Finding the best family movies can feel overwhelming. With so many options across decades, genres, and streaming platforms, how do you choose a film that keeps kids entertained and adults engaged?
That’s exactly why we created this ultimate list of the 100 best family movies of all time. These films are wholesome, fun, and memorable—perfect for family movie night, weekend marathons, or holiday gatherings. Whether you’re looking for animated classics, live-action adventures, heartfelt dramas, or laugh-out-loud comedies, this list has something for everyone.
Let’s dive in 🎬🍿
Before the list, here’s what we considered when choosing the best family-friendly movies:
Appropriate for multiple age groups
Positive messages and values
Minimal violence or mature themes
Entertainment value for adults and kids
Cultural impact or timeless appeal
Toy Story (1995) – A Pixar masterpiece about friendship, growing up, and letting go
Finding Nemo (2003) – A heartwarming underwater adventure about family and perseverance
The Lion King (1994) – A timeless Disney classic with unforgettable music
Up (2009) – Emotional, funny, and deeply human
Frozen (2013) – A modern Disney hit about sisterhood and self-acceptance
Shrek (2001) – Fairy tales with humor for all ages
The Incredibles (2004) – Superheroes meet family dynamics
Inside Out (2015) – A brilliant exploration of emotions for kids and adults
Despicable Me (2010) – Comedy, heart, and those iconic Minions
Ratatouille (2007) – Following your dreams, no matter who you are
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) – A magical beginning to a legendary series
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Paddington (2014) – Sweet, funny, and endlessly charming
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – A sci-fi family classic
Mary Poppins (1964) – Practically perfect in every way
The Goonies (1985) – Childhood adventure at its finest
Jumanji (1995) – A wild board game adventure
Night at the Museum (2006) – History comes to life
Hook (1991) – A nostalgic take on Peter Pan
The Princess Bride (1987) – Romance, humor, and swashbuckling fun
Winnie the Pooh (2011)
Curious George (2006)
Cars (2006)
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Peter Rabbit (2018)
Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)
The Peanuts Movie (2015)
Paw Patrol: The Movie (2021)
Ferdinand (2017)
Home Alone (1990) – A holiday staple and family favorite
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) – Comedy with heart
The Parent Trap (1998)
Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
Matilda (1996)
Daddy Day Care (2003)
Big (1988)
The Sandlot (1993)
School of Rock (2003)
Beethoven (1992)
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
Wonder (2017)
Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
Because of Winn-Dixie (2005)
Charlotte’s Web (2006)
October Sky (1999)
The Karate Kid (1984)
Holes (2003)
The Blind Side (2009)
Alice in Wonderland (1951)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Stardust (2007)
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Maleficent (2014)
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
The Hunger Games (2012)
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Goosebumps (2015)
Enchanted (2007)
The Maze Runner (2014)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Back to the Future (1985)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
Ready Player One (2018)
The Polar Express (2004)
Elf (2003)
A Christmas Story (1983)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
The Easter Bunny Is Comin’ to Town (1977)
Luca (2021)
The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
The Book of Life (2014)
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
Sing (2016)
The Croods (2013)
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Smallfoot (2018)
Ron’s Gone Wrong (2021)
Onward (2020)
Babe (1995)
The Sound of Music (1965)
Old Yeller (1957)
Free Willy (1993)
Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
The Little Rascals (1994)
Annie (1982)
James and the Giant Peach (1996)
The Iron Giant (1999)
Spirited Away (2001)
This list of the best family movies spans generations, cultures, and storytelling styles. These films encourage imagination, empathy, and togetherness—exactly what family movie night is all about.
Whether you’re streaming at home, planning a movie marathon, or looking for age-appropriate entertainment, these family-friendly movies deliver laughter, life lessons, and lasting memories.
Bookmark this list, share it with friends, or come back whenever you need inspiration. The best family movies aren’t just entertainment—they’re moments you share, conversations you start, and memories you keep.