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I’ve covered many things in my career as a writer, but perhaps nothing speaks to my area of interest more than family movie nights. I, too, looked for family-friendly movies that I could stream like clockwork on a Friday night. I’ve spent days combing through shelves of nostalgic VHS from my youth, looking for something that might interest people. whole family. And of course, despite all of Deloris Van Cartier’s work, I checked out Common Sense Media to see if Sister Act II is a suitable movie for kids. colorful acquaintance. (Spoiler: For Lauryn Hill, some fast-forwarding is worth the sacrifice.)
Anyone who can sympathize with this is most welcome. got it. I came here to see the list. Your child is holding you back. Your pizza is in the oven or on its way to delivery. You already need the movie to stream. You and I, sister, let’s get started.
Quick picks by mood:
- Short attention span: The Thing, The Secret Life of Pets, Despicable Me
- Cozy and calm: Paddington, Finding Nemo, Wild Robot
- Parents can have a good laugh too: Shrek, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Bad Guys
- Nostalgic Millennial Favorites: The Parent Trap, The Princess Diaries, Jumanji
Family movies streaming on Netflix
Wild Robot (2024) — P.G.
Gentle and beautifully animated, this is perfect for families looking for something cozy and meaningful without being heavy. Perfect for kids ages 6 and up who love animals and adventure, this story about a robot who learns to care for wild geese is heartfelt, visually stunning, and incredibly emotional in the best sense of the word.
how to train a dragon (2025) — P.G.
Perfect if your family loves big screen adventures with heart and humor. Ideal for ages 7 and up who enjoy fantasy worlds and dragon-filled action, this live-action version of the popular classic brings the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless to life in a fresh, cinematic way with a touch of nostalgia.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) — P.G.
Perfect for older kids and teens who want something energetic, fun, and cool-looking. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Even if your family isn’t normally into superhero movies, it’s loved for its groundbreaking animation style and feel-good message about finding your place.
Despicable Me (2010) — P.G.
If you want something easy, interesting, and guaranteed to entertain the whole room, this is it. Suitable for ages 5 and up, it’s packed with silly humor for kids, fun moments for parents, and minions that somehow make everyone laugh.
Sing (2016) — P.G.
Perfect for families looking for a low-stress, comfortable movie night with lots of music and heartfelt music. Recommended for ages 5 and up. A loveable underdog, a catchy song, and a story about chasing your dreams, perfect for when you’re feeling upbeat.
The Bad Guys (2022) — P.G.
Fun, fast-paced, and surprisingly clever, this is perfect for kids ages 6 and up who like heist movies, jokes, and a bit of edge (without being too scary). It’s a story about a group of “bad guys” trying to make a move for the better, and it’s loved for its humor, style, and real-life redemption arc.
Night Museum (2006) — P.G.
A classic family movie night movie that’s perfect when you want something adventurous but light. Suitable for ages 6 and up, it’s perfect for curious kids who love history with a twist. Watching museum exhibits come to life is never boring, and it’s fun for parents to enjoy as well.
The Secret Life of Pets (2016) — P.G.
Perfect for younger children (ages 4-7) who love animals and simple, energetic humor. This is a discreet watch that allows you to easily see what your pet is doing after you leave. It’s sweet and silly, perfect for those nights when you have a short attention span and want something fun to do on screen.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) —PG-13
Perfect for families with older children (8-10+), especially if you’re in the mood for something heart-warming and entertaining. Robin Williams is popular for his performance, which balances laugh-out-loud moments with a surprisingly tender look on behalf of family, change, and children.
Adam Project (2022) —PG-13
Perfect for families with tweens and teens who want a slightly more “cool movie night” experience that isn’t too exciting. This time-travel adventure is funny, touching, and has a lot to say about family and growing up. Perfect if you’re looking for action with real heart.
Beasts of the Sea (2022) — P.G.
A great choice for kids ages 6 and up who love sea adventure, creatures, and brave heroes. This feels like a classic fairy tale come true. It depicts large sea monsters, the energy of family, and a strong message about questioning the stories we’re being told.
Matilda the Musical (2022) — P.G.
Perfect for families who love musicals or are looking for something fun and energetic. For ages 6 and up, this production is packed with epic dance numbers, kid-friendly humor, and a story about courage and kindness, perfect for when you’re looking to lift your spirits.
Cheaper by the Dozen (2003) — P.G.
This cozy, chaotic family comedy is perfect for nights when you want something relatable and easy. Suitable for ages 5 and up, it’s all about the chaos of endearing family life, with lots of kids, lots of noise, and plenty of quiet moments for parents to relate to.
Paddington in Peru (2024) — P.G.
It’s a sweet and gentle dish, perfect for families who love cozy humor and feel-good stories. For ages 5 and up, the Paddington films are beloved for their tenderness, charm, and surprisingly thoughtful moments. This movie is perfect when you want something warm, light, and really nice at the end of the day.
Family movies now available to stream on Disney+
Zootopia 2 (2026) — P.G.
Perfect for a modern animated adventure that retains the heart of classic Disney. For ages 5 and up, this sequel builds on the beloved original with fresh characters and a hilarious, meaningful and clever mystery about diversity and friendship.
Parent Trap (1998) — P.G.
Perfect for a cozy, nostalgic family night with kids ages 6 and up who love stories about siblings, summer camp, and a little shenanigans. This millennial favorite is beloved for Lindsay Lohan’s dual role, feel-good energy, and feel-good “everything’s going to be okay” ending. (Also highly recommended) 1961 original movie With Hayley Mills. )
Finding Nemo (2003) —G
Perfect if you want something emotionally warm, yet funny and adventurous. Perfect for ages 4 and up, this underwater adventure is a Pixar classic that you can watch over and over again, with lots of laughs for kids and heart-stopping moments for parents.
The Princess Diaries (2001) —G
Perfect for teens and their parents looking for something light, funny, and nostalgic for the early 2000s. For ages 7 and up, this tale of makeover and royalty meets love for its charm, quotable moments, and feel-good “finding your confidence” arc.
Honey, I made the kids shrink (1989) — PG
A fun and slightly chaotic adventure for families with children ages 6 and up who love imaginative scenarios. Watching the kids navigate the suddenly jungle-like backyard is just as fun as it was in the ’90s, perfect for a playful, stress-free movie night.
Cool Runnings (1993) — P.G.
Perfect if you’re looking for something emotional, yet funny, and easy to watch with kids ages 7 and up. This underdog sports movie is a millennial classic, poignant, quotable, and perfect for a “we can do hard things” family night.
The Princess Bride (1987) — P.G.
It’s the perfect combination of adventure action and quotable humor that parents grew up watching and kids still love today. my 6 and 8 year old children loved This movie was a fun, nostalgic hit that I loved. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…
The Mighty Ducks (1992) — P.G.
Perfect for families with children ages 7 and up who love underdog stories and the energy of team sports. This millennial favorite is light-hearted, funny, and full of heart. Perfect when you’re still feeling motivated and nostalgic. If your child is currently interested in stories about sports or teamwork, success is also easy.
The Sound of Music (1965) —G
Perfect for families who love musicals or want a long, comfortable weekend night of viewing (ages 7 and up). It’s an all-encompassing, feel-good classic with great tunes, beautiful scenery, and timeless charm.
Sandlot (1993) — P.G.
Perfect for families with children aged 7 and up who love friendship stories and a little shenanigans. It’s nostalgic, funny, and captures the timeless “perfect summer” feeling of childhood.
Family movies available to stream on Prime Video
Paddington (2014) — P.G.
A sweet and cozy place for families with children ages 4 and up who love gentle humor and warm stories. Paddington is beloved for its message of kindness, its charming humor, and the kind of feel-good energy that works for kids and parents alike.
Jumanji (1995) — P.G.
Ideal for families with slightly older children (ages 7-10+) who enjoy a sense of adventure with a bit of chaos. This 90’s classic is fast-paced, imaginative, and directed by Robin Williams, making it one of those nostalgic movies that parents secretly enjoy as much as their kids do.
Jumanji/Welcome to the Jungle (2017) —PG-13
Perfect for older kids and teens looking for adventure and big laughs without anything too heavy. This modern reboot is fast-paced, funny, and a sure-fire crowd-pleaser of “Friday Night.”
Minecraft movies (2025) — PG
It’s actually quite fun and perfect for families with kids ages 6 and up who are already into world building and pixelated adventures. This live-action/CGI take brings the creativity and humor of the game to life, making it an easy win if kids want to see “their world” on screen or parents want something light, fun, and fast-paced.
The Day the Earth Exploded: The Looney Tunes Movie (2025) — P.G.
Cartoon chaos and classic Looney Tunes madness – fun with younger kids (ages 5 and up) and nostalgic for parents.
Family movies now available to stream on Peacock
Shrek (2001) — P.G.
Perfect for a family movie night where parents will laugh too. Recommended for ages 5 and up, this millennial classic still has layered humor, fairy tale parody, and heart, making it one of those rare films that truly appeals to all ages.
Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie (2025) —G
A whimsical, musical animation full of bright colors and simple charm, perfect for preschoolers and early elementary schoolers (3-7 years old). Kristen Wiig makes an appearance here – always a plus in my book.
Despicable Me (2013) — P.G.
It’s a reliable choice when you want something approachable, silly, and guaranteed to be fun. Suitable for ages 4 and up, it’s packed with Minions humor for kids and just enough sweetness for parents looking for a casual movie night.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Extended Edition (2001) — P.G.
Perfect for families with children ages 7 and up who are ready for a little magic, mystery, and cozy adventure. This extended cut adds additional fan-favorite moments, making it an especially fun rewatch for millennial parents introducing Hogwarts for the first time, and a perfect pick for a quick “just one more scene” movie night.
Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) — P.G.
Perfect for kids ages 6 and up who like video games and bright, fast-paced animation. Perfect when you want something colorful, fun, and full of energy.
The real magic of movie night
Whether you’re planning a movie night for the whole family or trying to find something everyone can agree on before the popcorn runs out, having a short list of your go-to favorites can make a big difference. This summary is reserved for those who ask, “What should I watch?” The best nights aren’t about choosing the perfect movie, they’re about laying on the couch, pressing play, and being together (while eating lots of pizza, of course).
This post was last updated on February 20, 2026 with new insights.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
