‘Finding Dory’ and 9 other family-friendly movies to check out this summer

Summer -- the season of sweltering heat, sunny beach days and, of course, weekly box office battles between big-budget blockbuster movies. And while there is a plethora of films involving super-powered action scenes and intergalactic threats, there are also plenty of offerings that skip the explosions and apocalyptic battles in favor of family-friendly fun. 

From adaptations of classic books and video games to the follow-up adventures of favorite characters to whimsical new original stories, the diverse slate of movies on deck has something to offer movie-goers of all ages. 

Here is a look at 10 kid-friendly films headed to theaters this summer. And don't worry, "kid-friendly" doesn't mean the movies are just for kids. 

'A Beautiful Planet' | April 29

The view of Earth from space and the information it reveals about humanity's effect on the planet are examined in this large-format science documentary. Narrated by Jennifer Lawrence. Directed by Toni Myers. Imax 2D/3D. Imax Entertainment

'Ratchet & Clank' | April 29

A lonely lombax and a tiny robot team with the Galactic Rangers to save their world in this animated adventure. Voices of Paul Giamatti, John Goodman, Bella Thorne. Written by TJ Fixman, Kevin Munroe, Gerry Swallow. Directed by Munroe; co-directed by Jericca Cleland. Gramercy Pictures

'The Angry Birds Movie' | May 20

Outliers Red, Chuck and Bomb must figure out what's going on when mysterious green piggies arrive on their island. Voices of Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Danny McBride. Written by Jon Vitti; story by Mikael Hed & Mikko Pöllä & John Cohen. Directed by Fergal Reilly and Clay Kaytis. Columbia Pictures

'Alice Through the Looking Glass' | May 27

Alice time-travels to save the Mad Hatter. With Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska. Written by Linda Woolverton, based on characters created by Lewis Carroll. Directed by James Bobin. Imax 3D. Walt Disney Studios

'Finding Dory' | June 17

Nemo, Marlin and the forgetful blue tang must cross an ocean to find her family in this sequel. Voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O'Neill. Directed by Andrew Stanton; co-director Angus MacLane. Imax 3D. Disney/Pixar

'The BFG' | July 1

A Big Friendly Giant befriends a young girl from London in this adaptation of the Roald Dahl claasic. With Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton. Written by Melissa Mathison. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Disney/Amblin Entertainment

'The Secret Life of Pets' | July 8

An animated comedy about what our dogs and cats do while we're at work or school. Voices of Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart. Written by Brian Lynch and Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio. Directed by Chris Renaud. Co-director Yarrow Cheney. Universal Pictures

'Ice Age: Collision Course' | July 22

Scrat's back chasing that acorn and sets off a chain of cosmic events that threatens the world he and his friends know. Voices by Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary. Directed by Michael Thurmeier and Galen Chu. 20th Century Fox

'Pete's Dragon' | Aug. 12

A skeptical forest ranger in the Pacific Northwest meets a young boy who claims to be friends with a large winged reptile in this reimagining of the 1977 film. With Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley. Written by David Lowery & Toby Halbrooks, based on a screenplay by Malcolm Marmorstein. Directed by Lowery. Walt Disney Studios

'Kubo and the Two Strings' | Aug. 19

Animated Japanese fantasy about a boy, his magical instrument and the enchanted creatures who aid him as he attempts to heal a long-ago rfit and reunite his family. Voices of Art Parkinson, Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron. Written by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler. Directed by Travis Knight. Focus Features

MORE SUMMER MOVIES:

Our complete summer movie guide >

Every single movie coming out this summer >

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Fan favorites like 'Ghostbusters,' 'Star Trek' and 'Tarzan' crash the superhero party >

Ryan Gosling, Meryl Streep, and 'Swiss Army Man' lead the counterprogramming charge >