The 50 best family films to stream on movie night

A lion-sized hit at the cinema when it first came out, this sparkling animation has only gone from strength to strength since—with a theatre spin-off, a remake and about a bazillion rewatches on Disney+ to its name. Simba, the lion cub who grows from young pretender to regal presence at Pride Rock, is our flawed hero; Scar, the hissable villain; Pumba and Timbo, the fun and flatulent double act who provide the laughs. It’s just never not a joy. Hakuna matata! Rated G. 

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. 

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.

What’s the right order to watch the Star Wars movies? Good question! Our advice is to start with the original (and best) and go from there. From its opening shot, in which that whooping great Star Destroyer whooshes seemingly endlessly across the screen, youngsters will be as entranced as if they’ve been caught in a Death Star tractor beam. Timeless heros, scary villains, adorable droids and all the mysteries of the Jedi share the screen for two hours of matinee-style magic that will keep even the most restless youngling busy. Watching the Star Wars movies has become a more complex family rite of passage with every new addition to the canon and spin-off, but even if you’re just in the mood for one trip to a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars will never let you down. Rated PG.

Goonies never say die (well, almost never), and neither does this Richard Donner-directed, Steven Spielberg-produced gem. The '80s comedy follows young tweens as they embark on an adventure to save their home from forclosure. The overly enthusiastic Mikey, the leader of the pack, convinces his buddies that searching for One-Eyed Willy's treasure is a great way to keep their roots, but their quest for the jewels is incredibly dangerous... espesically when the Fratelli crime family catches on! Rated PG. 
 

Netflix scored an instant classic with this hysterically funny, emotinally poitnant collission between Vacation and I, Robot in which a bickering family's cross-country road trip is interrupted by a global machine uprising. The action's great, the jokes will keep kids and adults in stitches and the visuals are one of a kind. Few films have so sufficiently explored generational divides with so much nuance and understanding... fewer still have done so while also featuring Oscar-winner Olivia Coleman as a sentient smartphone with apocalyptic designs. Rated PG. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

One of Pixar's most emptionally manipulative movies—and that's really saying something—Coco follows a music-obsessed child into the land of the dead, where he seeks to unite with a long-deceased relative and reconnect with his family's legacy of song. But Coco is so much more than a tearjerker: It's a vibrant celebration of music, family, Mexican culture, love, friendship and individualism. No other movie about death feels so alive. Rated PG. 

For over 80 years, this Hollywood classic has continued to wow one generation after the next. Its staying power has been attributed to many things, but what keeps enthralling each new wave of underage viewers is the sheer vibrancy and charm of the movie's imaginary world: flying monkeys and good witches, fleet-footed scarecrows and fraidy-cat lions, eye-poppingly pastel towns of Munchkins and a garishly green Emerald City. And then there's its timeless message: You can go out and see the world, have adventures, make new pals and experience life at its most grand. But in the end, there's no place like home, and no one quite like your family and friends. 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. To hear the cast belt out staples like “So Long, Farewell” and watch a family band together to prove that it takes more than Nazis to break up a tight-knit clan, is to understand why, generation after generation, this movie continues to be one of our favorite things. 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! 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. 

Rated PG. 

“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” All nine-year-old Ralphie wants is an official Red Ryder BB gun—and the only things standing in his way are a pink bunny suit, a leg lamp and a tongue sticking to a flagpole. Humorist Jean Shepherd’s short stories are the basis of this sassy sentimental brew. 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.

It feels like Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Bo Peep, Hamm and pals have been in our lives forever. The inhabitants of that magical place called Andy’s Room feel like friends who are always there in good times and bad—a bit like for Andy himself. The breakthrough movie that led Pixar onto other classic animations like Inside Out, Monsters Inc., Wall-E, Up and three other Toy Story movies, it has the gang rescuing a depressed Buzz from their toy-vandalising neighbor Sid. 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. 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. As for the leads, Julie Andrews, after beating off other pretenders to the role (in part because Walt liked the way she whistled), 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.’ But oh, Dick Van Dyke's Cockney accent! 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. Rated PG.

With songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and an eye-popping Polynesian setting, Disney ditches its princess routine (kind of) for the tale of a headstrong girl seeking to save her island from an oceanic plague with the help of a swole demigod voiced by Dwaye Johnson. The film is as empowering as it is entertaining, and smartly sidesteps traditional conflicts for a more introspective, internal voyage of discovery... but don't worry, there's also a giant David Bowie-inspired crab monster thrown in to keep things moving. Rated PG.

Disney's adaptation of Lewis Carroll's fantasy takes you down the rabbit hole with a whirligig of dazzling color, delightful wordplay (a very merry unbirthday to you, Mad Hatter) and visual absurdities around every corner. Looking for a way to introduce kids to a great work of literature? Go ask Alice. 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.

Buddy never quite fit in with the other elves in the North Pole, and he couldn't never pinpoint why. Once he learns that he's part human, part elf, everything changes. During the holidays, Buddy heads to NYC to become aquainted with his family, but he soon realizes things aren't always so holly jolly...at least at first. In order to celebrates one of the merriest Christmas movies out there—and seriously, what's better than laugh-out-loud moments with funny man Will Ferrell—we recommend stocking up on candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup (aka the four main food groups for elves). 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. 

The world’s first-ever full-length LEGO adventure tells the tale of a superweapon called the Kragle; evil Lord Business (yep, you heard us) stole the coveted weapon from good wizard Vitruvius, the Kragle’s protector! There’s only one thing to stop him: the “Piece of Resistance,” a brick capable of stopping the Kragle. The film boasts a script that’ll make both parents and kids laugh, plus it has a star-studded cast—you’ll hear the voices of Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson and more! Against all odds, everything here is awesome. Rated PG.

A witch convention is certainly not the first thing you expect to come across while staying at a hotel in England with your grandmother. Unfortunately, little Luke's curiosity gets the better of him, and he's caught spying on their evil gathering. It's up to Luke and his Grandmother to fight back against the witches, but it's just a hair more difficult now that Luke has been turned into a mouse. Directed by cult filmmaker Nicolas Roeg, of all people, The Witches doesn't skimp on the body horror, so be sure to avert easily scared kids' eyes once the ghoulish villains start shedding their skin. 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.
 

Jesse lands himself in a mess of trouble when he's caught vandalizing a local theme park. As punshiment, he's tasked with working at the attraction. Soon, this becomes something he looks forward to after he develops a close relationship with the Orca named Willy. The two become so close, in fact, that they start doing tricks... which is problematic once the venue's owner catches wind of their friendship. Rated PG.  
 

Perhaps Disney's most overtly political flick, Zootopia leverages the appeal of its ultra-cute anthromorphic animals—led by adorable bunny-cop Judy Hopps and conman fox Nick Wilde—to sneak in a sly story about segregation and racial profiling. That sounds heavy, but the reason Zootopia works so well is that it seldom beats viewers over the head with its politics, choosing instead to tell an old-school Hollywood noir tale for the kiddie set and letting the subtext do the talking. Rated PG.

A magical tale for sweet-toothed kids, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory tells the story of a little boy from a poor family and his dream—and eventual reality—of getting a peek inside Willy Wonka’s mysterious enterprise. After several children find the elusive golden ticket inside their chocolate bars and win a tour of the factory, it turns out there’s something even bigger at stake. 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.

Willie would rather keep in nose buried in Huckleberry Finn than mingle with the other kids, especially the bullies who make his life torturous. That's when his mother decides it's time for a four-legged friend, much to her husband's dismay. When Willie and his new beagle skip form a friendship, things take a turn in a positive direction for the young boy. But don't leave the tissues too far away—there are moments that'll make you tear up and reach for your furry best friend. Rated PG.