When the heat rises and all you want to do is relax in the shade with something light and nostalgic, there's nothing better than diving into some classic cartoons. These animated gems from the golden age of animation and a few from later decades bring summer vibes, laugh-out-loud slapstick, and pure visual joy.
Whether it’s a beach picnic gone wrong, a misadventure on the water, or just some old-school chaos in the sun, these shorts are perfect for kids and adults alike. Here's our hand-picked list of classic cartoons to beat the summer heat!
1. Salt Water Tabby (1947)
🎬 Tom and Jerry – Directed by William Hanna & Joseph Barbera (MGM)
Tom heads to the beach, hoping to impress a fancy lady cat with his suave ways. But Jerry, as always, has other plans. What starts as a sunny seaside date quickly devolves into the usual chaos — complete with crabs, sandcastles, and a broken heart.
Why it's perfect for summer: It’s set on the beach, bursting with sunny energy and timeless slapstick mayhem.
2. Hawaiian Holiday (1937)
🎬 Walt Disney Productions – Featuring Mickey Mouse & Friends
Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto take a vacation to Hawaii — and everything goes wrong in the best way. From Goofy’s disastrous surfing to Donald’s battle with a stubborn ukulele, this short is peak vacation silliness.
Summer vibes: Palm trees, ukuleles, flower leis — this is Disney at its most cheerful and tropical.
3. Fishing Bear (1940)
🎬 Barney Bear – Directed by Rudolf Ising (MGM)
Barney Bear wants a relaxing fishing trip by the lake. But of course, the fish aren’t having it. With every attempt to reel one in, Barney gets tangled in rods, nets, and his own frustration.
Why it’s a must-watch: Lakeside tranquility, soft background music, and slowly building comic tension make this a summer classic.
4. Wacky Races – Overseas Hi-Way Race (1968)
🎬 Hanna-Barbera
The racers dash through the Florida Keys on the sunny Overseas Highway, crossing bridges and dodging traps set by Dick Dastardly. It’s tropical mayhem, with palm trees, seagulls, and classic Hanna-Barbera chaos.
Why it fits: A summer road trip gone wildly off-course - pure beachy fun on wheels.
