30 Must Watch Family Movies

30 Must Watch Family Movies

Family friendly films tend to satisfy all age groups since they often incorporate content that appealing to all audiences. The content of such films resonates with both adults and children and essentially foster bonds between different family members.

Family friendly films tend to incorporate laughter, tears, and valuable insights in their narratives. These types of films offer an escape into an imaginary world through the unique characters such as caring dogs that are portrayed in the film. Through laughter, tears, and everything in between they remind us of love, courage, and unbreakable bonds.

1.The Lion King 2019

The original version of the American franchise was released back in 1994 by Peter Jackson. Lion King is one of the classic films produced by Disney which received such a huge viewing. The franchise draws its inspiration form William Shakespeare’s theatrical play Hamlet and incorporates aspects from the Biblical stories of Joseph and Moses.

The 2019 franchise stars the voices of Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Florence Kasumba and Beyonce Knowles-Carter among others. The film follows the life of Simba who is forced to embrace his role as the rightful king.

Since its release in 2019, the film grossed a total of 1.6 billion in theaters worldwide. Beyonce curated a song titled, spirit which drew its inspiration from the film.

2.Toy Story 1995

Toy Store is an American computer-animated film that was directed by Pixar and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. It was directed by John Lasseter and draws its inspiration from a screenplay by Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen, and Alec Sokolow and a story by Lasseter, Stanton, Pete Docter, and Joe Ranft.

The plot of the film revolves around the fully computer-animated feature film, Toy Story as he explores the secret lives of toys and the friendship between Woody and Buzz Lightyear. The family friendly franchise incorporates music by Randy Newman. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, and others lend their voices to the picture.

3.Finding Nemo 2003

Finding Nemo is a 2003 American animated comedy-drama franchise that was produced by Walt Disney Pictures. The screenplay was written by Stanton, Bob Peterson, and David Reynolds from a tale by Stanton and directed by Andrew Stanton with co-direction by Lee Unkrich.

Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, and Geoffrey Rush voice the film. The franchise revolves around a clownfish, Marlin as he embarks on a journey across the ocean in search of his lost son, Nemo. Along his journey, Marlin learns to take risks and accept that his son has the ability to care for himself.

4.Shrek 2001

Shrek is a family friendly film that is partially draws its inspiration from William Steig’s 1990 children’s picture book of the same name. The first version of the American film directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson and written by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman, and Roger S. H. Schulman.

Some of the stars in the film include Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. The franchise incorporates a humorous take on fairy tales. The film follows the life of an ogre named Shrek as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona with the help of his talkative Donkey companion.

5.Frozen 2013

The American computer animated musical film, Frozen was released back in 2013 by Walt Disney. Frozen is the 53rd Disney animated feature film which draws its inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s 1844 Danish fairy tale The Snow Queen.

The franchise features the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, and Santino Fontana. The plot revolves around two sisters, Anna, and Elsa as they explore love, self-acceptance, and the bond between siblings.

Fast forward into the film, Princess Anna is forced to join forces with an iceman and a snowman to find her estranged sister Elsa, whose icy powers were unleashed.

6.The Incredibles 2004

The Incredibles is a family friendly computer-animated film released by Walt Disney. The 2004 franchise was written and directed by Brad Bird. Some of the voices featured in the film include Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox, Jason Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, and Elizabeth Peña.

The film revolves around the lives of a family of superheroes who try as much as possible to live a normal life while balancing their superpowers and responsibilities. The setting of the franchise is a retro-futuristic version of the 1960s version. The family attempts to live a quiet suburban life however their desire to save the world draws them back into being superheroes.

7.Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 2001

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a 2001 fantasy film directed by Chris Columbus and produced by David Heyman, based on J. K. Rowling’s novel bearing the same name. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson are featured in the film.

This being the first installment of the film introduces a young wizard, Harry Porter who attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. During his first year in the song the boy realizes that he is a famous wizard. The film was received quite well by the public since in a single day after its release it grossed a total of 3.6 Euros in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

8.Home Sweet Home Alone 1990

Home Alone is a 1990 American Christmas comedy film written and directed by Chris Colombus and produced by John Hughes. Just like the rest of the sequels, this one revolves around a young boy, Kevin McCallister who is mistakenly left at home alone.

Kevin is the youngest of five children and was frequently bullied by his ender siblings. His family mistakenly left him alone at home as they left for France. Kevin takes this opportunity to booby trap the whole house and by doing so he manages to trap bandits.

This holiday classic has got plenty of hilarious hijinks that are appealing to viewers of all ages. Since the release of the film, it has grossed a total of $476,684,675 worldwide. 

9.Beauty and the Beast 2017

Beauty and the Beast is an American musical romantic fantasy franchise released back in 2017. This film was heavily inspired by the 1991 animated film that bears the same name. this franchise is an adaptation of the 1756 version of the that stared Emma Waston and Dan Stevens.

The film follows a beautiful young woman helps a prince break a curse that turned him into a beast, discovering the true meaning of beauty. Fast forward into the movie the two end up happy as they host a ball in the kingdom. The film is one of the most expensive musicals ever made after grossing a total of 759.5 million in United States and Canada alone.

10.Moana 2016

Moana is an American animated musical fantasy action-adventure film created by Walt Disney Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. The 2016 franchise stars Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachael House, Temuera Morrison, Jamaine Clement, Nicole Scherzinger and Alan Tudyk.

The plot of the film revolves around the life of Moana as she sets out to explore the Polynesian seas with the help of demigod sidekick Maui to save her island. As the film is about to end, she returns home and takes up the role of a chief and wayfinder for the island.

The franchise was received quite well by the public and ended up grossing a total of 248.7 million in the United States and Canada. Since its releases the film received many nominations and awards including the American Music Award, Journalist, the Annie Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and Grammy Awards.

11.Paddington 2014

Paddington is an action animation comedy that was released back in 2014. The franchise is based on Michael Bond’s successful children’s book series, Peddington Bear. A few of the stars features in the film include Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi and Nicole Kidman.

The narrative follows a bear named Paddington who stays with his aunt Lucy. The bear has a cute and polite nature and portrays it to those around him. The two embark on a journey to London after their house is destroyed by an earthquake. The film was received quite well and on the first weekend of its debut it earned $8 million in the United Kingdom.

12.How to Train Your Dragon 2010

How to Train Your Dragon is a 2010 American computer-animated action fantasy film created by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film draws its inspiration largely from based on Cressida Cowell’s 2003 book that bears the same name.

The stars behind the voices in the film include Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J Miller and Kristen Wiig. The franchise follows the story of a Viking village that is often attacked by dragon. On the weekend of its release, the film grosses a total of $43.7 million which put it on the maps as one of the top films in the North American box office.

13.Ratatouille 2007

Ratatouille is a computer-animated comedy-drama film released back in 2007 by Walt Disney Pictures and produced by Pixar Animation Studios. The voices of Patton Oswalt, Lou Romano, Ian Holm, Janeane Garofalo, Peter O’Toole, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn, and Brad Garrett are featured in the film.

 Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking, forms an unlikely partnership with a kitchen worker to create extraordinary dishes in a prestigious Paris restaurant. The title of the film alludes to the French cuisine ratatouille, which is presented at the end of the film, as well as the main character’s species, a rat.

14.The Jungle Book 2016

The Jungle Book is a 2016 film that draws its inspiration form Rudyard Kipling’s eponymous collective work and is a remake of the 1967 version. The American adventure film was directed by adventures drama films and produced by Walt Disney Pictures.

The voices of Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, and Christopher Walken are features in the said franchise. The film follows the adventures if a young boy named Mowgli as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the help of his animal friends in the jungle.

15.Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle 2017

 This 2017 American fantasy film was directed by Jake Kasdan. Some of the famous stars featured on the film include Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillian, Nick Jonas and Boddy Cannavele.

The film has such a unique twist as a magical board game which happens to bring the jungle to life and a pair of siblings, and their friends must complete the game’s challenges to undo its effects. The teenagers are trapped in the game as a set of adult avatars who are seeking to complete a quest.

The film was listed as the fifth-highest grossing film of 2017 after it grossed a total of $404.5 million in the United States and Canada alone.

16.Despicable Me 2010

The computer animated film, Despicable me was created by Sergio Pablos. The 2010 version of the film was later followed by sequels, Despicable 2 and Despicable me 3. This franchise follows a supervillain named Gru plans to steal the moon but stumbles upon three young girls who he adopts.

This changes his view of things, and he even ends up discovering the joys of fatherhood. The film was received quite well by views, and it ended up grossing a total of 4.4 billion and became the highest grossed animation film.

17.Zootopia 2016

Zootopia is an American animated film produced and released by Walt Disney pictures. Some of the stars featured in the franchise include Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Tommy Chong, J.K Simmons, Octavia Spencer, Alan Tudyk and Shakira.

The film revolves around the life of a rabbit police officer who ends up teams up with a fox con artist to solve a mystery in the city of Zootopia. Sinc its release the film has received several accords including the American Film Institute, the Academy Award, the Golden Globe, The Critics’ Choice Movie Award, and the Annie Awards.

The film was so successful that merchandise was developed after its release. A card game named Zootopia: Suspect Search and a mobile phone game titled Zootopia Crime Files.

18.Aladdin 2019

The 2019 American musical film was directed by the famous Guy Ritchie. The film stars some of the best actors including Will Smith, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad and Billy Magussen. The film revolves around the life of a street-smart young man named Aladdin who while on his adventure’s stumbles across a magical lamp.

He uses his three wishes to win over the heart to win the heart of Princess Jasmine while thwarting the plans of the evil sorcerer Jafar. The film ends on a happy note as the princess and the Aladdin marry. The franchise was well received and ended up grossing a total of $256.6 million in the United States and Canada.

19.The Little Mermaid 2023

 The Little Mermaid 2023 is a remake of the original version that 1989 one. The franchise draws some of its inspiration from the 1837 fairy tale that bears the same name. The Little Mermaid stars Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Trembley, Noma Dumezwei, Art Malik, Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy.

The story line revolves around the life of a young mermaid princess named Ariel, who dreams of living on land and ends up falling in love with a human prince. She makes a deal with a witch Ursla in exchange for legs. The family friendly film was received quite well and ended up grossing a total of $298 million in the United States and Canada.

20.Matilda 1996

Matilda is a 1996 American fantasy comedy film directed by Danny DeVito and co-produced by Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord. This film draws most of its inspiration form Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel that bear the same name. The characters to the film are played by Mara Wilson, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz and Pam Ferris.

The storyline to the film revolves around titular young prodigy, who develops psychokinetic skills and uses them to deal with her disreputable family and her school’s oppressive principal. Matilda uses her powers to telekinesis for good by defending her friends and fighting against her unkind parents.

21.Hotel Transylvania 4 2022

Hotel Transylvania is an American computer-animated comedy film that was produced by Sony pictures and Colombia Pictures. Some of the stars behind the voices include Jim Gaffigan, Kathryn, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, Keegan-Michael Key and Fran Drescher.

The animated franchise follows the life of Van Helsing as he creates an invention that transforms Drac and his friends into humans and Johnny into a monster. The group embark on a journey to reverse the effects before they become permanent.

The family friendly film has received numerous positive remarks and has even been rated at 5.2/10. The franchise has been nominated for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program and the Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for Animated Program.

22.The Lego Movie 2014

The 2014 computer animated comedy film was distributed by the Warner Bros. Pictures. Some of the famous voices features in the film include Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Charlie Day, Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman.

The film revolves around the life of an ordinary LEGO construction worker is mistakenly believed to be the possess special skills. He joins in the team to stop an evil tyrant. The family friendly film was received quite well by viewers form all over the world and even ended up grossing a total of $257.8 million in the United States and Canada.

23.Coco 2017

Coco is an American family friendly film that was produced by Pixar Animation and released by Walt Disney. Anthoney Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamiin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, and Edward are among the few stars that voice the franchise.

The plot revolves around a young boy named Miguel Rivera, who has a passion for music. He is forced to put aside his passion since his family has prohibited music for generations owing to a previous occurrence. Since its release, the film has grossed a total of $210.4 million in the United States and Canada.

24.The Secret Life of Pets 2016

The Secret Life of Pets is an animated comedy film released in 2016 by Universal Pictures and produced by Illumination Entertainment. This franchise stars the voices of Louise C.K, Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart, Ellie Kemper, Lake Beli, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Buress, Bobby Moynihan, Steve Coogan and Albert Brook.

The film largely revolves around the life of Max who has happy life with his owner Katie. The setting of the film is in a Manhattan apartment where the dogs live happily with their owners. There is a drastic change in the circumstances after Katie brings in a new do who does not seem to get along with Max.

25.Spider Man: No Way Home 2021

The film, Spider-Man is an adaptation of an American comic book by Marvel comics.  This version of the film stars Tom Holland, Zendeya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Willem Dafoe, Jon Favreau, Jamie Foxx, Alfred Molina, and Andrew Garfield.

Unlike the previous film, in this sequel spider-man’s identity has been revealed to the world. Peter Benjamin Parker is forced to move in with his aunt after his parents died in a plane crash. The franchise has grossed approximately 814.1 million in the United States and Canada.

26.Daddy Day Care 2003

Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn, Regina King, and Anjelica Huston feature in Daddy Day Care, a 2003 American family comedy film. This franchise was written by Geoff Rodkey and directed by Steve Carr.

The film brings in a new perspective other that the norm. Two fathers venture into the field of day care after they are laid off form their corporate jobs. Averagely the film received unfavorable reviews from critics but grossed $164.4 million worldwide.

27.Akila and the Bee 2006

Doug Atchison wrote and directed the 2006 American drama film Akeelah and the Bee. Some of the cast featured in the film include Curtis Armstrong, J.R Villarreal, Sean Michael Afable, Erica Hubbard, Lee Thompson Young, and Eddie Steeples.

The film follows the life of an 11-year-old, Akeelah Anderson who competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Over the years the film has received several awards and nominations including BET Awards, Black Movie Awards, Black Reel Awards, Chicago Film Critics Association Awards, and the Young Artists Awards.

28.The Willoughbys 2020

The 2020 animated movie was directed by the famous Kris Peam and draws inspiration from Lois Lowry book that bears the same name as the film. Will Forte Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara, Terry Crews, Martin Short, Jana Krakowski, and Ricky Gervais.

The plot revolves around the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby who were used to an adventure that they tend to forget to spend time with their four children. This prompts the neglected kids to take their nanny on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the modern world.

Since its release it has received several nominations and awards which include Critics Choice Super Awards, Visual Effects Society Awards, and the Annie Award.

29.Soul 2020

Pixar Animation Studios’ Soul is a 2020 American computer-animated fantasy comedy-drama film. Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Alice Braga, Richard Ayoade, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Questlove, and Angela Bassett are behind the voices in the franchise.

The plot revolves around a middle school teacher, Joe Gardner who falls into a coma because of an accident. Joe makes several attempts to reunite his separated spirit and body in time for his big break as a jazz musician. The franchise received quite a huge viewing from all over the world.

30.Mulan 2020

Mulan is a Walt Disney Pictures production that will be released back in 2020. The 2020 version of Mulan is a remake to the original version that was released back in 1998 and draws its inspiration from the Chinese folklore story Ballad of Mulan.

The story line revolves around Hua Mulan, who is the eldest daughter of an acclaimed warrior as she disguises herself as a man to replace her sick father during a universal conscription to combat the Rouran army in Imperial China.

Often family friendly films appeal to diverse audiences. The content of such films resonates with both adults and children and essentially foster bonds between different family members. Family friendly films incorporate laughter, tears, and valuable insights in their narratives.