10 Family Movies Recommendations

A Saturday night movie with the family can sometimes feel like a war zone. If you are not careful, trying to pick a film that everyone will enjoy can result in a lot of eye-rolling, arguments, and maybe even some door slamming. 

But it does not have to be that way! You can definitely find a movie that appeals to everyone in the family – you just have to know where to look. That is why we have compiled this list of great family movies that everyone will enjoy.

However, before looking at the list, you should remember that a good family movie does not always have to be just for the kids. Sure, there are plenty of animated classics, both new and old. But there are also timeless films, live-action adventures from the '70s and '80s, uplifting true stories, comedy movies with humor that works for all ages, and films that highlight the importance of family. 

Video source: Official trailer via Leap! (Ballerina) YouTube Channel. All rights belong to the original copyright owners.

1. Leap! (Ballerina) (2016)

• Director: Eric Summer, Éric Warin

• Cast: Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Carly Rae Jepsen

• Run Time: 89 minutes

• Reviews: IMDb 6.8/10

• Rating: PG

In the 1880s, a poor orphan named Félicie dreams of being a ballerina but has no training. She escapes her orphanage in Brittany with her friend Victor, but they get separated when they reach Paris. Félicie ends up at the Paris Opera, where she meets a kind cleaner named Odette. 

After an encounter with the rude ballerina Camille, who breaks her music box, Félicie decides to take Camille's identity to get into the ballet school and chase her dreams while seeking revenge.

This is one of the best family movies with impressive plots and animation. And if your child loves dancing, this can easily become their favorite!

Video source: Official trailer via The Greatest Showman YouTube Channel. All rights belong to the original copyright owners.

2. The Greatest Showman (2017)

• Director: Michael Gracey

• Cast: Zac Efron, Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Williams, Zendaya

• Run Time: 105 minutes

• Reviews: IMDb 7.5/10

• Rating: PG

The story follows Phineas Taylor Barnum, a visionary who started from nothing to revolutionize the entertainment industry. Orphaned and broke, he became famous for blending reality with fantasy by creating a circus that showcased unique and unusual acts, often labeled as a freak show. 

Despite his humble beginnings and a loving family with his wife, Charity, and their daughters, Barnum's ambition drove him to prioritize success and respectability, leading him to make choices that strained his family ties. 

We often consider musicals good family movies, and this one is bound to keep you entertained. So, get your popcorn ready – you are about to enjoy a night with a great story! 

Video source: Official trailer via Annie YouTube Channel. All rights belong to the original copyright owners.

3. Annie (2014)

• Director: Will Gluck

• Cast: Quvenzhané Wallis, Rose Byrne, Jamie Foxx 

• Run Time: 118 minutes

• Reviews: IMDb 5.4/10 

• Rating: PG

The 1977 Broadway musical is back on the big screen! It tells the story of Annie, a 10-year-old girl from Harlem living with a harsh foster mom, played by Cameron Diaz. Her life turns when she meets Will Stacks, a billionaire running for mayor, portrayed by Jamie Foxx. 

Initially, he just wants to use her for his campaign, but as they get to know each other, he realizes she means much more to him.

If your kids often grumble about their chores, just wait until they hear about what Annie has to deal with! This is one of the best family movies that will make your children see that their life is actually very easy and enjoyable.  

Video source: Classic trailer via E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial YouTube Channel. All rights belong to the original copyright owners.

4. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

• Director: Steven Spielberg

• Cast: Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote

• Run Time: 115 minutes

• Reviews: IMDb 7.9/10

• Rating: PG-13

• Scariness Score: 7/10

This is one of those family movies with a pretty straightforward story – a boy meets an alien, they become the best of friends, and then the boy has to say goodbye when his alien pal has to head back home, which leaves everyone in tears. 

What really sets it apart is how Steven Spielberg brings it to life, adding this amazing sense of wonder that makes it a true family classic. So, if you need an idea for a Saturday night movie, you will not make a mistake with E.T.! 

Video source: Official trailer via Coco YouTube Channel. All rights belong to the original copyright owners.

5. Coco (2017)

• Director: Adrian Molina, Lee Unkrich

• Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach

• Run Time: 105 minutes

• Reviews: IMDb 8.4/10

• Rating: PG

• Scariness Score: 4/10

Death and remembrance can be pretty heavy topics for kids. Still, when presented with such vibrancy, it is much easier to take in. Trust us, everyone watching will likely find themselves in tears with this touching story about a music-loving kid who journeys to the land of the dead and discovers some family secrets along the way. 

It is definitely one of Pixar's most heartfelt films, filled with bright colors and a lively celebration of Mexican culture. When looking for good family movies with important topics like the perception of life, Coco should not be skipped!

Video source: Official trailer via The Secret Life of Pets YouTube Channel. All rights belong to the original copyright owners.

6. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

• Director: Chris Renaud

• Cast: Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart

• Run Time: 90 minutes

• Reviews: IMDb 6.5/10

• Rating: PG

• Scariness Score: 2/10

In a Manhattan apartment, Max, the beloved pet, sees his world turned upside down when his owner brings home a messy dog named Duke. They have to put aside their differences when they discover that the cute white bunny, Snowball, is rallying a group of lost pets to get back at their owners. 

It is one of the most charming and best family movies that gives us a peek into what pets really do when their humans are not around. Plus, the animations are amazing. Trust us, everyone will enjoy the bright colors and the cute animal faces.

Video source: Classic trailer via The Princess Bride YouTube Channel. All rights belong to the original copyright owners.

7. The Princess Bride (1987)

• Director: Rob Reiner

• Cast: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon

• Run Time: 98 minutes

• Reviews: IMDb 8/10

• Rating: PG

• Scariness Score: 6/10

If you and your family love comedy movies, this one will surely entertain you. An old man reads The Princess Bride to his sick grandson, who thinks he will not enjoy a romance story. The tale follows Buttercup, a farm girl who is about to marry Prince Humperdinck but still mourns her true love, Westley, who died at sea. 

The story mixes action, adventure, and romance, leaving the grandson to wonder if he might actually like it more than he thought, especially as he values justice in the mix. This old film is a great option for a Saturday night movie for the entire family!

Video source: Official trailer via Jumanji YouTube Channel. All rights belong to the original copyright owners.

8. Jumanji (1995)

• Director: Jake Kasdan, Joe Johnston

• Cast: Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, David Alan Grier

• Run Time: 104 minutes

• Reviews: IMDb 6.7/10

• Rating: PG

• Scariness Score: 8/10
  

So, this is a movie about two kids who stumble upon this magical board game, and in the process, they unleash a wild world filled with adventure and risks. One of the most interesting parts? They free Alan Parrish, who has been stuck in the game for years! The only way to tackle all this chaos is actually to finish the game.

When it comes to family movies, you cannot go wrong with Jumanji. It is one of those films that will trigger your children's fantasy and let them enter another world. But it also teaches them about not giving up! 

Video source: Classic trailer via Enchanted YouTube Channel. All rights belong to the original copyright owners.

9. Enchanted (2007)

• Director: Kevin Lima

• Cast: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall

• Run Time: 107 minutes

• Reviews: IMDb 7.1/10

• Rating: PG

• Scariness Score: 4/10 

Amy Adams really lights up the screen in this charming musical comedy, where she plays a fairy-tale princess looking for her happily ever after in a place called Andalasia. But then her wicked mother-in-law sends her off to real-life New York City, and things get interesting! She sings, she dances - there is nothing Amy cannot do.

If you are looking for good family movies where the arts are included, this is it! Namely, this is a perfect film for singing and dancing fans. 

Video source: Official trailer via The Mitchells vs. the Machines YouTube Channel. All rights belong to the original copyright owners.

10. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

• Director: Mike Rianda, Jeff Rowe

• Cast: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph

• Run Time: 114 minutes

• Reviews: IMDb 7.6/10

• Rating: PG

Originally, Sony was set to release this movie in theaters under the not-so-great title Connected, but they sold it to Netflix during the pandemic, and they likely regretted that choice. 

This is one of those comedy movies that ended up being one of the most loved animated features of 2021. It is a clever and heartwarming family vacation film that is just as much about the sweet bond between a father and daughter as it is about their adventure to save the world together.

When you are looking for a fun night in with your kids, these movies will give you exactly that. Whatever film you pick, you can count on amazing entertainment and many memorable moments together!  

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