74 Best Family Movies to Watch Together
Welcome to Upparent’s Ultimate Guide to Family Movie Night — your go-to source for the best family movies to watch together. This list collects the most-loved films recommended by parents in our community, and we hope you’ll add your favorites, too.
Think of this as your home base for family movie inspiration. From here, you can explore more parent-curated movie lists tailored to your crew — whether you’re watching with little kids, tweens, or teens.
- For young kids: Explore movies based on books they already love or discover hidden gems streaming on Disney+.
- For tweens and middle schoolers: Revisit your favorite 90s family movies or browse other top movies for tweens, from laugh-out-loud family comedies to feel-good musical movies.
- For teens and high schoolers: Discover the most popular comedy movies for teens and rewatch a few of your own favorites, including 80s classics and other teen-friendly movies that are finally appropriate to enjoy together.
- For families with mixed ages: You can never go wrong with sports movies that everyone can root for, or a new streaming family movie that you can all watch for the first time.
Every movie recommendation on Upparent is crowdsourced from real parents, so you can trust these picks are family-tested and genuinely loved. Bookmark this page as your year-round starting point for movie inspiration — and don’t forget to rate and review the ones your family watches next!
DreamWorks Animation © 2023
Orion and the Dark (2024)
Now streaming on Netflix, Orion is whisked away on an adventure by the embodiment of his biggest fear: the dark.
Mommyx3 (Monique H) said: We watched this movie for one of our family movie nights and absolutely loved it! This movie is about a little boy who is terrified of the dark and with the help of some "special friends" he finds a way to face his fears and overcome them as well. Its such a special movie I feel all children should witness :)
Paramount Pictures
Hugo (2011)
A visually stunning family adventure directed by Martin Scorsese, Hugo is based on the illustrated novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. Set in a 1930s Paris train station, it’s a magical movie that blends mystery, invention, and a love for early cinema.
Kelly R said: I was surprised and pleased by how much my kids enjoyed Hugo, but who doesn't love a good Scorsese film?! On the surface it's a story about an orphaned boy who lives in a Paris train station, a once-famous old man who works there, and an automaton that is mysteriously tied to both. At a deeper level, it's a beautifully-shot tribute to the history of filmmaking. Quieter and more layered than many traditional family movies, I love that there is much more to appreciate than just a good plot: a fantastic cast, beautiful cinematography, and amazing detail.
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
The Secret Garden (1993)
The 1993 movie The Secret Garden is an adaptation of the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, following a lonely girl who discovers a hidden, magical garden. It's a timeless family movie based on a book that celebrates friendship, healing, and the wonders of nature.
Jaclyn Keifer said: When a young girl is sent to live with her uncle after the death of her parents, his manner and sorrow leaves her feeling bitterly alone. Neglected once again, she begins exploring the estate and discovers a garden that has become hidden and, aided by one of the servant's boys, begins restoring it to its former glory. The secret garden was one of my favorites as a child and I’m thrilled to see the 2020 remake.
disneyplus.com
Enchanted (2007)
Enchanted playfully blends fairytale tropes with real-world New York as an animated princess is magically transported to the city and falls for a cynical divorce lawyer with a daughter. Hilarity (and a seriously delightful soundtrack) ensue in this family-friendly romantic comedy.
Alexandra F. said: This is a truly enjoyable movie for tweens, teens, young kids and adults alike, with music you will be humming long after the film is over. A unique spin on the classic fairy tale throws a soon-to-be princess into the "real world" in NYC, where her upbeat and optimistic worldview both clashes with and inspires those around her. Tweens will especially enjoy the tongue-in-cheek humor that intentionally flips the traditional princess story on its head.
disneyplus.com
The Greatest Showman (2017)
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.
disneyplus.com
Frozen (2013)
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.There are so many nuggets of wisdom are sprinkled throughout this story in age-appropriate ways. As good a movie for 14-year-olds as for 5-year-olds!
Credit: MATT KENNEDY
Yes Day (2021)
A mom and dad who are used to saying no decide to give their three kids a "Yes Day," where for 24 hours the children get to make the rules.
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!
max.com
Wonka (2023)
Timothée Chalamet steps into the role of Willy Wonka in this fantastical origin story about how the young Wonka came to be the world's most famous, magical chocolate-maker.
Kelly R said: Creative and fun to watch, with plenty of musical numbers that had us listening to the soundtrack right after we saw the movie. And the least creepy Willy Wonka yet!
disneyplus.com
The BFG (2016)
Victoria Scott said: Ten-year-old Sophie is in for the adventure of a lifetime when she meets the Big Friendly Giant (Mark Rylance). Naturally scared at first, the young girl soon realizes that the 24-foot behemoth is actually quite gentle and charming. As their friendship grows, Sophie's presence attracts the unwanted attention of Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater and other giants. After traveling to London, Sophie and the BFG must convince Queen Victoria to help them get rid of all the bad giants once and for all.
Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.
The Karate Kid (1984)
The Karate Kid is an inspiring 80s movie about a teenager who, with the guidance of a wise mentor, learns resilience, respect, and confidence through karate.
Katie G. said: Although my kids like to make fun of the 80s style in this movie, it's still a family favorite. You can't help but root for Daniel throughout the entire movie. Also this is definitely a must-watch if you are ready to delve into the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai.
disneyplus.com
Remember the Titans (2000)
An important diverse family movie based on the true story of a newly-integrated high school football team in 1971 Virginia. The kids must learn to overcome their differences and play as a team despite being surrounded by racial tension.
Amanda Banta said: I love this movie! It's a great story, great cast (including a young Ryan Gosling!) and great music.
Disney
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is a beloved family film based on the classic book about two dogs and a cat who trek across the wilderness to find their owners.
Tera Lee Culverwell said: This is a wonderful movie that the whole family will enjoy! We've watched this over and over! It will definitely keep the family interested.
Universal Pictures
The Little Rascals (1994)
Follow a group of mischievous children as they navigate the challenges of friendship, love, and competition.
Maria Castillo said: Young love! Forts! Club houses! Cart races! Need I say more?! Parents, you know you want to watch it again.
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
When her world is threatened by an evil force, Raya goes on a quest to track down the last dragon and restore peace.
Kelly R said: 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!
Babe (1995)
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!
Primary photo: The Mitchells vs. The Machines ©2021 SPAI. All Rights Reserved.
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.