Last updated: September 5, 2025
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There’s nothing better than a family movie night – snuggling on the couch with popcorn and a great film. But with so many choices, how do you find the best family movies everyone will enjoy?
We asked our Instagram community to share their all-time favorite picks and added some of our own. The result: a go-to list of the best family movies for kids and parents to watch together.
From Disney classics and animated adventures to laugh-out-loud comedies and heartwarming stories, there’s something here for every age. Before you press play, we recommend checking Common Sense Media for detailed reviews and age ratings.
Ready to plan your next family movie marathon? Let’s dive in!
If you’re hunting for more movie ideas, check out more of our favorite kid-friendly movies. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, MKE With Kids earns from qualifying purchases.
New Family Favorites of 2025
Looking for fresh and fun movies to watch together this year? Here’s a quick lineup of top family picks that are filling theaters and warming hearts in 2025.
Lilo & Stitch (Live-Action, 2025)
Disney’s live-action/CGI remake of the animated hit brings the mischief-loving Stitch back to life. Praised for breaking box-office records – it’s already crossed $1 billion worldwide, making it one of 2025’s biggest family hits.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Dog Man (2025)
Based on the popular Dav Pilkey books, this animated action-comedy from DreamWorks is full of laughs, heart, and charm.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Paddington in Peru (2025)
Paddington is back—this time with a family adventure in the Amazon as he sets out to find Aunt Lucy. It hit U.S. theaters in early 2025 and quickly became a family favorite.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Disney’s Snow White (Live-Action, 2025)
A fresh retelling of the timeless fairy tale, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. Released in March 2025, this musical fantasy brings new songs and a visually beautiful reimagining of a classic.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado (2025)
Perfect for younger fans, Dora returns in this animated jungle adventure searching for a magical fallen star. Released in July on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon, it’s fun and family-approved.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Disney Favorites
Magical tales and iconic animated adventures for families of all ages.
Up (2009)
Carl, a widowed man, lifts his house with balloons and sets off on an adventure. A young boy tags along, and together they discover friendship and courage.
Themes: Adventure, love, new beginnings.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Inside Out (2015)
Inside a young girl’s mind, five emotions guide her through life’s changes. This imaginative story shows the value of all feelings.
Themes: Emotional growth, acceptance.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Coco (2017)
Miguel journeys to the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s history and pursue music. Colorful and heartfelt, it celebrates heritage and passion.
Themes: Family, culture, following dreams.
Watch: Prime Video | Blu-ray
Moana (2016)
Moana sets sail to save her island with the demigod Maui. Her journey highlights bravery, discovery, and respect for nature.
Themes: Courage, self-discovery, cultural heritage.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Frozen (2013)
Sisters Elsa and Anna navigate magic, family, and self-acceptance in the icy kingdom of Arendelle.
Themes: Love, sisterhood, acceptance.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Finding Nemo (2003)
Marlin, a clownfish, crosses the ocean to find his son, Nemo—with the help of forgetful Dory.
Themes: Perseverance, family, friendship.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Finding Dory (2016)
Dory searches for her family in an underwater journey filled with humor and hope.
Themes: Perseverance, belonging, family bonds.
Watch: Prime Video | Blu-ray
Watch: Prime Video | Blu-ray
Cars (2006)
Race car Lightning McQueen learns about humility and teamwork in a small town.
Themes: Friendship, growth, relationships over fame.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
The Lion King (1994)
Simba grows from cub to king in this iconic coming-of-age story.
Themes: Courage, family, identity.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
WALL-E (2008)
A small robot embarks on a space adventure that teaches love and care for the Earth.
Themes: Environmental care, hope, kindness.
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Animated Classics
Timeless and beautifully animated stories that spark imagination.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Two sisters meet a magical forest spirit named Totoro in rural Japan. Their adventures celebrate wonder and imagination.
Themes: Childhood innocence, friendship, nature
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
A young witch named Kiki starts a delivery service. She learns independence and confidence along the way.
Themes: Self-reliance, kindness, growth
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Shrek (2001)
An ogre named Shrek rescues Princess Fiona with help from his friends. Humor and heart drive this fairy-tale parody.
Themes: Friendship, love, self-acceptance
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Ponyo (2008)
A magical fish named Ponyo wants to be human. Her friendship with a boy highlights love and care for nature.
Themes: Friendship, love, environment
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
The Secret Life of Pets 1 (2016)
Pets embark on wild adventures when their owners leave home. Their stories highlight loyalty and courage.
Themes: Friendship, loyalty, companionship
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)
Max and friends face new challenges, from farm life to city adventures. Together they learn bravery and family bonds.
Themes: Courage, friendship, family
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Sing! (2016)
A koala named Buster Moon hosts a singing contest to save his theater. Animals discover their talents and confidence.
Themes: Perseverance, self-belief, creativity
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Ratatouille (2007)
Remy, a rat with a dream to cook, becomes a chef in Paris. His journey inspires kids to follow passions.
Themes: Dreams, passion, determination
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Trolls World Tour (2020)
Trolls from different musical tribes unite to save their world. Their mission celebrates acceptance and diversity.
Themes: Acceptance, diversity, collaboration
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Paddington (2014)
Paddington Bear starts life in London with the Brown family. His adventures spread kindness and humor.
Themes: Compassion, kindness, family
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Paddington 2 (2017)
Paddington clears his name after being falsely accused. Along the way, he shares joy and builds community.
Themes: Compassion, justice, community
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Soul (2020)
A jazz musician’s soul explores purpose and passion in the afterlife. The film sparks reflection about life’s meaning.
Themes: Identity, creativity, purpose
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Want more cozy family activity ideas? Browse our extensive selection of indoor activities that create comfort and connection.
Old-School Classics
Nostalgic films that have been entertaining families for generations.
Wizard of Oz (1939)
Dorothy is swept into Oz and journeys with new friends to find her way home.
Themes: Courage, friendship, hope
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Charlie wins a golden ticket and explores a magical candy factory full of surprises.
Themes: Honesty, kindness, imagination
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
E.T. (1982)
A boy befriends a stranded alien and helps him return home.
Themes: Friendship, empathy, adventure
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
A scientist shrinks his kids, who face backyard adventures with giant obstacles.
Themes: Creativity, resilience, family
Watch: Prime Video | DVD
The Sound of Music (1965)
Maria brings music and joy to the von Trapp family during WWII.
Themes: Love, courage, family
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Labyrinth (1986)
A girl journeys through a magical maze to rescue her baby brother.
Themes: Bravery, love, imagination
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Mary Poppins (1964)
A magical nanny brings fun and life lessons to a struggling family.
Themes: Joy, kindness, family
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Home Alone (1990)
Kevin defends his house with clever traps after being left behind.
Themes: Independence, creativity, problem-solving
Watch: Prime Video | Blu-ray
The Muppets (2011)
The Muppets reunite to save their theater through songs and laughter.
Themes: Teamwork, friendship, joy
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Adventure & Fantasy
Exciting stories filled with magical lands, quests, and unforgettable characters.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2005)
Harry discovers he is a wizard and begins his studies at Hogwarts.
Themes: Bravery, friendship, standing up for what is right
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
The Pevensie siblings enter Narnia and battle evil with the help of Aslan.
Themes: Courage, faith, friendship
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
The Goonies (1985)
Kids follow a treasure map on an adventure filled with danger and discovery.
Themes: Teamwork, courage, friendship
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
How to Train Your Dragon Series (2010–2019)
A Viking boy befriends a dragon and changes his world through understanding.
Themes: Friendship, acceptance, bravery
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
The Princess Bride (1987)
Buttercup and Westley face daring quests in a tale of love and adventure.
Themes: True love, loyalty, bravery
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Scoob! (2020)
Scooby-Doo and friends solve spooky mysteries with humor and teamwork.
Themes: Problem-solving, teamwork, friendship
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Inspirational & Educational Picks
Heartwarming and meaningful films that inspire, teach, and spark conversations.
Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
A young girl works hard to become a spelling bee champion.
Themes: Perseverance, confidence, achievement
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Ruby Bridges (1998)
The true story of a brave girl integrating an all-white school in the 1960s.
Themes: Courage, justice, equality
Watch: Prime Video | DVD
March of the Penguins (2005)
A documentary showcasing the life cycle and migration of emperor penguins, inspiring awe and respect for nature.
Themes: Nature, perseverance, survival
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Matilda (1996)
A gifted girl uses her intelligence to overcome unfair adults and challenges.
Themes: Knowledge, courage, empowerment
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Sports & Teamwork
Films that celebrate the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and passion for sports.
A League of Their Own (1992)
An all-female baseball team plays during WWII, challenging stereotypes and expectations.
Themes: Teamwork, perseverance, breaking barriers
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Mighty Ducks (1992)
A youth hockey team learns about friendship, teamwork, and determination in this beloved sports comedy.
Themes: Friendship, determination, teamwork
Watch: Prime Video | DVD
Angels in the Outfield (1994)
A boy finds hope through baseball and a little heavenly help.
Themes: Belief, hope, family
Watch: Prime Video | DVD
The Sandlot (1993)
A group of kids bonds over baseball and summer adventures.
Themes: Friendship, teamwork, coming of age
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Heartwarming Stories
Family-focused films that emphasize love, loyalty, and overcoming challenges.
The Parent Trap (1998)
Twins separated at birth scheme to reunite their parents.
Themes: Family bonds, cleverness, love
Watch: Prime Video
Homeward Bound (1993)
Three pets journey across the country to find their family.
Themes: Loyalty, adventure, friendship
Watch: Prime Video | DVD
Free Willy (1993)
A boy helps a captive orca return to the ocean.
Themes: Freedom, friendship, compassion
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Annie (2014)
An optimistic orphan searches for love and a family of her own.
Themes: Hope, resilience, belonging
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Babe (1995)
A pig proves he can herd sheep with kindness and perseverance.
Themes: Kindness, self-belief, perseverance
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Charlotte’s Web (2006)
A pig and a spider form an unlikely friendship full of loyalty and lessons.
Themes: Friendship, loyalty, life’s cycle
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
More Ideas from our Readers
The Rookie (2002)
A high school coach gets a second chance to pitch in the major leagues.
Themes: Perseverance, dreams, opportunity
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Toy Story (1995)
Toys come to life and explore friendship, loyalty, and growing up together.
Themes: Friendship, growing up, imagination
Watch: Prime Video | DVD
The Gruffalo (2009)
A clever mouse outsmarts predators in this animated storybook adaptation.
Themes: Cleverness, bravery, problem-solving
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
The Greatest Showman (2017)
P.T. Barnum creates a world-famous show, celebrating creativity and spectacle.
Themes: Creativity, perseverance, vision
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Big Hero 6 (2014)
A young inventor and his robot team up to save their city.
Themes: Teamwork, innovation, resilience
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Mulan (1998)
A young woman disguises herself to take her father’s place in the army.
Themes: Honor, courage, family
Watch: Prime Video | DVD
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
A girl journeys into magical realms filled with music and wonder.
Themes: Bravery, imagination, hope
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
The Incredibles (2004)
A superhero family comes out of hiding to fight evil together.
Themes: Family, teamwork, courage
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Incredibles 2: (2018)
Elastigirl leads crime-fighting while Mr. Incredible manages the home.
Themes: Teamwork, responsibility, trust
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2003)
Harry uncovers the truth about the Chamber and faces new dangers at Hogwarts.
Themes: Courage, friendship, loyalty
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
The Pevensies help Prince Caspian reclaim his throne from an evil king.
Themes: Bravery, loyalty, justice
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
The siblings sail across magical seas, facing tests of courage and character.
Themes: Faith, bravery, friendship
Watch: Prime Video | DVD/Blu-ray
Family movie night is one of the easiest ways to slow down and connect. With so many great family movies to choose from, you’ll always have something new to enjoy together.
When the credits roll and the kids are tucked in, why not make time for yourselves too? Try these at-home date night ideas for a fun way to end the evening.
Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss our full collection of fun at-home activities for kids and best family movies by season and theme.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
