10 Movies to Start Your Summer

By Natalie Zadrima 

Winter is finally behind us, and while we might miss cozying up by the fire with our favorite Great American Christmas movies, long days in the summer sun are full steam ahead. And, no matter the weather, family movie nights are here to stay! Check out these ten titles on Great American Pure Flix, sure to suit any mood and fit audiences of all ages: 

With Candace Cameron Bure’s latest installment of the Ainsley McGregor Mysteries, our favorite detective jumps into action to uncover the mysterious murder of a renowned knitter. The famous yarn maker was murdered just moments before she  was meant to speak at Ainsley’s craft store, Bless Your Arts. When family inheritance and succession of the successful yarn company come into question, Ainsley realizes there is more to the murder than what’s on the surface. Using her skills as a former criminologist, along with the help of her brother (the local chief of police), her friend (or perhaps something more?) Jake, and others in the community, she might just solve the case!

With wedding season now in full swing, there is no better way to kick-off the festivities than with a lighthearted romance surrounding a wedding celebration in a most picturesque place. In A Snapshot of Forever, Jessie's happy small-town life is suddenly upended when a famous actor turns up at her parents' vineyard for his sister’s wedding. Busy with her successful photography career, and eager to escape the Hollywood life she left behind when she moved home, Jessie is at first at odds with this newcomer. Can she embrace her own love story while confronting her past? And, when things begin to go awry with the wedding plans, can she step in to save the day on the save the dates? 

3. The Wiggles Movie 

In this nostalgic movie special from the Wiggles, Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin and his family take us around the Australian zoo. While touring, the Wiggles sing songs that teach us about each of the animals. Gather your little ones and sing along to this musical adventure through the outback! 

Based on an inspiring true story, when a former marine with a troubled upbringing becomes a high school football coach, he ends up taking a legal stand he never expected. Ultimately, in defense of freedom and religious liberty for all, the case goes all the way to the supreme court. Though this movie tackles (pun intended) some heavy topics like child abuse and the sometimes harsh realities of the foster care system, it is not without humor as protagonist Joe brings us through his life story. He still pokes fun at himself and credits his faith in God for the path he has walked. 

Combine a writer with severe writer’s block, the hot Caribbean sun, and a European prince vacationing far from home, and you have A Prince in Paradise. When author Olivia struggles with a story for her new novel after a breakup, she takes a tropical holiday with the hopes of finding some inspiration. Instead, she finds Prince Alexander as he’s on the run from his duty to marry royalty. If you’re looking for a heart-warming romance under the sun, this is your pick, and just in time for Christmas in July, you can check out the sequel, A Christmas Castle Proposal. 

6. The Engagement Plan 

Wade is a clean-cut, type-a, highly-detailed planner who never lets even a hair out of place. When his romantic proposal plans are suddenly thwarted, he must prove himself on his girlfriend's family farm to earn her hand in marriage. He’s forced to bring both of their families together and to get his hands a little dirty and let go of control, as he learns to trust in God’s plan over his own.

7. The Lost Medallion 

If you’re looking for excitement, adventure, and a fun watch with the slightly older kids in your home, The Lost Medallion is the perfect summer pick that the whole family will enjoy. A man dropping off some donations to a foster home gets caught up in telling the children a story about two teenage friends who discover a long-lost medallion that transports them back 200 years in time. In the midst of fighting a diabolical villain, saving the people of the island on which they have landed, and finding a way back home, the kids discover God’s love and unique purpose for every individual.  

When country singer Will Brown’s wife passes away, his grief takes over and he retracts from his life. His pulls away from his children, his career, and even his faith. The oldest of his children, daughter Ellie, feels this the most. She wants nothing more than to ride her mother’s untamed horse, but her father won’t let her. She takes matters into her own hands and hires a bright and talented horse trainer who unexpectedly brings some light into their lives and shows her father strength, forgiveness, and grace to live life again.  

This inspiring documentary of Mother Teresa’s life of faith and service is nothing short of beautiful. Featuring unprecedented access to institutional archives and the apostolates of the of the Missionaries of Charity, the film reveals how her vision to serve Christ in the poorest of the poor continues to be realized through the Missionaries of Charity today. From her childhood in Albania, to leaving as a young woman to teach in India as a Loreto Sister, to her call to enter the slums of Calcutta to serve the poor, we are able to experience these moments that are woven into present day recounts of her life and legacy.  

10. The Blind 

With the recent passing of the beloved Phil Robertson of the Duck Dynasty family, The Blind honors his life story and family legacy. Long before he was a reality-TV star, he fell in love and started a family, but his demons threatened to tear their lives apart. In this heart-felt drama, we see the true story of how God can lead us out of the darkest of places and bring families back together.  

Between hopeful romances in beautiful locations, heartfelt stories of faith, and whimsical adventures, there is no end to the summer fun you can enjoy during family movie nights with Great American Pure Flix this summer. 

Want to help us keep producing content like this?
We’d love to hear from you.  And consider subscribing to Pure Flix Premium, where your support helps us create great content that reinforces faith, family and country!