Is there anything better than a classic family movie night—snuggled on the couch, popcorn in hand, sharing laughs and unforgettable moments? We don’t think so!
To make your next movie night extra special, we asked our Instagram community to share their all-time favorite picks for the best family movies, and they didn’t disappoint. We also added some of our personal favorites to create the ultimate list of family-friendly movies.
From animated classics and heartwarming stories to inspiring tales and laugh-out-loud comedies, there’s something here for every child (and adult) to enjoy. Every child is different, so we recommend checking Common Sense Media for detailed reviews, age recommendations, and more before you press play.
Ready to start planning your family movie marathon? Let’s dive into our list!
After the kids head to bed, why not take some time for yourselves? Try these creative at-home date night ideas for a fun and relaxing way to end the evening together.
Disney Favorites
Magical tales and iconic animated adventures for families of all ages.
Up (2009)
A heartwarming story about an elderly man and a young stowaway who embark on a colorful adventure, discovering the power of dreams, hope, and unlikely friendships.
Inside Out (2015)
A clever and emotionally insightful film that personifies emotions inside a young girl’s mind, teaching families about understanding and navigating complex feelings.
Coco (2017)
A visually stunning tale that celebrates family, heritage, and the importance of remembering loved ones through the lens of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos.
Moana (2016)
A young Polynesian girl sets sail on a daring journey of self-discovery, courage, and leadership to save her people and embrace her destiny.
Frozen (2013)
A magical story of sisterhood and self-acceptance as two royal sisters navigate the challenges of Elsa’s icy powers and their unbreakable bond.
Finding Nemo (2003) / Finding Dory (2016)
An unforgettable underwater adventure about a father’s love and determination as he searches for his son across the vast ocean. In the sequel, Dory, the forgetful fish, embarks on an inspiring journey to find her long-lost family while uncovering the importance of memory and belonging.
Cars (2006)
A hotshot racecar learns valuable lessons about friendship, humility, and community when stranded in a small town off the beaten path.
The Lion King (1994)
A timeless Disney classic about a lion prince’s journey to reclaim his throne and embrace his destiny in the circle of life.
The Incredibles & Incredibles 2 (2004 & 2018)
A superhero family balances saving the world with the challenges of family life, highlighting teamwork, identity, and resilience.
WALL-E (2008)
A charming and thought-provoking story of a small waste-collecting robot who inadvertently embarks on a journey to save humanity and the planet.
Animated Classics
Timeless and beautifully animated stories that spark imagination.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
A gentle, magical tale about two sisters who discover a friendly forest spirit and learn to appreciate the wonder of nature and imagination.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
A young witch-in-training starts her own delivery service, learning independence, resilience, and the importance of friendship along the way.
Shrek (2001)
A hilarious, heartwarming twist on traditional fairy tales as a grumpy ogre and a talkative donkey team up to rescue a princess.
Ponyo (2008)
A whimsical, visually stunning story of friendship between a fish-girl and a young boy, with themes of love and respect for the environment.
The Secret Life of Pets (1 & 2) (2016, 2019)
A funny and imaginative look at what pets do when their owners aren’t home, exploring themes of friendship and self-discovery.
Sing! (2016)
A feel-good animated musical about a group of animals chasing their dreams in a singing competition to save a failing theater.
Ratatouille (2007)
A heartwarming story about a rat with a passion for cooking who proves that anyone can follow their dreams, no matter how unlikely.
Trolls World Tour (2020)
An energetic and music-filled adventure that celebrates diversity and unity through the colorful world of trolls and their love of song.
Paddington & Paddington 2 (2014, 2017)
The adventures of a lovable bear from Peru who spreads kindness, humor, and charm as he finds a home in London with a caring family.
Soul (2020) is a computer-animated film by Pixar that combines stunning animation with heartfelt storytelling, following a middle school music teacher who unexpectedly journeys to the afterlife and learns what it truly means to live a fulfilling life
Old-School Classics
Nostalgic films that have been entertaining families for generations.
Wizard of Oz (1939)
A technicolor classic about a young girl’s magical journey to find her way home, discovering courage, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
A fantastical adventure inside a whimsical chocolate factory that teaches lessons about greed, kindness, and the rewards of innocence.
E.T. (1982)
A touching story of friendship between a young boy and a stranded alien, as they work together to help E.T. return home.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
A hilarious adventure where a scientist accidentally shrinks his kids, turning their backyard into a perilous jungle filled with giant-sized obstacles.
The Sound of Music (1965)
A heartfelt musical about a spirited governess who brings love, music, and joy to a family during a time of personal and political turmoil.
Labyrinth (1986)
A fantastical journey through a magical labyrinth as a teenager tries to rescue her baby brother from the enigmatic Goblin King.
Mary Poppins (1964)
A magical nanny transforms a family’s life with her whimsical adventures, timeless music, and lessons about love and joy.
Home Alone (1990)
A hilarious and heartwarming classic about a resourceful young boy who defends his home from burglars after being accidentally left behind during the holidays.
The Muppets (2011)
A fun-filled musical comedy where the Muppets reunite to save their old theater, celebrating friendship, nostalgia, and the joy of performing.
Adventure & Fantasy
Exciting stories filled with magical lands, quests, and unforgettable characters.
Finding Ohana (2021)
An exciting treasure hunt adventure set in Hawaii that celebrates family bonds, heritage, and self-discovery.
The Chronicles of Narnia Series (2005–2010)
An epic fantasy series where siblings discover a magical world and embark on heroic adventures to fight evil and restore peace.
The Harry Potter Series (2001–2011)
A magical coming-of-age saga about a young wizard and his friends battling dark forces while navigating friendship, bravery, and destiny.
The Goonies (1985)
A group of kids embarks on a thrilling quest to find pirate treasure, saving their neighborhood while discovering courage and the power of teamwork.
How to Train Your Dragon Series (2010–2019)
A heartwarming tale of friendship between a young Viking and his dragon, challenging traditions and proving the value of trust and understanding.
The Princess Bride (1987)
A fairy tale adventure filled with humor, romance, and action, as a young hero embarks on a quest to rescue his one true love.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
A visually stunning reimagining of the classic tale, where a young girl enters a magical world and discovers her strength and bravery.
Scoob! (2020)
A modern animated adventure where Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang face their biggest mystery yet, uncovering Scooby’s surprising legacy.
Inspirational & Educational Picks
Heartwarming and meaningful films that inspire, teach, and spark conversations.
Young Woman and the Sea (2024)
An inspiring story about Gertrude Ederle’s courage and determination as she becomes the first woman to swim across the English Channel, breaking barriers and sparking meaningful conversations.
Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
A heartwarming tale of a young girl’s journey to success in a national spelling bee, highlighting the power of perseverance, community, and self-belief.
Ruby Bridges (1998)
A powerful and educational film about a brave young girl who integrates an all-white school in the 1960s, fostering important conversations about race and equality.
March of the Penguins (2005)
A breathtaking documentary that follows the incredible journey of emperor penguins in Antarctica, showcasing themes of survival, family bonds, and resilience.
Soul (2020)
A jazz-infused exploration of life’s passions and the small joys that make life meaningful, wrapped in a visually stunning and heartfelt Pixar film.
6. Matilda (1996)
The story of an intelligent young girl with telekinetic powers who overcomes challenges with her courage, cleverness, and love for learning.
Sports & Teamwork
Films that celebrate the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and passion for sports.
A League of Their Own (1992)
A heartwarming and humorous look at the first women’s professional baseball league, showcasing perseverance, teamwork, and breaking barriers in sports.
Mighty Ducks (1992)
A feel-good story about a misfit youth hockey team and their reluctant coach, who learn the value of teamwork, determination, and believing in themselves.
Angels in the Outfield (1994)
A magical and inspiring baseball story about faith, hope, and teamwork, as a young boy’s prayers bring angels to help a struggling team.
The Sandlot (1993)
A nostalgic coming-of-age story about friendship, summertime adventures, and a shared love for baseball.
The Rookie (2002)
An uplifting true story of a high school coach who gets a second chance at his dream of playing Major League Baseball, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Heartwarming Stories
Family-focused films that emphasize love, loyalty, and overcoming challenges.
The Parent Trap (1998)
A delightful comedy about identical twins who reunite at summer camp and concoct a mischievous plan to bring their divorced parents back together.
Homeward Bound (1993)
An emotional and adventurous tale of two dogs and a cat making an incredible journey through the wilderness to reunite with their family.
Free Willy (1993)
A heartwarming story about a boy who befriends a captive orca and fights to set him free, highlighting themes of friendship and wildlife conservation.
Ramona & Beezus (2010)
A charming and relatable story of the misadventures of a spirited young girl and her big sister, showcasing the ups and downs of family life.
Annie (2014)
A modern, feel-good retelling of the classic musical about a spunky foster girl whose life changes when she meets a wealthy businessman, filled with optimism and catchy songs.
Babe (1995)
An enchanting story of a pig with big dreams of becoming a sheepdog, emphasizing the power of determination and being true to oneself.
Charlotte’s Web
A touching tale of friendship and kindness as a young farm girl and a wise spider work together to save a pig named Wilbur from an untimely fate.
Other Ideas from our Instagram Community:
The Rookie: This film is based on the true story of a high school baseball coach who discovers he can pitch with incredible speed and gets a second shot at his dream of making it to the major leagues. It’s a tale of perseverance and following your dreams, no matter your age.
Toy Story: The first feature-length film animated entirely by computer, this movie explores the secret life of toys when people aren’t around and delivers a story about friendship, loyalty, and the idea of embracing change.
Mary Poppins: A timeless classic that combines live-action and animation, this film is about a magical nanny who transforms the lives of a family in Edwardian London. Its iconic music and whimsical sequences are sure to delight.
The Gruffalo: This is a short animated film based on the beloved children’s book by Julia Donaldson. It tells the story of a clever mouse who uses his wits to outsmart predators, proving that brains can be more effective than brawn.
Sing!: An animated musical that features a cast of animal characters participating in a singing competition to save a local theater. It’s full of popular songs, humor, and messages about the importance of creativity and pursuing your dreams.
Ramona & Beezus: Based on Beverly Cleary’s children’s books, this film follows the misadventures of young Ramona Quimby and her big sister Beezus. It’s a relatable and heartwarming story about sisterhood and family.
The Greatest Showman: A musical inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum, celebrating the birth of show business and telling of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.
Big Hero 6: An animated superhero film about a young robotics genius who forms a team of inexperienced crime-fighters to save his city from destruction. It’s a blend of action, comedy, and heartfelt moments.
Mulan: This film follows the story of a brave young woman who disguises herself as a man to fight in the army in place of her sick father, showcasing themes of honor, courage, and the strength of family ties.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: A live-action film that reimagines the classic tale, following a young girl who finds herself transported to a magical world of gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice.
The Incredibles & Incredibles 2: These animated superhero films focus on a family with superpowers trying to live a quiet suburban life, which get pulled into saving the world. They deal with themes of family, identity, and the balance of work and life.
The Harry Potter Series: Magic and fantasy come to life in this series about a young wizard and his friends who attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They’re filled with adventure, friendship, and the battle between good and evil.
The Chronicles of Narnia Series: Adapted from the classic books by C.S. Lewis, these films offer epic adventures in a magical land with talking animals and mythical creatures.
Matilda: Based on Roald Dahl’s book, this film tells the story of a young, intelligent girl who has telekinetic powers and uses them to overcome bullies, including her family and school principal.
The Princess Bride: A fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love who must find her after a long separation and save her. It’s filled with comedy, adventure, and romance.
The Sandlot: A coming-of-age baseball film set in the summer of 1962 where a young boy moves to a new neighborhood and befriends a group of kids who play baseball at the sandlot.
These movies not only provide entertainment but also present opportunities for families to discuss various topics such as bravery, kindness, family dynamics, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Each one offers a unique experience that can spark the imagination of viewers of all ages, making them excellent additions to any family movie night.
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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.
