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Are you having a hectic week? In that case, you may want to know a few family movie night ideas to make the best of the weekend. It can be the go-to idea for spending cozy and fun times with our loved ones. Regardless, it could be a tough task to choose an age-appropriate movie with various movie options available. So, read on our post as we share a list of the most entertaining and critically acclaimed movies of all time. So gear up by getting some favorite old DVDs if streaming isn’t available, put on the blanket, stock up on snacks and pizza, and pass on mugs of sizzling hot chocolate. Also, pop up fresh buttered corn, which is sure to entice your family into the TV room. Turn on the screen and enjoy the fun and action.
Key Pointers
- The Big Friendly Giant is a fantastic family movie based on Roald Dahl’s book where a little orphan girl befriends the giant.
- Among many others, The Babysitters Club and School of Rock are all-time classics.
- One of the most enjoyable family movies is The Parent Trap, where two sisters work on bringing back their separated parents together.
Movies For Family Movie Night
Watching an engaging and heartwarming movie is one of the best things to do on the weekend with family. If you are looking to run a movie marathon with your loved ones, we have an assortment of irresistible movies – classics, Disney favorites, latest hits, and all those flicks that fit the ‘family time’ bill.
1. The Big Friendly Giant – 2016 (PG)
The BFG
, based on Roald Dahl’s fantasy book of the same name, narrates the story of Sophie, an orphaned girl, and the Big Friendly Giant, who she befriends. The two of them join forces to fight the other giants, who love to eat children and human beings. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie explores unlikely friendships and will have the youngest family members shutting their eyes tightly and also roaring at the plentiful fart jokes.
2. The Baby-sitters Club – 1995 (PG)
Celebrated as a classic, this ‘90s film captures the lives of energetic, young girls who love to babysit. They wish to turn their baby-sitting jobs into a happening and legally-run day camp. They tackle family issues, endure deep crushes, and face opposition from a grumpy old neighbor who is opposed to their ‘enterprising’ idea.
3. School of Rock – 2003 (PG-13)
This one is for all the hard rock fans. The movie follows the story of Dewey, who isn’t the best of rock artists. He is thrown out of his band and has to pose as a substitute teacher to pay his bills. Just allowing every day to pass by as it comes; he finds a new purpose when he hears the prep school students practicing orchestra. He decides to create the perfect team for the Battle of the Bands. This film would be the right choice to expose your kids to metal and rock.
Trivia4. Freaky Friday – 2003 (PG)
This Disney hit depicts the crazy transformations that a punk-rock teen and her uptight psychiatrist mother undergo when they switch bodies after eating fortune cookies on a freaky Friday. This gives them the opportunity to understand each other and get back on the same page with their own bodies. The film offers some hilarious moments; for instance, the mother performs as the lead guitarist at a competition.
5. The Princess Diaries – 2001 (PG)
Anne Hathaway plays Mia Thermopolis in this high school drama, which focuses on the challenges she faces, such as the mean batchmates, unrequited crushes, and royal responsibilities. As Mia Thermopolis discovers she is the princess of Genovia, she has to learn some real-life lessons from her grandmother and also manage her school life.
6. The Parent Trap – 1998 (PG)
A beautiful film depicting the effect parental separation can have on young minds can be a tear-jerker. When Nick and Liz decide to end their marriage, their twin daughters get caught in the nasty split. Each parent claims a child and moves to different destinations. However, fate brings the two sisters together at a sleepaway camp, where they discover their twin bond. They devise a plan to switch places with each other and reunite their parents.
7. The Naked Gun – 1988 (PG-15)
This parody cop film traces the adventures of Detective Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielson), who tries to prevent The Queen’s assassination while on a state visit to the USA. Based on a classic ‘80s TV series called Police Squad, The Naked Gun offers you classic slapstick comedy with loads of puns that will have you rolling.
8. 13 Going on 30 – 2004 (PG-13)
How would you react if you suddenly find yourself jumping age – from 13 to 30? Jenna Pink, played by Jennifer Garner, experiences the same dilemma. She longs for adulthood, but finds herself in a mess after being magically transformed into a 30-year-old grown-up. Mark Ruffalo portrays Jenna’s neighbor in this romcom, which also features the Michael Jackson hit, Thriller, as the two friends sway at a party.
9. The Beatles Yellow Submarine – 1968 (G)
Image: King Features/IMDb
This animated musical adventure could introduce the younger members of your family to the legendary band The Beatles and their delightful music. The music-loving inhabitants of Pepperland face trouble from the music-hating Blue Meanies, so the Mayor sends a sailor to England to seek the help of the Beatles (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr) to solve the musical crisis. The awesome foursome come in a yellow submarine to fight a musical battle with the Meanies and also win it.
10. Big – 1988 (PG)
Directed by Penny Marshall, this 20th Century Fox, fantasy comedy narrates the unusual story of Josh Baskin (played by Tom Hanks), a young boy who makes a wish to be big at a carnival. The wish comes true, and he finds himself surrounded by the challenges that adulthood poses. He later joins a toy firm and his young mind proves advantageous to the company. Big reflects on emotional challenges and friendship.
Did you know?11. The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981) (PG)
Lily Tomlin plays Pat Kramer, who suddenly starts shrinking as a result of a chemical reaction from the cosmetic and household items she purchases. The film reels through hilarious situations as Kramer attempts to manage her tasks as a mother and housewife while living in a dollhouse. Later, she also has to escape from a lab that kidnaps her to carry out tests. It may sound a bit far-fetched and ridiculous, but the movie is highly entertaining for all age groups.
12. Flubber – 1997 (PG)
A hilarious science-fiction film, this classic starring Robin Williams is a remake of the 1961 movie The Absent-Minded Professor. It revolves around an absent-minded professor. He creates an amazing compound called flubber at the cost of his own wedding. Featuring crazy stunts such as basketball players jumping to crazy heights and cars flying in the sky, this movie with its jiggly green compound star will tickle your funny bones.
13. To Sir, with Love – 1967 (PG-13)
This British drama portrays social and racial issues in a city school. Starring Sidney Poitier, Christian Roberts, Judy Geeson, Suzy Kendall, and singer Lulu, the movie is based on E R Braithwaite’s autobiographical novel of the same name. Poitier plays the teacher who has to discipline students, who were rejected by most schools because of their behavior. Facing a lot of opposition initially, he finally wins them over with his calm demeanor.
14. Eight Below – 2006 (PG)
This Disney movie retells the story of the Second Cross-Winter Expedition of the Japanese Antarctic Surveying Team. The movie has Jerry Shepard, who works with the National Science Foundation and helps a UCLA professor find a rare meteorite. They can reach the spot only with the help of a dog sled. How the dogs achieve this despite all the odds makes for the rest of the movie. The movie will appeal to all dog lovers.
15. The Incredibles – and sequel (PG)
The movie narrates the story of the superhero couple, Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, who have to stop their work because of a ban imposed by the government. However, they don their special costumes when they have to fight a supervillain and destroy his killer robot. The sequel to the film also has the youngest baby exhibiting his power to breathe fire, blow up, and become invisible. Go ahead and watch them back-to-back.
16. Despicable Me, 2 & 3 – 2010, 2013, 2017 (PG)
Everybody adores this bald, bad-guy-turns-good-guy tale about a soft-hearted villain who adopts three little girls, around whom his life revolves. The film follows the eccentric but lovable Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), a supervillain who tries to make jams for a living and give up the bad ways. He has an army of the adorable Minions to help him. Quirky and funny, the movie also has a prequel, Minions, which you will enjoy.
17. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – 1982 (PG)
Hailed as one of the best movies of all time, this movie is a heart-warmer and narrates the story of a boy who makes friends with an alien. This Steven Spielberg classic finds inspiration in his own childhood, when he created an imaginary alien friend to help him cope with his parents’ divorce. What’s more interesting is the awesome performance given by the young cast. The movie teaches children the invaluable lesson of true friendship.
18. Jumanji – 1995 (PG)
Wild, imaginative, and incredibly adventurous, the movie is a must-watch for all who love to explore the wild. It is the story of two children who find and play a magical board game that releases a man who’s been trapped inside for years. The movie takes us through various twists and turns. Robin Williams gives a stellar performance as the trapped man who has faced his own set of adventures. The wild ride can end only when the game finishes.
19. Remember the Titans – 2000 (PG)
Exploring racial tensions and brilliant sporting drama, this is a biographical movie about the African American coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), who puts in all his efforts to create and integrate the TC Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971. The movie highlights the importance of teamwork and teaches children the importance of living in harmony with people of all races.
20. Up – 2009 (PG)
This animated offering from Pixar depicts the heart-warming story of a cute old man who has lost his wife. His dream is to fly to South America along with his house, with the power of balloons. An unexpected twist comes in the form of a boy scout named Russell, who gets on board by chance. The movie follows their bond and how they overcome their fears and troubles.
21. Little Women – 2019/1994 (PG)
Based on the celebrated book of the same name written by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women follows the coming-of-age story of the Marsh sisters in 19th century New England. The nearly perfect Meg, the tomboyish Jo, the shy but wise Beth, and the artistically inclined Amy brighten up the plot with their trials and attempts at living life on their own terms.
22. To Kill a Mockingbird – 1962 (PG)
Image: Universal Pictures/IMDb
Although it explores a grown-up theme, the movie, based on Harper Lee’s classic book, tells the story of a black man accused of a crime from a six-year-old child’s perspective. Starring Gregory Peck in the role of Atticus Finch, the movie has him defending the man. The treatment of the movie and the theme is what makes it suitable as a family movie. Consider watching it as an additional activity if your child has read the book.
23. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey – 1993 (G)
Featuring an American bulldog, a golden retriever, and a Himalayan cat, the film traces the adventurous journey of these pets to find their owners. However, the twist in the tale comes when the audience realizes that the Seaver family is on vacation to San Francisco. The movie gives you plenty of rib-tickling moments and highlights the importance of companionship and new friendships.
24. Finding Nemo – 2003 (G)
This brilliantly animated adventure drama by Pixar and Disney leaves you spellbound with its narrative and imagination. Nemo is a clownfish who gets separated from his family, and the film revolves around his father, Marlin, who tries to find him. The task is arduous, but Marlin and his friends keep reminding themselves to “Just keep swimming” and never give up. This is one lesson that we all need to apply in our lives.
25. Moana – 2016 (PG)
Moana is a deviation made by Disney, when it shifted its focus from princesses and presented a free-spirited and strong-willed girl from the Pacific Islands. Ready to take on challenges and prove a point, Moana loves adventures, and her only wish is to return the heart of Mother Earth. In the process, she meets Maui, a demigod, who she helps.
Emily Henderson, a mother of two boys, compiled a comprehensive list of family movies to watch on movie nights along with her two little helpers and Moana sits right at the top of her list. She writes, “My all-time favorite animated movie that I’ve seen probably 25 times and still don’t mind when it’s the chosen flick (and we often force it). The music… the empowering female message, the environmental message, the feminine/masculine message, the lack of an exaggerated female figure (finally), combined with my love of The Rock. It’s just SO GOOD… I’ve cried almost every time (i).”
26. Bedknobs and Broomsticks – 1971 (G)
The movie explores the lives of three siblings during World War II and traces their adventures from the time they are evacuated from London to the time they land in the care of an apprentice witch. The chaos deepens when they come to the island of Naboombu and have to face Nazi invaders. The film may contain some disturbing scenes of the Nazi army, but the hilarity covers it all up to make it enjoyable for the entire family.
27. Soul – 2021 (PG)
The latest offering from Pixar and Disney tells the story of jazz musician and teacher Joe, who has lost his passion for music. Joe travels to the Great Before instead of the Great Beyond. Upon realizing this, he makes up his mind to get back home with the help of an infant soul. The amazing music the movie offers is a bonus for the entire family.
28. Happy Feet – 2006 (PG)
We all love penguins, and this wonderful movie has hundreds of them singing and dancing. The story revolves around a penguin that can’t find his song but has killer dance moves. The movie also tries to impart a few important messages about global warming and the perilous state of affairs for animals facing a serious shortage of food sources. Beautifully directed with an awesome music score, the movie will have your feet tapping.
29. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids – 1989 (PG)
The hilarious adventurous science fiction film about a scientist, whose experimental shrinking ray ends up shrinking his children and neighbor’s sons, is sure to appeal to all ages. How the children find their way back home from their own backyard and land up in the scientist’s bowl of cereal makes for an interesting and enjoyable plot.
30. Ratatouille (2007) (G)
“Anybody can cook!” That’s the message the movie tries to give, while at the same time it leaves you wondering at the oddity of the events that unfold. Ratatouille is the story of a cute rat who wants to be a gourmet chef, and the son of a renowned chef, who wishes to become a famous chef in the culinary capital of the world. Remy, the rat defies all odds to teach the young and clumsy Linguini the fine art of cooking.
31. Free Willy (1993) (PG)
You will love this one if you are an animal lover. Free Willy is a feel-good movie about a boy who befriends an orca, Willy. Jesse starts working at the orca park and looks forward to his interactions with Willy. Unfortunately, their friendship is not acceptable to the park’s owner, who arranges for Willy to be transported to a different location. Jesse manages to save the killer whale and free it in the open waters.
32. Toy Story 1, 2, 3, 4 (1995 – 2019) (G)
These movies will make you believe that toys can talk and have a life of their own. An iconic film about the secret life of toys, the movie and all its sequels follow the travels and adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Mr. and Mrs. Potato, Bo Beep, and other toys that belong to Andy. Some of the scenes offer nail-biting suspense and can also have you rolling.
33. A League of Their Own (1992) (PG)
The film is a must-watch for your young girls who are often told that baseball is a boys’ game. The movie not only has girls playing Major League Baseball, but also winning accolades for their brilliant performance. It traces the real-life story of the 1940s All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, with Tom Hanks playing the coach.
34. Star Wars Series (1977-) (PG)
If you wish to introduce the young members of your family to this space saga, there’s no better time than a family movie night. With its space flight adventures, telepathic powers, unusual plots and twists, and never-ending excitement, the Star Wars series is bound to keep you sitting on the edge of your seats. The mighty heroes and scary villains and the mysteries of the Jedi will leave you asking for more space time!
35. Coco (2017) (PG)
Image: IMDb
Would you willingly go to the land of the dead? Miguel, the 12-year-old protagonist of the movie does so, to look into the reason why music is banned in his family. He is helped in this task by his great-great-grandfather. Coco is based on Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, observed in Mexico. The musically colorful movie gives out strong family vibes and stresses the importance of relationships, trust, and bonding.
36. Beauty and the Beast – 2017 (PG)
This live-action version of the Disney classic will transport you to the world of fantasy where clocks talk, teapots cook, wardrobes walk and shoot out wonderful clothes, and a candle stand escorts you through the mysterious castle. Belle (Emma Watson) switches places with her father, who has been imprisoned by an arrogant prince who looks like a beast. She, however, realizes that he is not as tough as he would want others to believe. It features an interesting cast, including Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, and Emma Thompson.
37. Frozen – 2013, 2019 (PG)
Have fun sliding through snow mountains and build a snowman or just tap your feet to raise an ice castle, the adventures promised by the movie are wildly imaginative and fun to witness. Frozen will definitely have your little girls swooning and singing ‘let it go…’ and ‘Do you want to build a snowman…’ Celebrating the bond between two sisters, Anna and Elsa, who are the princesses of Arendelle, the movie has a lot to offer.
38. Night at the Museum – 2006-2014 (PG)
This action-packed adventure drama is every child’s dream and nightmare packaged together in one roller-coaster ride. The story revolves around a night guard at the natural history museum. At the outset, the job looks dull, but the guard is in for a surprise, as all the exhibits in the museum come to life every day at midnight. He is helped in the task of handling the situation by his son and a statue of former US president Theodore Roosevelt. You will enjoy all the parts released between 2006 and 2014.
39. National Treasure – 2004 (PG)
An amazingly coded, cryptic, modern-day hunt for a lost national treasure, the movie is loaded with interesting lessons in history. Nicholas Cage plays Benjamin Franklin Gates, an amateur cryptologist and historian trying to find the Templar treasure. A coded map of the location is placed on the back of the Declaration of Independence. However, things take an ugly turn when Gates realizes that he is not alone in the quest. A sequel to the movie, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, was released in 2007.
40. Harry Potter series – 2001-2011 (PG)
Taking you through an exciting, magical ride, the Harry Potter series will surely cast a spell on your children. You will find yourself getting deeply involved in the story, from the minute Harry discovers his true identity as a wizard to the time he finishes the Dark Lord. Based on J K Rowling’s books that have become a rage, the movies have some interesting cinematography and a cast that match the pace of the story. So get yourself to Platform 9 3/4 and board the train to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
41. Home Alone – 1990 (PG)
The McCallister family is excited to spend the Christmas holiday in Paris and all set to leave the suburbs behind. However, things get worrisome when they realize they have left their youngest son Kevin behind. Alone at home, Kevin has the entire house to himself and enjoys watching gangster flicks and having tubs of ice cream. But things soon turn messy when two burglars try to break into the house, and Kevin has to fend for himself. It is a hilarious entertainer for the entire family.
42. Inside Out – 2015 (PG)
Hailed as one of Pixar’s most creative movies, the film has an unusual storyline, where the main characters are personified forms of a little girl’s emotions and feelings – Disgust, Joy, and Sadness, to name a few. They accompany her when the family moves to the West Coast. Charmingly narrated and sensitively handled, the movie will have you laughing even after the last minute.
43. The Karate Kid – 1984 (PG)
You will never tire of watching this movie because of the deep lessons it imparts. Tracing the life of a young boy Danny, the movie starts with a group of bullies who trouble Danny. Although raring to avenge himself, Danny finds himself lacking in the art of self-defense. However, with the help of repairman and martial arts master Mr. Miyagi, he trains in martial arts and eventually competes to win against his attackers. Your energetic little boys will want to make sure they enroll in martial arts and master the crane pose after watching the movie.
44. The Sandlot – 1993 (PG)
This coming-of-age movie is a true classic, telling the tale of America’s love for baseball. The story has a young and quirky boy, Scottie Smalls, moving into a new neighborhood. After several trials, he befriends some of the local boys at a local baseball field. The team gets together for some amazing sporting time and also land themselves in several tight spots. Their teamwork pays off when they have to retrieve a piece of precious baseball memorabilia.
45. Matilda – 1996 (PG)
This ’90s classic based on Roald Dahl’s book brings to life the sweet little Matilda, played perfectly by Mara Wilson. Matilda is always discouraged from reading, and she is always in want of attention. Her school is run by an equally terrible and cunning principal. She takes refuge in a library and starts reading books. Matilda is encouraged by her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey. Finally, everybody realizes Matilda has telekinetic powers and starts acknowledging her.
46. Elf – 2003 (PG)
Buddy, one of the elves working with Santa in the North Pole, finds himself oddly placed. And rightly so, because Buddy is part human, part elf. When he realizes this, he wishes to be reunited with his family in New York City. However, upon reaching there, he understands that it is not an easy task. The movie will have you in splits and make you run for more candy to substitute the energy lost in rolling on the floor.
47. The Witches – 1990 (PG)
This magic-filled drama will have your hair standing, as it explores the trial and tribulations of Luke, a naughty child who lives with his grandma at a hotel. Chaos ensues as Luke is caught spying on a gathering of evil witches, who have come to the hotel to attend a convention. The boy is turned into a rat by the witches, and his grandmother fights against the conniving witches.
48. Zootopia – 2016 (PG)
Judy Hopps, a cute little rabbit, nurses a childhood dream of becoming an adventurous police officer at the bustling metropolis Zootopia. She leaves behind her family and farm to achieve this goal. However, she is in for a big surprise because none of her fellow officers take her seriously, owing to her being a rabbit. She takes up the mission of finding the missing people to prove her worth. A fox named Nick Wilde helps her uncover a scandalous secret.
49. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory – 1971 / Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – 2005 (PG)
Whether you choose to watch the classic version or delve deep into the chocolaty waterfalls of the newer version, starring Johnny Depp, you are sure to have one helluva magical ride into the land of sweets and candy. Based on Roald Dahl’s classic book, the movies tell the story of a poor little boy who dreams of visiting Willy Wonka’s mysterious enterprise. Once the Golden Ticket winners enter the factory, there are several lessons in attitude and manners to be learned. However, it turns out there’s something even bigger at stake, as Willy Wonka is actually looking for an heir to run his business.
50. Dr Dolittle – 1998 (PG)
This Eddie Murphy starrer will have you rolling at the eccentricities of veterinarian Dr Dolittle, who is gifted with the ability to communicate with exotic animals. The American fantasy comedy is based on a series of children’s stories written by Hugh Lofting. The movie has become a cult classic due to the unusual storyline and wonderful performances by the lead cast.
51. The LEGO Movie – 2014 (PG)
A must-watch for all the LEGO fans, this movie promises you loads of LEGO excitement in an animated avatar. Featuring an amazing cast of Will Ferrell, Chris Pratt, and Elizabeth Banks, the movie explores the adventures of an ordinary construction worker Emmet Brickowski, who tries to defend the LEGO world from the evil plans of Lord Business. How he manages to achieve this makes for some nail-biting suspense.
52. The Pursuit of Happyness – 2006 (PG)
This heart-warming drama of a homeless salesman, portrayed by Will Smith, will surely touch your emotional cords. The story revolves around Chris Gardner, who tries to sell portable bone density scanners to doctors and scanning centers. However, he faces a lot of financial difficulties, which in turn affect his marriage. He promises his son much happiness and works towards this end.
53. Ice Age – 2002-2022 (PG)
An amazing saga that explores the lives of a group of adorable mammals fighting complete extinction and surviving the Paleolithic ice age, the movie and all its sequels are a must watch for the entire family. The story follows Sid, a lazy sloth, Manny, a humongous woolly mammoth, and Diego, a sabre tooth tiger, who become friends despite their differences. The crazy gimmicks of Scrat, a prehistoric combination of a squirrel and rat, will leave you in splits.
54. Bee Movie – 2007 (PG)
This beautifully animated movie based on the lives of honeybees is truly an eye-opener for most of us who dismiss the hard work that these tiny creatures do and their importance to our food cycle. The story follows the life of Barry, the bee, who finds it extremely boring to work with honey after he graduates from the Bee College. He breaks the cardinal rule of his species by interacting with a human. She tells him that humans have been stealing and eating honey for centuries and encourages him to seek justice by suing humanity for theft.
55. Wreck-it Ralph – 2012 (PG)
This computer-animated Disney comedy tells the story of an arcade game villain who goes against his ‘bad-guy’ image to become a hero. In an attempt to fulfill his dream of becoming a hero, Ralph has to first clean up the mess that he himself has created in the arcade. Hilarity ensues as he attempts to achieve this. Your video game loving children will enjoy this sci-fi movie as much as the Star Wars series.
56. Bolt – 2008 (PG)
Bolt, an American white shepherd, has known no other life but that of his action-packed TV show, where he firmly believed he possessed extraordinary powers. Through an unexpected twist of fate, he finds himself unintentionally distanced from the studio and encounters Mittens, a streetwise female alley cat, and Rhino, an adventurous hamster. As Bolt embarks on his journey to return to the studio, he undergoes a profound revelation that shatters his illusions – he lacks superpowers, and the world he once thought was real is nothing more than a carefully crafted facade.
57. Encanto – 2021 (PG)
A 2021 Walt Disney musical production, Encanto highlights the journey of a multigenerational Colombian family, each with unique magical abilities. However, Mirabel Madrigal turns out to be an exception. Follow Mirabel’s wonderful journey of discovering her magical power while she strives to save her house and family from losing their magic.
58. My Neighbor Totoro – 1988 (G)
This classic animated movie follows the life story of Satsuki and her younger sister Mei as they move into an ancient country house with their father and wait for their mother to recover from the disease at a nearby hospital. In between what follows are the experiences that the sisters have while exploring their neighborhood forest and, in the process, meet and become friends with amusing spirits, most notably Totoro, a large, fluffy creature.
59. The Lion King – 1994 (G)
Image: Shutterstock
The young lion Simba, the successor to his father Mufasa, takes center stage as we follow his adventures in this Disney animated movie. Scar, Simba’s evil uncle, plans to overthrow Mufasa by tricking the father and son into a herd of wildebeests. Sadly, Mufasa passes away, but Simba barely escapes. Eventually, with the help of his friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba matures throughout the movie and returns to reclaim his kingdom from Scar and reunite with his family.
60. Enchanted – 2007 (PG)
Young Giselle lives with her forest friends in the land of fairy tales, Andalasia, and falls in love with the charming Prince Edward. However, when Giselle arrives at the castle to wed her prince charming, the wicked stepmother of the prince sends the future princess to New York City, a place where there are “no happy ever afters.” Robert, a cynical divorce attorney, comes to Giselle’s help, but will she be able to find her way back to her true love when she finds herself falling for her lawyer?
61. Clifford the Big Red Dog – 2021 (PG)
When Emily Elizabeth runs into a mystic animal savior, he gives her a tiny red puppy. But, she never anticipated waking up one day to a gigantic 10-foot dog living in her claustrophobic New York City apartment at that time. While Emily’s working single mother is abroad, she sets out on an adventure with her enthusiastic but impulsive uncle. Her big red dog unintentionally causes a commotion in the bustling city.
62. The Goonies – 1985 (PG)
It is an old tale about a group of brave youngsters who take on the might of a real estate development business that wants to demolish their house to construct a country club. In the process, the children find an ancient pirate map in the attic and follow it into a chamber beneath the ground in search of hidden treasure. Still, they confront several dangerous challenges along the way.
63. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile – 2022 (PG)
After moving to New York City, Josh, the Primm family’s young boy, meets Lyle, a singing crocodile who likes caviar, baths, and excellent music, in the bathroom and all of the problems that he used to have in school with his friends, seem to get better. The two become close friends, but when Mr. Grumps, their evil next-door neighbor, threatens Lyle’s life, the Primms must band together to protect their dearest Lyle.
64. Hugo – 2011 (PG)
Hugo is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the station’s clocks, but to him, protecting a broken puppet and a notebook that belonged to his late father is more important. He sets out on a mission to unravel the mystery of the puppet and locate a place he can call home, accompanied by the goddaughter of a bitter toy dealer, Chloe Grace Moretz.
65. Daddy Day Care – 2003 (PG)
An unemployed Charlie spends his days caring for a couple’s little son while his wife Kim earns the family’s living. Thus, he came up with the idea to open a daycare facility with the help of a friend named Phil. Admissions into the daycare quickly rise, and as they hire the silly Marvin as a new employee. Charlie is forced to cope with never-ending red tape. Will parents switch to Mrs. Harridan’s daycare center, or will Charlie be able to keep the business afloat as the movie proceeds?
66. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, 2 – 2005, 2008 (PG)
Best friends from Maryland, Bridget, Carmen, Lena, and Tibby, have spent many summers growing up together. However, they are now starting their journeys that will last a few months. In the meantime, a pair of jeans that perfectly fit each of them becomes a representation of their close relationship and helps maintain their connection no matter where they are.
67. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey – 1993 (G)
Before departing for a family vacation in San Francisco, the Seavers leave their pets, Chance, an exuberant American bulldog, Shadow, a perceptive golden retriever, and Sassy, a watchful cat, at a friend’s ranch. However, the trio embarks on a dangerous yet adventurous journey across the California desert to find their way back home as soon as the animals start to worry that they might have been abandoned permanently.
68. The Hunger Games – 2012 (PG-13)
The Capitol of Panem rules over its 12 districts in what was once North America by ordering that each district choose a boy and girl, known as a Tribute, to compete in the Hunger Games, a nationally broadcast competition. The entire population is forced to watch these rivals fight in deadly struggle until only one is left. Despite having excellent hunting abilities and keen instincts, Katniss Everdeen of District 12 is forced to choose between her love and survival because she has no other choices to fall back on.
69. Spirited Away – 2001 (PG)
A seemingly deserted amusement park is stumbled upon by 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents in this animated film by renowned Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. After discovering that her parents have been transformed into enormous pigs, Chihiro encounters the enigmatic Haku, who explains to her that the park is a getaway for supernatural beings seeking an escape from their time spent in the mortal realm and that she must work there in order to rescue herself and her parents.
70. Akeelah and the Bee – 2006 (PG)
Akeelah, a little girl from South Los Angeles who is 11 years old, learns she has a knack for spelling and believes it will get her into the National Spelling Bee contest. Despite her mother’s disapproval, she receives help from an intriguing teacher, and with the overwhelming support of her community, Akeelah may have just what it takes to achieve her dream.
71. Paddington – 2014 (PG)
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A baby bear travels to England in search of a new home after a catastrophic earthquake destroys his home in the rainforest of Peru. The bear, known as “Paddington” after the London train station, takes refuge with Henry and Mary Brown’s family. Although Paddington’s fascinating charm quickly wins the Browns over, Millicent Clyde has her sights set on this unique bear and his hide.
72. The Secret Life of Pets – 2016 (PG)
Max, a pampered terrier residing in a lavish New York apartment, finds his life disrupted when his owner brings home Duke, a large and energetic dog. During a walk outside, they encounter a menacing gang of alley cats, leading to an unexpected journey aboard a truck bound for the pound. Thankfully, their salvation arrives in the form of Snowball, a mischievous rabbit, who sets them free from captivity. In return, Snowball insists that Max and Duke join his band of mistreated animals on a quest to confront those who have wronged them.
73. A Bug’s Life – 1998 (G)
Flik, a sneaky ant, constantly causes problems for his colony. The food supplies intended to satisfy the grasshopper, Hopper, were destroyed as a result of his most recent error. Hopper now needs the ants to gather twice as much food as they normally would to guarantee their survival. The movie follows Flik’s journey as he sets out to gather a band of warriors to protect the colony and stop the impending disaster.
74. The Addams Family – 1991 (PG-13)
When a stranger claims to be Fester Addams, Gomez Addams’ long-lost brother, the Addams family is overjoyed. Nevertheless, Fester succeeds in getting the Addams family kicked out of their house with the help of lawyer Tully Alford. Gomez realizes that he must confront Fester at once because the two are working together to steal from the Addams family’s fortune.
75. Brave – 2012 (PG)
Merida, the brave and passionate daughter of Scottish King Fergus and Elinor, the Queen, is an accomplished archer who desires to create her own destiny. The Highland lords are enraged by her rejection of a long-standing custom, triggering chaos in the country. Now, before it’s too late, Merida must learn the true meaning of bravery and reverse an awful curse.
76. Maleficent – 2014 (PG)
Maleficent, a young woman with a good heart, leads a happy life in the woods. She emerges as the land’s toughest defender when an invading army threatens to destroy it. But a tragic betrayal turns her into a bitter being, hardening her heart.
77. Minions: The Rise of Gru – 2022 (PG)
Gru, an aspiring villain, attempts to join the Vicious 6 when he gets to know that Wild Knuckles, a member of the Vicious 6, has been kicked out. Unfortunately, the interview goes wrong, provoking Gru and his Minions to flee with the Vicious 6 pursuing them. Fortunately, Gru meets Wild Knuckles, who turns into an unexpected tutor, and learns, through him, that even bad guys could benefit from a helping hand from their allies at times.
78. Raya and the Last Dragon – 2021 (PG)
Long ago, humans and dragons existed peacefully in the fictional world of Kumandra. The dragons, however, gave their lives to preserve humans when the land was attacked by evil creatures known as the Druun. Five hundred years later, the same creatures are back, and it’s up to a lone warrior to find the final dragon and put an end to the Druun once and for all.
79. Mulan – 2020 (PG-13)
Mulan enlists in the Chinese army, despite being a girl, to keep her frail father from being conscripted. She goes through hard training with other recruits while dressing as a man and utilizes her wits to stop a Hun invasion. She is helped along the way by her dragon companion, Mushu, and develops feelings for the charming commander. Will the army chief find out about her true identity?
80. Upside-Down Magic – 2020 (PG)
Nory, who has the ability to change into strange hybrid creatures, is enrolled in the Upside-Down Magic program as she turns out to be an ideal target for the Shadow Magic, an evil power.
81. We Can Be Heroes – 2020 (PG)
In this superhero movie, the children of Marcus and Missy Moreno must learn to work together and develop efficient teamwork skills in order to save their parents and other superheroes of the Earth, who have been kidnapped by alien invaders. Will they succeed in their mission?
82. Mary Poppins – 1964 (G)
The children of the wealthy and uptight Banks family, Jane and Michael, are happily surprised by the appearance of the magical Mary Poppins when they are faced with the prospect of a new nanny. The brothers go off on a series of fantasy adventures with Mary and Bert, her Cockney performance buddy, in an effort to impart some of their nanny’s positive outlook to their busy parents.
83. Hidden Figures – 2016 (PG)
This movie explores astronaut John Glenn’s historic journey into space, a spectacular feat that restored the country’s faith, altered the course of the space race, and inspired other nations around the world. Notably, this expedition was directed by Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three extraordinarily gifted African-American women who had previously worked for NASA.
84. The Adam Project – 2022 (PG-13)
This movie follows the journey of Adam Reed, a fighter pilot who accidentally crash-landed in the year 2022. In order to prevent things from further going wrong in the present time, he along with his 12 year old past self, team up to prevent time travel and stop its possible consequences.
85. Sing – 2016 (PG)
A previously great theater that has fallen on hard times is now presided over by dashing Koala Buster Moon. He is an everlasting optimist who is obsessed with theater and will stop at nothing to keep it alive. In an attempt to salvage his dying treasure from ruin and fulfill his life’s desire, he organizes the largest singing competition in history.
86. The Shrek series – 2001, 2004, 2007, and 2010 (PG)
Shrek lived in a remote swamp in a faraway land. But his beloved isolation is suddenly disrupted by an invasion of unpleasant fairy tale characters. Shrek makes an agreement with Farquaad in order to save their house and his own and then sets out to retrieve Princess Fiona in order to make her Farquaad’s bride.
87. Turning Red – 2022 (PG)
A thirteen-year-old girl struggles with the decision of whether to go through the changes of adolescence or remain the obedient daughter of her mother. If those challenges weren’t enough, once she gets very excited, she transforms into a huge red panda.
88. Alvin & The Chipmunks – 2007 (PG)
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, three talking chipmunks, find a new home with songwriter Dave Seville after the tree they called home is chopped down and transported to Los Angeles. Even though this new arrangement had a bumpy beginning, Dave gradually learns that the spirited animals have remarkable singing skills.
89. Bend It Like Beckham – 2002 (PG-13)
Despite being 18 years of age, Jess Bhamra, the daughter of a traditional Indian couple living in London, is not allowed to participate in organized soccer. Jules Paxton happens to notice Jess’ excellent abilities while she is playing for fun one day and persuades her to join her semi-pro squad. While coping with her romantic feelings for her coach, Jess uses intricate excuses to keep her matches from her family.
90. Elemental – 2023 (PG)
A vibrant young woman and a laid-back guy learn just how much they have in common on a fundamental level in a city where fire, water, land, and air exist together in peace.
91. The Super Mario Bros. Movie – 2023 (PG)
Brooklyn plumbers Mario and Luigi find themselves transported via a mysterious pipe to a magical new world while working underground to repair a water main. But when the siblings are split apart, their extraordinary journey starts. Follow the events that take place from here on to find out whether or not they are reunited in the end.
92. The Princess Bride – 1987 (PG)
After a long separation between a prince and his one true love, he has to find her and save her. But in order to be reunited with one another, they must overcome the perils of Florin, a legendary realm.
93. Diary of a Wimpy Kid – 2010 (PG)
Greg Heffley, a preteen, finds middle school to be an unpleasant experience full of social pitfalls that he must confront. He creates plans to get the status and recognition he believes he deserves, all of which utterly fail. He also keeps a notebook of his escapades, ideas, and opinions in order to get ready for the day when he won’t have to put up with bullshit anymore, which forms the basis of the movie.
94. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day – 2014 (PG)
The beginning of 11-year-old Alexander’s awful day is gum trapped in his hair. When Alexander tells his family about his mishaps, they don’t show much sympathy as tragedy after tragedy strikes. Eventually, he starts to question whether awful things only happen to him, but he quickly realizes that he’s not alone as he discovers that his mother, father, brother, and sister are all going through similar terrible times.
95. Mr. Popper’s Penguins – 2011 (PG)
In Manhattan, Mr. Popper is a prosperous property developer. He is quickly approaching a partnership with a prominent company and resides in a luxurious apartment on Park Avenue. But when he receives a live penguin as a parting gift from his deceased father, and it is soon joined by five more, his life is drastically altered.
96. The Muppets – 2011 (PG)
Walter, a Muppet fan, is on vacation with his brother Gary and the latter’s fiance, Mary. During this time, Walter finds out that Tex Richman is planning on destroying the Muppet Studios to extract oil from that land. These three now set on a mission to save the studio along with Kermit and organize a tele marathon, which will help them raise ten million dollars for the same purpose. Will they be able to do it in time?
97. We Bought A Zoo – 2011 (PG)
Benjamin Mee, a journalist in Los Angeles, chooses to start over after the tragic passing of his wife by quitting his work and relocating his family to an 18-acre property located in Rosemoor Wildlife Park. Rosemoor has been abandoned for many years, but Kelly Foster and her tiny staff continue to care for the animals there. As he, Kelly, and the others struggle to refurbish and reopen the zoo, Mee opens his heart and wallet.
98. Monsters, Inc. – 2001 (G)
James P. Sullivan is a top scarer at Monsters Incorporated, the biggest fright factory in the monster universe. Sullivan is a huge, intimidating monster with purple markings, blue fur, and horns. Mike Wazowski is a green, obstinate, and combative tiny one-eyed monster that serves as his fright helper, best buddy, and housemate. Boo, a young girl from the human world, comes here and she ventures where no human has ever traveled before.
99. The Land Before Time – 1988 (G)
A small herbivorous dinosaur named Littlefoot loses his mother when she gives her life to save him from a dangerous carnivore. He sets off on a quest to the fabled Great Valley with his traveling companion Cera, making new friends along the way while escaping the merciless predator that killed his mother.
100. Tangled – 2010 (PG)
Since being kidnapped by an elderly witch when she was a baby, the lovely princess Rapunzel has been imprisoned in a tower. The evil Gothel makes use of Rapunzel’s long, blonde magical hair, which has the ability to grant endless youth to maintain her youth. At the age of 18, Rapunzel develops a curiosity for the outside world, and when a prince seeks safety in her tower, she begs him for help in escaping.
101. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – 2013 (PG)
Life magazine employee Walter Mitty works boring days processing images for the magazine. He lives in a world of thrilling daydreams where he is the unquestionable hero in order to escape the monotony. Walter would really like to date Cheryl, another coworker, but he feels worthless. But when Life’s new owners assign him a task to find the ideal photo for the last print issue, he has the chance to have a true journey.
102. Bridge to Terabithia – 2007 (PG)
Jesse’s life changes when he becomes friends with Leslie, the new child in class. Together, they build a fantasy realm called Terabithia, where all kinds of wonderful animals live. Even though they face challenges in their daily lives, Jesse and Leslie are the rulers of Terabithia.
103. The Jungle Book – 2016 (PG)
After being raised by a pack of wolves since birth, Mowgli is forced to leave his own home in the jungle when Shere Khan lets out his terrifying roar. The movie follows the journey of this little boy who is led by a panther and a free-spirited bear.
104. Wonder – 2017 (PG)
Auggie Pullman, who was born with facial deformities that have kept him from attending a mainstream school up until this point, turns into the most improbable of heroes when he enrolls in the neighborhood school’s fifth grade. His incredible journey will bring everyone together and demonstrate that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out while his family, his new classmates, and the greater community fight to find their compassion and acceptance.
105. Tomorrowland – 2015 (PG)
Every time Casey Newton touches a lapel button with the initial T, she is whisked away to Tomorrowland, a city full of enormous robots and modern structures. She seeks the help of scientist Frank Walker, a previous visitor to Tomorrowland, to travel to the city together to learn more about its mysterious secrets.
106. Life of Pi – 2012 (PG)
The Patels board a cargo ship with their sons and several of the remaining animals after deciding to sell their Indian zoo and move to Canada. Sadly, the sole human survivor after a strong storm sinks the ship is the Patels’ teenage son Pi. However, Pi is not the only one in the lifeboat that rescued him.
107. The Never-ending Story – 1984 (PG)
Bastian sneaks into a bookstore on his way to school to escape bullies and secretly leaves with the book “The Never-ending Story,” which he starts reading in the school’s attic. The story takes place in the magical world of Fantasia, which is in danger from “The Nothing,” a darkness that destroys all it touches.
108. A Wrinkle in Time – 2018 (PG)
Since Mr. Murry, their father, discovered a new planet and used the idea of a tesseract to travel there five years ago, Meg Murry and her younger brother Charles Wallace have been living without him. Together with Meg’s classmate Calvin O’Keefe, the children start on a dangerous journey to a planet that is home to the entirety of the universe’s evil, led by the three mysterious ethereal travelers known only as Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which.
109. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, And The Wardrobe – 2005 (PG)
Four siblings are moved to a country cottage where they would be safe during the World War II attack on London. One day, Lucy discovers a wardrobe that takes her to the magical land of Narnia. She quickly makes her way back to Narnia with her sister Susan and brothers Peter and Edmund. They then join Aslan, the mythical lion, in his battle with Jadis, the wicked White Witch.
110. The Boss Baby – 2017 (PG)
The most bizarre boss baby rides in a taxi to Tim’s house while sporting a suit and a briefcase. When Tim learns that Boss Baby is actually a spy on a covert mission, the immediate sibling rivalry must soon be set aside because only he can stop a villainous conspiracy that involves an epic battle between puppies and newborns.
111. The Lego Batman Movie – 2017 (PG)
There are major changes taking place in Gotham, but if Batman is to prevent the Joker’s hostile takeover, he may need to give up being a lone vigilante, try to cooperate with others, and perhaps learn to laugh at himself. Maybe he can learn a thing or two from his trusty butler Alfred and heroic sidekick Robin.
112. Onward – 2020
Two elf brothers, Ian and Barley, go on a quest to discover if there’s still magic left in their world. In a suburban fantasy setting, they embark on a journey to find a rare gem that can bring back their deceased father for one day.
The movie Onward also features in Henderson’s list. She says, “ It (Onward) just came out and we’ve watched it twice already and loved it. It has great messaging of empowerment, brotherhood, fatherhood, an awesome single mom, it addresses death, grief, and self-esteem with loads and loads of entertaining adventure.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you plan a family movie night at home?
While planning a family movie night, ensure your equipment is set up and there’s plenty of theater-style snacks to go around. Suggest that all the family members put away their phones and other gadgets to avoid distractions. Finally, get the whole family to pitch in as you make a list of movie suggestions and take turns watching each one.
2. How do you spice up a movie night?
To spice up your family movie night, consider arranging a backyard movie night by setting up a projector and providing plenty of pillows and blankets. You could have a movie-themed party and also ask everyone to dress up according to the movie’s theme. Add some movie-themed decorations. Don’t forget movie-themed games and movie-themed food. Finally, after the movie, encourage your children to act like critics and share their views or favorite movie quotes from it. You could even set up a few movie trivia games for extra fun and entertainment.
3. What are some non-traditional movie night ideas?
While curling under a blanket on your sofa is the most common way to enjoy a movie night, you can enjoy non-traditional movie nights by having a drive-in movie, a movie marathon, or an outdoor movie night. Other unconventional movie night ideas include costumed movie night and silent movie night. You can also transform your backyard into a drive-in experience with a projector and cozy seating. Another fun idea is to host a movie marathon centered around a specific actor, director, or genre.
4. What are movie night essentials?
Apart from having a television or projector with a good sound system and comfortable seating, a movie night must have blankets and pillows to make the experience cozier. Moreover, no movie night is complete without popcorn, snacks, and beverages. If you are watching an emotional movie, keep tissues or napkins handy.
5. What is good movie night food?
Besides the classic popcorn, nachos or chips with dip are a great choice, while pizza is a movie favorite. You can make mini sandwiches that are easy to eat or create a cheese and charcuterie board with different cheeses, cured meats, pickles, and fruit. A mix of pretzels, chocolate candies, nuts, and dried fruit is a healthier option to munch on during movies.
6. How to decorate a room for movie night?
First, create a cozy sitting area for your movie night. Pile your sofa up with pillows and blankets. Next, decorate the room with movie posters and banners. You could also place cut-outs of the stars or use props from the movie’s theme. Now, set up your television and sound system for an immersive experience. Lastly, dim the lights and enjoy the film with your family and friends!
A movie night with your family sounds fun until you are asked to decide on a flick to watch. With so many preferences to consider, there’s a risk you may wind up only browsing for movies and not watching one. This list of family movie night ideas will be a savior in such times. Our list includes movies of different genres that are fun and appropriate for children and parents alike. While some instill motivation and hope, others are silly yet good watches. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and watch these films to bond with your family over some movie talk.
Infographic: Organizing A Family Movie Night
Now that you have the list of best movies for a family movie night, all that remains is to create the theater experience at home. This won’t be a tedious task with this infographic, as it lists the essentials that convert a home into a movie theater. With the comforts of a theater right at your home, movie nights might become a routine for your family during the weekends.
Save this infographic to make your family movie nights effortless each time. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. 53 movies that parents and young kids both want to watch. AKA what to watch when it’s ‘family movie night’ Every. Single. Night;https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/the-ultimate-family-friendly-movie-review-list
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