50 Best Family Movies for Movie Night
Having a family movie night can be a great way to strengthen the bond between family members and provide an opportunity for quality time together. Family movie nights are about having fun and enjoying each other’s company. It’s a chance to relax and unwind together.
However, It can be difficult for everyone to agree on a movie that everyone will enjoy. Not everyone has the same interests and some movies may not be appropriate for all audiences.
This collection of movies is funny, heartwarming, and entertaining for the whole family. Kids young and old are sure to find the perfect film to watch from the movies below.
Family Movies of All Time
The Wizard of Oz
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 6+
This 1939 film, is a film adaptation of the novel by L. Frank Baum. It tells the story of a young girl named Dorothy who lives with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry in Kansas. A tornado sweeps her away to the magical land of Oz, where she embarks on a journey to meet the Wizard of Oz and find a way back home. Along the way, she makes friends with a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion, and they all face obstacles and challenges on their journey.
E.T. the Extraterrestial
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 7+
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this 1982 film tells the story of a young boy named Elliott, who befriends an alien stranded on Earth and tries to help him return home. “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” became a massive commercial and critical success and is considered a classic family film. It is known for its heartwarming story, memorable characters, and iconic imagery.
Mary Poppins
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 5+
Released in 1964, Mary Poppins tells the story of a magical nanny who comes to the Banks family to help them improve their lives and learn the importance of family. The family learns to appreciate each other and the importance of spending time together. Mary Poppins leaves the family, but not before assuring the children that they can always find her again when needed.
The Lion King
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 6+
Released in 1994 by Walt Disney Pictures., the Lion King tells the story of a young lion named Simba, who must overcome various obstacles to become the rightful king of his kingdom. The film features iconic songs such as “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and has become a beloved classic for generations of viewers.
Toy Story
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 5+
“Toy Story” is a computer-animated film released in 1995 by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by John Lasseter. The film tells the story of a group of toys that come to life when humans are not around and follows the adventures of two main characters, Woody and Buzz Lightyear. It has since become a beloved classic, spawning three sequels and numerous spin-offs, and is considered one of the greatest animated films of all time.
Finding Nemo
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 5+
Released in 2003 by Pixar Animation Studios, Finding Nemo tells the story of a clownfish named Marlin, who sets out to find his son Nemo after he is taken from their coral reef home by a scuba diver. Overprotective father, Marlin sets out on a perilous journey to find Nemo, enlisting the help of a forgetful blue tang fish named Dory. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, such as a group of sharks trying to overcome their fish-eating instincts and a fish tank full of colorful characters at the dentist’s office where Nemo is being held.
Shrek
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 6+
From DreamWorks Animation, Shrek was released in 2001. The film follows the story of an ogre named Shrek, who lives in a swamp and has his peaceful life disrupted by the arrival of numerous fairy tale creatures. Shrek sets out on a mission to confront the ruler of the land, Lord Farquaad, meeting a talkative donkey named Donkey. Lord Farquaad demands they rescue Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing dragon.
Up
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 6+
Released in 2009 by Pixar Animation Studios, Up tells the story of a retired balloon salesman named Carl Fredricksen, who sets out on a journey to fulfill his lifelong dream of traveling to South America, using a house attached to helium balloons to fly there. In honor of his late wife Ellie, Carl attaches thousands of helium balloons to his house and sets off on his own adventure to South America. The poignant film shares a powerful message about the importance of pursuing our dreams and cherishing the memories we create along the way.
The Incredibles
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 7+
The 2004 animated superhero film, “The Incredibles” was created by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Brad Bird. The film follows the story of a family of superheroes, who are forced to hide their powers and live a mundane suburban life after a series of lawsuits lead to the banning of superheroes.
The Princess Bride
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 8+
This iconic film is a classic romantic fairy tale with humor and adventure and has remained a favorite among audiences of all ages. Released in 1987 and directed by Rob Reiner, The Princess Bride is based on a novel by William Goldman and tells the story of a young man named Westley, who goes on a quest to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup, from an evil prince and his henchmen.
The Lego Movie
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 6+
“The Lego Movie” was released in 2014 by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film follows the story of an ordinary Lego minifigure named Emmet Brickowski, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest to stop an evil tyrant named Lord Business from destroying the Lego universe. Emmet is a construction worker who follows the rules and lives a mundane life in a world ruled by conformity. However, he is mistaken for a prophesied “Special” figure who has the power to save the world from Lord Business and his evil plan to glue everything in place.
Zootopia
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 8+
A young rabbit named Judy Hopps becomes the first rabbit police officer in the city of Zootopia. Judy is determined to prove herself and make a difference in a world where predators and prey have learned to live together in harmony. However, she soon discovers that there is a sinister conspiracy taking place in the city, involving the disappearance of many predators.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 8+
“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” was released in 1971 and is based on the beloved children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl.
The story follows the adventures of a young boy named Charlie Bucket, who lives in poverty with his family in a small house near a chocolate factory owned by the reclusive Willy Wonka. When Wonka announces a contest to find five lucky children who will be given a tour of his factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate, Charlie hopes to be one of the chosen ones.
Coco
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 7+
Miguel’s family has a generations-old ban on music, dating back to when his great-great-grandfather abandoned his family to pursue a career in music. On the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday honoring the dead, Miguel accidentally enters the Land of the Dead and meets his deceased ancestors, who help him uncover the truth about his family’s past.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 7+
Based on the first novel in J.K. Rowling’s bestselling “Harry Potter” series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was released in 2001. The story follows an 11-year-old orphaned boy named Harry Potter, who discovers on his birthday that he is a wizard and has been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along with his new friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry embarks on a magical journey to uncover the mystery of the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful magical artifact that can grant immortality to its owner.
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 7+
In a galaxy far, far away, the film follows the adventures of Luke Skywalker, a young farmhand from the desert planet of Tatooine. When Luke discovers a message from a rebel princess, Leia Organa, hidden inside a droid named R2-D2, he sets off on a quest to rescue her and join the fight against the evil Galactic Empire. Released in 1977 this epic space opera film was directed by George Lucas. It was the first film released in the Star Wars saga and is now widely regarded as a classic of modern cinema.
The Goonies
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 10+
“The Goonies” follows a group of young misfits, known as the Goonies, as they search for a treasure map that could lead them to a legendary pirate treasure. The story takes place in the fictional town of Astoria, Oregon, where a group of friends discovers a map in the attic of one of their homes. The map leads them on a thrilling adventure through underground tunnels and hidden caves, where they encounter booby traps, puzzles, and dangerous obstacles in their search for treasure.
Home Alone
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 9+
A beloved classic and a staple of holiday movie-watching for many families, Home Alone tells the story of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind by his family during Christmas vacation and must defend his home from two burglars. The film is known for its slapstick humor and heartwarming moments, as well as its iconic theme song “Somewhere in My Memory” by John Williams.
The Princess and the Frog
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 6+
The 2009 animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, The Princess and the Frog is loosely based on the novel “The Frog Princess” by E.D. Baker. It tells the story of Tiana, a young waitress in 1920s New Orleans who dreams of opening her own restaurant. After a chance encounter with Prince Naveen, who has been transformed into a frog by the evil voodoo practitioner Dr. Facilier, Tiana also turns into a frog. The two embark on a journey through the mystical bayous of Louisiana in search of a way to break the spell and return to their human forms.
The Sandlot
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 8+
The 1993 coming-of-age sports comedy film tells the story of a group of young boys who spend their summer playing baseball on an empty sandlot in their neighborhood. Scotty Smalls, a new kid in town, is invited to join the group of boys who are passionate about baseball. Smalls is not familiar with the game, but with the help of his new friends, he quickly learns to play and becomes an important member of the team.
Beauty and the Beast
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 6+
The beloved classic 1991 animated Beauty and the Beast is based on the classic fairy tale of the same name and tells the story of Belle, a young woman who falls in love with a cursed prince who has been transformed into a beast. Belle lives in a small French village and dreams of adventure and romance, much to the confusion of the other villagers who think she’s odd. When her father is captured by the Beast, Belle offers to take his place as the Beast’s prisoner in exchange for her father’s freedom.
Frozen
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 5+
Two sisters, Elsa and Anna, live in the kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa has the power to create ice and snow, but after an accident in childhood, she becomes afraid of her powers and isolates herself from others.
When Elsa becomes queen, she accidentally unleashes an eternal winter on the kingdom, and in her fear and confusion, she flees to the mountains, leaving Anna to find her and save Arendelle. Along the way, Anna meets Kristoff, an ice harvester, his reindeer Sven, and a snowman named Olaf, who all become her allies in her quest to find Elsa and end the winter.
The Sound of Music
Rated: NR | Age Recommendation: 6+
The Sound of Music is the 1965 film adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Set in Austria just before World War II it tells the story of Maria, a young woman who becomes a governess for the von Trapp family. Maria is initially met with resistance from the seven von Trapp children but Maria wins them over with her kind nature and love of music.
Spirited Away
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 9+
From Studio Ghibli, the 2001 Japanese film follows the story of a young girl named Chihiro, who becomes trapped in a strange and magical world while moving to a new town with her parents. After accidentally entering the spirit world, Chihiro’s parents are turned into pigs by a witch, and she must work at a bathhouse for spirits in order to save them and find her way back to the human world. Along the way, Chihiro meets a cast of unusual and magical characters, including Haku, a mysterious boy who helps her navigate the spirit world.
Encanto
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 6+
Each member of the Madrigal family has a unique magical power, except for Mirabel, the middle child who feels left out and has no powers of her own. As the magical house that protects their family’s powers begins to crumble, Mirabel must work with her family to uncover the mystery behind the fading magic and save their home.
Despicable Me
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 5+
Supervillain, Gru, hatches a plan to steal the moon with the help of his army of minions. However, Gru’s plan is complicated when three orphan girls – Margo, Edith, and Agnes – arrive at his doorstep and he must balance his villainous ambitions with his newfound role as a father figure. As Gru tries to keep up with the demands of parenthood, he must also contend with his rival, Vector, who is also after the moon.
Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 8+
Miles Morales, a teenager from Brooklyn gains spider-like abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. As Miles learns to harness his newfound powers and become the next Spider-Man, he finds himself thrown into a multiverse where he meets other versions of Spider-Man from different dimensions. Together, they must stop a powerful villain named Kingpin from destroying all of reality.
Tangled
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 5+
Loosely based on the German fairy tale “Rapunzel” the 2010 film tells the story of a young princess named Rapunzel, who is kidnapped as a baby and raised by an evil witch named Mother Gothel. Rapunzel possesses magical, healing hair that has the power to restore youth and vitality. Mother Gothel keeps Rapunzel locked away in a tower, using her hair’s power to keep herself young. However, as Rapunzel approaches her 18th birthday, she yearns to see the outside world and sets out on an adventure with a wanted thief named Flynn Rider.
Wall-E
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 5+
The film takes place in the distant future, where Earth has become a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and uninhabitable by humans. The last remaining robot on Earth, a Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class (WALL-E), has spent 700 years cleaning up the planet. One day, a sleek, high-tech robot named EVE arrives on Earth to search for signs of life. WALL-E falls in love with EVE and follows her into space on an adventure that leads them to the starliner Axiom, a space station where the last remaining humans live.
Jumanji
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 8+
Jumanji tells the story of a young boy named Alan Parrish, who discovers a mysterious board game called “Jumanji” that magically brings its jungle world to life. Years later, two siblings, Judy, and Peter Shepherd find the game and start playing, unknowingly unleashing the jungle’s dangers into the real world. They soon realize they need to finish the game to make everything go back to normal, and they are joined by Alan, who has been trapped in the game for decades.
Big Hero 6
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 7+
Set in the fictional city of San Fransokyo, a hybrid of San Francisco and Tokyo the story follows a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada, who teams up with a group of superheroes to save the city from a dangerous villain. After losing his brother in a tragic accident, Hiro befriends Baymax, a lovable and inflatable healthcare robot invented by his brother. Together with Baymax, Hiro forms a team of superheroes, to stop a masked villain named Yokai, who is using microbots to wreak havoc on the city.
Matilda
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 7+
Matilda Wormwood possesses extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers. She lives with her neglectful parents, Harry and Zinnia, and her older brother Michael. At school, Matilda befriends her teacher, Miss Honey, who recognizes Matilda’s intelligence and tries to help her thrive academically. However, the school’s headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is a cruel and abusive figure who terrorizes the students and teachers alike.
Moana
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 5+
Set in the Polynesian islands of the South Pacific a young girl named Moana sets sail on a mission to save her island and people. Moana, the daughter of the chief of Motunui Island, is chosen by the ocean to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, which was stolen by Maui and has caused a curse on the islands. Moana sets out on a perilous journey across the ocean, battling dangerous creatures and overcoming obstacles with the help of Maui.
How to Train Your Dragon
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 7+
Based on the book of the same name How to Train Your Dragon tells the story of a young Viking named Hiccup who befriends a dragon named Toothless and works to bring peace between the dragons and the Vikings on the island of Berk. Hiccup, who is the son of the Viking chief Stoick the Vast, is not like the other Vikings in his village. He is small and not very strong, and he has a keen interest in dragons. Hiccup learns more about the dragons and realizes that they are not the vicious beasts that the Vikings believe them to be.
Inside Out
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 6+
Inside Out explores the inner workings of the human mind through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, with the emotions Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust portrayed as characters in her mind. Riley and her family move from Minnesota to San Francisco, leaving behind her friends and everything she loves. Inside Riley’s mind, Joy is in charge of making sure that Riley stays happy and positive. But when Sadness accidentally begins to affect Riley’s memories, Joy and Sadness are sucked out of headquarters and into the far reaches of Riley’s mind. Through their journey, Joy and Sadness learn the importance of all emotions, including sadness, in shaping who Riley is as a person.
Alice in Wonderland
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 4+
Based on the 1865 Lewis Carrol novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland this 1951 film tells the story of a young girl, Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world filled with strange and surreal creatures. As Alice navigates her way through this bizarre and whimsical world, she meets a variety of colorful characters, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts. Each encounter brings new challenges and lessons for Alice as she tries to find her way back home.
Annie
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 6+
Annie is a 1982 film based on the Broadway musical of the same name. The film is about an orphan named Annie who lives in an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie’s life changes when she is selected to spend two weeks with the wealthy Oliver Warbucks as a part of a public relations campaign to improve his image. Despite Warbucks’ initial reluctance to care for a child, he develops a bond with Annie and decides to adopt her. However, Miss Hannigan and her scheming brother Rooster plot to kidnap Annie and hold her for ransom.
Ratatouille
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 6+
Remy is a rat who dreams of becoming a chef in Paris. After being separated from his family, Remy finds himself in the sewers beneath a famous Parisian restaurant, where he befriends a clumsy garbage boy named Linguini. Together, they team up to create culinary masterpieces that impress the restaurant’s customers, despite the fact that Linguini is not actually a skilled chef himself.
Hercules
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 6+
Loosely based on the Greek myth of Hercules, the film follows the struggles he faces to become a true hero and reclaim his godhood. Born to the gods Zeus and Hera on Mount Olympus, Hercules is kidnapped as an infant by Hades, god of the underworld, and made mortal. As a young man, Hercules discovers his divine heritage and seeks to reclaim his place on Mount Olympus by becoming a hero.
My Neighbor Totoro
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 5+
My Neighbor Totoro is a 1988 Japanese animated film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film follows the story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to a rural area of Japan with their father while their mother is recovering from an illness. As the sisters explore their new surroundings, they encounter and befriend a forest spirit named Totoro, who becomes a source of comfort and magic in their lives.
The Muppet Movie
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 6+
Kermit the Frog sets out on a cross-country journey to Hollywood to fulfill his dream of becoming a star and meets a variety of eccentric characters along the way. Kermit and the gang are pursued by a villainous frog named Doc Hopper, who wants Kermit to become the spokesperson for his chain of fast-food restaurants.
Back to the Future
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 10+
High school student Marty McFly, accidentally travels back in time 30 years to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his eccentric scientist friend Doc Brown. In 1955, Marty meets a younger version of his parents and must work to ensure that they fall in love and ultimately get married, or risk never being born. Along the way, he also encounters a younger version of Doc Brown and must figure out how to get back to his own time.
Paddington
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 6+
Based on the beloved children’s book series by Michael Bond. The movie tells the story of Paddington Bear, a young Peruvian bear who travels to London in search of a new home. Once in London, Paddington is taken in by the kind and welcoming Brown family. However, he soon finds himself pursued by an evil taxidermist who wants to add him to her collection.
Babe
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 6+
Babe is raised by a border collie named Fly on a farm owned by Farmer Hoggett. As Babe grows up, he becomes fascinated with the work of the sheepdogs and begins to learn their techniques. Although the other animals on the farm are skeptical of Babe’s abilities, he is determined to prove himself.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 7+
Wayne Szalinski, an eccentric inventor, is working on a shrinking machine in his attic when his children, Amy and Nick, accidentally activate it and are shrunk down to a minuscule size. They, along with their neighbor’s children, are inadvertently swept up with the trash and taken outside, where they must navigate the dangers of the backyard, including insects, sprinklers, and a lawnmower. As the kids struggle to survive and find a way to return to their normal size, Wayne and his wife Diane frantically search for them.
The Mitchells Vs, the Machines
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 7+
The Mitchells are a dysfunctional but loving family taking their daughter, Katie, to college. Along the way, they find themselves in the midst of a robot uprising, with the fate of humanity at stake. Katie is an aspiring filmmaker who feels like an outsider in her family. She clashes with her father, Rick, who is struggling to connect with his technology-obsessed daughter. Meanwhile, a tech billionaire named Mark Bowman unleashes an army of robots, with the goal of ridding the world of humans.
Trolls
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 6+
The Trolls love nothing more than singing, dancing, and hugging, but they are constantly under threat from the miserable and grumpy Bergens, who believe that eating Trolls is the only way to find happiness. Princess Poppy, a relentlessly upbeat and optimistic Troll sets out on a journey to rescue her friends after they are kidnapped by the Bergens. She is joined on her adventure by a pessimistic and grumpy Troll named Branch, who initially resists Poppy’s positive attitude but eventually learns to embrace it.
Night at the Museum
Rated: PG | Age Recommendation: 7+
Larry Daley is a divorced father who takes a job as a night guard at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Larry soon discovers that something strange is happening at the museum when the exhibits come to life at night. He learns that the museum is home to an ancient Egyptian artifact called the Tablet of Ahkmenrah, which has the power to bring the exhibits to life.
The Little Mermaid
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 5+
This beloved Disney animation is based on the Danish fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Ariel is a young mermaid princess who longs to live on land and explore the human world. One day, she saves a handsome prince from drowning and falls in love with him. Desperate to be with the prince, Ariel makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula, trading her beautiful singing voice for a chance to become human.
Aladdin
Rated: G | Age Recommendation: 6+
Aladdin is a 1992 animated movie based on the Arabic folktale “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” from “One Thousand and One Nights.” The story follows Aladdin, a street urchin who lives in the city of Agrabah. He meets and falls in love with Princess Jasmine, who is being forced into an arranged marriage by her father, the Sultan. Aladdin is then tricked by the evil sorcerer Jafar into entering a dangerous cave to retrieve a magical lamp. Inside the cave, Aladdin discovers a magic carpet and the genie of the lamp, who grants him three wishes. With the help of the genie, Aladdin transforms himself into a prince to win the heart of Jasmine and stop Jafar’s evil plans.
