20 Fabulous Musical Movies for Families

Vanessa M. said:  I fell in love with this movie when I was a 6 year old kid! I am so glad my older daughter loves it too. The only caveat is that it is a very long movie (almost 3 hours), so it can be hard to find time/sit still to watch the whole thing at once.

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.

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.

Alexandra F. said:  There is really nothing like watching this show live, but after having seen the musical my teens and I were really happy to be able to watch it over (and over) again whenever the bug would hit us without having to wait for a live performance!

A classic family musical 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.

A modern musical retelling of A Christmas Carol, where the Ghost of Christmas Present takes on a cynical media consultant, hoping to redeem his soul.

Kelly R said:  The year Spirited came out, all of the holiday movies in our usual rotation were forgotten while we rewatched it over and over. It's the perfect Christmas movie for teens and older kids who can handle some iffy content, and we subscribe to Apple TV each November and December mainly just for this.

This Netflix family movie is an adaptation of the Matilda stage production, about a young girl with a special mind and terrible parents. There's terrific song and dance numbers, the signature Roald Dahl darkness and humor, and a fantastic Emma Thompson as the villainous Miss Trunchbull.

Kelly R said:  We absolutely loved this!

Funny and upbeat musical movie about the transition from silent films to sound, its song and dance numbers are still spectacular today.

Hairspray is a vibrant and energetic musical comedy set in 1960s Baltimore, where a plus-size teen dreams of dancing on a local TV show and fights for racial integration. Its catchy songs, positive message of inclusivity, and fun, upbeat energy make it a fantastic choice for a tween or teen sleepover movie.

Kelly R said:  My theater-loving daughter discovered this recording of the Broadway production of Shrek the Musical, and can't get enough of it! Just as funny and irreverent as the movies that inspired it, it's a fun option for a family movie night with a live theater feel.

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.

Kristy Pepping said:  Although this movie has been redone, I highly recommend the original. This 80s kids movie is a classic with some memorable songs that will get your kids singing along!

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.

Disney's musical movie adaptation of Sondheim's dark fairy tale isn't for little kids.

Ben Platt brings his Tony-winning performance to the big screen in this coming-of-age story about a high schooler dealing with the loss of a classmate to suicide.

Con artist Harold Hill gets more than he bargained for when he tries to trick the locals in small town River City.