Summer 2025 is prime time for family movie nights, with a lineup of PG and PG-13 films hitting theaters and streaming platforms. From Disney’s live-action remakes to Pixar’s cosmic adventures, these movies deliver laughter, heart, and lessons for kids, teens, and parents. Whether you’re catching a theater release or streaming at home, these family-friendly picks are perfect for summer fun, including a 2024 gem still roaring strong in 2025.
Here are the best family-friendly movies for summer 2025, complete with content details, age suitability, and parenting tips. Grab some popcorn and plan your next family movie night with these must-watch films, releasing or streaming between May and August 2025.
Lilo & Stitch (May 23, 2025)
Overview: Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch follows Lilo (Maia Kealoha), a Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, a mischievous alien resembling a blue dog. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, this PG-rated film celebrates “ohana” (family) with humor and aloha spirit.
Content Details: Rated PG for action, peril and thematic elements.
Kids who love Moana or Finding Nemo will giggle at Stitch’s antics, while parents will value the diverse Hawaiian cast and themes of love. Perfect for ages 5+.
How to Train Your Dragon (June 13, 2025)
Overview: The PG-rated live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon brings Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Toothless to life. Directed by Dean DeBlois, this Viking tale of friendship and peace stars Gerard Butler as Stoick.
Content Details: Rated PG for sequences of intense action, and peril.
Fans of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish or the original trilogy will love the visuals and Hiccup’s story. Great for ages 7+ who enjoy epic adventures.
Elio (June 20, 2025)
Overview: Pixar’s PG-rated Elio stars Yonas Kibreab as an 11-year-old space enthusiast beamed up to represent Earth in an intergalactic council. This original adventure blends cosmic humor with self-discovery.
Content Details: Rated PG by Motion Picture Rating (MPA) for some action/peril and thematic elements.
Fans of Toy Story or Up will be dazzled by alien worlds and quirky characters. Elio’s journey resonates with kids and teens, ideal for ages 6+. Talk about Elio’s imagination to inspire creativity. Pair with stargazing post-movie.
The Bad Guys 2 (August 1, 2025)
Overview: DreamWorks’ PG-rated animated sequel to The Bad Guys (2022) follows the reformed animal crooks—Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, and friends—on a new heist. Expect fast-paced humor and slick animation.
Content Details: Rated PG by MPA for action/mild violence, rude humor, and language.
Freakier Friday (August 8, 2025)
Overview: The PG-rated sequel to Freaky Friday (2003) reunites Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan as Tess and Anna, swapping bodies in a blended family comedy. Directed by Nisha Ganatra, it’s pure fun.
Teens who vibe with The Parent Trap or Mean Girls will love the mother-daughter humor, while kids enjoy the body-swap antics. Perfect for ages 8+. Discuss Tess and Anna’s empathy to foster communication. Great for a back-to-school movie night.
Quick Reference: Content Summary
| Movie | Rating | Violence | Language | Themes | Best for Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lilo & Stitch | PG | Mild | Minimal | Family, kindness | 5+ |
| How to Train Your Dragon | PG | Moderate | Mild | Friendship, acceptance | 7+ |
| Elio | PG | Mild | Minimal | Identity, courage | 6+ |
| The Bad Guys 2 | PG | Minimal | Mild | Redemption, teamwork | 6+ |
| Freakier Friday | PG | Minimal | Mild | Family, empathy | 8+ |
Why These Movies Are Perfect for Summer 2025
These family-friendly movies are summer must-haves, offering:
- Kid-Friendly Fun: PG ratings keep violence and language minimal, with humor and visuals that captivate, like Stitch’s chaos or Mufasa’s savanna.
- Diverse Stories: From Hawaiian culture in Lilo & Stitch to African pride in Mufasa, these films celebrate varied perspectives.
- Family Bonding: Themes of family, courage, and empathy spark meaningful chats, perfect for summer bonding.
- Summer Vibes: Bright visuals, upbeat music, and adventurous plots match summer’s carefree spirit, in theaters or at home.
Compared to 2024 hits like Inside Out 2 or Despicable Me 4, these films deliver heartfelt, visually stunning stories for all ages.
Tips for Parents
- Stream or Screen: Catch Mufasa: The Lion King on Disney+ (available since March 26, 2025) or book theater tickets for Lilo & Stitch via Fandango for deals.
- Co-View for Young Kids: Watch with ages 5–7 for How to Train Your Dragon or Mufasa, as moderate violence may need context.
- Spark Conversations: Discuss:
- How does Lilo show kindness to Stitch?
- What makes Hiccup a good friend to Toothless?
- How do Tess and Anna understand each other in Freakier Friday?
- Make It Fun: Pair with themed activities, like a luau for Lilo & Stitch or dragon crafts for How to Train Your Dragon.
- Check Our Guides: Explore our *Mufasa: The Lion King* Parents Guide (/mufasa-lion-king-2024-parents-guide), *Lilo & Stitch* Parents Guide (/lilo-and-stitch-2025-parents-guide), and more.
Ready for More?
Want more summer movie ideas? Check our 5 PG-13 Action Movies Teens Will Love in 2025 (/5-pg-13-action-movies-teens-2025) for older kids or our Paddington in Peru Parents Guide (/paddington-in-peru-2025-parents-guide) for another family hit. Planning a July 4th movie night? See our Best Movies for July 4th Weekend (/july-4th-family-movies-2025).
Which summer 2025 movie are you most excited for? Share in the comments!