14 Summer Box Office Blockbuster Movies To Watch On Disney+
by Explore Disney+ Contributor
June 11, 2026
Watch some of the highest-grossing and most memorable movies that were originally in theaters during the summer months, including Walt Disney’s first summer release
Some movies have the power to take over an entire season, packing theaters, inspiring repeat viewings, and turning into the kind of event people remember years later. We’ve rounded up some of our biggest hits at the box office during the summer months of years past, including animated movies that defined an era, groundbreaking sci-fi, and a Marvel smash-hit. Each pick carries a legacy that extends far beyond its theatrical run, so jump in and revisit the classics or discover big movies you missed.
Summer Blockbuster Movies To Watch On Disney+
We’ve pulled together some of the most popular movies with summer premieres in the U.S., huge box office results, and lasting cultural impact, streaming now on Disney+.
Listed in release order, this Watch Guide includes movies from across genres and decades. Some are timeless classic hits, while others are recent box office record breakers.
First Summer Release
A sweet coming-of-age film for the whole family kicked off Disney’s run of big summer movies.
The One That Had Everyone Fawning Over Cute Creatures: Bambi (1942)
Rating: G
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Bambi first opened in U.S. theaters in August 1942, making it one of the studio’s earliest major summer theatrical releases and a foundational animated classic. The story follows young Bambi as he explores the forest with Thumper the rabbit and Flower the skunk, discovering friendship, danger, loss, and the rhythms of nature. The film was initially released during World War II, but its legacy grew through theatrical re-releases, including a major return to theaters in 1957. Its artistry, emotional storytelling, and gentle forest world give it staying power to this day.
Biggest Classic Summer Blockbusters To Stream On Disney+
Many of these movies pioneered groundbreaking effects work, animation technology, and marked the start of enduring franchises.
Puppy Love: Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Rating: G
First released in June 1955, the movie returned to theaters four more times throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Who could resist this unlikely love story between pampered cocker spaniel, Lady, and her free-spirited mutt Tramp? The moment when Lady and Tramp inadvertently kiss while sharing a moonlit spaghetti dinner one “Bella Notte” is among the most recognizable scenes in movie history. In 2023, the film was selected for the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress for its cultural and historical significance.
Add Lady and the Tramp (1955) to Watchlist
The Family Classic That Earned More Than A Few Tuppence: Mary Poppins (1964)
Rating: G
Mary Poppins opened in August 1964, blending animation and live-action footage. Julie Andrews stars as the magical nanny who arrives at the Banks household to help two parents reconnect with their children through music, imagination, and just enough mischief. The film was a major box office hit and also earned 13 Oscar® nominations, winning five, including Best Actress for Andrews. With its blend of songs, comedy, animation, and heartfelt family storytelling, Mary Poppins remains practically perfect summer viewing.
The Start Of A Cultural Phenomenon: Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) (1977)
Rating: PG
Premiering Memorial Day weekend in 1977, the movie that introduced the world to the Force, lightsabers, and Darth Vader redefined blockbuster cinema. It was nominated for 10 Oscars® and won six, including Original Score and Visual Effects. Ben Burtt also received a special achievement award for creating aliens, creatures, and robot voices. Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) was the first Star Wars movie released, but do you know how to watch the Star Wars movies in chronological order? Start your marathon now with the Star Wars Collection on Disney+, and find out more about the latest movie release, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Add Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) to Watchlist
From The Lecture Hall To The Well of Souls: Indiana Jones™ and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Rating: PG
In June 1981, the rugged professor picked up his fedora and bullwhip and embarked on his many adventures. Set in 1936, Army Intelligence tasks archaeologist Indiana Jones to locate an ancient power, the Ark of the Covenant, before the Nazis get there first. In a race against the clock, Indy and his friends are whisked away on a journey across the world in a thrilling action adventure. Directed by Steven Spielberg and featuring an iconic score by John Williams, this first installment of the Indiana Jones franchise won four Academy Awards®, including Best Visual Effects.
Add Indiana Jones™ and the Raiders of the Lost Ark to Watchlist
Humor, Heart & Music On The Savannah: The Lion King (1994)
Rating: G
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Lion King roared into theaters in June 1994 and became one of the defining animated blockbusters of the decade. The story follows Simba after the death of his father, Mufasa, causes him to flee the Pride Lands, and the journey that eventually brings him back home. The film became the highest-grossing movie of 1994 worldwide and established itself in movie history. Its immortal soundtrack, including the Oscar®-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” continues to be loved by fans of all ages.
Add The Lion King (1994) to Watchlist
The Most Epic Summer Blockbusters Of The 21st Century (So Far) To Stream On Disney+
This century has already had multiple record-breakers, historic firsts, and movies that made an indelible mark on culture. Revisit some of these heavy-hitters before the next batch of summer blockbusters hits theaters.
The Big Story Of A Little Fish: Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo (2003)
Rating: G
Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo premiered in May 2003, and made quite the splash. In its opening weekend, it set a Disney box office record, and it went on to become the highest-grossing animated movie at the time. When young clownfish Nemo is captured by divers, his cautious father Marlin crosses the ocean to find him, teaming up with the optimistic Dory along the way. It’s a thrilling story of family, overcoming fear, and a father learning to let go. The movie won the Oscar® for Best Animated Feature and remains a beloved Pixar adventure.
Add Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo to Watchlist
Getting Off Track & Learning What Matters: Disney and Pixar’s Cars (2006)
Rating: G
Disney and Pixar’s Cars raced into theaters in June 2006 and introduced Lightning McQueen, a talented and confident race car who gets stranded in Radiator Springs on the way to a major race. As he spends time with the town’s residents, he starts to understand the value of friendship, humility, and community. The movie became a worldwide hit and grew into the Cars franchise, with sequels, shorts, and Disney Parks experiences.
Add Disney and Pixar’s Cars to Watchlist
Jars Of Dirt & Bottles Of Rum: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
Rating: PG-13
The follow-up to the 2003 smash-hit Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl made over $1 billion at the global box office. Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds himself in danger once again as he races to escape a century of service aboard Davy Jones’ Flying Dutchman. Core cast members, including Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and Geoffrey Rush also return to this Oscar®-winning adventure that spans ports, ships, and mystical realms.
Add Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest to Watchlist
A Fan-Favorite Gets Her Own Feature: Disney and Pixar’s Finding Dory (2016)
Rating: PG
Disney and Pixar’s Finding Dory opened in June 2016 and put Dory at the center of her own life-changing adventure. This time, she sets out to find her family, with Marlin and Nemo joining a journey that expands on the ocean world introduced in Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo. Dory’s adventurous and optimistic spirit sets the tone for this sequel, which crossed $1 billion at the global box office.
Add Disney and Pixar’s Finding Dory to Watchlist
You’ve Still Got A Friend In Me: Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 (2019)
Rating: G
Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 opened in June 2019 and brought Woody, Buzz, Bo Peep, and the gang into a new chapter. When Bonnie’s new craft-project-turned-toy Forky joins the group on a road trip, Woody finds himself on a wild quest involving unexpected new characters and a long-lost friend. Continuing the franchise’s legacy of stunning animation, humor, and heart, the movie won over both audiences and the Academy. Its box office crossed $1 billion worldwide, and it won the Oscar® for Best Animated Feature. This year, the franchise continues with Toy Story 5, coming exclusively to theaters on June 19, 2026.
Add Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 to Watchlist
Coping With New & Challenging Emotions: Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 (2024)
Rating: PG
Starting its theatrical run in June 2024, Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 set a new box office record, becoming the highest-grossing animated movie globally up to that point, grossing nearly $1.5 billion worldwide. Building on the world of Inside Out, the sequel introduces new Emotions as Riley hits puberty and faces a new set of challenges and joys. As her life gets more complex, can the Emotions work together and help Riley lead a fulfilling teenage life?
Add Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to Watchlist
An Iconic Match-Up: Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Rating: R
At the time of its release in July 2024, it was the top-grossing R-rated movie in history, driven by the long-awaited pairing of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as two fan-favorite characters finally teaming up. Exploring a world filled with legacy characters and variants on well-loved Marvel Cinematic Universe figures, this movie is packed with Deadpool’s signature humor and elevated by an odd-couple pairing of two Super Heroes who have more in common than they first realize.
Add Marvel Studios' Deadpool & Wolverine to Watchlist
Everyone’s Favorite Alien Comes To Life: Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Rating: PG
This live-action reimagining arrived with the perfect feel-good energy for summer 2025. Marking the biggest Memorial Day opening in history, the movie went on to gross over $1 billion worldwide. Stitch appears on Earth, and in Lilo’s life, at just the right time, bringing his own brand of charming chaos. It’s a movie about found family and the meaning of home.
