A quintessential pastime, summer camp has always been thought of as an idyllic time in a child’s life associated with coming of age. But in reality, summer camp can be a rough experience for some kids, spending their days battling the blazing sun or running for cover from vicious mosquitoes.
To those wishing to abstain from the struggles of camp life, Ranker has put together a list of the best movies set at a summer camp that anyone can watch from the comfort of their own sofa, s’mores optional.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
American Pie 2 (2001)
The gang is back together after a year apart for a summer they’ll never forget. While renting a beach house, the guys try their best to recapture their glory days while also learning to embrace their impending futures. Although most of the film does not take place at a summer camp, the film does include a memorable sequence at the neighboring band camp.
Capitalizing on the success of its American Pie, American Pie 2 uses the familiar themes of the first movie and amplifies them resulting in a sidesplitting romp. The entire ensemble cast returns and it’s pleasing to see that their chemistry is just as strong as ever.
SpaceCamp (1986)
Astronaut Andie Bergstrom is a camp instructor at the Kennedy Space Center Space Camp. Annoyed by her lack of experience up in the sky, she tries her best to be enthusiastic to a group of campers eager to learn more about NASA. However, one night during a routine engine test, the boosters ignite, catapulting Andie and her group of kids into space. Together they must work together to return home safely.
SpaceCamp uses the popular childhood dream of becoming an astronaut and creates a well-written, thrilling adventure film. Kate Capshaw leads a cast of talented young actors including Lea Thompson, Kelly Preston, and Joaquin Phoenix.
It Takes Two (1995)
Identical strangers Amanda and Alyssa have a chance encounter when Amanda’s foster group comes to the summer camp owned by Alyssa’s father. Both unhappy with the course of their lives, they agree to swap places to set up Alyssa’s loving father with Amanda’s caring social worker, hoping they will fall in love and come together as the happy family both girls desperately want.
During the end of Full House’s run, the Olsen Twins dipped their identical toes into the waters of feature films with It Takes Two. The young actors do a commendable job carrying the film, remaining as charming and relatable as ever. The camp setting allows for some pretty fun set pieces and physical comedy. Joining the duo is Kirstie Alley and Steve Guttenberg, whose delightful chemistry is easily one of the best aspects of the film.
The Parent Trap (1998)
Identical twins separated at birth reconnect while at a summer camp. The snooty, English Annie is shocked to discover that a California tomboy named Hallie is her sister. While at odds when they first meet, the pair soon reconciles and they devise a plan to switch places in order to bring their divorced parents back together.
The Parent Trap sees Lindsay Lohan in her feature film debut, giving a tour de force performance as both Annie James and Hallie Parker. Watching the young actor play dual roles with such conviction is a marvel, and not surprisingly one of Lohan’s best roles. Director Nancy Meyers brings her trademark charm behind the camera, crafting an aesthetically pleasing and touching film. Thankfully The Parent Trap still holds up today.
Ernest Goes To Camp (1987)
Ernest P. Worrell longs to be a camp counselor at Kamp Kikakee but is stuck as a handyman. Luckily for Ernest, he gets the opportunity when a group of juvenile delinquents arrive and are in need of some guidance. Hilarious hijinks ensue as Ernest tries to do his best to stay on top of things while simultaneously trying to save the camp from being demolished by a greedy corporate miner.
One of the first films to feature the infamous Ernest, Jim Varney is a pleasure to watch, as his performance harkens back to the old slapstick and vaudevillian days of yesteryear. While the script does skew a bit juvenile, the journey that Ernest goes on is a wonderful lesson in humility and perseverance, all the while remaining to have a positive outlook on life.
Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
In this satire of 80s comedies, Wet Hot American Summer follows the counselors of Camp Firewood as they try to use their last day of the season to follow their dreams, rekindle past romances, or stage the best talent show ever. The impressive ensemble cast includes Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, and Bradley Cooper in his feature film debut.
The film is notable for its cast consisting of many future star players in Hollywood. It wasn't an initial success, however since its release, the film has found a massive cult following resulting in two successful Netflix series.
Friday The 13th (1980)
Counselors of Camp Crystal Lake find themselves in imminent danger as a masked villain wreaks havoc on the innocent teens as they try to refurbish the dilapidated camp. The remaining counselors struggle to survive this mysterious attacker and learn that their ordinary summer will quickly end in a violent rampage.
Many regard Friday the 13th as one of the best slasher movies ever made. The chilling atmosphere and menacing score really does everything to set this film apart from other horror films of its time, and it's the start of one of the biggest horror franchises in history.
Camp Nowhere (1994)
Upset by their respective summer camp plans, a group of friends devises an elaborate plot to create their own secret summer camp free of rules, regulations, and adult supervision. What starts off as a small con quickly expands into a full-blown scheme when the other kids of the neighborhood want in on the fun.
Camp Nowhere managed to manifest every kid’s dream of having a summer filled with friends and fun with no parents whatsoever. It's sheer delight to watch these characters be free to express themselves and frolic in pure bliss. Jonathan Jackson does a great job leading the expansive cast, which includes Christopher Lloyd, Andrew Keegan, and Jessica Alba. Although it's not considered one of Christopher Lloyd's best movies, his performance is definitely worth seeing.
Heavyweights (1995)
Gerry is upset that he will spend his summer at a camp for overweight youth, but slowly warms up to the idea when he is promised a summer full of fun and games. Unfortunately for Gerry, a dastardly fitness entrepreneur buys the camp and rules over it with an iron fist. Fed up with his totalitarian rule, Gerry and the rest of the campers devise a plan to save their summer.
Heavyweights is a witty and enjoyable children’s movie that works on multiple levels. The jokes are clever enough to amuse adults, while the zany physical comedy brings the intended laughs for younger audiences. There is also a surprisingly positive take on body image and self-love that has definitely aged well. The entire cast does an excellent job, including Ben Stiller, who gives a deliciously campy performance as the villainous new owner, Tony Perkins.
Meatballs (1979)
Bill Murray stars as Tipper, an immature counselor at Camp North Star who takes a young loner named Rudy under his wing. Over the course of the summer, Tipper and Rudy form a brotherly bond and Rudy makes it his mission to set up Tipper with an attractive female counselor. The group also trains tirelessly in the hopes to beat their rivals, Camp Mohawk, at the annual Olympiad.
One of Murray’s first feature film roles, the actor does some of his best work delivering quip after quip with such charm and ease. The chemistry between Murray and the rest of the cast is also unbeatable, grounding the film into a very relatable tale of friendship.