Top 5+ Fantastic Lesser-Known Family-Friendly Movies to Stream During Spring and Summer 2020

When the temperatures begin to rise, some of us look forward to enjoying the great outdoors. However, staying at home is a great way to spend some quality time at home. While many new movies hit the big screen in summer, there are many great, lesser-known movies. Check out some of these lesser-known movies that are a real eye-opener.

1. Angus

With a stellar cast including Kathy Bates and George C. Scott, the title character of Angus (played by Charlie Talbert) follows the antics of a shy, obese teenager. He attempts to win the heart of his childhood crush Melissa (Ariana Richards), a popular cheerleader who is dating Rick (James Van der Beek) the quarterback of their High School football team. For fans of classic underdog tales, don't miss this touching movie. RATED PG-13 for mild language and sexual innuendo but worthy of some important lessons on bullying and teasing for teenagers

2. Big Hero 6

Even though it took home the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year in 2015, many have overlooked Big Hero 6. The anime-style cartoon follows a special bond that develops between an inflatable, health-minded robot named Baymax (voiced by Scott Adsit) and tech-prodigy Hiro (voiced by Ryan Potter). This unlikely duo teams up with a group of nerdy friends to form a band of high-tech heroes. RATED PG for some mild violence mostly during chases scenes and run-ins with villains

3. The Iron Giant

While it flopped at the box office, The Iron Giant continues to support a growing fan base. It quickly became a must-see family favorite with critics and viewers alike. Here's another tale about the unlikely friendship between a boy and his robot. However, in this case, the mechanical, metal man is an enormous alien. This is one of those tales that's best left to be unraveled first-hand by viewers unless they've already read the book by the same name written by Ted Hughes back in 1968. RATED PG for some mild violence and suspense

4. Simon Birch

There's a big message coming from the small character of Simon Birch (Ian Michael Smith) though his heartwarming friendship with his best pal Joe (Joseph Mazzello). Born with a medical condition making Simon extra-small and fragile, Joe equips his bicycle with a special add-on accessory giving his little best friend greater mobility. Despite his much smaller stature, Simon is convinced he was put on earth for a greater purpose. Thus, their friendship is put to the ultimate test when the pair must deal with an unexpected tragedy. RATED PG for some mild language and another flick with important lessons and an excellent message

5. Zathura: A Space Adventure

Practically everyone has seen Jumanji starring Robin Williams (or the newer version with Dwayne Johnson) playing a board game gone wrong bringing the terrors of a twisted fictionalized jungle to real-life scenarios. Zathura follows a similar plotline except in outer space. In the author's book, the space movie plot thrusts a brother and sister (Josh Hutcherson and Kristen Stewart) into perilous parts of the galaxy. They are trapped inside their house while playing Zathura: A Space Adventure. Again, similar to the Jumanji experience, the siblings must work together to finish playing the game before getting destroyed by one unexpected adventure after another. RATED PG for some mild violence and suspense

HOLIDAY BONUS: Rise of the Guardians

Although this lesser-known animated movie is set during Christmastime, the Rise of the Guardians showcases almost every major holiday with an associative protector known as guardians of their red-letter dates and traditions. Among the more notable voices, you'll find characters include Chris Pine portraying Jack Frost, Alec Baldwin as North, Hugh Jackman appears as the Bunny from Down Under, along with Australian actress Isla Fisher playing the flighty Tooth Fairy, and Jude Law as the villainous Pitch. RATED PG for some mild violence and suspense. This movie includes a newer, more unique viewpoint, and twists about the holidays and other popular traditions