We all wish to spend more and more quality time with the family, and there are so many activities to choose from. Still, the ultimate family bonding thing is watching a movie together.
There are top research studies that show that watching a movie with your loved ones together as a family is proven to strengthen bonds, promote the feeling of togetherness, considerably reduce the risk of drug abuse and behavioral problems in kids, augment self-confidence, and much more.
Studies around the world also show that watching movies or TV series with your children, sometimes also referred to as ‘co-viewing,’ is an activity that has a ton of advantages, such as supporting early literary skills, improved empathy, and better anger management even after being exposed to violent media.
So grab your popcorn because we have a list of good family movies you wouldn’t want to miss watching!
1. The Princess Bride
Rated 8 out of 10 by IMBD, this mix of adventure and romance makes it a great pick for family movie nights. The movie follows the story of a princess named Buttercup who is in love with Westley, a farm boy. The farm boy is attacked by pirates when he searches for employment; watch the movie to discover what follows this unfortunate series of events.
Available to stream online on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
2. Mary Poppins
Released back in 1964, we’re sure you must have watched it already, but it will be so much fun to re-watch a movie like Mary Poppins with your children.
Rated 7.8 out of 10, this movie comes under the genre of ‘Musical and Family’; the movie follows the adventure of Mary Poppins, a maid whom Mr. Banks employs for his two mischievous children, we then get to see how she not only manages to change their lives but also makes it a whole lot happier, how? Watch the movie to find out!
Available to stream online on Disney+.
3. Moana
Rated 7.6 out of 10 by IMDB, this ‘Family Adventure’ is one you wouldn’t wanna miss, with the star cast including Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho. This movie follows the story of Moana, the daughter of Chief Tui, who heads out on an adventure to return the heart of the goddess Te Fitti from Maui, the demigod. Find out why the plants and fish on her island start to die in this 2016-released ultimate family pick directed by none other than Ron Clements and John Musker.
Available to stream online on Google Play, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Apple TV.
4. Shrek
Released in 2001 and rated 7.9 out of 10 on IMDB, this ‘Comedy Adventure’ is one that will be enjoyed by your kids a lot!
The movie is about Shrek, an ogre who embarks on a journey with a donkey to rescue Princess Fiona from an evil lord and to regain his swamp. Based on the best-selling book ‘Shrek!’ by William Steig, this movie can be streamed online on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Apple TV.
5. Finding Nemo
This movie won the hearts of many across the globe when it was released in 2003 and instantly became synonymous with good family movies to watch. Categorized as ‘Family Adventure’ and rated a full 8.2 out of 10 on the IMDB, which is the highest on this list so far and well deserved.
The movie follows the underwater adventure of Marlin, whose son Nemo is kidnapped from the Great Barrier Reed and taken to Sydney. Marlin, who is a clownfish fish, takes the help of Dory, who is a forgetful fish, and the two head out on an adventure across the ocean to bring Nemo back.
Available to stream online on Disney+ and Apple TV.
6. The Goonies (1985)
Rated 7.7 out of 10 on the IMDB, this adventure comedy is amongst the oldies that became a classic, perfect for your family movie nights.
The movie is about a group of kids who are in their final days together before a construction project paves over their homes to discover clues to a pirate’s treasure that has attracted a gang of crooks. Available to stream online on Google Play, YouTube, Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
7. Home Alone
Every family movie list is incomplete without this epic Christmas adventure, rated 7.7 out of 10 by IMDB; this ‘Comedy Family’ movie is all about what happens when Kevin, an 8-year-old boy, is unintentionally left behind as his family travels to France. He is first ecstatic to be in charge, but when burglars attempt to break into his house, he tries to beat them off.
Stream this bag of giggles and laughter on Disney+, YouTube, Google, and Apple TV.
8. Frozen
Rated 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and a full 7.4 out of 10 by IMDB, this Disney movie is categorized into ‘Family/Musical.’
The movie is about Anna, who embarks on a quest to find her sister Elsa, who possesses the ability to turn anything or person into ice, together with an iceman named Kristoff and his reindeer, Sven.
It is a beautiful movie with a slight twist; what is it? Watch the movie to find out. Available to Stream on Google Play, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Apple TV.
9. Toy Story
Released in 1995, this ‘Adventure Comedy’ scored 8.3 out of 10 on the IMDB, another top scorer on our list and well deserved indeed.
The plot of Toy Story centers on the relationship between an antique pull-string cowboy doll named Woody and a contemporary space cadet action figure, Buzz Lightyear, as Woody grows resentful of Buzz when he becomes their owner, Andy’s favorite toy. The movie is set in a world where toys come to life when humans are absent. As good family movies go, this one tics all the boxes.
Available to stream on Pixar, Disney+, Google Play, and Apple TV.
10. The Parent Trap
Rated a full 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.6 out of 10 on IMDB, this ‘Comedy Family Drama’ is what you need to make your family movie nights a charm; the kids will love it.
Hallie and Annie, who are identical twins, are split up after their parents’ divorce in the film. To reconnect with their parents, they decide to trade places after finding each other at a summer camp some years later.
Available to stream on Disney+, Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube.
11. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Released in 1982, this ‘Science Fiction Adventure’ is rated 7.9 out of 10 by the IMDB and a whopping 99% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The story of the film is about an alien who is abandoned on Earth and is saved by young Elliot, who resolves to hide him. Elliot and his siblings develop an emotional attachment with their new companion while there is a task team searching for it.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and YouTube among other streaming services. Directed by the maestro Steven Spielberg himself, it is a no-brainer pick for a cozy family movie night.
12. The Lion King
As good family movies go, this one is definitely on the list; with an 8.5 out of 10 on IMDB and a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, this ‘Musical Family’ movie has made its way into every family movie list and has been a favorite of the 90s kids, they probably have a family of their own now and what better movie for family-time than to enjoy your childhood favorite.
The movie follows Simba, who is forced to leave the Pride Lands as a cub after his father, Mufasa, is killed by his evil uncle, Scar. He returns as a young lion years later to take back his throne.
Stream it on Disney+.
13. Zootopia
Another animal adventure makes our list; this one is rated 8 out of 10 on IMDB and 98% by Rotten Tomatoes. This ‘Family Adventure,’ released in 2016, is one you’ll enjoy with your family.
To prove her skills to Chief Bogo, Judy Hopps, a rookie officer in the Zootopia Police Department, hires a con artist to assist her in solving a suspicious case.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Disney+.
14. Coco
Released in 2017, this ‘Family Comedy’ movie is rated 8.4 out of 10 on the IMDB and 97% on Rotten Tomatoes; with on-point animation and mesmerizing scenes, this will be added to your watchlist for family movies.
The movie is about Miguel, who continues to sing despite being forbidden from doing so by his family. He accidentally enters the Land of the Dead, where he discovers the history of his great-great-grandfather. There’s more; watch the movie to find out!
Easily stream it on Disney+, Google Play, and Apple TV.
15. The Incredibles
What better movie to watch with the family than one that is based on a family of superheroes?
Released in the year 2004 and well-categorized as ‘Family Adventure,’ this has a rating of 8 out of 10 on IMDB and a full 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, another one of good family movies to watch together.
The movie follows Mr. Incredible, who is itching to return to action despite being forced to assume a civilian identity and being trapped in a white-collar position. His family devises a plan to save him after the evil Syndrome tricks him into falling into a trap.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Apple TV.
16. Matilda
It’s definitely on our list of good family movies, and we recommend it should be on yours, too. With an IMDB rating of 7 out of 10, this ‘Family Comedy’ is enjoyable and full of laughter and giggles.
The movie is about Matilda, who lives with her brother and parents, who are unappreciative of her. She utilizes her telekinetic abilities to settle the score after her principal brutally tortures her and a sympathetic teacher.
Steam it easily on Netflix.
17. Spirited Away
This ‘Fantasy Adventure’, released in 2001, is rated 8.6 out of 10 on the IMDB and a good 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. As far as good family movies are concerned, this is one of our absolute recommendations.
The movie starts with 10-year-old Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) and her parents (Takashi Naito and Yasuko Sawaguchi) discovering a seemingly deserted amusement park in this animated film by renowned Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. Chihiro, whose parents have been transformed into enormous pigs, meets the enigmatic Haku (Miyu Irino), who informs her that the park is a getaway for supernatural beings seeking a break from their time spent in the terrestrial realm and that she must labor there to rescue herself and her parents.
Steam it on Netflix.
18. Forrest Gump
Probably the highest chance that its already on your watchlist, we’d like you to shift this to your ‘good family movies’ watchlist as it is rated a good 8.8 out of 10 on IMDB.
The movie is about a low-IQ person, Forrest, who recalls his early years of being caught up in significant historical events. Now, he only wants to see Jenny, his boyhood sweetheart, again.
Steam it on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Google Play.
19. Inside Out
Released in 2015, this ‘Family Comedy’ is 1 hour and 35 minutes of emotional rollercoaster as it explores the story of Riley, an 11-year-old girl who relocates to San Francisco, leaving her home in Minnesota behind. She struggles to adjust to her new life along with her five primary emotions: Fear, Anger, Joy, Disgust, and Sadness.
With an IMDB rating of 8.1 out of 10, it can easily be streamed on Disney+, YouTube, Google Play, and Apple TV.
20. Ratatouille
Rated a good 8.1 out of 10, this ‘Family Comedy’ makes your ‘good family movies watchlist.’ This 2007 animated movie revolves around a rat, Remy, who wants to work as a top chef in France. He doesn’t understand that people detest rodents and would never appreciate a meal he prepares because of this.
Easily stream it online on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play and Disney+.
21. Jumanji
Earlier released in 1995 before its recent reboot, the original Jumanji is about a miraculous board game discovered by two kids. They encounter Alan, a man who was caught in the game while playing it, and try to liberate him while running various risks.
Rated 7.1 out of 10 on IMDB, you can easily stream it via YouTube and Google Play, amongst other OTT services.
22. The Karate Kid
Don’t be misled thinking its an old one cause it was released in 1965, its still a movie worthy of the list of good family movies, rated 7.3 out of 10 on IMDB and 89% by Rotten Tomatoes.
Johnny Lawrence plays a skilled martial artist who bullies a teenager, played by Daniel LaRusso, who tries to study karate from Mr Miyagi, the friendly handyman who lives in his flat, to defend himself.
Steam it on Netflix, Tu-Dum!
23. Elemental
Released in 2023, this movie is 1 hour and 42 minutes of endless fun, categorized as ‘Comedy Animation’; IMDB rates it at 7 out of 10.
The movie is about a feisty young woman and a laid-back guy when they learn something fundamental in a city where people of fire, water, land, and air coexist. Watch the movie to find out how much they truly have in common. It is definitely going on your ‘good family movies’ list and a no-brainer recommendation for your next family movie time.
Stream it easily on Disney+, YouTube, Google Play, and Apple TV.
24. The Super Mario Bros. Movie
We’re positive you either played or heard about this game; the movie follows a similar storyline.
The movie is about Brooklyn plumbers Mario and Luigi as they are taken through a mysterious pipe to a wonderful new world while working underground to repair a water main. But an incredible journey starts when the siblings are split apart.
Rated 7.1 out of 10 on IMDB and released in 2023. Stream it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and other OTT services.
25. Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone
You’d be mistaken to think we’d forget about Harry Potter, the movie series that became an instant favorite for generations. Based on the works of J.K.Rowling, this movie follows the adventures of Harry Potter, a young kid who has been abandoned, and the magical twists and turns in his life as he enrolls in a wizardry school where he discovers the truth about himself, his family, and the dreadful evil that stalks the magical world.
Rated 7.6 out of 10 on IMDB, this epic tale can easily be streamed on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV, and Google Play, amongst other OTT service providers.
26. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
This 2018 animated science fiction is rated at 8.4 out of 10 on IMDB. It follows the story of teenager Miles Morales as he assumes the role of Spider-Man in his realm and is forced to team up with five people with spider powers from different dimensions to stop a threat to all realities.
A worthy addition to the list of ‘good family movies’ and can easily be streamed on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Apple TV.
27. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Released in 2005 as its 1st reboot, its second reboot is just around the corner. With an IMDB rating of 6.7 out of 10, this epic ‘Family Advenure’ is one to be added to your list of ‘good family movies’ for the next time you have a family movie time; you won’t have to think twice.
The movie starts with a young Charlie winning a tour of the world’s most gorgeous chocolate factory with the most unique candy maker in the world.
Stream it on Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube.
28. Cars
This ‘Comedy Family’ movie is one for automobile lovers of all ages and sizes, rated at 7.2 out of 10 by IMDB; this movie follows the racing car Lightning McQueen as he discovers a difficult lesson in life after causing extensive property damage in Radiator Springs. Before he can resume driving, he must first fix the damage.
Stream it on YouTube, Google Play, and Amazon Prime.
29. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
This 2005 ‘Fantasy Adventure’ film is perfect for a great family and should make its way to your list of ‘good family movies.’ With an IMDB rating of 6.9 out of 10, this is an easy recommendation.
While having fun, Lucy and her siblings stumble upon a wardrobe that transports them to the mythical kingdom of Narnia. Here, they realize it was predestined, and they must now work with Aslan to defeat a wicked queen.
Stream it on YouTube, Google Play, and Amazon Prime, amongst other leading OTT service platforms.
30. Encanto
Released in 2021, in this movie, we meet Mirabel, a teenage Colombian girl who must deal with the disappointment of being the only person in her family without magical abilities.
Rated at 7.2 out of 10 on IMDB, this is an easy pick for good family movies to watch.
Stream this magical tale on Apple TV, Google Play, and Disney+.
Conclusion
To sum up, watching movies together as a family is a great bonding experience, and we encourage all families reading this to indulge in this great relationship-building activity.
The movies we listed in this article all have something or the other for almost everyone’s taste and preference, wide a wide genre extending from “Home Alone” to “Harry Potter”.
We wish you a time full of laughter and giggles with your family and hope that you don’t have to search for a movie the next time you wish to spend some quality time with the family.
So lights, camera, action and POP-CORN!
