Summertime is for relaxing: hanging at the pool, reading a good book, enjoying some backyard barbeque, and of course, watching movies. Getting lost in an animated world for a few hours is exactly what this season was made for. So strap in, pop some corn, and explore the best Disney/Pixar movies on Netflix this summer.
Finding Dory
Go on an unforgettable adventure under the water with Dory, a well-meaning fish lacking a short-term memory. Ellen Degeneres voices the lovable title character who first made her debut in the 2003 smash hit, Finding Nemo. Join Dory in this 2016 flick as she goes on a search to find her long-lost parents. Twists and turns throughout the film keep viewers on the edge of their seats, all rooting for Dory to complete her quest with the help of wild and wacky friends along the way.
Moana
The ocean is calling you to watch this animated epic adventure. Moana, a strong-willed 16-year-old from the beautiful island paradise of Motonui, sets off on a quest to save her people. With the help of demi-god Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, she travels across the sea to complete her task. While on her voyage, Moana is joined by a funny rooster named Heihei who serves as comic relief. The best part of the movie is the realistic animation, whisking viewers away to a Polynesian paradise. The ocean looks so real that you can sometimes forget it’s animated!
Coco
Join Miguel and his canine pal Dante in Coco as they travel between the living world and the other side to find a long-lost relative before the sun comes up. The pair are unwittingly transported to the spirit world on the Day of the Dead and must find Miguel’s relative to get his blessing and return to the Land of the Living. This heartwarming Disney/Pixar film shines throughout, in part because of the wonderful voice acting of Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel. You’ll be transported to another realm and will be cheering for Miguel the entire way. Oh, and the songs aren’t bad, either.
Pocahontas
Pocahontas is a strong-willed 18-year-old member of the Powhatan tribe in Virginia. Her father is the chief and he wants her to marry the best warrior in the tribe, but her heart tells her he isn’t the right one. She meets an adventurer named John Smith who has sailed from Europe to the New World. She teaches him about being more tolerant, and he tells her about life where he came from. The two fall in love just in time to thwart a war between their people. Fun fact: the most famous song from Pocahontas, “Colors of the Wind,” won best original song at the Oscars in 1995.
Mulan
Mulan is a 1998 Disney film that explores what it means to honor your family and save your country by any means necessary. The title character, Fa Mulan, must disguise herself as a man to serve in the military and fulfill the government requirements to send one person from each family to fight. She is joined on her quest by Mushu, a small Chinese dragon voiced by Eddie Murphy, who serves as comic relief. She transforms herself into a man and trains beside some of the best fighters in the country. Will Fa Mulan and Mushu succeed in their endeavor? Watch and see!
