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I’ve covered many things in my career as a writer, but perhaps nothing speaks to my zone of interest more than family movie nights. I, too, have searched for family-friendly movies to stream like clockwork on a Friday night. Many days have I spent combing through the nostalgic VHS shelves of my youth to find anything that might appeal to the whole family. And, of course, I have scoured Common Sense Media to find out if Sister Act II is an appropriate film for my kiddos, despite Deloris Van Cartier’s more colorful acquaintances. (Spoiler: A bit of fast-forwarding is worth the sacrifice for Lauryn Hill.)
If you can relate, welcome. And I get it—you’re here for the list. You have kids pulling on your leg. You’ve got pizza in the oven or on the way. You need a movie to stream, already. You and me, sister—let’s get to it.
Quick Picks by Mood:
- Short attention spans: Sing, The Secret Life of Pets, Despicable Me
- Cozy & calm: Paddington, Finding Nemo, The Wild Robot
- Laugh-out-loud for parents too: Shrek, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Bad Guys
- Nostalgic millennial favorites: The Parent Trap, The Princess Diaries, Jumanji
Family Movies to Stream on Netflix
The Wild Robot (2024) — PG
A tender, beautifully animated pick for families who want something cozy and meaningful without being heavy. Great for kids 6+ who love animals and adventure, this story about a robot learning to care for a wild gosling is heartfelt, visually stunning, and surprisingly emotional in the best way.
How to Train Your Dragon (2025) — PG
Perfect if your family loves big-screen adventure with heart and humor. Ideal for ages 7+ who enjoy fantasy worlds and dragon-filled action, this live-action version of the beloved classic brings the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless to life in a fresh, cinematic way that still hits all the nostalgic notes.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) — PG
A great choice for older kids and tweens who are in the mood for something energetic, funny, and visually cool. Best for ages 8+, this one’s beloved for its groundbreaking animation style and feel-good message about finding your place—even if your family isn’t usually into superhero movies.
Despicable Me (2010) — PG
When you just want something easy, funny, and guaranteed to entertain the whole room, this one delivers. Great for ages 5+, it’s packed with silly humor for kids, sweet moments for parents, and those minions that somehow never fail to make everyone laugh.
Sing (2016) — PG
A go-to pick for families who want a feel-good, low-stress movie night with lots of music and heart. Best for ages 5+, this one’s perfect if you’re in the mood for something upbeat—think lovable underdogs, catchy songs, and a story about going after your dreams.
The Bad Guys (2022) — PG
Fun, fast-paced, and surprisingly clever, this is great for kids 6+ who like heist movies, jokes, and a little edge (without anything too scary). It’s about a group of “bad guys” trying to go good—and it’s beloved for its humor, style, and redemption arc that actually lands.
Night at the Museum (2006) — PG
A classic family movie night pick when you want something adventurous but light. Best for ages 6+, this one is great for curious kids who love history with a twist—watching museum exhibits come to life never gets old, and it’s funny enough to keep parents entertained, too.
The Secret Life of Pets (2016) — PG
Perfect for younger kids (4–7) who love animals and simple, high-energy humor. It’s an easy, low-commitment watch about what pets get up to when their owners leave—sweet, silly, and great for nights when attention spans are short and you just want something fun on the screen.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) — PG-13
A great pick for families with older kids (8–10+), especially if you’re in the mood for something funny with a lot of heart. It’s beloved for Robin Williams’ performance and balances laugh-out-loud moments with a surprisingly tender look at family, change, and showing up for your kids.
The Adam Project (2022) — PG-13
Good for families with tweens and teens who want something a little more “movie night cool” without being too intense. This time-travel adventure is funny, emotional, and has a lot to say about family and growing up—great if you want action with an actual heart.
The Sea Beast (2022) — PG
A solid choice for kids 6+ who love ocean adventures, creatures, and brave heroes. This one feels like a classic storybook come to life—big sea monsters, found family energy, and a strong message about questioning the stories we’re told.
Matilda the Musical (2022) — PG
Perfect for families who love musicals or want something joyful and high-energy. Best for ages 6+, this one’s packed with big dance numbers, humor for kids, and a story about courage and kindness that makes it an especially good pick when you want something uplifting.
Cheaper by the Dozen (2003) — PG
A cozy, chaotic family comedy that’s great for nights when you just want something familiar and easy. Best for ages 5+, this one’s all about the lovable mess of family life—lots of kids, lots of noise, and lots of moments parents will quietly relate to.
Paddington in Peru (2024) — PG
A sweet, gentle pick for families who love cozy humor and feel-good stories. Great for ages 5+, Paddington movies are beloved for their kindness, charm, and surprisingly thoughtful moments—this one’s perfect when you want something warm, light, and genuinely lovely to end the day.
Family Movies to Stream on Disney+
Zootopia 2 (2026) — PG
Perfect for a modern animated adventure that still has that classic Disney heart. Great for ages 5+, this sequel builds on the much-loved original with fresh characters and a clever mystery that’s hilarious and meaningful about diversity and friendship.
The Parent Trap (1998) — PG
Perfect for a cozy, nostalgic family night with kids 6+ who love stories about siblings, summer camp, and a little mischief. This millennial favorite is beloved for Lindsay Lohan’s double role, feel-good energy, and that comforting “everything works out” ending. (Also highly recommend the original 1961 film with Hayley Mills.)
Finding Nemo (2003) — G
A great pick when you want something emotionally warm but still funny and adventurous. Ideal for ages 4+, this underwater journey is a Pixar classic for a reason—big laughs for kids, a few lump-in-your-throat moments for parents, and endlessly rewatchable.
The Princess Diaries (2001) — G
Best for tweens and parents who want something light, funny, and very early-2000s nostalgic. Great for ages 7+, this makeover-meets-royalty story is beloved for its charm, quotable moments, and feel-good “finding your confidence” arc.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) — PG
A fun, slightly chaotic adventure for families with kids 6+ who love imaginative scenarios. Watching kids navigate a backyard that suddenly feels like a jungle is still as entertaining as it was in the 90s—perfect for a playful, low-pressure movie night.
Cool Runnings (1993) — PG
Great if you’re in the mood for something inspiring but still funny and easy to watch with kids 7+. This underdog sports movie is a millennial staple—heartfelt, quotable, and perfect for a “we can do hard things” kind of family night.
The Princess Bride (1987) — PG
A perfect mix of swashbuckling adventure and quotable humor that parents grew up on and kids still love. My 6 and 8-year-olds loved this movie—and I loved the fun nostalgia hit. Aaaas yooou wiiiish…
The Mighty Ducks (1992) — PG
Perfect for families with kids 7+ who love underdog stories and team sports energy. This millennial favorite is scrappy, funny, and full of heart—great if you’re in the mood for something nostalgic that still feels motivating. It’s also an easy win if your kids are into sports or teamwork stories right now.
The Sound of Music (1965) — G
Great for families who love musicals or want a longer, cozy watch on a weekend night (best for ages 7+). It’s a sweeping, feel-good classic with big songs, beautiful scenery, and timeless charm.
The Sandlot (1993) — PG
Perfect for families with kids 7+ who love friendship stories and a little mischief. It’s nostalgic, funny, and captures that timeless “one perfect summer” feeling of childhood.
Family Movies to Stream on Prime Video
Paddington (2014) — PG
A sweet, cozy pick for families with kids 4+ who love gentle humor and warm storytelling. Paddington is beloved for its kindness-forward message, charming humor, and the kind of feel-good energy that works just as well for parents as it does for kids.
Jumanji (1995) — PG
Best for families with slightly older kids (7–10+) who are in the mood for adventure with a hint of chaos. This 90s classic is fast-paced and imaginative, and Robin Williams makes it one of those nostalgic movies parents secretly enjoy just as much as their kids.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) — PG-13
Great for older kids and teens who want adventure and big laughs without anything too heavy. This modern reboot is fast, funny, and a solid “Friday night” crowd-pleaser.
A Minecraft Movie (2025) — PG
Actually pretty funny and perfect for families with kids 6+ who are already obsessed with building worlds and going on pixelated adventures. This live-action/CGI take brings the game’s creativity and humor to life, making it an easy win when your kids want to see “their world” on screen—and parents want something light, fun, and fast-paced.
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (2025) — PG
Cartoon chaos and classic Looney Tunes zaniness—fun with younger kids (5+) and nostalgic for parents.
Family Movies to Stream on Peacock
Shrek (2001) — PG
Perfect for a “parents will laugh too” family movie night. Great for ages 5+, this millennial classic still holds up with layered humor, fairy-tale parody, and heart—one of those rare movies that truly works for all ages.
Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie (2025) — G
Ideal for preschoolers and early elementary (ages 3–7), a whimsical, music-filled animation full of bright colors and simple charm. Kristin Wiig shows up here—always a plus in my book.
Despicable Me 2 (2013) — PG
A reliable pick when you want something familiar, silly, and guaranteed to entertain. Best for ages 4+, it’s packed with Minion humor for kids and enough sweetness for parents who just want a no-brainer movie night win.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Extended Edition (2001) — PG
A perfect pick for families with kids 7+ who are ready for a little magic, mystery, and cozy adventure. This extended cut adds extra moments fans love, making it an especially fun rewatch for millennial parents introducing Hogwarts for the first time—and an easy “just one more scene” movie night pick.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) — PG
Perfect for kids 6+ who love video games and bright, fast-paced animation. It’s colorful, fun, and an easy win when you want something high-energy.
The Real Magic of Movie Night
Whether you’re planning a full family movie night or just trying to land on something everyone can agree on before the popcorn’s gone, having a short list of go-to favorites makes all the difference. Save this roundup for those “what should we watch?” moments—because the best nights aren’t about picking the perfect movie, they’re about piling onto the couch, pressing play, and being together (with plenty of pizza, of course).
This post was last updated on February 20, 2026, to include new insights.
