31 family movies that are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone
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Family movies are just what we need after a long day. Sure, sometimes you just want some me time, but other times, it's nice to round up the family members for a night of bonding in front of the telly with some good food and drinks.
Of course, there are certain films we would probably steer clear of while getting comfy on the couch with our mum, dad, and siblings (ahem, we're thinking of you, Fifty Shades of Grey franchise) – but there are plenty of movies that are geared to entertaining all, no matter what your age.
It will star Sex Education's Anne-Marie Duff and How To Have Sex's Lara Peake.
Whether you want a thought-provoking, conversation-driving watch with your nearest and dearest without it descending into a massive argument, a light-hearted film that family members of all ages can enjoy or just something to have a good ol' fashioned chuckle at, there is something for every family out there.
And now, thanks to all the streaming services out there, primarily Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect film. From classics such as Matilda and Jurassic Park to animated favourites such as Soul and emotionally-charged films about determination and perseverance such as The Pursuit of Happyness, we've done all the hard work, so you don't have to and rounded up the top 31 family movies to watch during those long, chilly winter nights...
Warner Bros/Everett CollectionPaddington, 2014
DreamWorks/Everett CollectionShrek, 2001
An absolutely timeless classic. Mike Myers voices a grumpy ogre who befriends a fast-talking Donkey (Eddie Murphy), and both set off on a quest to rescue an imprisoned Princess Fiona, who is stuck in the highest room of the tallest tower of a castle guarded by a dragon. She's waiting for her true love, imagine how she feels when Shrek the ogre and his "noble steed' show up.
Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett CollectionInside Out 2, 2024
Sequel to the amazing Inside Out, which explores young girl Riley's emotions through her emotions – including Fear, Anger, Joy, Disgust and Sadness –which manifest in the cutest little animated characters, who live inside her brain and try to help her out. As Riley enters her teen years, a new emotion shows up: Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke). Like with the teen experience IRL, we see Anxiety take over, and all the other emotions try to deal with the fallout.
20th Century Fox/Everett CollectionCheaper by the Dozen, 2003
It's family life gone wild. Steve Martin plays Tom Baker, who struggles to fend for himself looking after his twelve children after his wife leaves on a book tour. Starring Hilary Duff, Coyote Ugly's Piper Perabo, Smallville's Tom Welling and Bonnie Hunt, watch this one for all the cute, comedic capers.
© 1996 TriStar Pictures, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Matilda, 1996
Every child wanted Matilda's magical powers, right? The story of a gifted little girl who uses her psychic powers to deal with her cruel family and sadistic headmistress has long been a favourite with family members of all ages. Starring Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, this movie is not to be missed!
Aladdin, 1992
A Disney classic that would be criminal if you didn't see it with the family! Settle in to watch the story of kindhearted street urchin Aladdin falling in love with Princess Jasmine. However, he cannot marry her because he is not a prince. On top of that, he is also forced to vie for a magic lamp against the evil Jafar to make his deepest wishes to come true.
20th Century FoxThe Greatest Showman, 2017
© DisneyHoney, I Shrunk the Kids, 1989
We definitely have early memories of watching Honey, I Shrunk the Kids as... er kids. It's such a fun watch, as the scientist father of two teens accidentally shrinks them and their friends to the size of insects. As the shrunken children fight off dangers in the garden, their panicked father frantically searches for them.
Universal PicturesLittle, 2019
© Paramount PicturesGood Burger, 1997
TM & Copyright © 2015 by Paramount Pictures. All rights reserved.The Addams Family, 1991
© 1993 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.Mrs. Doubtfire, 1993
Yes, we know that you've seen Mrs Doubtfire a million times already. But it's just such a good movie to keep going back to, especially when the family are around! The late and great Robin Williams plays the titular role, as he disguises himself as an elderly female housekeeper to spend time with his children, who are in the custody of his ex-wife following a bitter divorce.
Collection Christophel / Alamy Stock PhotoDr. Doolittle, 1998
Universal PicturesE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, 1982
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a feel-food family watch with its story of an alien who has been left behind on Earth, being saved by a young boy named Elliott and his siblings while the task force hunts for it. This movie shot Drew Barrymore to stardom as a young girl, and little Elliott is played by Henry Thomas, who recently starred in The Haunting of Hill House.
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Hopper Stone,SMPSPHidden Figures, 2016
If you want to watch an excellent, inspiring watch with the family, make it Hidden Figures, starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe. Based on a true story, the film centres on a team of African-American female mathematicians who served a crucial role in NASA's space program during its early days.
© DISNEYThe Parent Trap, 1998
BFA / Alamy Stock PhotoSoul, 2020
This Disney-Pixar movie was extremely well-received upon its release with its story of a musician who attempts to find his way back to reality with the help of an infant soul after being transported out of his body. The likes of Tina Fey and Jamie Foxx lend their voices, so you can guarantee this would be a great watch.
©DisneyCool Runnings, 1993
It's always sweet to bond over inspiring movies with your nearest and dearest, and Cool Runnings is one such film you shouldn't miss out on. In this flick, a Jamaican bobsleigh team fights against all the odds to compete in the 1988 Winter Olympics. This is a great story of perseverance, hard work and determination - and one to watch with the teens!
©Universal StudiosJurassic Park, 1993
™ & © Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.The Hunger Games, 2012
Watch Jennifer Lawrence play the inspiring Katniss Everdeen, who voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death. If you and your family enjoy this, there are more movies in the franchise to carry on watching.
© Film Council / Lions GateBend It Like Beckham, 2003
How many times have we seen Bend It Like Beckham? More than we can count on both hands tbh, but we can't sing its praises enough because it's just so darn good! The movie follows the journey of a girl bending the rules to reach her football dreams - despite the reluctance of her traditional parents, who just want her to focus on living a domesticated family life.
©Sony Pictures ReleasingThe Pursuit Of Happyness, 2006
Sometimes you just fancy a good ol' cry with your family, and there's nothing more that will get you going than Will Smith playing a struggling and broke salesman navigating a long and challenging path to success while having custody of his young son. Oh, and it's based on a true story. Pass us the tissues...
© DisneyThe Lion King, 1994
The classic 1994 flick The Lion King never disappoints and is always one movie to bring the family together. Cosy in for the night to watch the journey of Simba, who is forced to leave the Pride Lands after his father Mufasa is murdered by his wicked uncle, Scar, as a cub. He returns years later as a young lion to reclaim his throne.
