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
Shrek (2001)
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.
amazon.com
Despicable Me (2010)
When a supervillain adopts three orphaned girls as part of a nefarious plan, he unexpectedly finds himself becoming a loving father figure and discovers that maybe he's not so evil after all. It's one of the best family movies because it's funny for all ages, but has plenty of comedy aimed at parents, too.
DreamWorks Animation
The Croods (2013)
The Croods is a DreamWorks animated film about a prehistoric family of cavemen who are forced to venture into a dangerous, unknown world after their cave is destroyed, encountering fantastical creatures and a more evolved human along the way.
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.
disneyplus.com
Night at the Museum (2006)
The new night watchman at the Museum of Natural History is surprised to find that the exhibits come to life after sunset.
Kelly R said: My family has watched this for family movie night more than once! It's exciting, funny and entertaining for the whole family without being totally cheesy, and the language and violence are pretty mild.
Miracle (2004)
An inspiring true story about a ragtag US hockey team facing the unstoppable Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics with the whole world watching. You don't have to love hockey to get swept up in the suspense and excitement of this amazing underdog story.
TriStar Pictures, Inc.
Matilda (1996)
Young Matilda must overcome her neglectful family and cruel principal to stand up for herself and what is right. Having special superpowers doesn't hurt. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman are memorable as Matilda's ridiculous parents. This movie is based on the book by Roald Dahl.
DreamWorks Animation
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
A Viking teenager befriends a dragon in the first movie based on the beloved children's book series.
A Monster in Paris (2011)
Erin Pavelec said: My daughter's favorite is "A Monster in Paris.”
DreamWorks Animation
Turbo (2013)
Sue Krawitz Tandoc said: The under"snail" story of Turbo is a family favorite for my kids. They love watching Turbo's racing adventure and cheer him on until the very end! And with Ryan Reynolds as the voice of Turbo, you are guaranteed a great movie experience.
amazon.com
The Secret World of Arrietty (2012)
Tiny "Borrowers" live secretly in a world beneath the floorboards, taking only what they need from the human family above. When a curious young Borrower girl is discovered by a human boy, their secret friendship could endanger her family's existence.
amazon.com
Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero (2018)
Jaclyn Keifer said: Such a delightful movie for all of the family. My younger ones don’t always do well with scary or violent things but this movie handled various scenes well. I love that it was based on a true story. The kids have requested to watch it many times and I don’t mind seeing it over and over- what a great message about bravery and dedication.
Doctor Dolittle (1967)
Trish Rice said: If you are an animal family the classic Doctor Dolittle never disappoints.
disneyplus.com
Pete's Dragon (1977)
KansasAlicia said: Pete's Dragon (1977 Version) was a favorite in our house! My parents loved it and it's a movie that appeals to both girls and boys!
The Ultimate Gift (2007)
Jessica A. said: An overlooked gem of a movie! This PG rated drama will hit every aged member of your family in it's own unique way. Based on Jim Stovall's novel by the same name, this movie provides an excellent illustration of the real meaning of wealth. My children all agreed that this movie was special!
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.