Salute To Summer Camp Films

Few things signal the end of school and the start of summer more than summer camp. There have been many movies made showing the coming of age that camp life represents.

And nothing nothings says summer camp like Meatballs – which was released 40 years today on June 28, 1979.  This Canadian made classic was directed by Ivan Reitman and featured the feature length film debut of none other than Bill Murray.  Not a bad way to start a film career that’s still going strong.

In honour of Meatball’s 40^th anniversary here are some other great ideas for summer camp movies you can stream.  Let us know what you would add to this list?

Meatballs-(Available on Amazon Prime Video-Age 16+)

Meatballs features Bill Murray in his first starring role. It has everything that a Summer Camp film should have: painful crushes, a rivalry with another camp and tasteless practical jokes.

Wet Hot American Summer-(Available on Netflix-Age 16+)

This comedy which follows the last day of “Camp Firewood” is more known for the actors who starred in the film before they were stars. Names like Elizabeth Banks, Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd are all part of the cast of this cult movie.

The Parent Trap (Available for Rent on Google Play-Age 6+)

Long-separated twins discover each other’s existence when they end up at summer camp, so they join forces to try to reunite their divorced parents in The Parent Trap. Even though there are some dated scenes, it’s still great family entertainment and stands the test of time.

Dirty Dancing (Available on Amazon Prime Video-Age 14+)

While spending her summer at a Catskills resort, Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jean Grey) falls in love with the camp’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze).

Summer Camp Massacre (Available on Tubi TV-Age 14+)

Spoofing the Friday the 13^th thrasher films, in Summer Camp Massacre counselors Caesar and Otto get more than they bargained for when a camper named Carrie shows up as other counselors soon start mysteriously disappearing.

Addams Family Values (Available on Amazon Prime Video-Age 12+)

A nanny with bad intentions convinces Gomez and Morticia Addams to send their children Pugsley and Wednesday to summer camp. The kids experience their worst nightmare with their interactions in the overly cheerful Camp Chippewa.