Family movie nights are a cherished tradition that brings everyone together, offering entertainment that appeals to both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for family movies to watch on a quiet evening or planning an eventful movie night, this list of the best family-friendly movies has something for everyone. Without further ado, let’s get started.
25 Best Movies to Watch With Family
From animated classics to live-action adventures, these films are not only good movies to watch with family but also some of the best movies of all time.
1. The Lion King (1994)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
- Cast: Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons
- Director: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
The Lion King is a timeless Disney classic that tells the story of Simba, a young lion prince who must step into his role as king after the tragic death of his father, Mufasa. The film is an emotional journey of self-discovery and redemption, filled with memorable songs like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata.” It’s one of the best family movies of all time, offering both heartwarming moments and important life lessons.
2. Toy Story (1995)
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles
- Director: John Lasseter
Toy Story is a groundbreaking animated film that takes viewers into a world where toys come to life when their owners aren’t around. The story revolves around Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure, who must overcome their rivalry to work together. It’s a heartwarming tale about friendship and loyalty, making it one of the best movies to watch with family.
3. Finding Nemo (2003)
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould
- Director: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
Finding Nemo follows the journey of Marlin, a clownfish, as he searches the ocean for his son, Nemo, who has been captured by a diver. Along the way, Marlin teams up with Dory, a forgetful fish with a big heart. This Pixar masterpiece is not just a visually stunning film but also a story about love, perseverance, and the importance of family, making it a perfect family movie to watch.
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
- Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
- Director: Chris Columbus
Enter the magical world of Hogwarts with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This film introduces us to Harry Potter, a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and begins his education at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The movie is filled with wonder, adventure, and the enduring theme of friendship, making it one of the best family-friendly movies to watch.
5. The Incredibles (2004)
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson
- Director: Brad Bird
The Incredibles is about a family of undercover superheroes trying to live a normal life until they are forced to save the world from a new villain. The film blends action and humour, appealing to both children and adults with its message of family dynamics and the importance of working together. It’s a good movie to watch with family that’s both thrilling and entertaining.
6. The Princess Bride (1987)
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
- Cast: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin
- Director: Rob Reiner
The Princess Bride is a fairy tale adventure that’s as enchanting as it is funny. The story follows a young woman named Buttercup and her true love, Westley, as they set out on a quest to rescue her from an unwanted marriage. The film is filled with memorable quotes, sword fights, and a touch of romance, making it one of the best family movies of all time.
7. Home Alone (1990)
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Genre: Comedy, Family
- Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
- Director: Chris Columbus
Home Alone is a hilarious holiday classic about Kevin McCallister, a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. Kevin must defend his home from two bumbling burglars using a series of creative traps. It’s a fun-filled movie that’s perfect for family movie nights, especially during the holidays.
8. The Jungle Book (1967)
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
- Cast: Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, Louis Prima
- Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
The Jungle Book is a classic Disney film that tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the jungle. With the help of his friends Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, Mowgli must find his way back to the human village while avoiding the evil tiger Shere Khan. The film is full of catchy songs and important life lessons, making it a good movie to watch with family.
9. Shrek (2001)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz
- Director: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson
Shrek is an animated film that turns fairy tale tropes on its head. The story follows Shrek, a grumpy ogre, who decides to go on a mission to rescue Princess Fiona with the help of his loudmouthed sidekick, Donkey. The film is packed with humour, adventure, and a heartwarming message about accepting others for who they are, making it one of the best family-friendly movies to watch.
10. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Genre: Family, Sci-Fi
- Cast: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote
- Director: Steven Spielberg
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a touching story about a young boy named Elliot who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. Together, they form a deep bond and work to help E.T. return home. The film is filled with emotion, adventure, and the timeless theme of friendship, making it a good movie to watch with family.
11. Frozen (2013)
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad
- Director: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Frozen tells the story of two sisters, Anna and Elsa, as they go through the challenges of Elsa’s magical powers. The film is known for its catchy songs, including “Let It Go,” and its themes of love and sisterhood. It’s one of the best family movies to watch, particularly for those with young children.
12. Matilda (1996)
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
- Cast: Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman
- Director: Danny DeVito
Matilda is a delightful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved book. The film follows Matilda, a bright young girl with telekinetic powers, as she navigates life with neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal. The movie is both funny and inspiring, making it a great family movie to watch together.
13. The Sandlot (1993)
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
- Cast: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna
- Director: David Mickey Evans
The Sandlot is a coming-of-age story about a group of young boys who spend their summer playing baseball and getting into adventures. The film is nostalgic and filled with heartwarming moments, making it one of the best family-friendly movies to watch.
14. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
- Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger
- Director: Victor Fleming
The Wizard of Oz is a magical journey that follows Dorothy, a young girl who is swept away to the land of Oz by a tornado. Along with her new friends, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, Dorothy seeks out the Wizard to find her way home. This classic film is a must-watch for families, offering timeless entertainment and a sense of wonder.
15. The Incredibles (2004)
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson
- Director: Brad Bird
The Incredibles is about a family of undercover superheroes trying to live a normal life until they are forced to save the world from a new villain. The film blends action and humor, appealing to both children and adults with its portrayal of family dynamics and the importance of working together. It’s a good movie to watch with family that’s both thrilling and entertaining.
16. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Genre: Family, Fantasy, Musical
- Cast: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum
- Director: Mel Stuart
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” is a whimsical tale about a poor boy named Charlie who wins a golden ticket to tour the mysterious chocolate factory run by Willy Wonka. The film is filled with imaginative sets, quirky characters, and valuable life lessons, making it one of the best family movies to watch.
17. Coco (2017)
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
- Producers: Darla K. Anderson
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
Coco is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful story about Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s ban on music. During the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, Miguel is transported to the Land of the Dead, where he uncovers his family’s long-buried secrets. This best family movie of all time teaches the importance of family, memory, and following one’s dreams.
18. The Parent Trap (1998)
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
- Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson
- Director: Nancy Meyers
The Parent Trap is a delightful comedy about twin sisters who were separated at birth and met for the first time at summer camp. They hatch a plan to switch places and reunite their divorced parents. The film is full of fun, heartwarming moments, making it a great movie to watch with family.
19. The Goonies (1985)
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
- Cast: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen
- Director: Richard Donner
The Goonies is a classic adventure film about a group of kids who find a treasure map and decide to go on a thrilling journey to find hidden riches. The movie is filled with excitement, humour, and a strong sense of friendship, making it one of the best family-friendly movies to watch.
20. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy
- Cast: Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Angela Lansbury
- Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
Beauty and the Beast is a tale as old as time, telling the story of Belle, a young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the magical staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s exterior to recognize the kind heart within. This Disney classic is a must-watch family movie that’s both enchanting and heartwarming.
21. Aladdin (1992)
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Cast: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin
- Producers: Ron Clements, John Musker
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Aladdin is a story about a street-smart boy who finds a magical lamp and summons a genie who grants him three wishes. As Aladdin tries to win Princess Jasmine’s heart, he faces the evil sorcerer Jafar. This film is a family-friendly movie filled with adventure, humour, and unforgettable songs, making it a must-watch for all ages.
22. Despicable Me (2010)
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
- Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand
- Director: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud
Despicable Me is the story of Gru, a supervillain who adopts three orphaned girls as part of his latest scheme. However, their love and innocence gradually change him into a caring father. The movie is full of humour, heart, and, of course, the lovable Minions, making it a good movie to watch with family.
23. Cinderella (1950)
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy
- Cast: Ilene Woods, James MacDonald, Eleanor Audley
- Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson
Cinderella is a classic Disney fairy tale about a kind young woman who, with the help of her Fairy Godmother, attends the royal ball and wins the heart of the prince. This beloved fairy tale is one of the best family movies of all time, offering a message of hope and the belief that dreams can come true.
24. Moana (2016)
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House
- Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
Moana is the story of a young girl who sets sail on a daring journey to save her island and discover her true destiny. Along the way, she meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her journey. The film is filled with adventure, catchy songs, and a strong message about courage and self-discovery, making it a great family-friendly movie to watch.
25. Ratatouille (2007)
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Patton Oswalt
- Director: Brad Bird
Ratatouille is a delightful Pixar film about a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a great chef in a Parisian restaurant. Despite the odds, Remy teams up with a young kitchen worker to create culinary masterpieces. This charming film is full of humour, heart, and inspiration, making it one of the best movies to watch with family.
If you’re a fan of family-friendly content and looking for even more entertainment options, be sure to explore some of the top-rated movies on Peacock TV and check out the top 10 shows on Peacock TV. These lists offer a wide range of movies and shows that are perfect for a binge-worthy night with your loved ones.
Wrap Up!
These top 25 family movies offer something for everyone, making them perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic tale, an animated adventure, or a heartwarming story, these films are the best family movies of all time and are guaranteed to make your next movie night unforgettable.