The best family movies of all time to stream

Toxic fandom, needless George Lucas revisions and general oversaturation has taken much of the joy out of it, but all it takes to rediscover the wonder of Star Wars is to go back to the beginning… or rather, the middle. Back then, it was a simple hero’s journey rendered on a grand scale, with awe-inspiring images and unforgettable characters. See it again with someone who hasn’t and remember what it was that obsessed you in the first place. Rated PG.

Older kids might lobby for the ‘live action’ remake with Beyoncé, but parents should hold fast and expose them to the ageless joys of this animated classic from Disney’s renaissance years. In case you need a primer: Simba is the young heir to the kingdom of Pride Lands – that is, until his villainous uncle, Scar, stages a violent coup against his own brother usurps power. Will Simba gain the courage to confront his nemesis and take his rightful place on the throne? No spoilers. No shade on Shakespeare, but this is the superior version of Hamlet. Because lions. Rated G. 

It's a simple story, really: Boy meets alien. Boy and alien become best friends. Boy says goodbye to alien when his outer-space buddy has to go home, causing audiences everywhere to sob uncontrollably. How Steven Spielberg tells it, of course, makes a world of difference, as he infuses this family blockbuster with a childlike sense of awe. If you can think of a more magical '80s movie moment than E.T. and Elliott biking past the moon, we'll personally buy you a bag of Reese's Pieces. Rated PG.

Kickstart an evening of witchcraft and wizardry with the inaugural story of the beloved Harry Potter series. When a young boy learns about his true identity and magicial powers, he soon finds himself on Platform 9 3/4 en route to Hogwarts, a boarding school unlike any other. Adventure awaits for our budding new wizard, and from that point on, his life—and the world's—is turned upside down. Rated PG. 

Are we finally getting the long-rumoured sequel to this beloved teen adventure flick? Looks like it. But even if it fizzles out again, the original’s appeal has hardly waned. After all, it’s made up of all the things kids still dream about: secret treasure, exploring caves, bumbling bad guys and a hideously deformed monster with a heart of gold – and a taste for Baby Ruths. Rated PG

Death and remembrance are big themes for a kid, but when rendered this vibrantly, they’re easy to absorb. Don’t get us wrong: everyone on the couch will still end up a tear-stained mess at this story of a music-loving kid who travels to the land of the dead and uncovers hidden family secrets. It’s one of Pixar’s most moving films and a colourful, kinetic celebration of Mexican culture. Rated PG. 

This technicolor fantasy has been alternately thrilling and frightening audiences of all ages for fast-approaching a century. What’s the secret to its agelessness? The eye-popping colour palette? The catchy songs? The munchkins? The flying monkeys? It’s probably all those things. (Probably not the monkeys, but they’re still pretty terrifying.) But at the core of its lasting appeal is a message anyone from any era can relate to: no matter where you go and what you do in life, there’s truly no place like home, wherever that happens to be. Rated G.

In the off chance you haven't heard about the sisters who've turned the world of Disney princesses upside down, let us get you up to speed: Anna and Elsa live in Arendelle, and we learn that Elsa has a very unique gift: She's able to turn things to ice. Soon, their beloved land is stuck in an eternal winter. Yikes! That's certainly difficult for those who are affected by the cold. Anna, with the help of her new fella and few other friends, goes in search of Elsa when she goes into hiding. Will she be able to accept these powers? Will the two sisters figure it all out. And, most importantly, will your kids ever stop signing “Let It Go?” Rated PG.

As the camera swoops down from the heavens toward a young woman running through a field, this angel opens her mouth to exclaim “The hills are a-liiii-ve...” From that moment on, Robert Wise's Oscar-winning musical has you right in its grasp. Julie Andrews' star was born as soon as she trilled the first line of Rodgers and Hammerstein's score, but this classic really is an ensemble affair: Every one of the von Trapps—from dear old dad Christopher Plummer to 16-going-on-17-year-old Charmian Carr and the youngest, 5-year-old Kym Karath—pitch in to this juggernaut of sing-along fun. Rated G

This family flick is one of Pixar’s most creative storylines—prepare for a roller coaster of emotions! The key characters of this sweet movie are actually a little girl’s feelings—Disgust, Joy and Sadness, to name a few—and accompany her on an unexpected move from the Midwest to the West Coast. Clever, charming, heartbreaking and gut-busting funny, this is a movie the whole crew will love—probably enough to watch the history-making 2024 sequel immediately after. Rated PG.

It’s true: in 1988, a bobsledding team from the not-particularly-wintry climes of Jamaica qualified to compete in the Winter Olympics. Just about everything else in this Disney production based on that historical footnote is made up or exaggerated. But it doesn’t matter – while indulging in plenty of sports comedy clichés, the mood is lively throughout, filled with genuine laughs and charming performances, particularly from Doug E Doug as the team’s leader and John Candy in one of his final roles. Rated PG

Parents will take a liking to clownfish, Marlin. The sea critter is particularly relatable since he is so protective of his youngster, Nemo. No surprise there! Also unsurprising? Nemo’s defiance. When the little guy goes missing in the deep blue sea—and encounters one large great white along the way—it’s up to Marlin to bring his fella to safety. Kiddos, we hate to tell you, but Mom and Dad know best! Let Nemo’s experience be a lesson to you! Rated PG. 

Steve Carell is the voice of Gru, a suburban supervillain whose seemingly innocuous home sits above a vast underground lair populated by hordes of yellow gibberish-speaking minions. Gru is prone to freeze-raying passers-by and plots to steal the moon, but when he adopts three adorable tow-headed orphan girls it’s not long before their plucky charm and winning optimism begin to melt his cold, cold heart. Rated PG. 

With a record-breaking soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this story of a super-powered, multi-generational Colombian family borrows from the magical realist literary traditions of Gabriel García Márquez to explore the importance of familial bonds and staying true to yourself. The colourful, expressive animation keeps Encanto engaging and intriguing, and with the help of some mystical mishaps it will keep your kids... enchanted. Rated PG. 

Every year, director Bob Clark’s warmly weird comedy climbs the ranks of the most loved holiday movies of all-time. Its appeal is obvious – it’s nostalgic but not sentimental, funny without being cynical, and the anecdotal structure makes it infinitely rewatchable. But it is also, as mentioned, a very weird movie. The leg lamp? The frozen-tongue-on-a-lamp-pole bit? Christmas movies don’t get any more fun. But it’s still a film that can be watched year-round as a snapshot of midwestern American life circa the 1940s - and perhaps as a reminder of your own strange family. Rated PG

Don’t let your adult feelings toward AI turn you off this impossibly heartwarming story of a lost robot and the makeshift family it builds for itself in the dense Pacific Northwest forest. Washing ashore after a shipwreck, a service droid finds purpose caring for the local wildlife, particularly an orphaned gosling. Smart and stunningly animated, it doesn’t shy away from big questions about the meaning of motherhood. Parents, make sure to have tissues handy. Rated PG

One of our favorite feel-good films of all time, the action-packed tale of Princess Buttercup and Farm Boy/Dread Pirate Roberts/Westley (as read to young Fred Savage by his grandfather) steals our hearts with great one-liners, suspense and even some romance. Also...who could forget the fire swamp and Rodents of Unusual Size? Rated PG.

Pixar’s first classic has aged a bit visually, but in every other aspect, it’s as perfect as it was on the day it was released. After three sequels – all great – it’s hard to imagine a time when Andy’s misfit toys weren’t part of our lives, but it’s striking to go back to the beginning and see how fully realised each character and the world of Andy’s Room was straight from the start. The other movies refined the humour, and the CGI got better, but the series was rarely as charming as the original. Rated G. 

You may have heard “wax on, wax off” a hundred times by now—that’s about the amount of times we could watch this movie in a row without tiring. Young Danny finds himself to be the target of a group of bullies, but with repairman (and martial arts master) Mr. Miyagi’s help, he trains to master martial arts and eventually sweep the leg of his foes. Indoctrinate the kids before Karate Kid: Legends hit theaters in 2025. Rated PG.

Compared to even 'sophisticated' juvenile fodder, the sheer exuberance of Disney's adaptation of PL Travers' children's classic should tickle the most jaded fancy. Indeed, the film can hardly contain itself with its catalogue of memorable songs, battery of dance routines and strong supporting cast. Julie Andrews produced an Academy Award-winning portrayal of the Edwardian nanny whose mad magic seethes beneath a patina of respectability that is, as Mary Poppins' references state, ‘practically perfect in every way.’ Rated G.

To say Jack Skellington is over Halloween is an understatement. The Pumpkin King has had his fair share of frightening hijinks, and he just can't seem to muster up the spooky spirit that one expects from his prestigious title. Instead, Jack finds himself drawn to Christmas, a holiday he hasn't encountered beforehand. He does a bit of research and soon decides to step on Santa's turf. Naturally, his holly jolly plan is nothing short of a disaster. This Tim Burton-produced stop-motion classic delivers all you've come to expect from the artist: odd, yet totally lovable characters. Viewers will also delight in some toe-tapping tunes along the way. Rated PG. 

Robin Williams has the power to move us to tears—first with laughter, then with heartbreak. In this popular flick, a funny, carefree husband named Dan must face the music when his marriage starts to take a tumble and his wife asks for a separation. Dan devises a plan to get more time with his kids by going undercover as a nanny, gaining an even closer relationship with his family in the process. Rated PG–13. 

This coming-of-age tale is a true classic—after all, what’s more American than baseball? Quirky youngster Scottie Smalls (Thomas Guiry) moves to a new neighborhood and manages to make some friends at a local baseball diamond. Together, they get themselves into tons of trouble (and must even band together to retrieve a piece of precious baseball memorabilia). More than a basebal movie, The Sandlot plays like Stand By Me for a younger crowd: A love letter to a bygone era that's timeless in its understanding of yourthful aloofness. Rated PG.

Princess Rapunzel is kidnapped from her crib by a woman intent on staying forever young with the help of the princess’ magical long locks. Rapunzel grows up within the confines of her tower, always wishing she could explore the world and the lanterns that float outside her window. When her endless stream of creative activities no longer satisfies her, she ventures out with a tower thief and begins a journey to discover that the danger never lurked beyond the walls of her tower, but rather within them. Rated PG. 
 

While taking a gander around an old mansion, a brother-sister duo discover an old jungle game nestled in the attic. However, the boardgame is much more than that, and soon they'll be on an adventure with wild creatures while attempting to free a feral man—manically played by Robin Williams—who has been trapped inside the game for years. Rated PG. 
 
 

Roald Dahl’s sweet bookworm Matilda comes to life in this go-to ’90s movie. Matilda (Mara Wilson) is discouraged from reading—her only escape in a house where she isn’t wanted or encouraged. Though her school is horrible—just imagine the worst principal you’ve ever met—she seeks refuge in learning and in the kindness of her teacher Miss Honey, eventually showing ‘em all what she’s really made of (telekinetic powers and all!). Rated PG.

Hiccup isn’t like the rest of the Viking clan. He aspires to be like his dragon-hunting father, but when he befriends the Night Fury dragon, he learns a thing or two about this feared creature. And surprisingly, there’s a bigger issue at hand for vikings and dragons alike. A live-action remake is coming in 2025, but it's hard to beat the original. Rated PG.

Putting a Polynesian twist on the typical princess fable, this lively oceanic adventure tells the story of the strong-willed daughter of a tribal chief who sets off (with her googly-eyed pet chicken in tow) to save her island from a terrible curse. Boasting great songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda and the best performance of Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson’s career as the buff demigod Maui, it’s fun and empowering, with some absolutely wondrous imagery. The 2024 sequel offered more of the same, but the kids certainly won't mind going on another seafaring journey. Rated PG.

Disney cartoons don’t get much trippier than their take on the classic Lewis Carroll fantasy. The word ‘psychedelic’ hadn’t even entered the popular lexicon yet, but the animators certainly seemed turned on by something, judging by all the magic mushrooms and spiked tea and hookah-puffing caterpillars. Kids’ll love the bright colours and goofy characters, parents will flash back to the ‘mad tea parties’ they attended back in the 1970s. Rated G

In Disney's rendition of the Rudyard Kipling story, young orphan Mowgli sets out on a quest to learn more about his identity, with the help of animal companions. The episodic nature of The Jungle Book is hit or miss—you'd be forgiven for forgetting entire swaths of Mowgli's journey to find his way back to man. But the movie is a marvel of animation, and any time King Louie or Baloo is on screen, the entire affari comes to unforgettable life. Rated G. 

In the classic musical, red-headed orphan Annie lives with other little girls in terrible conditions under the control of neglectful and vindictive Miss Hannigan, but the pint-sized optimist can’t be beaten down. When a wealthy businessman, Mr. Warbucks, agrees to foster an orphan to improve his public image, he is eventually won over by Annie’s charms. There’s trouble brewing, however, as Miss Hannigan and her seedy friends concoct a plan to get rich. Rated PG.

A smart, unexpectedly effective remake of the Haley Mills classic, Lindsay Lohan's breakout film retains the original's madcap plot about separated twins who switch places in order to fool their divorced parents into falling back in love.​ But in updating the story for modern audiences, the film somehow became more iconic than the original thanks to its fantastic performances, wry humor and feel-good ridiculousness. Rated PG.

Will Ferrell is hilarious in everything, but if he ever deserved an Oscar, it was for his portrayal of Buddy the Elf. Seriously: it’s not easy to play a naive manchild with a taste for spaghetti with syrup and a Swiftie-level devotion to Santa Claus and have it come across endearing rather than annoying. What’s really amazing about Elf is that it feels like one of Ferrell’s signature juvenile improv-a-thons, only with all the raunch removed, and it’s still as funny as any of them. Rated PG.

Ah, to be a chef in the culinary capital of the world! Remy dreams of whipping up delicious dishes in Paris kitchens. The only problem? He's a rat—certainly cause for alarm among diners. However, after crossing paths with the clumbsy Linguini (a human), the duo partner to make his dream become a reality... but not without a few disasters along the way. Rated G. 

A strong contender for best animated film of all time, Hayao Miyazaki's journey into the world of forest spirits vacationing in a mystical bath house is truly one of its kind. Vivid and adventurous (if a little scary for the easily frightened kids), it's a visual feast from start to finish as a human girl finds herself trapped in another realm when her parents turn into pigs. Just go with it: This is a film steeped in dream logic, and it's easy to surrender to its hypnotic artistry and singular storytelling beats. Rated PG. 

In some ways, this animation, from the duo of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, was the proto-Barbie: a movie based on an iconic toy that turned out to be much sharper, more irreverent and funny than anyone could have guessed. Adults will indeed enjoy the meta-jabs at corporate culture and A-list voice cast that includes Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell and Morgan Freeman, while kids will thrill to the action-packed story of an ordinary construction worker (Pratt) tasked to save the Lego Universe from destruction – as well as the superhero cameos. Rated PG.

Kermit & Co.'s first big-screen adventure is a wild, meta road-trip comedy in which the frog leaves his swamp to pursue fame, pursued by a Colonel Sanders-esque frog-leg restauranteur all the while. With appearances by countless celebrities (look kids, it's Steve Martin and Mel Brooks), the film translated the absurdism of The Muppet Show seamlessly to screen, setting the bar impossibly high for any future entries. Simply hearing Kermit sing ”The Rainbow Connection”—still an all-time great movie song in any context—is worth the price of admission. Rated G.

Up's heartbreaking opening montage rightfully gets all the attention when discussing Pixar's Best Picture nominee, but beyond the tears that open the film is an absolutely bonkers yarn that includes prehistoric birds, sky-high real estate and talking dogs engaged in aeronautic dogfights. Those opening tears are essential, but this is also a story overcoming grief through the healing powers of friendship and adventure. Rated PG.
 

Abandoned by Disney following its acquisition of 21st Century Fox, this sci-fi adventure was eventually rescued by Netflix. And thank goodness, because its themes of LGBTQ+ acceptance deserve to be seen by young audiences. And beyond its message, it’s really just a great animated thrill ride, telling the story of a shapeshifter (Chloë Grace Moretz) who joins up with the knight (Riz Ahmed) sworn to kill her to take down the system that oppresses them both. Rated PG.

Oregon animation studio Laika’s stop-motion insta-classics are eye-popping and often uncommonly emotional, but if you’re looking for pure, zany fun, this supernatural caper is like an episode of Scooby-Doo directed by George A Romero. Young Norman Babcock is a horror-obsessed outcast with a gift for communing with the dead. The talent comes in handy when a witch’s curse causes a zombie uprising in his hometown. Kids will love the madcap action and humour, while adults will get a kick out of the classic horror movie references. Rated PG.

Your children will be like kids in a candy factory watching this scrumptious adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic novel about the titular dandy candyman – just hope they’re a little more like Charlie Bucket than Veruca Salt or Violet Beauregarde. With its chocolate rivers and edible meadows, the movie quite literally looks good enough to eat. If it’s been a while, though, be forewarned that there are some genuinely scary moments for wee ones. Shoot, ‘The Wondrous Boat Ride’ musical number is so freaky Marilyn Manson once recorded a cover of it. Rated G.
 
 

Jim Henson’s cult classic centers on a dark premise: a teenage girl (yes, that’s a very young Jennifer Connelly) is forced to enter a fantasy world and solve a wild labyrinth in order to rescue her baby brother, who’s been kidnapped and is being held by the Goblin King. The plot, though, is really just for director Jim Henson to delight the audience with all manner of strange puppet creatures and musical numbers—the Goblin King is played, of course, by David Bowie, who takes over the movie at several points for some delicious musical interludes. The little ones will be singing “Magic Dance” for weeks. Rated PG.

Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki's tale of a young witch finding her way in Scandinavia is unique in almost every sense, from its wide-eyed worldview to its smart-alec cat sidekick (voiced by Phil Hartman in the American dub). But perhaps most spectacular is that this is a film that contains no central antagonist and no actual conflict: It's just a joyous tale of a little girl getting into adventures both grand and small. That's not to say that the film doesn't have tension—the climactic catastrophe is one of Ghibli's most spectacular set pieces—but for the most part, this is a magical hangout movie that delights in small moments. Rated G. 

Take a trip to Louisiana with this children’s book-inspired story, where smooched amphibians turn into royalty. The bayou comes to life with bright colors, moody environments, mystical interference and top-notch original music that fully embraces New Orleans love of jazz. The Princess and the Frog introduces a long-awaited African American princess who’s no damsel in distress, and you’ll be cheering for her to accomplish her biggest dream—opening a restaurant—the entire time. Rated G.

Who wouldn't want to spend the holidays in the City of Lights? The McCallister clan is more than ready to leave the burbs behind for Christmas in Paris. But things go slightly awry (to say the least) when the realize one very important item has been left at home: their son Kevin. The youngster has no problem having the digs all to himself—especially since he's watching mature gangster flicks, munching on ice cream for dinner and causing chaos. But a pair of burglars set their sights on the gorgeous home, and soon Kevin is left to fend for himself against Harry and Marv, both of whom need a little help in the crime department. Rated PG. 

Gen X-er-friendly Vacation riffs meet Z-er tech preoccupations in a dizzyingly entertaining road-trip caper that’s backdropped by a kind of digital apocalypse. Representing humanity is the chaotic Mitchell family, while Olivia Colman’s ruthless A.I. takes charge of the villainy. One of Netflix’s finest original movies – and definitely one of its funniest. Rated PG.