The Best Summer Camp Movies Ever

No mix of words, music, or imagery can truly capture the magic of a real overnight summer camp experience. Replicating the exhilarating chaos, spirited camaraderie, and self-discovery of camp is tough, but these films come pretty darn close in one way or another. So whether you got a kid headed to camp this summer or you’re simply looking for a nostalgia trip, here’s our list of the best summer camp movies ever.

To keep things family-friendly, we’ve split our picks into two categories: “Kid-Approved Classics” for all to enjoy, and “For the Grown-Ups” for those who appreciate a bit more mature humor and maybe a nostalgic tear or two. This list will focus solely on films about the camp experience, so, sorry Jason, no horror movies will be included.

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Kid-Approved Camp Classics

Looking for a fun family movie night? Well grab the popcorn and get cozy with this list of (mostly) kid-friendly summer camp flicks filled with heart and humor.

Movie	Year	Rated
Heavyweights	1995	PG
The Parent Trap	1961	G
Addams Family Values	1993	PG-13
It Takes Two	1995	PG
The Rainbow Tribe	2008	TV-PG
Camp Nowhere	1994	PG
Ernest Goes to Camp	1987	PG
Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare	2010	TV-Y7

1. Heavyweights (1995)

One of Disney’s most beloved and underrated films of the ’90s, Heavyweights tells the story of a hilariously unhinged fitness coach (Ben Stiller) who takes over a boys weight loss camp. Despite the zany setup and over-the-top villain, Heavyweights is arguably the most faithful and authentic depiction of sleepaway camp on film. Co-written by Judd Apatow, the film also stars Paul Feig and a young Kenan Thompson.

Watch on Disney+

2. The Parent Trap (1961 & 1998)

Both versions of The Parent Trap are excellent and tell the story of two identical siblings separated at birth who meet at summer camp and decide to switch places. The 1961 one is an undeniable classic, albeit dated, while the Lindsay Lohan remake is more modern and relatable. You can’t go wrong with either as both are funny, charming, and have a fairly truthful depiction of camp life.

Watch both on Disney+

3. Addams Family Values (1993)

Wednesday and Pugsley Addams’s hilarious adventure at summer camp is the perfect choice for older kids who enjoy dark humor or satire. Despite being the B-plot of Addams Family Values, the sibling’s short-lived stay at camp is easily the most memorable part of the whole movie. If your kids haven’t been to camp yet, be sure to remind them camp is not like the cartoonish, cult-like depiction seen here.

Watch on Paramount+

4. It Takes Two (1995)

It Takes Two is basically The Parent Trap but with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Released three years prior to the Lindsay Lohan hit, It Takes Two is a lighthearted story about two identical strangers that meet at summer camp and decide to switch places. It’s a cute movie overall with a faithful depiction of camp, but might be too dull and predictable for older kids.

Available to rent on Amazon or Apple TV.

5. The Rainbow Tribe (2008)

Part tween comedy, part serious drama, The Rainbow Tribe follows a man diagnosed with cancer who becomes a camp counselor to a rag-tag group of mischievous boys. The film is very much direct-to-video quality, but should be a hit with the grade school crowd if you don’t mind some language and toilet humor. The young cast is charming and the film does a solid job portraying cabin life camaraderie.

Watch on Prime Video

6. Camp Nowhere (1994)

Camp Nowhere is a lesser-known gem filled with wackiness, humor, and escapism typical of 90s kids’ media. The story follows a group of middle schoolers who, with the help of a former drama teacher (Christopher Lloyd), start their own summer camp without rules or supervision. Like many popular 90s kids movies, it’s a feel-good comedy with a carefree, rebellious energy that really pushes its PG rating.

Watch on Disney+

7. Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)

From commercials to TV and movies, Ernest’s slapstick humor and catchphrases made him a household name in the late 80s and early 90s. Ernest Goes to Camp was the first of several successful Ernest films, and while a bit dated and corny, still has charm thanks to Jim Varney’s energetic performance. Watching Ernest the camp counselor uniting juvenile delinquents against an evil mining company threatening to shut down their camp makes for a fun, nostalgic watch.

Watch on Prime Video

8. Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare (2010)

For many campers, listening to their counselor tell a spooky story around the campfire or in the cabin before bed is an exciting rite of passage. Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare is like one of those campfire story come to life, as the gang becomes counselors at a supposedly haunted summer camp. It’s typical Scooby-Doo fun with classic camp vibes, but might be too intense for very young viewers.

Watch on Max

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For the Grown-Ups

Looking for a bit more mature humor and maybe a nostalgic tear or two? Here our list of the best summer camp movies for grown-ups to enjoy after putting the kids to bed.

Movie	Year	Rated
Moonrise Kingdom	2012	PG-13
Indian Summer	1993	PG-13
Meatballs	1979	PG
Wet Hot American Summer	2001	R
Crip Camp	2020	R
Theatre Camp	2023	PG-13

1. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Moonrise Kingdom is a uniquely charming and hilarious film about young love. Set in the summer of 1965, the film follows two 12-year-olds who fall in love and decide to run away together leading to a frantic search from everybody else. It’s a Wes Anderson film so it might not appeal to everyone, but its style, humor, and quirkiness is simply delightful.

Available to rent on Amazon, Apple TV, or YouTube.

2. Indian Summer (1993)

If there’s one movie on this list most likely to make you cry, it’s this film. Indian Summer is a feel-good summer camp comedy that tells the story of a group of friends reuniting at their childhood summer camp only to discover it’s closing down. With a great ensemble cast and good blend of drama and humor, Indian Summer is pure nostalgia and worth watching for any adult who went to sleepaway camp as a child.

Available to rent on Amazon and Apple TV.

3. Meatballs (1979)

This iconic summer camp movie starring Bill Murray was a massive hit in 1979 and pioneered the wacky camp flick. Unfortunately, Meatballs hasn’t aged particularly well. Adults who went to camp as kids in the 70s and 80s are sure to enjoy it, but the dated humor and negative depiction of camp might not resonate with today’s audience. It’s still worth checking out for Bill Murray fans or those wanting late 1970s nostalgia.

Watch for free on Tubi

4. Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

Wet Hot American Summer is an R-rated comedy that parodies the many zany teen comedies of the ’80s. With an all-star cast, including Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, and Paul Rudd, this cult classic chronicles the chaotic final day at a summer camp in 1981. While its humor and absurdity won’t appeal to all viewers, the film is hilarious for grown-ups who appreciate this type of comedy.

Available to rent on Amazon, Apple TV, or YouTube.

5. Crip Camp (2020)

Crip Camp is a humbling documentary about Camp Jened, a real-life camp for teenagers with disabilities in the early 1970s. The film chronicles how one group’s liberating experience at a ramshackle summer camp helped ignite a powerful movement for disability rights, culminating in the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you’re looking for an inspiring story, this is the one to watch.

Watch on Netflix or stream free on YouTube.

6. Theatre Camp (2023)

This hilarious mockumentary is one for the theatre people. Filled with sharp humor and self-parody, it tells the story of a rundown theater camp in Upstate New York facing foreclosure, and how it’s staff mount a last-ditch effort to save it. Theatre Camp won’t work for everyone but there’s enough comedy, heart, and positive messages that even non-theatre people are sure to enjoy.

Available to rent on Amazon, Apple TV, or Google Play.