If you loved the heartfelt and humorous coming-of-age story in Camp (2003), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that capture the same spirit of youthful creativity, self-discovery, and the magic of summer camp or performing arts. Whether you're a fan of musicals, teen dramas, or quirky comedies, these picks will keep you entertained.

Meatballs (1979)
Description: A classic summer camp comedy that blends humor and heart, focusing on the camaraderie and hijinks of campers and counselors.
Fact: This was Bill Murray's first leading role in a film, and it helped establish his reputation as a comedic actor.


Dirty Dancing (1987)
Description: A romantic drama set at a summer resort, focusing on personal growth, forbidden love, and the vibrant energy of summer activities.
Fact: The iconic lift scene was famously difficult to film, taking multiple takes to perfect.


Addams Family Values (1993)
Description: A darkly comedic take on summer camp, where Wednesday and Pugsley are sent to a cheerful camp, creating a hilarious contrast with their macabre personalities.
Fact: The summer camp scenes were inspired by classic camp films, but with a gothic twist unique to the Addams Family.


Indian Summer (1993)
Description: A nostalgic look at a group of adults reuniting at their childhood summer camp, blending humor and drama as they revisit their past.
Fact: The film was shot at a real summer camp in Ontario, Canada, adding authenticity to the setting.


The Sandlot (1993)
Description: A nostalgic tale of childhood friendship and summer adventures, centered around a group of kids and their baseball games, embodying the spirit of carefree summer days.
Fact: The film's famous 'The Beast' dog was actually a trained Hollywood animal actor named Hercules.


Heavyweights (1995)
Description: A humorous yet heartfelt story about a group of kids at a weight-loss camp, highlighting themes of friendship and self-acceptance.
Fact: The film was produced by Judd Apatow and marked one of Ben Stiller's early comedic villain roles.


The Parent Trap (1998)
Description: Though primarily a family comedy, it features a memorable summer camp setting where the twins first meet, showcasing camp activities and bonding.
Fact: Lindsay Lohan's breakout role, where she played both twins using innovative filming techniques for the time.


Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
Description: A satirical take on the summer camp experience, filled with quirky characters and absurd humor, capturing the essence of camp life with a comedic twist.
Fact: The film was shot in just 28 days, and many of the actors went on to become major stars, reuniting for a Netflix prequel series years later.


The Way Way Back (2013)
Description: A coming-of-age story set at a water park, capturing the transformative summer experiences of a shy teenager, much like the growth seen in camp narratives.
Fact: The water park scenes were filmed at a real, now-closed park in Massachusetts, giving the film an authentic summer vibe.


Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Description: A whimsical and visually stunning story about young love and adventure, set against the backdrop of a scout camp, with a focus on youthful rebellion and camaraderie.
Fact: The film's meticulous aesthetic includes detailed maps and letters created by the young protagonists, enhancing its quirky charm.
