Top movies for your next family movie night
Looking for the perfect film to gather the family around? Our curated list features some of the most beloved and acclaimed movies that promise fun and heartwarming moments for viewers of all ages.



Finding a great family movie can turn an ordinary evening into a special event. The best family films manage to entertain kids with engaging stories and colorful characters, while also offering smart humor, emotional depth, and perhaps a touch of nostalgia that resonates with parents.
Think about the impact of Pixar and Disney Animation over the years. Films like The Lion King captured hearts with its powerful story and unforgettable songs, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Later, Pixar revolutionized animation with CG masterpieces like Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Up, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry while delivering universal themes about family, adventure, and overcoming challenges. These movies aren't just cartoons; they are expertly crafted cinematic experiences.
Even live-action classics or stop-motion adventures like The Princess Bride or The Lego Movie demonstrate that family entertainment can be witty, imaginative, and endlessly rewatchable. They create shared experiences and inside jokes that families can cherish for years. Picking a movie from a list like this isn't just about filling time; it's about creating memories.
11. Making 'Toy Story' (1995)
For anyone fascinated by animation history and the birth of a classic, Making 'Toy Story' offers a fascinating look behind the scenes. This documentary chronicles the challenging and groundbreaking production of Pixar's first feature film, the movie that changed animation forever. You'll get insights into the technical hurdles, creative decisions, and sheer determination required to bring Woody and Buzz Lightyear to life in fully computer-generated animation for the first time. It's less of a sit-down family movie experience and more for those interested in the magic behind the movies.

10. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Step in time with Mary Poppins Returns! This sequel brings the practically perfect nanny back to Cherry Tree Lane decades after her original visit. Emily Blunt takes over the iconic role with grace and charm, alongside a fantastic cast including Lin-Manuel Miranda as a friendly lamplighter. The film captures the spirit of the original with its blend of live-action and traditional animation sequences, catchy new songs, and themes of rekindling joy and wonder during difficult times. It's a nostalgic yet fresh musical adventure that feels like a warm hug.

9. The Lego Movie (2014)
Everything is awesome with The Lego Movie! This film took a seemingly simple premise – a movie based on Lego bricks – and turned it into something incredibly smart, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. The animation style mimics stop-motion using CGI, giving it a unique look. It's packed with clever jokes, pop culture references, and a genuinely engaging story about individuality and creativity. The voice cast is stacked with talent, and the catchy theme song will be stuck in your head for days. It's a movie that works on multiple levels, entertaining both kids and adults with its wit and charm.

8. The Princess Bride (1987)
As you wish! The Princess Bride is a delightful blend of fairy tale, comedy, adventure, and romance that has become a beloved cult classic. Directed by Rob Reiner and based on William Goldman's novel, the film is framed as a grandfather reading a story to his sick grandson. It's filled with quirky characters, witty dialogue, and endlessly quotable lines (

7. Moana (2016)
Set sail for adventure with Moana! This Disney musical journey introduces us to a strong, independent young woman on a mission to save her island and discover her own identity. Inspired by Polynesian mythology and culture, the film features breathtaking animation, particularly the depiction of the ocean itself, which is almost a character. The songs, co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, are incredibly catchy and empowering. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson voices the demigod Maui with charisma and humor. It's a beautiful story about courage, heritage, and finding your own path.

6. Zootopia (2016)
Welcome to Zootopia, a city where animals of all kinds live together... mostly. This Disney Animation film is a clever buddy-cop mystery starring Judy Hopps, a determined rabbit police officer, and Nick Wilde, a cynical fox con artist. The film uses its unique world-building – a metropolis designed for diverse animal habitats – to explore themes of prejudice, stereotypes, and acceptance in a surprisingly nuanced way for a family film. The animation is stunning, bringing the animal characters and their bustling city to life with incredible detail. It's funny, exciting, and has a positive message that resonates deeply.

5. Inside Out (2015)
Go inside the mind with Inside Out! This Pixar film tackles the complex world of human emotions by personifying them as characters living inside the head of a young girl named Riley. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust all have their own distinct personalities and roles in guiding Riley's life. The concept is incredibly creative and executed with remarkable clarity, making complex psychological ideas accessible and entertaining for all ages. The film is genuinely moving and offers a wonderful way to talk about feelings with kids. It's a truly inventive and heartfelt production that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

4. The Incredibles (2004)
Suit up for action with The Incredibles! Brad Bird's fantastic take on the superhero genre, courtesy of Pixar, focuses on a family of heroes forced into suburban anonymity. Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Violet, Dash, and even baby Jack-Jack all get their moment to shine as they navigate family dynamics alongside saving the world. The film's stylish mid-century modern aesthetic, sharp writing, and thrilling action sequences set it apart. Michael Giacchino's jazz-infused score is absolutely phenomenal and perfectly complements the film's tone. It's a smart, exciting, and genuinely funny movie that works on multiple levels.

3. Up (2009)
Prepare for an emotional uplift with Pixar's Up! This film starts with one of the most widely acclaimed and heart-wrenching opening sequences in animation history, telling the life story of Carl Fredricksen in mere minutes without dialogue. What follows is an imaginative adventure as the elderly Carl ties thousands of balloons to his house to fulfill a lifelong dream, inadvertently bringing along a young Wilderness Explorer named Russell. The film is a perfect blend of humor, adventure, and poignant moments, featuring fan-favorite characters like the talking dog Doug and the quirky bird Kevin. It deservedly won Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

2. Finding Nemo (2003)
Finding Nemo dives deep into the ocean and straight into your heart! This Pixar gem from 2003 is visually stunning, especially the breathtaking underwater world brought to life with incredible detail. The story follows a cautious clownfish, Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks), on a desperate search for his adventurous son, Nemo. Along the way, he teams up with Dory (voiced by the brilliant Ellen DeGeneres), a blue tang with short-term recall issues who steals every scene she's in. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and spawned a successful sequel centered on Dory. It's a beautiful exploration of parental love, overcoming fear, and the wonders of the sea.

1. The Lion King (1994)
Get ready to feel the circle of life! The Lion King is an absolute masterpiece of animation, storytelling, and music. Disney's 1994 classic boasts some of the most iconic songs ever written for film, courtesy of Elton John and Tim Rice, with a powerful score by Hans Zimmer that won him an Oscar. The animation itself was groundbreaking, particularly the wildebeest stampede sequence which utilized early CGI in a way that felt seamlessly integrated with traditional hand-drawn animation. It's a tale of responsibility, destiny, and overcoming adversity that resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. You'll be singing along and feeling the feels from start to finish. It's truly a crown jewel in Disney's legacy.
