The 60 Best Summer Camp Movies of All Time, Ranked[Updated May 2025]

1. Crip Camp (2020)

1h 47min | Documentary |⭐85%*

Crip Camp is a documentary about Camp Jened, a summer camp for disabled teens in 1971. At the camp, the teens found acceptance and freedom to be themselves without judgment.

Years later, many of these campers became leaders in the fight for equal right and accessibility. Judy Heumann, a camp counselor, played a key role in the movement, pushing for major changes.

*Rating combines scores from IMDb, Tomatometer, Popcorn Meter, Metacritic and Letterboxd.

2. Stage Door (1937)

1h 32min | Comedy/Drama |⭐85%

Gregory La Cava’s Stage Door (1937) is about a group of young women in a New York theater boarding house, each dreaming of becoming actresses. Unlike typical portrayals of women at the time, they are bold and full of attitude.

The film centers on their complex relationships, showing both camaraderie and rivalry, making it feel relevant today.

If you enjoyed Wicked (2024) and its dynamic take on female friendship, Stage Door is a must-watch.

3. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

1h 34min | Comedy/Romance|⭐84%

Moonrise Kingdom is about two smart, unpopular kids who fall in love at summer camp and run away together in 1965. As they adventure in the wild, their disappearance sparks a search led by a group of scouts and their parents.

The movie’s colorful style and straightforward storytelling is typical Wes Anderson.

A storm and a change of heart from the scouts lead to a heartfelt ending that stays with you long after the credits roll.

4. Magic Camp (2012)

1h 40min | Documentary|⭐79%

Magic Camp is a documentary about five kids at Tannen’s Magic Camp in Pennsylvania. Throughout the week, they learn new tricks and prepare for a big competition.

Beyond magic, the summer camp is a place where the kids confront their personal struggles and connect with each other. They grow as magicians and as individuals.

>>> READ MORE: Summer Camps for Teens – Ultimate Guide

5. Santa Camp (2022)

1h 32min | Documentary|⭐77%

Santa Camp is a documentary about a training camp in New Hampshire that redefines who can be Santa, Mrs. Claus or an elf. The movie celebrates love and inclusivity. 

A must-watch for those ready to embrace a new kind of holiday magic.

6. Camp Manna (2018)

1h 26min | Comedy |⭐77%

Camp Manna is a comedy about a Christian summer camp where faith meets chaos.

The story follows 15-year-old Ian, sent to the camp after losing his parents. Led by Kujo, a Vietnam vet-turned-camp leader, the camp runs on strict faith-based rules.

While some moments in the film lean into cheesy camp tropes, it delivers plenty of laughs and glimpse into faith-based camp life.

7. The Parent Trap (1961)

2h 8min | Family/Comedy|⭐76%

The Parent Trap is a Disney classic. Twin sisters, Susan and Sharon, are separated after their parents’ divorce but meet at summer camp. They come up with a plan to reunite their parents by switching places. The mix of playful pranks and heartfelt moments makes this movie a timeless favorite.

While the split-screen effects show their age, Hayley Mills’ unforgettable performance charms audiences decades later.

8. Theater Camp (2023)

1h 33min | Comedy/Musical |⭐75%

Theater Camp is a mockumentary set at a summer camp where kids and adults put on big plays. When the camp leader falls into a coma and her clueless son takes over, the final show appears headed for disaster.

The characters are all in, letting creativity take the lead, no matter how chaotic it gets. In the end, it’s the kids who step up, proving they’re the ones who truly save the day.

>>>READ MORE: Types of Summer Camps for Teens | 2025

9. Those Happy Days (2006)

1h 43min | Comedy |⭐75%

Those Happy Days (French: Nos jours heureux) is a French comedy about Vincent Rousseau, who runs a summer camp for the first time in 1992.

Just like other camp-themed movies, things go wrong as he faces on challenge after another in a two weeks period of adventures and emotional ups and downs.

10. Dirty Dancing (1987)

1h 40min | Romance/Dance |⭐74%

Nobody puts baby in the corner.

Dirty Dancing is a timeless 80s classic set at a 1960s summer resort. The film follows teenager Baby (Jennifer Grey) and dance instructor Johnny (Patrick Swayze) as they discover a special connection through dance. 

The film’s charm lies in its chemistry between the leads and its unforgettable music. It’s a must-see for those who love feel-good, dance-filled movies.

11. The Parent Trap (1998)

2h 7min | Family/Comedy |⭐73%

The 1998 version of The Parent Trap stars Lindsay Lohan in a dual role as twin sisters, Hallie and Annie, who are reunited at summer camp after being separated at birth. The twins switch places to bring their parents back together.

With beautiful settings like vineyards and mansions, the twins’ plan feels surprisingly believable.

This remake of the 1961 classic offers a fresh twist on an old trope.

>>>READ MORE: How Much Does a Summer Camp Cost?

12. Holes (2003)

2h | Family/Adventure |⭐73%

In Holes, a boy is sent to a tough camp where he and other troubled kids have to dig holes in the hot desert. As the story unfolds, the past and present connect, revealing a hidden treasure.

Based on Louis Sachar’s bestselling novel, Holes mixes adventure with warm moments.

13. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

1h 59min | Romance/Adventure |⭐71%

In The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, four lifelong friends spend their summer apart, each on their own adventure. The twist? They share a magical pair of jeans that fit all of them perfectly.

Each girl takes turns wearing the jeans, sending them to the next friend along with their own story of personal growth.

14. Addams Family Values (1993)

1h 34min | Comedy/Family |⭐69%

Addams Family Values takes the Addams clan to new heights of hilarity. Wednesday and Pugsley are sent to a cheerful summer camp, where they rebel in hilarious fashion. 

This sequel delivers dark comedy gold—it’s weird and absolutely iconic.

Get to know young Wednesday’s twisted humor and rebellious spirit if you loved Wednesday TV series.

15. Once I Was a Beehive (2015)

1h 59min | Comedy/Family |⭐68%

Once I Was a Beehive is a coming-of-age film about Lane, a teenager who’s forced to spend a month at her aunt’s house and eventually lands at a Mormon church camp. Despite feeling out of place, Lane learns important lessons about relationships.

The pacing can feel slow at times, but the movie is uplifting and sweet.

16. The Forest Rangers (1942)

1h 27min | Adventure/Action |⭐67%

In The Forest Rangers, forest ranger Don finds himself in a love triangle while dealing with forest fires and camp drama. As Don and his team investigate a suspicious blaze, they uncover that it may have been set intentionally. But the deeper they dig, the more complicated the truth becomes.

Although the color cinematography is faded and the sound quality isn’t perfect, the film remains entertaining. Plus, it introduced the catchy song “Jingle Jangle Jingle,” which became a big hit.

17. Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown (1977)

1h 17min | Comedy/Adventure |⭐67%

Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown takes the Peanuts gang to camp, where they battle bullies in a raft race. Though the plot is simple, the film’s charm and upbeat energy make it a timeless favorite, especially for Peanuts fans and kids.

18. Troop Zero (2019)

1h 34min | Family/Comedy |⭐67%

Troop Zero follows a group of misfit kids who form their own scouting troop to win a competition. Led by Christmas Flint, a quirky girl with dreams of contacting aliens, they face challenges as they work to earn badges and prove themselves. Rejected by the local troop, they draw strength from their friendship.

19. The Rainbow Tribe (2008)

1h 30min | Family/Comedy |⭐66%

In The Rainbow Tribe a counselor is looking for a miracle and he finds it. While overcoming his personal crisis he helps troubled kids at a summer camp. 

It’s a feel-good movie for viewers of all ages.

20. Holy Camp (2017)

1h 49min | Musical/Comedy |⭐66%

Holy Camp (La Llamada) is a Spanish musical comedy about two rebellious teens, María and Susana, at a Catholic summer camp.

Their love for reggaeton takes a turn when María starts having divine visions. The nuns running the camp face their own struggles, leading to unexpected changes for everyone.