Summer is here! (Technically, the first official day of summer is June 20, but as far as we’re concerned, anything after Memorial Day is fair game.)
Though we hope you and your loved ones will spend plenty of time enjoying the sunshine and exploring the great outdoors, there’s always time to kick back with a movie or two. This week, we’re recommending you check out Disney+ for your summer streaming fix.
The platform has options for every age group — from little kids to teens to adults. Watch With Us is highlighting one of each in our recommendations, which star actors like Kristen Bell, Johnny Depp and Emma Roberts.
‘Frozen’ (2013)
This animated movie changed the game when it comes to Disney musicals. The story of Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) — two royal sisters whose relationship is tested when Elsa reveals wintery powers to control ice and snow — spawned a Broadway musical, a sequel, millions of dollars of merch and much more. (It also drove parents a little nuts with its famously catchy songs. Oh, and there’s another sequel slated for 2027.)
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Despite its snowy aesthetic, Frozen actually takes place during the summer, and Olaf the snowman’s (Josh Gad) cheerful ode “In Summer” is sure to delight little ones and grown-ups alike. It’s a perfect family film that will entertain you and warm your heart.
‘Aquamarine’ (2006)
Two best friends (Emma Roberts and Joanna “JoJo” Levesque) are spending their last summer vacation together before one of them is forced to move away from their small seaside town. When the girls stumble upon an incredible secret, they think they may have found the solution to their problems. They find Aquamarine (Sara Paxton), a teenage mermaid who has run away from home to avoid an arranged marriage. If they can help Aqua prove to her father that true love exists, she will grant them a wish. As the three teens try to get Aqua and gorgeous lifeguard Raymond (Jake McDorman), they end up forming a close bond that might just be the love they’re all looking for.
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While it’s not exactly a sophisticated or intellectual film, Aquamarine perfectly captures the feeling of spending summer break with your besties. Teens are guaranteed to love it.
‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ (2003)
On a 100-degree day at Disneyland or Disney World, there’s no better feeling than stepping into the dark, cool building that houses the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride. As you hear the water splash and smell that chlorine-y scent, you know you’re about to embark on an adventure — and that by the end of the ride, the air conditioning will have invigorated you enough to step back out into the oppressive heat.
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This movie, the first and best in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, has a similar effect if you’re feeling any summer malaise. More than 20 years after its release, it’s still a refreshing, thrilling and empowering story. The film follows Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), who secretly dreams of stepping outside of her oppressive, 18th-century role as the governor’s daughter in Port Royal, Jamaica.
When Elizabeth sacrifices her freedom to save Port Royal from pirate captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), her childhood crush, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), teams up with Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) to rescue her. The swashbuckling fun is perfect for the dog days of summer.
