, 11
Common Sense Media’s take: “Based on the hugely popular media franchise originally created in the 1980s, this live-action adaptation promises plenty of fight scenes and fantasy violence, as well as the potential for themes like identity, duty and resilience — likely making it best for tweens and teens.”
Merch your kid will beg for: Skeletor mask with 10 sounds to haunt your house.
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The Last Whale Singer
Out in theaters: June 5
Plot in 10 words: Orphaned teen whale tries saving oceans in educational animated tale.
Star power: Vincent Tong, Lisa Ortiz
The sit-still factor: 1 hr. 31 min.
Scare-o-meter (🌊🐳🌎): Mild peril and emotional themes, but overall calm waters for most kids.
Our kid expert says: “I really want to see it because it’s a brand-new movie. Not a sequel. They have to save the world. I like stories with two little characters who save the day, find their voice. Since this is a children’s movie, they’ll win in the end. Happily ever after.” — Gigi, 11
Common Sense Media’s take: “This story about a grief-stricken orphaned humpback whale finding his purpose looks to have lovely animation, with messages about the impact of our actions. Since it also deals with loss, expect it to land best with younger grade-schoolers and older kids.”
Merch your kid will beg for: They really don’t have any that we can find, which will also save parents a few bucks.
Concession-stand danger zone: Ditto.
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Toy Story 5
Plot in 10 words: Bonnie gets a tablet, making toys vie for her attention.
Star power: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Keanu Reeves, Bad Bunny, Conan O’Brien, Tony Hale
The sit-still factor: 1 hr. 42 min.
Scare-o-meter (🥹⚠️📱): Some emotional themes (bring a tissue) and some mildly rude humor, but it’s a Toy Story movie, guys. You know the drill.
Logan thinks: “I wonder what the Lilypad character is gonna add to the plot. I’m excited to see Woody and Buzz again because they’re my favorite Pixar characters, next to Lightning McQueen. I hope it’s gonna work out with Woody not living there anymore.”
Our kid experts say: We actually did a whole story on kids’ reactions to this one, but Esme, 10, adds, “I like the trailer because of how funny and dramatic it seems. It’s funny how Woody seems like an old toy now because he has a bald spot. It’s dramatic when the many Buzzes come out of the water all loaded with weapons.”
Common Sense Media’s take: “Woody, Buzz and the gang are back for another big-screen outing that’s expected to tackle the usual themes of friendship and loyalty, plus timely questions about the relationship between kids and technology. It may be a bit more mature than its predecessors, but it’s still expected to be appropriate for younger grade-schoolers and up.”
Merch your kid will beg for: LeapFrog made a real Lilypad for kids who want to embrace the “villain.” And here’s hoping we see some Jessie “Croots” Croc boots out in the wild.
Concession-stand danger zone: It’ll be hard to choose between the collectible cups, but the Buzz popcorn holder feels inevitable.
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Supergirl
Plot in 10 words: Kara Zor-El battles baddies while delivering sarcastic quips.
Star power: Milly Alcock, Eve Ridley, Jason Momoa
The sit-still factor: 1 hr. 50 min.
Scare-o-meter (⚡💥👊): Superpowered fights, explosions and darker themes make this better for older action-film-loving kids.
Logan thinks: “Supergirl looks like it has good characters, a good plot and a good storyboard. And it feels like it gonna be emotional. The dog reminds me of my dog, BamBam. He’s a jumpy, playful dog.”
Our kid experts say: “I want to see it. It was really cool how there were special effects with Supergirl’s laser eyes. And her dog is really cute.” — Hayley, 10
“I really love dogs, so I would probably watch that. Also, there’s usually not really that many movies about women superheroes. It’s always like Spider-Man. Iron Man. Man, man.” — Sarai, 11
“I kind of want to see it because the dog looks cute.” — Kaiden, 8
Common Sense Media’s take: “DC’s latest superhero adventure explores the backstory of Superman’s younger cousin, Kara Zor-El, who does a lot of partying as she grapples with the trauma of seeing her home planet destroyed during her childhood. That, plus the likelihood of intense, violent battle scenes, probably makes this best for older tweens and teens.”
Merch your kid will beg for: If you don’t already have a dog, your kid may beg for one. As far as things that aren’t alive and require much less care, we’re partial to the Supergirl and Krypto Funko Pop.
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Minions & Monsters
Plot in 10 words: Quirky yellow troublemakers cause monster mayhem in Hollywood.
Star power: Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jeff Bridges
The sit-still factor: A sweet 1 hr. 30 min.
Scare-o-meter (💥🧻👹): Cartoon creatures and chaotic action — including explosions — but the Minions tend to keep things silly. Expect toilet jokes.
Our kid experts say: “[It] was funny because they found a mummy and the Minion needed more toilet paper. He used the mummy as toilet paper.” — Renae, 8
“I want to see that movie. It looks good.” After the mummy scene where the Minion says “por favor,” he adds, “The minions speak Spanish instead of English. You know what ‘por favor’ means?” — Beau, 7
“It’s funny and stupid at the same time because you think the men are going to win, but then the Minions come and cause wreckage and stuff. It’s so stupid but so funny! And it has a lot of my favorite things: monsters and stuff like that. It looks so good.” — Miles, 11
“It starts off normal, like a show, and then it just keeps getting funnier. Random stuff pops up. I would probably watch it immediately. It should be a good movie.” — Logan D., 10
“The monsters look cool. The Minions look cool too.” — Kaiden, 8
“I always love seeing all these [Despicable Me] movies, so, yeah, I’d see that. I just like seeing funny movies.” — Sarai, 11
“Gru is not in that trailer. Where the heck is Gru? I think I know why: because he has a wife and kids now. Maybe they’re on vacation. I’m so happy Gru’s married.” — Gigi, 11
Common Sense Media’s take: “Gru’s beloved yellow sidekicks are back in this 1920s-set installment, in which they try to find scary monsters to star in the movie they’re directing. As with the other movies in the franchise, there’s likely to be peril, slapstick pranks, cartoon violence, explosions and destruction, along with mild potty humor and insults — but all of it should be OK for younger grade-schoolers and up.
Concession-stand danger zone: Coming soon
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Moana
Plot in 10 words: Make way for Moana’s live-action journey across the dangerous seas.
Star power: Catherine Laga’aia, Dwayne Johnson
The sit-still factor: 2 hr.
Scare-o-meter (🌊🌋🦈): Ocean peril and battles, but Maui’s humor and heart make this good for most ages.
Logan thinks: “I saw the 2016 original, and I liked it. This live-action looks good, and the singing sounds great. It feels emotional and good to listen to at the same time. Dwayne Johnson really fits the live-action too. I’m excited to see him do another Moana movie. “
Our kid experts say: “I thought this already came out? The characters are the same. I like that. Wait, they’re real people? I think I like that too. It’s a yes.” — Jolie, 7
“Te Kā! Why does [the Rock] have so much hair? I noticed that Maui this time didn’t shape-shift into a great white shark — he’s a hammerhead. If I had to pick between this and another movie, I may not pick this one because I already know the plot.” — Gigi, 11
“I would probably watch that because Moana used to be one of my favorite movies. And this is the real version.” — Sarai, 11
“Pookamunga!!” (Mom note: I think that’s a yes.) — Rosie, 3
Common Sense Media’s take: “While this live-action version of Moana and Maui’s quest to save her endangered island will probably feel a bit more intense than the animated original — perhaps edging it up into young-tween territory — you can still expect plenty of positive themes, including courage, self-discovery and the power of family and community. “
Merch your kid will beg for: They probably have something left over from Moana 2, but the live-action collectible dolls will be fun to put in power poses. We’re still adjusting to the Rock’s wig, though.
Concession-stand danger zone: Coming soon
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Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Plot in 10 words: Peter Parker erases himself from the memories of loved ones.
Star power: Tom Holland, Zendaya
The sit-still factor: Coming soon
Scare-o-meter (🕷️💔💥): Intense action, scary villains and emotional moments make this better suited for older kids.
Logan thinks: “The climax looks like it’s gonna be amazing. The previous movies were great, and I like Zendaya and Tom Holland. I’m excited to see Spider-Man live-action again.”
Our kid experts say: “It’s suspenseful as well, and there is some humor in it that I like. I probably might watch it — I just don’t really like going to theaters a lot. I would watch it at home.” — Sarai, 11
“I feel like that movie would be really cool. It just seems sad. His wife [referring to MJ] forgot him. If that ever happened to me with a loved one, that would be so hard.” — Gigi, 11
Common Sense Media’s take: “Everyone’s favorite neighborhood web slinger returns for another adventure — and some surprising evolutions of his powers. Like the MCU movies that came before it, it promises plenty of older tween-/teen-oriented comic-book-style fighting and peril, plus weapons and threats, but also core themes that center on community, serving others and the connection between power and responsibility. “
Merch your kid will beg for: Coming soon
Concession-stand danger zone: Coming soon
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PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
Plot in 10 words: The pups must stop Mayor Humdinger, of course. Now, with dinosaurs.
Star power: Mckenna Grace, Terry Crews, Jennifer Hudson
The sit-still factor: TBD
Scare-o-meter (🐶🦖🌋): Mild dinosaur danger and action scenes, but Paw Patrol is always pretty tame for kids.
Logan thinks: “The trailer looks good. The animation looks great. The voice acting is perfect. I feel like this movie is going to be one of my favorite animated movies of the decade, next to the Tom and Jerry movie from 2021. I like them because they look like little firefighters.”
Our kid experts say: “Paw Patrol, used to like it. Now it’s sort of like when things are supposed to be scary, it’s not scary. So, yeah, probably no.” — Sarai, 11
“That’s a new dog! It’s beautiful. I still love Paw Patrol. I’d see it.” — Gigi, 11
“Not that much.” — Kaiden, 8
Common Sense Media’s take: “Based on Nickelodeon’s beloved animated series, this movie follows Ryder and his crew of puppy hero friends as they encounter an island full of dinosaurs. Expect mild cartoon violence and peril but also kid-friendly messages about courage, perseverance, teamwork and problem-solving, likely making this outing as preschooler-friendly as the crew’s previous big-screen adventures.”
Merch your kid will beg for: The Paw Patrol offerings are endless, but the Dino Mobile HQ may catch their eye.
Concession-stand danger zone: Coming soon
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Coyote vs. Acme
Plot in 10 words: Wile E. Coyote sues Acme over failed Road Runner traps.
Star power: Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor
The sit-still factor: TBD
Scare-o-meter (💣🪂🐦): Classic cartoon explosions and slapstick violence played mostly for laughs. Remind the kids not to try any of it at home.
Our kid experts say: “I think it looks really funny. I watch Looney Tunes a lot, so I understand it. [Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner] are like my second-favorite characters. Bugs Bunny is my first. I saw they put all the characters in, which I think will be funny. I also like how it’s cartoon and live action at the same time.” — Tayla, 10
“John Cena!” — Gigi, 11
“It should be pretty funny. It was a funny start to the trailer. If I had to pick this or Minions & Monsters, I’d probably pick Minions. The Minions have been going for a while. It’s like a new start to the Minions era.” — Logan D., 10
Common Sense Media’s take: “As it follows Wile E. Coyote’s lawsuit against Acme Corporation over their endless product failures in his pursuit of the Road Runner, this slapstick comedy blends classic Looney Tunes animation and live-action actors and settings. True to the characters’ history, there will be lots of explosions, injuries, weapons and chases, though probably little lasting harm, which means it’s probably OK for young tweens and up.”
Merch your kid will beg for: Coming soon
Concession-stand danger zone: Coming soon
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But that’s not all …
The Sheep Detectives: Hugh Jackman stars as a lonely shepherd whose sheep become amateur sleuths after his murder — and prove far better at solving the crime than the local police. The hybrid live-action and animated whodunit mixes mystery, surprisingly tender moments and thoughtful life lessons. Gigi skipped school to interview Jackman about the film. Out now
The Breadwinner: Comedian Nate Bargatze stars in this wholesome Mr. Mom-style comedy (minus the male dance revue). A dad suddenly becomes a stay-at-home parent when his wife (Mandy Moore) leaves for a monthlong business trip, forcing him to juggle the chaos of three young daughters on his own. Out now
Propeller: One-Way Night Coach: Frequent flyer John Travolta, whose love of aviation is well known, is behind this film about a young airplane enthusiast on a cross-country trip to Hollywood. It’s a family affair, with daughter Ella Bleu Travolta starring. Streaming on Apple TV+ May 29
Enola Holmes 3: Fan fave Millie Bobby Brown returns as Sherlock Holmes’s sharp-witted little sis for another mystery-filled adventure — this time in Malta. There’s romance and danger alongside the sleuthing, raising emotional stakes. Streaming July 1 on Netflix
Descendants: Wicked Wonderland: The latest VK [Villain Kids] installment sends Red (Kylie Cantrall) and Chloe (Malia Baker) to Wonderland for the Kingdom Cup Games, where their time-travel meddling continues to cause chaos and threaten the future of Auradon. It’s Disney fantasy, music and teen drama all in one, and franchise loyalists will absolutely want in. TBD on Disney+
Camp Rock 3: This Disney musical franchise hopes to hook a new generation through fresh rivalries, big performance numbers and Disney Channel prince Malachi Barton, who already has young fans swooning. Aug. 13 on Disney Channel, Aug. 14 on Disney+
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (25th anniversary re-release): The magical movie that launched a generation of young robe-wearing, wand-waving fans returns to theaters for a limited run so that families can experience Hogwarts on the big screen all over again. Or for the very first time. In theaters Aug. 27-Sept. 3
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom: The mischievous sheep returns for another stop-motion film, this time racing to save Halloween. We know: Summer isn’t even here and we’re already talking about October, but this one looks worth planning ahead for. In theaters Sept. 18
Forgotten Island: Any film trailer set to The Breakfast Club theme song is clearly aiming for parents too. This DreamWorks Animation flick follows best friends swept into a fantasy world far beyond ordinary school days. In theaters Sept. 25.
Looking for more recs? Find your next watch on the Yahoo 100, our daily list of the most popular movies of the year.