Some family movies are so groan-worthy that it’s hard for the grown-ups to sit through family movie night. Whether you’re looking for an idea for your next movie night with the kids, or want something family-friendly to do when you’re bored at home, here are 50 of the best family movies that kids AND grown-ups will like.
When you need ideas for good family movies
Need ideas of things to do at home with your kids?
Make sure you check out 25 Fun Activities for Kids at Home (for littler kids), and 15 Fun Things to Do When You’re Bored at Home (for older kids and adults).
There is something to be said for limiting screen time, but there are also times when screen time is absolutely necessary and also can be a way for the family to relax together.
These family movies are a way to chill and relax with your kids. You don’t have to set up a science experiment, or do schoolwork with your child (both good things, but everyone needs to have some down time too!).
You can also check out these 11 best fall movies to give you all the warm fuzzies
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10 Family Movies that Grown-Ups Will Like as Much as Kids
1. Hook.
A Steven Spielberg classic family movie, Robin Williams plays Peter Pan, Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook, and Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell.
2. Up.
I’m not crying, you’re crying. One of the best Pixar movies ever, the main character is Carl, a widower, who goes on an adventure in his flying house in search of Paradise Falls, his wife’s dream destination.
3. Alice in Wonderland.
Any version of this classic story, but particularly the most recent version with Johnny Depp has lots of meant-for-adults humor.
4. Jumanji.
This is a fantasy adventure film starring Robin Williams, about a magical board game. The new version with Dwayne Johnson is cornier and all about the one-liners, but this original is a great classic family movie.
5. Frozen.
This movie needs no introduction. All kids love it. Even kids who have only seen the trailer and not the whole movie (my 4 year old – she’s not into sitting for entire movies). Go ahead and watch it for the 20th time – it really is a great movie. It’s nice to see sister love celebrated in a movie and not just romantic love.
6. The NeverEnding Story.
This 1984 family film is about 12-year-old Bastian, a troubled boy who takes refuge in an old book store. He begins reading an old storybook and is drawn into the mythical world of Fantasia.
7. The Lorax.
This Dr Seuss movie is whimsical tale about a creature who fights to protect his world seems especially timely.
8. The Princess Bride.
One of the most quotable movies of all time. This fairy tale family movie is witty and fun and will appeal to grown-ups just as much as kids. It’s inconceivable that you wouldn’t enjoy watching this family-friendly movie.
9. Puss in Boots.
The kitty from Shrek gets his own movie. Worth it for Antonio Banderas alone. Meow.
10. Inside Out.
This is one of my personal favorite family movies of all time. This 2015 Pixar film centers on 11-year-old Riley who moves to San Francisco from Minnesota and isn’t very thrilled with the move. Her 5 core emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness – sometimes conflict while trying to help her navigate the change. Amy Poehler is Joy, Phyllis Smith from The Office is Sadness, Bill Hader is Fear, Lewis Black is Anger, and Mindy Kaling is Disgust.
Plus 40 more of the best family movies to watch with your kids
11. Charlotte’s Web.
12. Mary Poppins Returns.
13. A Wrinkle in Time.
14. We Bought a Zoo.
15. Snowball Express.
16. Hugo.
17. Cloudy with a Side of Meatballs.
18. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
19. Herbie: Fully Loaded.
20. The Land before Time.
21. Ratatouille.
22. Jurassic Park.
23. Finding Nemo.
24. The Sandlot.
25. Elf.
26. Three Men and a Baby.
27. Despicable Me.
28. Back to the Future.
29. E.T.,The Extra-Terrestrial.
30. The Secret Life of Pets.
31. Spirited Away.
32. Mrs. Doubtfire.
33. Honey I Shrunk the Kids.
34. Night at the Museum.
35. Freaky Friday.
36. Babe.
37. Ghostbusters.
38. BFG.
39. Shrek.
40. Indiana Jones.
41. How to Train Your Dragon.
42. Swiss Family Robinson.
43. Onward.
44. Dolittle.
45. Peter Rabbit.
46. Harry Potter.
47. How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
48. The Parent Trap.
49. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
50. Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
And one family movie you shouldn’t watch with young kids:
For the love of god, please do not show your kids this movie. Maybe if they are teenagers. Maybe not even then, adults should barely watch it.
Fine, it’s a classic, blah blah, but that witch. Seriously. Those munchkins. You’re just asking for nightmares. Not that I know from personal experience when I was a kid. I, uh, heard from a friend.
Pick one of the other wonderful family movies and relax with your kiddos.
Let me know in the comments of any of your favorite family movies that didn’t make this list! Have a great day!
Related post: Fall Movie Night: The Best Cozy Ideas for Your Perfect Fall Night In.
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Great list! Visiting from the good random fun link up. laurensparks.net
Thanks Lauren!
I am pretty sure my boys and I have watched ALL of these! There are so many great family movies to pick from.
Wow, amazing Joanne that you guys have seen all of these family movies! You win! lol 🙂 We’re still working our way through the list.
Pinned it for later.I have watched many of these but others I need to watch with my kid.
It’s so fun sharing family movies with your kid – enjoy 🙂
What a fantastic list! Being stuck inside there’s a lot of movie watching going on, this is a great resource to bring everyone together. Thanks so much for the roundup!
Amber Johnson
http://www.craftaboo.com
Thanks Amber!! I’m happy my daughter seems to be more interested in family movies lately – mama gets a bit of a break! lol
Suchot,
This is a great listing. We actually love the kids movies best. Congratulations, you are being featured on Over The Moon Linky Party. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2020/04/over-moon-linky-party_26.html
Hugs,
Bev
Thank you Bev!! I think a lot of us really need the lightness and optimism of family movies right now; I’m enjoying them too. xx
Love that Hook is the first one listed! That is one of my childhood favourites!
Me too!!! I need to rewatch it again soon!
When you hate a color (periwinkle) because it reminds you of something that scared you as a child (the flying monkeys)… then there’s a problem lol. With that said I literally just watched that movie with my littles and they loved it. I completely forgot how much it scared me when I was little until watching it. Definitely keeping this list for a reference. Thank you!
Hahaha, a kindred spirit! So you totally get it. It’s funny, because I have had some angry messages about my comments about The Wizard of Oz…I guess it’s a polarizing movie? lol Glad you found this list of best family movies helpful. 🙂
The movie not to watch with your kids…Hachi. It’s about a dog, but I’m telling you it will traumatize kids and adults. My kids were balling and all, “Why’d you pick this movie?!” Even hubs was crying-we were all sad mad about it.
Omigosh, thanks for the recommendation. I will definitely NOT be watching that one!!
I assume the Wizard of Oz is the no-go movie? I can see why, but I watched if as a young child an no nightmares here! Tales from the Crypt – not THATS another story! Lol I’ve seen every single movie listed here except one or two MULTIPLE times, including watching with my now 17 month old for cuddle time. Great movies! The Brave Little Toaster & Rockadoodle weren’t in here. There’s a couple more, especially Jim Henson movies, bit I can see those being scary for LO’s. I guess j was just a BA 5 yr old!🤣🤣
LOL!! Good list of movies. But … Wizard of Oz is scarier than Harry Potter, Jumanji, Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Depp, and Jurassic Park?!?! LOL!!
@Angela, I thought the same thing. For me, Jumanji, Jurassic Park znd Alice are teens and up. Harry Potter is a no go for us. For the record, they didn’t watch Oz either.
Emperor’s New Groove
Anne of Green Gables
Annie
The Greatest Showman
The Sound of Music
Pollyanna
Mary Poppins
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Newsies
Facing the Giants
Angels in the Outfield (if you can find it)
Muppet Christmas Carol (still my favorite version. Try to find the uncut version with the breakup song)
Treasure Planet
Little Women (there is also an awesome tv series called Little Men)
If tv series count, Little House on the Prairie
Charlie Brown
Prince Caspian
Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Thank you for adding to the list! These are great suggestions of the best family movies to watch. My 7yo is currently obsessed with Charlie Brown movies!
Who framed Roger Rabbit is NOT A KID’S MOVIE.
What’s the one movie? The Amazon link was broken….
Thanks for letting me know, Karah! I fixed the link. It’s the original Wizard of Oz. 😧