Snuggled up on the sofa with your kids, an amusing movie, and a big pan of popcorn is probably one of the most perfect ways to spend meaningful family time. However, selecting a film that everyone wants to see is difficult (cue the sibling banters). Here are 20 family movies that people of all ages will enjoy, including those from your youth. Dim the lights, get your food ready, and sit back and relax.
- “THE GOONIES” (1985)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 10+; Rated PG
- Run time: 114 minutes
This coming-of-age ’80s favorite has it all: buried treasure, enduring companionship, edge-of-your-seat excitement, and a young Josh Brolin. The evil characters (the thieving Fratellis) are a touch terrifying, therefore we suggest this one for kids aged 10 and over.
- “DR. DOLITTLE” (1998)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 10+; Rated PG-13
- Run time: 90 minutes
Introducing Dr. John Dolittle (Eddie Murphy), an eccentric vet who can interact with a wide range of unusual creatures.
- “THE GREATEST SHOWMAN” (2017)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 8+; Rated PG
- Run time: 105 minutes
Put on your favorite pajamas and grab some popcorn since this family-friendly play will keep everybody amused for a minimum of an hour and 45 minutes. Hugh Jackman portrays famed Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus showman P.T. Barnum in this biopic that chronicles his ascent to showbiz prominence. Did we say that Zac Efron also appears?
- “MOANA” (2016)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 5+; Rated PG
- Run time: 103 minutes
This musical quest, the first of several Disney films on our list, wins additional marks for its amazing score (courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda) and full kickass protagonist (no prince swooping in to save her). To rescue her island, adventurous Moana sets off to discover the Polynesian waters with the aid of deity companion Maui (Dwayne Johnson). #girlpower (Note: There’s a scary-ish moment in the end with a spewing volcano that younger viewers may wish to skip.)
- “ANNIE”(2014)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 8+; Rated PG
- Run time: 118 minutes
Wait till your kids witness what Annie (Quvenzhanè Wallis) has to keep putting up with if they grumble about doing their duties. There have been several renditions of this theatrical rags-to-riches tale, but we believe this 2014 edition is the greatest, with memorable figures and captivating tunes.
- “THE LEGO MOVIE”(2014)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 6+; Rated PG
- Run time: 100 minutes
Everything about this animated film influenced by iconic toys is fantastic, especially the outstanding cast, which includes Will Ferrell, Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Neeson, and others. Will Emmet Brickowski, a regular building employee, be able to stop the wicked Lord Business from Kragling (gluing) the Lego universe? Keep watching to find out.
- “PRINCESS AND THE FROG” (2009)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 6+; Rated PG
- Run time: 97 minutes
Tiana’s desire to start a café is dashed when she encounters Prince Naveen, who has been transformed into a frog by the villainous villain Dr. Facilier.
- “E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL” (1982)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 8+; Rated PG-13
- Run time: 115 minutes
Steven Spielberg’s iconic sci-fi drama about an alien stuck on Earth is pure cinema enchantment. Parents will like the sentimental throwback (baby-faced Drew Barrymore), while children will enjoy the charming E.T. and his connection with his inferior species family (although note that there is some light swearing and some teary moments). Oh, and while watching, Reese’s Pieces is a necessity.
- “THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES”(2008)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 13+; Rated PG-13
- Run time: 114 minutes
Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) goes to a small South Carolina hamlet to find out more about her deceased mother. She encounters the Boatwright siblings (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo) while there, who welcome her in and educate her about honeybees.
- “HUGO” (2011)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 9+; Rated PG
- Run time: 127 minutes
Your children may be too little to see Goodfellas, but this Martin Scorsese film is just as enjoyable. The tribute to the theater is set in a lovely Parisian setting and contains enough excitement, intrigue, and laughter to captivate children of all ages.
- “DADDY DAY CARE” (2003)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 5+; Rated PG
- Run time: 92 minutes
When Charlie (Eddie Murphy) is laid off, he makes the extreme choice to convert his house into a childcare center.
- “STAND BY ME” (1986)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 12+; Rated R
- Run time: 89 minutes
This uplifting coming-of-age narrative about four 12-year-old boys in 1950s Oregon is about friendship, growing, and doing the proper thing. This powerful film hits the appropriate blend of kid adventure, grown-up drama, and a cute Jerry O’Connell, despite some heavier topics (making it best for adolescents and up).
- “TOY STORY” (1995)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 6+; Rated G
- Run time: 81 minutes
This animated picture about toys coming alive is ideal for family movie night, with plenty of inside jokes for grownups. It’s so fantastic that it generated three sequels and countless spin-offs, which will keep you entertained for the next few weekends.
- “THE KARATE KID” (1984)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 8+; Rated PG
- Run time: 126 minutes
Daniel (Ralph Macchio) is a new student at school. To protect himself against bullies, Johnny enlists the help of Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki “Pat” Morita), a repairman who also seems to be a kung fu teacher.
- “ALADDIN” (1992)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 5+; Rated G
- Run time: 90 minutes
Another masterpiece from Disney. Who doesn’t adore this Arabian Nights musical starring Robin Williams in one of his most memorable roles? Clear the rug in your sitting room and prepare for a family theme song to “A Whole New World.”
- “THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS” (2005)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 12+; Rated PG
- Run time: 119 minutes
A gang of closest buddies is planning their first vacation apart. They devise a parenting routine for a pair of jeans to keep linked.
- “WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE” (2009)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 10+; Rated PG
- Run time: 101 minutes
Spike Jonze brings back the traditional children’s fable in a surreal setting, addressing themes of isolation and uncertainty. Read the novel to your five-year-old, but leave the movie to your adolescent.
- “ENCHANTED” (2007)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 5+; Rated PG
- Run time: 107 minutes
Amy Adams excels as a fairy-tale princess striving to live a happily ever after in Andalasia in this lovely musical comedy. That is before her wicked mother-in-law exiles her to actual New York City. Is there something Adams can’t do? She sings and dances—is there anything she can’t do?
- “HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY” (1993)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 5+; Rated G
- Run time: 84 minutes
Make a place on the sofa for your animal companions to join you as adorable puppies Shadow and Chance and feline cat Sassy trek across the nation to be reconnected with their owners.
- “THE HUNGER GAMES” (2012)
- Suitable for: Kids ages 12+; Rated PG-13
- Run time: 144 minutes
In this film based on the extremely popular YA series, spunky Katniss Everdeen (played well by Jennifer Lawrence) is the ideal role figure for adolescent girls, fighting heroically against the terrible Panem nation.
