The Ultimate Guide to Family Summer Movies

School’s out, the British summer is doing its usual dance between glorious sunshine and sudden downpours, and the local cinema is calling. Happily, the film schedules are absolutely packed with massive sequels, nostalgic returns, and laugh out loud animations.

Whether you need a rainy day rescue or a cool, air conditioned escape from a heatwave, here is your ultimate guide to the biggest kid friendly movie releases hitting UK screens.

The Big June Headliner

Toy Story 5

• Release Date: 19 June

• Age Rating: U 

The toys are back, but they are facing their greatest existential threat yet: the tablet. In this fifth instalment, Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang find themselves competing for Bonnie’s attention against a shiny new screen called Lilypad. It is a brilliant, modern conflict that parents will relate to all too well, packed with the usual Pixar heart and humour.

July’s Blockbuster Line-up

Minions & Monsters

• Release Date: 1 July

• Age Rating: U / PG 

If your house is permanently filled with cries of "Banana!", you will want to get tickets for this. Stemming from the incredibly popular Despicable Me universe, this spin-off gets a bit meta. We follow our favourite chaotic, yellow henchmen as they set out to cast a real-life monster for their own movie project accidentally unleashing absolute havoc on the world in the process.

Moana (Live-Action Adaptation)

• Release Date: 10 July

• Age Rating: PG 

Disney’s live-action campaign brings the breathtaking scenery of Motunui to life. Catherine Laga‘aia steps into the title role, while Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson returns in physical form to play the demigod Maui. Expect grander scales, ocean visuals, and all the soaring tracks we know by heart.

August Bank Holiday & Late Summer Treats

PAW Patrol 3: The Dino Movie

• Release Date: 7 August

• Age Rating: U

Perfect for the littlest film fans, Adventure Bay’s finest pups are returning to the big screen. After their ship is caught in a mysterious storm, the PAW Patrol team crash-lands on an uncharted tropical island populated by dinosaurs. It is guaranteed to be a hit with preschoolers looking for some big-screen action.

The End of Oak Street

• Release Date: 14 August

• Age Rating: PG 

Think Jurassic Park meets classic Spielbergian family adventure. When an entire 1980s suburban neighbourhood is inexplicably transported back to prehistoric times, the local kids have to band together to survive. It is shaping up to be the perfect high concept adventure movie for older children and teenagers over the long summer holidays.

Summer at a Glance

Cinemagoer Tip: Don't forget that many major UK cinema chains like Odeon, Cineworld, and Vue run discounted family morning screenings during the summer holidays. It is a brilliant way to see slightly older releases for a fraction of the standard ticket price!