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It’s the end of the week and you’re asking yourself the often insurmountable question: What should we watch tonight? Whether you’re a college student deciding on your own or together as a family, choosing the right movie can be a frustrating, task. And it’s only exacerbated by the many streaming platforms and their endless offerings available so easily to us today.

To lighten your burden, here’s a list of the 55 best family movies of all time, categorized by genre. Scroll below and you’ll find the best family movies in animation, sci-fi and fantasy, drama and adventure, musical, and comedy. Some of you might recognize these titles from when you were younger. But regardless of what age demographic you are, perhaps it’s time to indulge in these gems that will make family movie night worthwhile.

Best Family Movies: Animation

Cartoons and animations are not solely meant for the children. The power of an animated movie cannot be dismissed, as evinced by the steadily rising popularity of the genre and the colossal success of studios like Pixar. With animated movies, so much more is often conveyed beyond the human faces that routinely dominate the screen. Much like animals, animation can reawaken within us what it means to be a person existing in this world. Check out the best family movies in the genre of animation:

1) The Lion King (1994)

There are the musicals. There’s even the 2019 remake featuring Beyoncé as none other than Nala. But Disney’s original version of The Lion King is a timeless animated classic that perhaps, just maybe, might convince your children to one day read Hamlet. Rated G.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

2) Finding Nemo (2003)

A little fish named Nemo goes missing. His dad, Marlin, will go (swim) the distance to find him, including making some new friends along the way. Parents looking for a family movie to watch with their kids might feel very seen in this one. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

3) Coco (2017)

Step into a vibrant and existential celebration of Mexican culture, and make sure to have a box of tissues at hand. It’s a tale of a musical boy traveling through the land of the dead to discover the truth about his family. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

4) Inside Out (2015)

Inside Out stands as one of the best family movies of all time because of how it creatively captures the panoply of human emotions. Your family is bound to be familiar with the characters Joy and Sadness. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

5) Toy Story (1995)

Pixar’s very first film, released by Disney, was the classic family movie Toy Story. The iconic, lovable and at times cantankerous duo of Woody and Buzz are impossible to forget alongside Andy’s other eclectic toys. And let’s not forget the rather unfriendly (and rather terrifying) neighbor Sid. Rated G.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

6) The Incredibles (2004)

What’s not to love about an animated family of unlikely superheroes? The Incredibles joins the list of best family movies for its humor, action and quirks. Parents and children both use their superpowers to get through the unpredictability of family life. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

7) The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Directed by Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a holiday classic that twists traditions in hauntingly lovable ways. It’s not a list of the best family movies of all time without this genre-bender. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

8) Moana (2016)

Disney’s Polynesian family adventure features songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda and the voice of Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson. A tribal chief’s daughter ventures off to save her island from a terrible curse. You and the family are in for a ride. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

9) Paddington (2014)

Possibly the world’s most famous animated bear after Winnie the Pooh, Paddington arrives in London from Peru. It’s a never-ending carousel of enticing chaos, adventure and wit. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Amazon, Hulu

10) Ratatouille (2007)

A lot can happen when a rat takes control over a prestigious restaurant’s kitchen. But Ratatouille is sure to surpass your expectations with its sweeping music, gastronomical delight and, of course, Paris. Rated G.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

Best Family Movies: Animation (Continued)

11) Shrek (2001) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Peacock

12) Monsters, Inc. (2001) – Rated G

• Where to Watch: Disney+

13) How to Train Your Dragon (2010) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Max

14) Hercules (1997) – Rated G

• Where to Watch: Disney+

15) Despicable Me (2010) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Peacock

16) Wall-E (2008) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Disney+

17) Up (2009) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Disney+

18) The Princess and the Frog (2009) – Rated G

• Where to Watch: Disney+

19) Encanto (2022) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Disney+

20) My Neighbor Totoro (1988) – Rated G

• Where to Watch: Max

21) A Bug’s Life (1998) – Rated G

• Where to Watch: Disney+

22) Spirited Away (2001) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Max

23) The Jungle Book (1967) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Disney+

24) Alice in Wonderland (1951) – Rated G

• Where to Watch: Disney+

Best Family Movies: Sci-fi and Fantasy

You don’t have to be a sci-fi fan to love the following movies. Although, these films might make you and your family want to do a sci-fi movie marathon afterwards. Here are some of the best family movies of all time in the science fiction and fantasy genres.

25) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

This timeless classic of boy and alien becoming inseparable friends will have your family repeating a signature line, “E.T. phone home.” Brought to you by none other than Steven Spielberg. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Sling TV

26) Star Wars (1977)

Han Solo. Princess Leia. Luke Skywalker. Darth Vader. George Lucas’s staggering universe of Star Wars began with an unlikely hero’s calling. Get ready to grab your lightsabers. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

27) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

Soon after its release, children (and adults) were seen waiting around the corner of bookstores to get their hands on a copy. It was the international bestselling novel, adapted into a film, that made it hard to ever forget “the boy who lived.” A tale of magic woven among family, friend and foe, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is one of the best family movies of all time.

Best Family Movies: Sci-fi and Fantasy (Continued)

28) The Wizard of Oz (1939) – Rated G

• Where to Watch: Max

29) Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) – Rated G

• Where to Watch: Tubi

30) Back to the Future (1985) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Netflix

31) Elf (2003) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Hulu (during holidays)

Best Family Movies: Drama and Adventure

Some of the best movies are the ones where you never know what happens next. You’re kept on your toes. You don’t know if you should reach for the box of tissues or start rooting for the character on screen. Here are some of the best drama and adventure family movies:

32) Remember the Titans (2000)

Denzel Washington stars as the coach of a high school football team that confronts head-on the tensions of racial integration. Based on a true story, Remember the Titans will ask necessary questions about race for family members of all ages. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

33) Hook (1991)

Robin Williams stars as the adult Peter Pan who must go back to Neverland and believe in himself again to defeat the enemy, Captain Hook. At once magical, heartbreaking and inspirational, Hook stands as one of the best family movies of all time. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Buy from Multiple Platforms

34) Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

Follow two dogs and a cat as they traverse through America’s daunting natural landscapes to find their way back home. If you’re a pet owner, you’ll want to keep your animals close as you watch this heartfelt family movie. Rated G.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

Best Family Movies: Drama and Adventure (Continued)

35) Jumanji (1995) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Netflix

36) It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Amazon

37) Wonder (2017) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: YouTube

38) March of the Penguins (2005) – Rated G

• Where to Watch: YouTube

39) The Goonies (1985) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Sling

40) Free Willy (1993) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Buy from Multiple Platforms

41) The Karate Kid (1984) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Starz

Best Family Movies: Musical

If you and the family are in the mood for a song and dance, musicals are the best family movies for the occasion. Check out the following musical family movies that range from comedic to dramatic. They’ll have you singing tunes for a lot longer than perhaps your own family’s liking:

42) The Sound of Music (1965)

We watch Julie Andrews in 1930s Austria navigate the life as a governess to a widowed naval officer. The man also happened to be a father of seven children. It’s impossible to have a list of the best family movies of all time without The Sound of Music. Rated G.43. Labyrinth (1986)
To save her baby brother, a young girl enters a fantasy world and must solve a labyrinth. David Bowie stars as none other than the Goblin King who sings unforgettable songs like “Magic Dance.” Labyrinth remains one of the best family movies in the musical genre today. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

43) The Greatest Showman (2017)

A man who starts from nothing and contests with a life full of fame, fortune and frustration. Hugh Jackman shines in this film as the eponymous man, and you might recognize Zendaya as a performer who navigates the hurdles of racism in the 1800s. As one of the best family movie musicals of all time, The Greatest Showman will leave you both motivated and moved. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

Best Family Movies: Musical (Continued)

44) Mamma Mia (2018) – Rated PG-13

• Where to Watch: Max

45) Annie (1982) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Tubi

46) Mary Poppins (1964) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Disney+

Best Family Movies: Comedy

After a long week, sometimes there’s nothing better than laughing together while watching a movie. You might laugh so much you’ll cry. So don’t be surprised when your family starts asking to watch the following best family comedy movies regularly:

48) Home Alone (1990)

When the McCallister family rush out of their home to get to Paris, they make the grave mistake of leaving one thing behind. Follow young Kevin McCallister wreak havoc as he’s home alone fending off burglars, getting the groceries and eating ice cream for dinner. Home Alone is a forever classic as one of the best family comedy movies of all time. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+

49) Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Never doubt the capabilities of Robin Williams as an actor, especially when he plays Mrs. Doubtfire. To save his marriage and family from falling apart, he hysterically pretends to be a Scottish nanny who wins over all of our hearts. You’ll laugh until you cry at how far Mrs. Doubtfire will go for love. Rated PG-13.

• Where to Watch: Hulu

50) The Sandlot (1993)

“You’re killing me, Smalls!” The Sandlot’s quintessential catchphrase brings many back to the group of young baseball players navigating the adventures of their small town in 1962. A nostalgic coming-of-age film, The Sandlot inevitably joins this list of best family movies of all time. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu

51) Father of the Bride (1991)

What could be more of an intimate and tumultuous experience than planning your daughter’s wedding? This remake of the 1950 movie stars Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Martin Short in a hilarious and heart-rending story of a father’s perspective on his daughter’s big day. Children ages 8 and older will laugh and cry while watching one of the best family comedy movies of all time, Father of the Bride. Rated PG.

• Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu

Best Family Movies: Comedy (Continued)

52) The Muppet Movie (1979) – Rated G

• Where to Watch: Disney+

53) The Princess Bride (1987) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Disney+

54) The Parent Trap (1998) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Disney+

55) Matilda (1996) – Rated PG

• Where to Watch: Netflix

Best Family Movies to Remember for a Lifetime

You’ll find that many of the best family movies listed above are from generations prior. Some of the stars are no longer with us, and yet you might remember them vividly from the movies you’ve seen off of this list. The timeless quality of these films renders them as creative ways to not just entertain your family but bring everyone a little closer together. Whether you’re dancing, singing, laughing or crying, these family movies have the potential to remain with you for years on end. The best things often do.

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