Finding family-friendly movies your whole family can enjoy watching together isn’t hard. Just do your homework, grab some popcorn and cozy-up for family movie night — or hand the list to your date-night sitter for that rare trip out on your own.
How can you find the right movie? Watch trailers when you can, advises Sandie Angulo-Chen, senior reviewer for Common Sense Media. If the trailer has too much violence or off-color humor or too many kissing scenes, it’s probably not best for your family with young kids.
Choosing a movie for the whole family is difficult if parents haven’t seen it yet, agrees Robert Thompson, director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture. “Motion Picture Association of America ratings give very broad guidelines,” he says. Because every child is different, dig deep into the story line, watch the trailer and search Internet Movie Database, as well as Common Sense Media.
Here’s a list of (non-animated) family-friendly movies you can most likely find through streaming or a visit to your local library:
- “The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl“
2005, PG, ages 5 and up.
A superhero adventure plucked straight from a child’s imagination. This film’s screenplay was written by director Robert Rodriguez’s 7-year-old son.
Similar: “The Chronicles of Narnia,” “Spy Kids.“
- “Air Buddies“
2012, PG, all ages.
This film has adorable puppies, comical bad guys and fart jokes. Younger kids may get anxious about the dognapping.
Similar: “Charlotte’s Web,” “Babe,” “Stuart Little.”
- “Dolphin Tale“
2011, PG, ages 8 and up.
This true story of a dolphin rescue resonates with grade-schoolers, teens and parents. After the movie, visit the Clearwater Marine website to see live Webcam footage of dolphins Winter and Hope.
Similar: “A Little Princess,” “The Secret Garden.”
- “Groundhog Day“
1993, PG, ages 12 and up.
Bill Murray stars in this funny tale of redemption. Better for tweens and teens, there’s a romantic component and slapstick violence.
Similar: “The Truman Show,” “A Christmas Story.”
- “Hook“
1991, PG, all ages.
Steven Spielberg and his all-star cast present Peter Pan as a grown-up. Parents and kids ages 10 and up may also want to watch “Finding Neverland” for the story behind the story.
Similar: “Peter Pan,” “The Muppets.”
- “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark“
1981, PG, ages 8 and up.
A 1940’s archaeologist gets more than he bargained for — including lots of snakes — in this action-packed adventure.
Similar: “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”
- “Mary Poppins“
1964, G, all ages.
Easy viewing with or without a spoonful of sugar. Julie Andrews plays P.L. Travers’ magical singing nanny. Another fun film — “Saving Mr. Banks” (ages 12 and up) — reveals the story behind the film.
Similar: “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Bedknobs and Broomsticks.”
- “Night at the Museum“
2006, PG, ages 5 and up.
Walking dinosaurs and exciting chase scenes make this fun for kids while physical comedy, A-list actors and clever dialogue entertain parents.
Similar: “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.”
- “The Parent Trap“
1998 (and 1961), PG, ages 8 and up.
When twins switch places at summer camp to reunite their parents, the result is mischief, mayhem and fun.
Similar: “Because of Winn Dixie,” “Polyanna,” “Annie.”
- “Princess Bride“
1987, PG, all ages.
Based on the William Goldman novel, this enchanting fairy tale bears repeated viewing.
Similar: “The Neverending Story,” “Ella Enchanted.”
- “Sky High“
2005, PG, ages 5 and up.
This fun adventure deals with popularity in a unique way. Kids like the drama and superpowers. Adults enjoy the tongue-in-cheek humor.
Similar: The “Star Wars” movies, “Herbie Fully Loaded.”
- “Sound of Music“
1961, G, all ages.
Based on the true story of the von Trapp family’s escape from Nazi Germany, this film with Julie Andrews and a Rogers and Hammerstein score will have your whole family singing along.
Similar: “The Music Man,” “The Wizard of Oz.”
- “Swiss Family Robinson“
1960, G, ages 6 and up.
When the Robinson family is shipwrecked on a deserted island, they meet pirates, wild animals and build a cool tree house.
Similar: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
- “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory“
1971, G, all ages.
Great sets, hammy acting, music and mouth-watering chocolate bring Roald Dahl’s factory to life.
Similar: “Matilda.”
Happy viewing!
Want more ideas? Try these 101 Movies for Kids.
Cara J. Stevens is a freelance writer living in Connecticut with her husband and two children. Most Sunday nights, the family is found in a cuddle puddle watching movies. Stevens and her family have watched each of the movies listed here at least twice.
