Best Movies to Watch With Family: 10 Films Everyone Will Enjoy
A good family movie night needs a film that holds the attention of a six-year-old and a parent at the same time. These are the best movies to watch with family because they pair strong stories and humor with real emotion, and none of them talk down to kids. Most are animated, a few are live action, and all of them are easy to enjoy together on the couch.
1. Shrek (2001)
An ogre sets out to rescue a princess so he can get his swamp back. Witty enough for adults and silly enough for kids, with a fairy-tale twist.
2. Finding Nemo (2003)
A cautious clownfish crosses the ocean to find his lost son, helped by a forgetful blue tang. Funny, warm and beautifully animated.
3. The Incredibles (2004)
A family of superheroes tries to live a normal suburban life until danger returns. A great mix of action and family humor.
4. Toy Story 3 (2010)
Andy’s toys face an uncertain future as he heads to college. It is funny and exciting and has a finale that will move the whole room.
5. The Lego Movie (2014)
An ordinary Lego builder is mistaken for the person who will save the world. Fast, inventive and full of jokes for every age.
6. Moana (2016)
A young woman sails across the ocean to save her island with the help of a demigod. Great songs, striking visuals and an adventurous heroine.
7. Coco (2017)
A boy who dreams of becoming a musician enters the Land of the Dead to find his family’s story. A joyful, colorful film about memory and family.
8. Paddington 2 (2017)
The polite bear from Peru lands in prison after being framed for a theft. Gentle, hilarious and one of the best-reviewed family films of its decade.
9. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man and meets heroes from other dimensions. A visual landmark with real heart that works for older kids and parents.
See the cast, trailer and where to watch Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
10. Encanto (2021)
A girl in a magical Colombian family is the only one without a gift. Colorful, musical and warm, with songs that stay in your head.
Tips for a smooth family movie night
Pick together by letting each person choose from a short list of two or three films. For younger children, stay with the animated picks above. For older kids and teens, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Incredibles have enough action to keep them engaged. More ideas are on our list of the best family movies.
Open any film to see the cast, runtime and where you can stream or rent it tonight.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies to watch with family?
Coco, Paddington 2, Finding Nemo and Toy Story 3 are consistently popular because they work for every age and balance humor with emotion.
What movies can kids and parents both enjoy?
Films from Pixar and similar studios tend to layer jokes for adults over adventures for kids. The Incredibles, Coco and The Lego Movie are good examples.
How do I choose a movie for kids of different ages?
Pick a film with a strong story and humor over one that only suits one age group. Always check the rating and a quick synopsis before pressing play.
More movie guides
- Best scary movies to watch
- Best funny movies to watch
- Best movies to watch with friends
- Best movies to watch as a couple
Sources: movie details, ratings and images from TMDB; streaming availability from JustWatch. Scores and availability change over time.
