By Cecilia Sarantopoulos
Every year, summer brings the possibilities of endless days, road trips, and seaside adventures. For those who have a soft spot for the warmest season, we’ve compiled a playlist of titles that perfectly capture its essence.
You know them, you love them. Here are eight must-watch films on Disney+ that will keep you cool, entertained, and nostalgic:
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Experience a heartwarming tropical adventure with a quirky alien twist. The Hawaiian setting and heartfelt story make Lilo & Stitch a summer must-watch.
Finding Nemo (2003)
This Oscar®-winning classic follows Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) and Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres) as they brave the ocean’s many dangers to rescue Marlin’s son, Nemo (voiced by Alexander Gould). The underwater visuals of the Great Barrier Reef and thrilling ocean adventures make Finding Nemo an essential addition to this summer watchlist!
Aquamarine (2006)
A gem of early 2000s nostalgia, Aquamarine is a splashy tale of friendship and mermaids. Two best friends discover a mermaid named Aquamarine (Sara Paxton) in their beach club’s pool, leading to a story filled with humor and heart.
High School Musical 2 (2007)
“We’re gonna have fun in the sun/ Now that all the hard work, work is done.” Need we say more? Join Troy (Zac Efron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), and the Wildcats as they navigate the balance of work and fun at the Lava Springs Country Club.
The Last Song (2010)
Prepare to be swept away by a mix of excitement and tears. The Last Song captures an unforgettable summer romance between Veronica “Ronnie” Miller (Miley Cyrus) and Will Blakelee (Liam Hemsworth), adapted from the novel by Nicholas Sparks.
Teen Beach Movie (2013)
Brady (Ross Lynch) and McKenzie (Maia Mitchell) are transported into a 1960s beach movie, where they must blend in and find their way back home—all while encountering surfers, bikers, and catchy musical numbers.
Luca (2021)
Luca (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) and Alberto (voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer), two young sea monsters, venture on land, where they appear as human boys, creating memories filled with gelato, pasta, and endless scooter rides on the Italian Riviera. Luca is basically summer itself, transformed into a movie.
The Beach Boys (2024)
The Beach Boys documentary chronicles the rise of the legendary band, capturing their highs and lows and dripping with songs fueled by the sun-soaked California energy that defines summer.