20 TV shows and movies to keep kids busy for the summer

It’s been almost 20 years since we’ve had a good Jurassic Park movie. But the spirit of the Spielberg originals is evoked – and memories of the terrible Jurassic World movies banned – in a Netflix animated series that sees a group of children from diverse backgrounds trapped on Isla Nublar as dinosaur hell lose.

Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, theaters

Set back from last year (for obvious reasons), this sequel sees Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne return as human friends of Peter Rabbit. The furry hero is once again voiced by James Corden (not as boring as usual) along with other animal characters showcasing the vocal talents of Margot Robbie, Lennie James, Hayley Attwell and others.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines, Netflix

Lego Movie directors Lord and Miller have produced a funny and heartfelt story of a dysfunctional family caught in the midst of a robot uprising led by an angry iPhone voiced by Olivia Colman.

Angry Birds Movie: 2, Netflix

The original Angry Birds was a rare video game movie that you didn’t want to catapult high into the air and forget. If less smooth, the sequel is nevertheless filled with one-liners and brings together Red by Jason Sudeikis, Chuck by Josh Gad and Bomb by Danny McBride.

Last children on earth, Netflix

Adapted from popular post-apocalyptic children’s novels, this fast-paced series sees a group of teenagers trying to survive in a world overrun by zombies. If they really wanted to scare viewers, they might have a bunch of adults trying to survive a world overrun with tweens.

Carmen sandiego

Gina Rodriguez plays a master thief who “uses her skills for good” as she trots around the world. Finn Wolfhard from Stranger Things is also in attendance. Plus, there’s an interactive ‘choose your own adventure’ special, Carmen Sandiego: To Fly or Not to Fly.

Luca, Disney +

Originally intended for theaters, Pixar’s latest feature has moved straight to streaming instead. It is described, somewhat mysteriously, as a “coming of age story set in Italy”. “Childhood friendships often determine who we want to become and it is these bonds that are at the heart of our story,” said director Enrico Casarosa. We are not any wiser.

Kipo and the Age of Wonders, Netflix

Another quirky Netflix hit, the series is about a teenage girl and her friends trying to survive in a strange new future overrun with mutants. But what she’s really looking for is her father.

Hilda

The most breathtaking animation on television right now, this graphic novel adaptation is inspired by Nordic folklore. The titular Hilda meets elves, trolls, and talking crows – and helps them overcome their woes.

She-Ra and the Princess of Power, Netflix

A He-Man reboot is on the way (see below), but She-Ra doesn’t stand for a hero and has instead battled evil over five action-packed seasons.

The mysterious Benedict company, Disney +

Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar tend to steal the show from original Disney + content. But here’s a new show to check out – an adaptation of Trenton Lee Stewart’s 2007 novel about four gifted children tasked with stopping a mysterious plague spreading terrifying messages through the minds of audiences. They mean Twitter, don’t they?

Monsters at Work, Disney + July 9

This Monsters, Incorporated spin-off / sequel features Ben Feldman as Tylor Tuskmon, a trainee monster who always dreamed of becoming a “creepy.” Alas, thanks to the events recounted in the original film, fear is out, laughter kicks in. Billy Crystal and John Goodman return as Mike and Sulley.

Sweet Tooth, Netflix

Another post-apocalyptic drama and recommended for older children. The setting is a near future in which a virus has wiped out most of humanity and produced children with animal traits, tails, twitching ears, and more. Gus, aka Sweet Tooth (Christian Convery), ventures into the big bad world in search of his mother, along with former mercenary Tommy (Nonso Anozie).

Space Jam: A New Legacy, theaters, July 16

LeBron James takes over from Michael Jordan as the space-jumping basketball star who finds himself shooting baskets alongside Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and more. In the era of MeToo, Pepé Le Pew fails to draft.

Trollhunters: Rise of The Titans, Netflix, July 21

Guillermo del Toro’s children’s series has gone under the radar and is now ending in a feature film. The setting is a suburban town overrun by supernatural creatures.

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania, theaters July 23

Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Steve Buscemi, Keegan-Michael Key and more return in what is billed as Hotel Transylvania’s latest film. There is a change – Adam Sandler is replaced by Brian Hull as the voice of Dracula.

Masters of the Universe: Revelation July 23

Netflix… has the power! Geek figurehead Kevin Smith oversaw this’ re-imagine ‘of’ 80s kid favorite. The war for Eternia is over: but what fates await He-Man and Skeletor?

Jungle Cruise, Disney +, July 30

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in an African Queen-style adventure based on the Disney theme park attraction. It is released in theaters and streaming simultaneously, although subscribers will have to pay a premium to watch it.

Paw Patrol: The Film, August 20, theaters

Kim Kardashian voices a puppy in a big-screen adaptation of the hit children’s show about dogs employed in emergency departments.

Transformers: War For Cybertron: Kingdom, Netflix, Summer 2021

A title mouthful, but this anime-style Netflix series has given the Transformers brand some respectability back after the terrible Michael Bay movies.