When the family aren’t bashing a cricket ball around the backyard or slapping on SPF at the beach, there’s plenty of downtime during summer. 

If the sun is roasting outside or the family are all home for the holidays, it’s the ideal time to sit around and pop something on the TV. But it can be hard to find a movie or show that everyone can enjoy. 

Dad’s favourite murder mystery might give the kids nightmares, and the latest blockbuster might force you to accidentally navigate watching a sex scene with the parents. And no adult wants to watch Cocomelon after a long day’s slog. 

So we’ve rounded up a collection of viewing choices for all ages that will bring the perfect vibe to your lounge this summer. 

Here are the best things to watch with the family this summer: 

Roz, Fink and Brightbill in The Wild Robot. Photo / Universal Pictures 

Movies for all ages 

These movies have great storylines for adults to follow and maybe even laugh along to, and enough magic to leave the kids enchanted. 

The Wild Robot – Netflix 

A futuristic robot is shipwrecked on an island and local wildlife helps her adapt to her surroundings and survive. A beautiful story of friendship, loyalty and empathy. 

K-Pop Demon Hunters – Netflix 

It was the tween smash hit of the year with its catchy songs that filled our airwaves and eardrums. See what the fuss is about and learn some sweet moves. 

Soul – Disney+ 

A hit with kids and adults, with an epic score by Jon Batiste, Soul is sure to pull at the heartstrings. The film follows a jazz musician finding the meaning of life and his purpose. 

Wicked – Netflix 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know the Wicked phenomenon has been sweeping the world for the past year. The film explores the early relationship between Elphaba and Galinda and tests their bonds. 

The Twits – Netflix 

A Roald Dahl classic reimagined. When two nasty villains try to take over the town, brave children team up with magical animals to bring them down. 

Freakier Friday – Disney+ 

Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are back as mother and daughter, two decades after their first identity crisis in Freaky Friday. 

Isle Of Dogs – Prime Video 

A Wes Anderson masterpiece, Isle of Dogs probably isn’t for super-young children because some scenes, while cartoon, are slightly violent and with confronting themes. It’s a powerful watch featuring a star-studded cast of voice actors. 

Netflix show Is It Cake? is the ultimate guessing game. Photo / Supplied 

Streaming series to binge 

Looking for something you can binge a little of each day with the family? These will keep you coming back for more, and you might learn something in the process. 

Born To Be Wild – Apple TV 

Filmed over several years, this six-part docu-series follows six endangered orphan animals as they grow up in our world, before being released back into the wild. 

Is It Cake? – Netflix 

The hit Netflix show is the ultimate guessing game as master bakers try to fool judges who have to figure out where the hidden cake is in a sea of decoys. 

Taskmaster – TVNZ+ 

This summer period will be a cracker for Taskmaster fans because the fresh Taskmaster New Year’s Treat (UK) and Taskmaster Champion of Champions (UK) are hitting TVNZ+. This one contains the odd naughty word and sexual reference, so not best for the littlest of ears. 

The Secret Lives of Animals – Apple TV 

In this series, 77 species are followed as filmmakers document their behaviour, intelligence and how they shape their small part of the world. 

CrunchLabs – Netflix 

If you’ve got a child who loves science, robotics and destruction, this one’s going to be a winner in your house. Host Mark Rober, a former Nasa engineer, builds gadgets and conducts experiments that both adults and kids will love to see come to life. 

Junior Bake Off – TVNZ+ 

If you want the fun of baking this summer, without the mess, the new season of Junior Bake Off will be your fix. Bakers aged 9-12 battle it out in the original show’s iconic format. 

Choir Games – Neon 

Choir Games is a heart-warming documentary series following two remarkable choirs – from Kaitaia and New York – as they prepare for the World Choir Games. 

Nadia Lim behind the scenes on Nadia's Farm Kitchen. Photo / Supplied 

Shows to veg out to 

These shows will hit the spot when Nana is sitting down in her comfy chair with a brandy and parents want a non-offensive watch as the kids play in the background. 

The Celebrity Bake Off (UK) – TVNZ and TVNZ+ 

There are few things more fun than watching celebrities (and cakes) on the brink of a breakdown in the kitchen. A new season with new celebs will be sure to rise to the occasion for the baker in the house. 

Nadia’s Farm Kitchen – ThreeNow 

Nadia Lim is back in the kitchen after the success of Nadia’s Farm. Expect 100 things to do with peaches, fresh ideas and Nadia’s signature touches. 

Find My Country House New Zealand – TVNZ and TVNZ+ 

Kiwis love a home show and seeing what their budget might get them in a town of 63 people, two horses and three pubs. Host Matt Gibb and his great hair are back for season four, helping Kiwis find their dream house in the country. 

The Traitors – ThreeNow 

New US and UK versions are set to keep you busy this summer, but be sure not to skip the UK celebrity version, which was a roaring hit in 2025 and gave us Alan Carr at his very best. 

The Road – TVNZ 

The Road follows 12 emerging musicians as they compete as opening acts for Keith Urban, hoping to win his crowds over. Great for the budding musicians in your life and for country enthusiasts. 

Once Were Gardeners – Māori+ 

A gardening show like no other, One Were Gardeners serves larger-than-life characters with a passion for gardening while respecting the whenua. Hosted by Kara Rickard, the show teaches everything from basics to using the Māori lunar calendar as a guide. 

Bluey is a great option for safe and fun family viewing. Photo / Supplied 

Just for the little ones 

Summer holidays are long, and sometimes adults need to sit the kids in front of the telly and put their feet up while staring into the abyss. Chuck these on the TV for safe, family-friendly viewing you can trust won’t scar them for life. 

Bluey – Neon and TVNZ+ 

The perfect bite-sized watch for the little ones, while learning important messages about friendship, fun and play. The cricket episode is sure to be a tear-jerker for the adults, too. 

Bad Jelly – TVNZ + 

Spike Milligan’s mad, wonky story of two kids who go out to rescue a cow and find themselves in peril of being made into soup by a witch. 

Darwin + Newts – Māori+ 

This brother-sister duo love adventure and figuring out how things work. Spoken in te reo, kids will learn about friendship and exploration in a fun, locally made show. 

Ms Rachel – Netflix 

The beloved American educator and singer-songwriter produces some of the purest content on the internet and helps toddlers develop fundamental learning and social skills through play and music. 

Bird’s Eye View – TVNZ+ and RNZ 

This locally made gem features the voices of Stan Walker and Millen Baird as a flock of birds trying to understand strange human behaviour around them. 

Octonauts – Netflix 

The Octonauts are ocean heroes who help animals in need and teach important messages about aquatic life, kindness and conservation. They’ve also got a catchy theme song and some fantastic characters that even adults would enjoy. 

Frog & Toad – Apple TV+ 

The heart-warming animated series will be a dose of nostalgia for parents who read the original Arnold Lobel books about Frog and Toad navigating life and finding simple joys. 

Jenni Mortimer is the New Zealand Herald’s chief lifestyle and entertainment reporter. Jenni started at the Herald in 2017, and has previously worked as lifestyle, entertainment and travel editor.