Settling down as a family and picking out family movies to watch together is a tradition that has spanned generations. But with differing opinions, moods, and genre preferences, it can be a real challenge to agree on a family movie so that everyone feels like it’s a winner. Sure, you can take turns picking so that everyone gets a chance to choose their favorite. But here’s a hot take: what if you could ALL agree? What if you didn’t have to endure your sibling’s movie picks until it’s your turn in the director’s chair and instead wholeheartedly agreed with their choice?
All too often, family movie night ends up in a disagreement and can even lead to family members heading to bed early to avoid watching a movie they can’t stand. But don’t let that popcorn go to waste! Here is a list of the 75 best family movies to ensure your next movie night is a smash hit at home. Happy watching!
75 Best Family Movies
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Dogs Shadow and Chance and cat Sassy embark on the long journey home through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to find their owners and be reunited. A family movie that tugs on your heartstrings and reminds us that we don’t deserve animals.
Matilda (1996)
Based on the childhood classic by Roald Dahl, this family movie about gifted Matilda Wormwood dealing with absentee parents, a terrifying Headmistress at school, and special powers is a must-see for all.
Toy Story… and Toy Story 2… and Toy Story 3… and Toy Story 4 (1995)
Starting in 1995, this series of Toy Story films takes us on a journey we will never forget. Join Andy, Woody, Buzz, and the gang through the years as they tackle friendship, defeating enemies, and growing up. Grab your tissues!
Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
Based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, Horton the elephant tries to save Whoville from evil enemies.
Home Alone (1990)
A holiday classic but hits all year round. Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is left home alone when his family leaves for vacation without him. He is forced to get creative to thwart burglars who have been scoping out the neighborhood and protect his house at all costs.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Oops, it happened again! Kevin McCallister finds himself on his own again, this time lost in New York City. His old familiar foes show up and force Kevin to pull out all the stops once again to defeat them as he tries to reunite with his family.
Coco (2017)
Musical Miguel travels to the Land of the Dead to uncover his family history and understand why there has been a music ban for decades in his family. A beautiful, heartwarming story that spans generations.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Desperate to see his children as he navigates through a nasty divorce, Robin Williams is perfection as he goes undercover as a British nanny and charms the whole family.
Sing (2016)
Koala Buster Moon launches a singing competition to save his beloved theater and restore it to its former glory.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Who you gonna call? Scientists lose their jobs at an NYC university and turn to make money by becoming “Ghostbusters.” Along the way, they must save New York City from complete destruction.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
A bitter, Christmas-hating Grinch who lives outside of Whoville decides to ruin the residents’ beloved holiday.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
The U.S. Government hires archeologist Indiana Jones to find the Ark of the Covenant before Adolf Hitler’s Nazis do.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Marlin, the Clownfish, must embark on a journey to find his son Nemo after being abducted by a fishing boat. With the help of hapless but endearing Dory, he navigates the deep blue sea to bring his baby home.
Holes (2003)
A boy is sent to a detention camp where he is forced to dig holes all day, every day.
The Good Dinosaur (2015)
A rainstorm washes Arlo down the river away from his family. He happens upon a young boy, and together they begin the adventure of a lifetime to be reunited with his family.
It Takes Two (1995)
A Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen classic! This charming story of two girls who look identical but couldn’t be more different is sure to be a hit at your next family movie night. Together the girls try to ignite a spark between their caregivers and switch identities to make it happen.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
A beautiful message that translates throughout the year, not just at Christmastime! George Bailey realizes how much better the world is with him in it.
Inside Out (2015)
Riley deals with her emotions (joy, sadness, fear, anger, and disgust) as they lead her through the transition of moving from Minnesota to San Francisco.
Back to the Future (1985)
High Schooler Marty McFly is sent 30 years back in time by eccentric scientist Doc Brown where he encounters his parents as young people.
The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Grab the tissues. Fox Tod and hound Copper are best friends until Copper is groomed to become a hunting dog.
The Sandlot (1993)
New kid on the block Scottie Smalls moves to town and joins a group of neighborhood kids who meet up every day to play baseball.
Moana (2016)
Intrepid teenager Moana sets out on a daring adventure to save her people. Get ready for this amazing soundtrack to be in your head all day!
Harry Potter (2001)
Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard, feels he finally belongs somewhere with people who care for him and meets for the first time since he was a baby, the man who is irrevocably linked to his life.
Beethoven (1992)
Curmudgeonly middle-aged man resists the pleas of his three children to get a dog, only to realize that the furry critter is the missing link to their family’s happiness.
Jurassic Park (1993)
A filthy rich man decides to mess with evolution and resurrect extinct species, which in turn try to kill his family and friends.
Remember the Titans (2000)
Based on a true story, two groups of high schoolers must put aside cultural and personal biases to form a football team that will transform an entire town.
Angels in the Outfield (1994)
A boy in the foster care system prays for the California Angels to win the pennant to be reunited with his father.
Elf (2003)
Buddy the Elf travels from the North Pole to New York City to find his dad and spread the love of Christmas to all he meets. A film full of laughs for adults and children alike.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
New to Salem, MA, teenager Max happens upon an abandoned house where he encounters a coven of evil witches. With the help of his sister, new friend, and magical cat, he must steal the witches’ book of spells to avoid them from becoming immortal.
Frozen (2013)
In a tale about the bonds of sisterhood, Princess Anna must traverse the snowy terrain to find her sister Queen Elsa and release Arendelle from eternal winter.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
When a tornado rips through her Kansas town, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, emerge in the land of Oz, where they encounter a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion on their way to meet the Wizard.
Little Giants (1994)
A ragtag football team of misfits and their unlikely coach learn that everyone has something to offer when staying true to themselves.
Star Wars: Episode IV-A New Hope (1977)
Luke Skywalker learns the ways of the force and begins his journey to defeat evil a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
Goonies (1985)
With a housing development threatening to relocate a childhood crew’s neighborhood hangout spot, they make one final quest to find the treasure of One-Eyed Willie.
Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton takes us on an adventure following the Pumpkin King’s discovery of Christmastown. Plagued with the monotony of Halloweentown, Jack Skellington becomes overwhelmed with envy and seeks to play Santa this Christmas season.
Armageddon (1998)
With fears of an asteroid about to decimate the Earth, NASA assembles a team of drillers to save the planet.
Rudy (1993)
Based on a true story, follow Rudy Ruettiger from his first football practice as a walk-on to his proudest moment on the field in South Bend, IN.
A Christmas Story (1983)
All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun. Will he get it? Watch and find out as he navigates 1950s family and school life during the Christmas season.
Miracle (2004)
Based on a true story, Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks leads a young team to victory over the formidable squad from the Soviet Union. A feel-good family movie that will have you cheering from the couch.
The Babysitter’s Club (1995)
Based on the popular book series by Ann M. Martin, this film adaptation follows best friends and babysitters through a summer of camp and crushes.
The Sound of Music (1965)
Aspiring nun Maria is assigned to work as a governess for the seven children of a retired, widowed naval officer. She brings her love of music and singing into the home and captures the hearts of everyone in the von Trapp residence.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Princess Ariel and her sea creature friends dazzle and delight under the sea. But when faced with the opportunity to go onto land, she battles between her love for a prince and her father. A family movie favorite that teaches us to believe in the power of our voice.
The Parent Trap (1998)
Identical twins separated at birth reunite unexpectedly at summer camp and navigate what it means to be a family again.
Shrek (2001)
An ogre living in a swamp becomes overrun with annoying fairy tale creatures and attempts to cut a deal with Lord Farquaad to get rid of them.
Tangled (2010)
Rapunzel has been trapped in her tower for years when one day Flynn Rider, a wanted bandit, appears, and the two strike a deal to escape together.
A Christmas Carol (1984)
In this holiday classic, Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.
Annie (1982)
Little orphan Annie is taken in by Daddy Warbucks and quickly charms the household.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
Scientist Wayne Szalinski accidentally shrinks his children along with the neighbors.
The Rookie (2002)
This feel-good family movie follows the true story of Jimmy Morris, a baseball coach who agrees to try out for the major leagues if his high school baseball team makes the playoffs.
The Mighty Ducks (1992)
Ordered to complete community service after a DUI incident, coach Gordon Bombay works to gain the trust of his peewee hockey team.
D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994)
A follow-up to the 1992 family movie hit, D2 comes back better than ever as the Ducks compete in the Junior Goodwill Games.
Freaky Friday (2003)
When mom and daughter don’t see eye to eye, a freak incident has them switching bodies for a day.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Elliot discovers an alien stranded on Earth and works to get him safely back to his home.
Up (2009)
Get ready to cry big ugly tears over this one! Widowed curmudgeon Carl tries to take his trip to Paradise Falls and reluctantly brings a young boy named Russell along for the ride.
Sister Act (1992)
Get ready to groove in your church pew! Lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier needs to hide out in a convent for safekeeping and completely transforms the church choir.
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)
A sequel on a very short list of good sequels. This hilarious follow-up to the 1992 hit follows our favorite nuns as they teach unruly Catholic high school students.
Rookie of the Year (1993)
A freak arm injury makes 12-year-old Henry Rowengartener the newest starting pitcher on the Chicago Cubs.
Zootopia (2016)
Rabbit Judy Hopps becomes a member of the police force and works to solve a mystery with the help of her teammates and fox, Nick Wilde.
Hairspray (2007)
Tracy Turnblad finally gets a spot on the Corny Collins dancing show in 1960s Baltimore. This musical will have you twisting and grooving the whole time!
The Ladybug (2018)
A ladybug has big dreams of escaping her cage and finding utopia.
Hook (1991)
In this offshoot of the classic Peter Pan story, lawyer Peter returns to Neverland to rescue his two children from the nefarious Captain Hook.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Dad Scott accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit on Christmas Eve and must assume the role of the big guy at the North Pole to save Christmas.
The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Max, Duke, and the gang embark on a mission to avenge all the humans who have done them wrong throughout the years.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Join magical Nanny Mary, Chimney Sweep Bert, and the rest of the gang as they bring song and joy back into the home of the Banks family.
Jumanji (1995)
Join Peter and Judy Shepard as they navigate the real-life board game in an old mansion.
Free Willy (1993)
Young boy Jesse vandalizes a theme park and must work there to make amends. He befriends a killer whale named Willy there, and the two form an unexpected bond.
That Thing You Do! (1996)
Small town Pennsylvania band the Oneders become stars overnight with a smash hit.
The School of Rock (2003)
Dewey Finn needs work and poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious private school where he teaches the children about rock and roll.
Cool Runnings (1993)
Follow four Jamaican bobsledders as they work toward their dream of competing in the Winter Olympics.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Based on the William Goldman novel, this fairy tale follows the adventurous love story of a young man and woman.
The Greatest Showman (2017)
P.T. Barnum creates the greatest show on Earth, featuring acts from all walks of life. Enjoy the music of this incredible show!
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Four best friends spend a summer apart but keep in touch through a shared pair of pants.
The Land Before Time (1988)
Littlefoot is left all alone after his mother dies and, with the help of his friends, makes his way to the Great Valley.
The Princess Diaries (2001)
Follow the transformation of Mia Thermopolis as she goes from plain Jane teen to glamorous Princess of Genovia.
Space Jam (1996)
It’s the ultimate match-up of aliens vs. The Looney Tunes/NBA players, starring Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny.
Hopefully, you found your next movie choice on this list of the best family movies. These movies are proven family favorites and contain something for everyone. Get that popcorn ready, keep this list handy, and grab your coziest blanket and you will be prepared to rock your next movie night! Enjoy!
