Summer camp is a magical time filled with adventure, friendship, and unforgettable memories. For those of us who can’t make it to camp this year, or just want to relive those nostalgic summer days, there’s no better way than by watching some classic summer camp movies. From heartwarming comedies to thrilling horror flicks, these 19 films capture the essence of what makes summer camp so special. Get ready to laugh, cry, and reminisce as we count down the best summer camp movies of all time.
1. The Parent Trap (1998)
The Parent Trap is a delightful remake of the 1961 classic, starring Lindsay Lohan in her breakout role as twins Hallie and Annie. Separated at birth and raised by their divorced parents, the girls meet for the first time at summer camp and hatch a plan to switch places and reunite their family. With its charming performances, clever writing, and heartwarming message about the power of love and family, The Parent Trap is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good summer camp movie.
The film’s summer camp setting is the perfect backdrop for Hallie and Annie’s hijinks, as they navigate the challenges of camp life while also trying to keep their identities a secret. From the classic camp activities like archery and canoeing to the more mischievous pranks they pull on each other, The Parent Trap perfectly captures the fun and excitement of summer camp.
2. Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
Wet Hot American Summer is a cult classic comedy that parodies the summer camp movies of the 1980s. Set on the last day of camp in 1981, the film follows a group of counselors as they navigate love, friendship, and the absurdities of camp life. With an all-star cast including Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Paul Rudd, and Amy Poehler, Wet Hot American Summer is a hilarious and irreverent take on the summer camp genre.
What makes Wet Hot American Summer so great is its willingness to embrace the ridiculousness of its premise. From the over-the-top characters to the absurd plot twists, the film never takes itself too seriously. It manages to capture the nostalgia and charm of the summer camp experience, with its depiction of classic camp activities like talent shows, campfires, and romances between counselors. Whether you’re a fan of raunchy comedies or just love a good summer camp movie, Wet Hot American Summer is a must-see.
3. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom is a quirky and heartwarming tale of young love set against the backdrop of a New England summer camp in the 1960s. When two 12-year-old campers, Sam and Suzy, fall in love and run away together, it sets off a chain of events that turns the camp and the surrounding town upside down. With its stunning visuals, memorable characters, and whimsical storytelling, Moonrise Kingdom is a unique and enchanting summer camp movie.
What sets Moonrise Kingdom apart from other summer camp films is its attention to detail and its offbeat sense of humor. From the meticulously crafted sets and costumes to the deadpan delivery of its dialogue, every element of the film feels carefully considered and perfectly executed. With its blend of humor, heart, and visual splendor, Moonrise Kingdom is a one-of-a-kind summer camp movie that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
4. The Parent Trap (1961)
The original The Parent Trap from 1961 is a classic summer camp movie that has stood the test of time. Starring Hayley Mills in a dual role as twins Sharon and Susan, the film follows the girls as they meet for the first time at summer camp and devise a plan to reunite their divorced parents. With its charming performances, witty dialogue, and memorable musical numbers, The Parent Trap is a beloved family film that captures the magic of summer camp.
What makes the original The Parent Trap so enduring is its timeless themes of family, love, and the power of sisterhood. Sharon and Susan’s bond as twins is the heart of the film, and their mischievous schemes to bring their parents back together are both hilarious and heartwarming. The film’s summer camp setting is also a key part of its appeal, with classic camp activities like swimming, horseback riding, and pranks between rival cabins adding to the fun and nostalgia of the story.
5. Meatballs (1979)
Meatballs is a raunchy and irreverent comedy that helped launch the career of Bill Murray. Murray stars as Tripper Harrison, a wise-cracking camp counselor who takes a group of misfits under his wing at Camp North Star. With its crude humor, memorable characters, and classic summer camp hijinks, Meatballs is a quintessential summer camp movie that has become a cult classic.
What makes Meatballs so entertaining is its anarchic spirit and its willingness to push boundaries. The film is filled with raunchy jokes, slapstick comedy, and over-the-top characters that are sure to make you laugh out loud. With its perfect blend of humor and heart, Meatballs is a summer camp movie that is sure to leave you feeling nostalgic for your own camp experiences.
6. Little Darlings (1980)
Little Darlings is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that explores the complexities of teenage sexuality and female friendship. The film follows two 15-year-old girls, Angel and Ferris, who make a bet to see who can lose their virginity first at summer camp. As they navigate the challenges of adolescence and the pressures of peer pressure, the girls learn valuable lessons about love, friendship, and growing up.
What sets Little Darlings apart from other summer camp movies is its honest and nuanced portrayal of teenage girls. The film doesn’t shy away from the realities of adolescence, including the confusion and awkwardness that comes with exploring one’s sexuality for the first time. At the same time, the film is a celebration of female friendship, as Angel and Ferris’s relationship evolves from rivals to confidantes over the course of the summer. With its strong performances, relatable characters, and thoughtful exploration of teenage life, Little Darlings is a summer camp movie that still resonates today.
7. Indian Summer (1993)
Indian Summer is a nostalgic and bittersweet comedy-drama about a group of childhood friends who reunite at their old summer camp as adults. As they reminisce about the past and confront the challenges of the present, the friends rediscover the bonds that have held them together over the years. With its talented ensemble cast and poignant reflections on the passage of time, Indian Summer is a touching and relatable summer camp movie.
What makes Indian Summer so effective is its ability to capture the nostalgia and melancholy of growing up and moving on. The film’s depiction of the friends’ reunion is both funny and heartbreaking, as they grapple with the realities of adulthood and the ways in which their lives have changed since their camp days. With its mix of humor and heart, Indian Summer is a summer camp movie that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own experiences of growing up.
8. Camp Nowhere (1994)
Camp Nowhere is a family comedy about a group of kids who create their own summer camp to escape their overly controlling parents. With the help of a down-on-his-luck drama teacher, the kids transform an abandoned campground into a makeshift camp, complete with fake activities and imaginary counselors. As they enjoy their newfound freedom and independence, the kids learn valuable lessons about responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of being true to oneself.
What makes Camp Nowhere so fun is its celebration of childhood imagination and the joys of summer. The film’s depiction of the kids’ elaborate scheme to create their own camp is both hilarious and heartwarming, as they use their creativity and resourcefulness to outsmart the adults in their lives. With its talented young cast and lighthearted tone, Camp Nowhere is a summer camp movie that the whole family can enjoy.
9. Heavyweights (1995)
Heavyweights is a family comedy about a group of overweight kids who are sent to a weight-loss camp run by a fitness-obsessed guru. As the kids struggle with the camp’s grueling exercise regimen and restrictive diet, they learn to accept themselves for who they are and stand up to the camp’s bullying tactics. With its positive message about body positivity and self-acceptance, Heavyweights is a refreshing and empowering summer camp movie.
What sets Heavyweights apart from other summer camp movies is its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of childhood obesity. The film doesn’t shy away from the challenges and stigma that overweight kids face, but it also celebrates their resilience and strength in the face of adversity. With its perfect blend of humor and heart, Heavyweights is a summer camp movie that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
10. Camp (2003)
Camp is a musical comedy-drama about a group of misfit teenagers who find acceptance and belonging at a summer camp for aspiring performers. As the campers hone their talents and prepare for the end-of-summer showcase, they navigate the challenges of adolescence, including first loves, sexual identity, and the pressure to fit in. With its talented young cast and infectious musical numbers, Camp is a joyful and uplifting summer camp movie.
What makes Camp so special is its celebration of individuality and the transformative power of the arts. The film’s depiction of the campers’ journeys of self-discovery is both moving and relatable, as they learn to embrace their unique talents and identities. With its perfect blend of heart and humor, Camp is a summer camp movie that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
11. Daddy Day Camp (2007)
Daddy Day Camp is a family comedy sequel to the popular Daddy Day Care. The film follows Charlie and Phil as they take over a struggling summer camp and attempt to turn it into a success. With the help of their own children and a group of misfit campers, Charlie and Phil learn valuable lessons about parenting, teamwork, and the importance of having fun. With its goofy humor and heartwarming message, Daddy Day Camp is a lighthearted and enjoyable summer camp movie.
What makes Daddy Day Camp so entertaining is its silly and over-the-top comedy. The film is filled with slapstick humor, wacky characters, and classic summer camp pranks that are sure to make kids and adults alike laugh out loud. With its talented cast and feel-good tone, Daddy Day Camp is a summer camp movie that the whole family can enjoy.
12. Space Camp (1986)
SpaceCamp is a science fiction adventure film about a group of teenagers who accidentally launch themselves into space while attending a NASA summer camp. As they struggle to navigate the challenges of life in orbit, the campers must work together to find a way back home. With its exciting premise, impressive special effects, and strong performances from its young cast, SpaceCamp is a thrilling and inspiring summer camp movie.
What sets SpaceCamp apart from other summer camp movies is its unique setting and high-stakes adventure. The film’s depiction of the campers’ accidental space mission is both suspenseful and awe-inspiring, as they learn to work together and overcome seemingly impossible odds. With its perfect blend of excitement and inspiration, SpaceCamp is a summer camp movie that will leave you feeling exhilarated and uplifted.
13. Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)
Ernest Goes to Camp is a goofy family comedy starring Jim Varney as the lovable but bumbling Ernest P. Worrell. When Ernest takes a job as a summer camp handyman, he quickly becomes embroiled in a series of misadventures, including a rivalry with a neighboring camp and a plot to save the camp from a greedy developer. With its slapstick humor, memorable characters, and heartwarming message about the power of perseverance, Ernest Goes to Camp is a classic summer camp movie that has stood the test of time.
What makes Ernest Goes to Camp so endearing is its goofy and good-natured humor. Jim Varney’s performance as Ernest is both hilarious and heartwarming, as he bumbles his way through one misadventure after another. With its perfect blend of humor and heart, Ernest Goes to Camp is a summer camp movie that will leave you feeling nostalgic and uplifted.
14. Poison Ivy (1985)
Poison Ivy is a made-for-TV drama about a group of teenage girls who attend a summer camp for aspiring models. As the girls navigate the challenges of the modeling world, including rivalries, romance, and the pressure to be perfect, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, self-acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. With its strong performances and thoughtful exploration of teenage life, Poison Ivy is a compelling and relatable summer camp movie.
What sets Poison Ivy apart from other summer camp movies is its honest and nuanced portrayal of the modeling industry. The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the business, including the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and the cutthroat competition among models. With its perfect blend of drama and inspiration, Poison Ivy is a summer camp movie that will leave you feeling moved and empowered.
15. Friday the 13th (1980)
Friday the 13th is a classic horror film that helped launch the slasher genre. The film follows a group of teenage camp counselors who are stalked and murdered by a mysterious killer at Camp Crystal Lake. With its iconic villain, gory special effects, and suspenseful plot, Friday the 13th is a must-see for any fan of horror movies.
What makes Friday the 13th so effective is its ability to create a sense of dread and unease from the very beginning. The film’s isolated setting, eerie soundtrack, and slow-burn pacing all contribute to a growing sense of tension and fear. While not for the faint of heart, Friday the 13th is a seminal summer camp movie that has left an indelible mark on the horror genre.
16. Addams Family Values (1993)
Addams Family Values is a dark comedy sequel that sends Wednesday and Pugsley Addams to a cheerful summer camp. As the macabre siblings clash with the camp’s peppy counselors and campers, they hatch a plan to escape and wreak havoc on the camp. With its witty dialogue, clever satire, and standout performance by Christina Ricci as Wednesday, Addams Family Values is a hilarious and subversive take on the summer camp movie genre.
What makes Addams Family Values so great is its willingness to skewer the conventions of the summer camp movie. The film’s depiction of Camp Chippewa as a relentlessly cheerful and conformist place is both hilarious and biting, as Wednesday and Pugsley’s gothic sensibilities clash with the camp’s wholesome activities and attitudes. With its perfect blend of wit and weirdness, Addams Family Values is a summer camp movie that stands out from the pack.
17. Camp Rock (2008)
Camp Rock is a Disney Channel Original Movie that follows Mitchie Torres, a teenage girl who attends a summer camp for aspiring musicians. As Mitchie navigates the challenges of fitting in and finding her voice, she falls for Shane Gray, a famous pop star who is also attending the camp. With its catchy musical numbers, talented cast, and uplifting message about following your dreams, Camp Rock is a fun and inspiring summer camp movie for tweens and teens.
What sets Camp Rock apart from other Disney Channel movies is its focus on the power of music. The film’s depiction of the campers’ passion for singing and songwriting is both relatable and inspiring, as they learn to express themselves through their art. With its perfect blend of music and heart, Camp Rock is a summer camp movie that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
18. Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010)
Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam is a sequel to the popular Disney Channel movie Camp Rock. The film follows Mitchie and her friends as they return to Camp Rock for another summer of music and adventure. As they prepare for the final jam competition against a rival camp, the campers must navigate new challenges and rivalries while staying true to themselves and their love of music. With its exciting musical numbers, heartwarming message, and talented cast, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam is a worthy follow-up to the original film.
What makes Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam so entertaining is its focus on the power of friendship and teamwork. As the campers face off against their rivals, they learn the importance of supporting and uplifting each other in the face of adversity. With its perfect blend of music, friendship, and competition, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam is a summer camp movie that will leave you feeling energized and inspired.
19. Troop Beverly Hills (1989)
Troop Beverly Hills is a comedy about a wealthy socialite who becomes the leader of her daughter’s Wilderness Girl troop. As she tries to teach the girls valuable life skills and compete against rival troops, she learns the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the power of friendship. With its hilarious performances, memorable characters, and heartwarming message, Troop Beverly Hills is a beloved classic that captures the spirit of summer camp.
What makes Troop Beverly Hills so endearing is its celebration of individuality and the power of being oneself. As the troop learns to embrace their unique talents and personalities, they become a force to be reckoned with, proving that there’s more than one way to be a Wilderness Girl. With its perfect blend of humor and heart, Troop Beverly Hills is a summer camp movie that will leave you feeling nostalgic and uplifted.
These 19 summer camp movies capture the magic, adventure, and life-changing experiences that make summer camp so special. From heartwarming comedies to thrilling horror flicks, these films remind us of the power of friendship, the importance of being true to oneself, and the unforgettable memories that can be made in the great outdoors. Whether you’re a former camper yourself or just looking for a fun and nostalgic movie to watch, these summer camp classics are sure to entertain and inspire. So grab some popcorn, gather your friends, and get ready to relive the joys of summer camp on the big screen.
