74 Best Family Movies to Watch Together

Help us build the ultimate list of the best family movies to watch with your kids! From classic favorites to new releases, we're collecting parent recommendations on the best movies for family movie night. If you and your kids watched and loved it together, we want to know about it!

Vote for your picks, comment with your parent reviews, and add any favorites missing from the list - just no sequels, please!

You can find many of these family friendly movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and Disney+. Even YouTube offers free kids movies! A Google search for the movie you want will tell where to stream it.

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    Home Alone (1990)

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    Kelly R. said:  If your kids enjoy slapstick humor as much as mine do, this holiday movie is going to be a home run. Young Kevin McCallister defends his house against a pair of absurd burglars after his family forgets to bring him along on their Christmas vacation.

    Watch on Disney+

    Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2017)

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    Judi Tschappat said:  Kids and adults like it for the adventure, the laughs, the teamwork and feel-good message of don’t choose a book by its cover! (We love both, but the second is awesome!)

    The Goonies (1985)

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    Amanda Banta said:  Pirates, treasure, adventure and a group of childhood best friends combine to make up one of the best 80s movies for kids. Today's kids may be amazed by our heroes' lack of tech but they'll forget about phones and iPads as they root for the Goonies to win the race for pirates' gold against a trio of bad guys.

    The Princess Bride (1987)

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    Amanda Banta said:  Action, adventure, pirates, sword-fighting, magic, and, yes, kissing all mash up in the fairy tale-esque story of The Princess Bride. It's inconceivable! The story portrays itself as a romance but has such a silly and fun side that, combined with the aforementioned adventure, will keep the kids enthralled. Parents will appreciate the stellar cast that includes some of today's most talented actors like Robin Wright and Mandy Patinkin.

    Watch on Disney+

    Moana (2016)

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    Kelly R. said:  My family loves this refreshingly diverse family movie that is a departure from the standard princess formula. Moana journeys across the ocean to follow her dreams and save her people. No prince needed.

    The Sound of Music (1965)

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    Amanda Banta said:  Through beautiful music and family-friendly lyrics, The Sound of Music tells the real-life story of a nun sent to serve as a nanny to the motherless Von Trapp children. Though the story is set against the threat of Nazi invasion of Austria, the danger of World War II is kept at a distance within the story and is placed under the family oriented storyline and music, allowing younger viewers to enjoy the movie without being scared off.

    Toy Story (1995)

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    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Toy Story and its sequels are some of the best family movies of all time! Kids will delight in the talking toys that come to life and parents will laugh along with the adult humor.

    Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (1971)

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    Kristy Pepping said:  What kid doesn't want a trip to a candy factory to taste test? This classic family movie is full of color, imagination and has great lessons for kids.

    Trolls (2016)

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    Kelly R. said:  The storyline (trolls try to escape being ritualistically eaten by giants) can be a little intense for sensitive kids, but the humor and the awesome musical numbers appeal to everyone. Plus, it introduces our kids to two of our favorite things from growing up - trolls and Justin Timberlake.

    Watch on Netflix

    Yes Day (2021)

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    Vanessa M. said:  The Netflix original movie Yes Day is the perfect film for your next family movie night. Starring Jennifer Garner as the mom who always says no, she and her husband are challenged to give their children a yes day - a whole day where kids are in charge! This movie received thumbs up from parents and kids alike, and also inspired us to have our own yes day!

    Watch on Netflix

    Wonder (2017)

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    Kelly R. said:  This family movie (and the book that inspired it) have been revisited many times for movie night in my house, and I'm glad for all of the opportunities to talk about kindness and acceptance. Auggie, a 10-year-old boy born with facial deformities that have kept him home for much of his life, ventures to school for the first time.

    Onward (2020)

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    Gina Blades said:  Onward was great, and my kids loved it. They learned some valuable lessons about family, diversity, inclusivity, and kindness.

    Watch on Disney+

    Inside Out (2015)

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    Kelly R. said:  A girl's struggle to cope with a family move across the country, played out by the emotions within her - Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, Anger. This family movie manages to be totally funny and clever, while also eye-opening about the importance of all of the conflicting emotions our kids experience.

    Watch on Disney+

    Elf (2003)

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    Kelly R. said:  One of the all-time best family movies for Christmas! When Buddy the Elf realizes he's actually a human, he travels to New York City to find his biological father. Back-to-back belly laughs and an abundance of Christmas cheer make this worthy of repeat viewings every holiday season.

    Annie (1982)

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    Kristy Pepping said:  A fun family friendly movie musical about orphan Annie based on the popular Broadway show. Annie dreams of being adopted and finally gets her chance.

    Sing (2016)

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    Kelly R. said:  Sing (and Sing 2) are some of my family's all-time best movies for family movie night. We watched Sing 2 twice in the same weekend. These totally fun and uplifting movies about ambitious animals with a talent for song have soundtracks that appeal to kids and adults, so you won't mind all of the repeat viewings!

    Luca (2021)

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    Kelly R. said:  Pixar's latest is a charming fish-out-of-water story about a young sea monster who comes to the surface and tries to blend in as a human boy for a summer on the Italian Riviera. We loved Maya Rudolph and Jim Gaffigan as Luca's parents.

    Watch on Disney+

    Cool Runnings (1993)

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    Kelly R. said:  Sports movies are a great way to help teach kids about the importance of teamwork and perseverance, and this one has John Candy! Loosely based on the story of Jamaica's first Olympic bobsled team, it's a funny, quirky, and positive film that encourages following your dreams.

    Watch on Disney+

    Paddington (2014)

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    Kelly R. said:  The literary bear with a soft spot for marmalade travels from Peru to London and is taken in by the Brown family. Belly laughs ensue as Paddington adjusts to his new life and tries to escape being added to the collection at the Natural History Museum. My family has enjoyed this more than once, and we loved the sequel too!

    Watch on Netflix

    The Karate Kid (1984)

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    Shila said:  One of the best family movies from the 80s stars a young Ralph Macchio (Daniel) who finds himself getting bullied by some Cobra Kai Dojo students. A local repairman named Mr. Miyagi takes it upon himself to teach Daniel a more authentic form of karate and self defense.

    The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

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    Dawn Denning said:  Magical lands are only a wardrobe away for four siblings during this WW2 based family movie. A land of beasts, queens and adventure are a great time for everyone in the family. A wise lion will help kids learn about responsibility and loyalty as well as consequences for bad choices.

    Remember the Titans (2000)

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    Dawn Denning said:  A family favorite sports movie based on the love of football and the racial intolerance of a small town in 1971. This true story focuses on how a common goal can change a person's opinion and perspective. With the integration of schools and the replacement of a winning head coach, a hostile group of football players and townspeople learn to work together and overcome adversity and racial tension.

    The Sandlot (1993)

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    Marcia Alvarez Delgado said:  Great movie for the whole family.

    Mary Poppins (1964)

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    Kelly R. said:  Jane and Michael Banks' new nanny takes them on a musical adventure while teaching the Banks clan (and us) a lesson or two about the importance of family. The music, the dancing, and the magic are captivating and keep young kids entertained despite the 2+ hour length. Practically perfect for all ages.

    Back to the Future (1985)

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    Jennifer McCarthy said:  My boys love to imagine time travel. And Doc Brown is a great character.

    Encanto (2021)

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    Sarah Calamita said:  Music by Lin Manuel Miranda (need I say more?!) A story about a family that lives in a magical house and each child except one have a special gift. It is a cute and heart warming story your kids will love.

    Watch on Disney+

    The Little Rascals (1994)

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    Maria Castillo said:  Young love! Forts! Club houses! Cart races! Need I say more?! Parents, you know you want to watch it again.

    Watch on Netflix

    Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

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    Kelly R. said:  When her world is threatened by an evil force, Raya goes on a quest to track down the last dragon and restore peace. I love that this beautifully-animated film continues Disney's trend of new kid movies featuring strong and independent princesses without a love interest. While this one may not earn all of the repeat viewings that many of our favorite Disney movies of all time do, the whole family enjoyed it!

    Watch on Disney+

    Enchanted (2007)

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    Kelly R. said:  A classic Disney princess jumps from her animated fairytale into modern-day New York City, and hilarity (and a seriously delightful soundtrack) ensue.

    The Greatest Showman (2017)

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    Kelly R. said:  A family movie musical inspired by P.T. Barnum's life, with fun dance numbers and a soundtrack that makes it worthy of repeat viewings for my kids.

    Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

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    Kelly R. said:  The first movie in the Harry Potter series introduces us to the young wizard's world and sets him on his first daring adventure at Hogwarts. This is the best one for younger kids because they get progressively darker, but young Harry Potter fans will love them all. Just make sure to read the books first!

    Ratatouille (2007)

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    Kelly R. said:  This is one of our favorite family movies from Pixar, and has been a movie night pick for us more than once! Remy the rat finds himself in Paris, determined to overcome his lowly position in life and achieve his dream of becoming a chef.

    Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

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    Michael Farina said:  There is something incredibly relatable and imagination-driving when you give voice to real animals. With great voice-acting and a heart-tugging, family friendly plot, this one is good for all ages.

    The Super Mario Bros. Movie (April 2023)

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    Kelly R. said:  One of the best new kids movies we saw this year! It was perfect for our son's birthday outing with a few friends, and there were plenty of references in it for the adults who grew up playing the games, too.

    Babe (1995)

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    Kelly R. said:  A barnyard of talking animals teaches some important lessons about kindness and compassion as Babe the pig tries to make himself useful herding sheep to avoid his likely fate. One of the best family movies from the 90s to share with younger kids!

    The Willoughbys (2020)

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    Kelly R. said:  This fantastic movie took us by surprise, and is absolutely one of the best family movies on Netflix! Four siblings, neglected by their parents, hatch a plan to improve their circumstances. It's funny, sweet, and a little bit dark.

    Watch on Netflix

    The Princess Diaries (2001)

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    Kate Wille Murray said:  Princess Diaries is a family favorite! Mia learns she is a princess from her long lost grandmother. The news brings her into a world of refined behaviors and etiquette that doesn’t come easily to Mia. The big news must be kept a secret and we watch as Mia handles life.

    Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

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    Amanda Banta said:  Though technically this is episode 4, most of us agree that this is the introduction to Star Wars that today's kids should get. The Millennium Falcon, lightsabers and the imposing Darth Vader are recognizable images for even preschoolers these days, making this Star Wars a good movie for family movie night. The theories and lore behind the Star Wars world may go over the heads of many kids, but they still can delight in the classic good guys vs. bad guys storyline.

    Matilda (1996)

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    Victoria Scott said:  This film adaptation of a Roald Dahl work tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a gifted girl forced to put up with a crude, distant father (Danny DeVito) and mother (Rhea Perlman). Worse, Agatha Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), the evil principal at Matilda's school, is a terrifyingly strict bully. However, when Matilda realizes she has the power of telekinesis, she begins to defend her friends from Trunchbull's wrath and fight back against her unkind parents.

    E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

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    Kelly R. said:  This story about an unlikely friendship between a boy and a lost alien is one of the best family movies from the 80s. Grab a bag of Reese's Pieces for your next family movie night and revisit it with your kids.

    Jungle Cruise (2021)

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    Kelly R. said:  Jungle Cruise is a wildly good time and filled to the brim with cheesy puns, just like its namesake ride at Disney. We're big fans of the ride and the movie totally did it justice! The rating is mainly for action/violence and some creepy imagery, which was ok for my 8 and 11 year olds.

    Watch on Disney+

    Togo (2019)

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    Amy S. said:  An inspiring movie about an amazing animal! Togo tells the true story of a champion dogsled trainer and his lead sled dog, Togo. Together, they lead a team of sled dogs across Alaska to deliver medicine to a small town that is suffering from a diphtheria outbreak. Compelling story, stunning visuals, and a dog who will win your heart—just be ready for a few tears!

    Watch on Disney+

    The Bad Guys (2022)

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    Mommyx3 (Monique H) said:  The name alone says it all lol. A movie about some experienced criminals who are SO used to getting away with some of the biggest crimes, only to finally get caught (YES!)... I'm not telling the rest lol :) Overall great and funny movie.

    The LEGO Movie (2014)

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    Kelly R. said:  Everything is awesome when an unlikely LEGO hero finds himself tasked with saving the word from an evil tyrant. Filled with laughs that will appeal to kids and adults on family movie night, and carrying a surprisingly poignant message.

    Tangled (2010)

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    Kelly R. said:  A retelling of the classic Rapunzel story that the kids and adults in my house all love. It's so funny, clever, and the music is wonderful. One of my family's all-time favorite Disney movies!

    The Wizard of Oz (1939)

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    Kelly R. said:  A classic family movie that has stood the test of time - since 1939! Dorothy follows the yellow brick road with three fantastical friends to seek the help of the Wizard of Oz to send her back home to Kansas.

    Frozen (2013)

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    Alexandra F. said:  My kids were obsessed with this movie when it came out, and were so excited to see the sequel even as tweens. The music is fabulous, and I loved the story about sisterly love and the importance of accepting and embracing who we are.

    Shrek (2001)

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    Kelly R. said:  Kids will get a kick out of seeing a funny spin on classic characters like the three little pigs and the gingerbread man in this irreverent modern fairytale for kids.

    The Croods (2013)

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    Shila said:  My kids and I enjoyed watching this fun family movie set around the prehistoric era, starring gritty yet lively cave people. They come to realize that ingenuity and adaptability is key to their survival, as well as strength in family. I'd say this movie is a cross between Ice Age and Trolls, except without song and dance routines.

    Home (2015)

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    Danielle DeVose said:  Nice family movie. On the run from their enemy, the Gorg, the Boov have found a new planet to call home - Earth.

Primary photo:   August de Richelieu from Pexels

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