100 Best Kids Movies the Whole Family Will Love

Published November 4, 2021
family watching movie together

Enjoying a great movie together is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night as a family. Decide on the perfect film to watch by looking at some of the best kids' movies ever made. From comedy and adventure, to heartwarming hidden gems, this list of 100 family films features classics everyone will love. Pick your favorite flick then cuddle up on the couch and pass the popcorn!

Best Family Movies of All Time

Movies can give you the warm fuzzies, inspire you, and take you to magical places. Take a look at some of the best kids' movies to grace the big screen throughout the years.

Coco (2017)

Finding your passion can be challenging. Not being able to practice your passion is harder. Miguel is a music prodigy forced to stay away from music. When a guitar takes him to the Land of the Dead, he learns about this family history, and a deadly secret.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Before CGI was a thing, E.T. made the world fall in love with an alien. Join the adventures with Elliot and Gertie as they try to get E.T. home.

Finding Nemo (2003)

When his son Nemo is kidnapped, the anxiety-ridden Marlin goes on an adventure he never expected. Add in the forgetful Dory, and you'll have an exciting (and funny) underwater journey filled with sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.

Inside Out (2015)

It's hard to understand emotions sometimes. However, Pixar and Disney bring emotions to life by personifying them as animated characters in Inside Out. Find out what happens to Riley when Joy and Sadness get lost, allowing chaos to reign.

The Incredibles (2004)

The world doesn't want to deal with superheroes like The Incredibles. So this superhero family has to act like an average family. However, that's a lot harder than you think. Maybe people will find out they need this family of superheroes to save the day after all.

Secondhand Lions (2003)

Growing up with his two uncles turns out to be an adventure for Walt in Secondhand Lions. Living with wealthy, slightly eccentric uncles ends with lions and a bit of fun.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Halloween Town lives the Halloween life every day. That is, until Jack discovers there are other holidays. When he and his cohorts try to take over Christmas, it ends with them learning the true meaning of giving.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Join Andy's toys in the second installment of Toy Story. Woody accidentally gets taken away by an evil toy collector. The toys work together to rescue him, and they gain a few new friends along the way.

Up (2009)

Carl, in Up, is going to travel to paradise as he and his bride intended. However, he takes a stowaway along the way. Meeting Russell might just turn out to be his greatest adventure.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Dorothy and her little dog take an amazing adventure along the yellow brick road. They meet some fantastic friends in The Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow. They all work together to get to The Emerald City to meet the Wizard so they can make their dreams come true.

Funny Family Movies for a Giggle

When you sit down to watch a movie with your kids, try a comedy. You can guarantee these fan favorites will give you all a good laugh.

Despicable Me (2010)

Can supervillains be reformed? According to Despicable Me, if you meet the right orphans, they can. See what happens to Gru when he brings a loveable bunch of orphans into his home. It's not stealing the moon.

Elf (2003)

Buddy has lived his whole life as an elf; but he never really fit in. When he finds out he was adopted, he ventures into the human world. It's no Christmas town.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Ferris Bueller pretends to be sick so he can skip school to have an epic day with his friends. But his sister and the high school principal are hot on his trail.

Home Alone (1990)

In Home Alone, Kevin accidentally gets left behind when his family departs for their Christmas vacation. Once they realize he's missing, his mom struggles to get back to him, but Kevin makes the most of his time flying solo. Too bad the crazy crooks trying to rob his house don't know what he has in store for them.

Minions (2015)

The minions were the highlight of Despicable Me. Their tenacity couldn't be tamed, so they had their own adventure. Follow Kevin, Bob, and Stuart as they conquer the world in their namesake movie.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Monstropolis needs screams from Monsters, Inc. to power the city. It's up to monsters like Sullivan and Mike to get the job done. That is, until a cute little human gets loose.

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Daniel misses time with his kids after his divorce. So, he hatches a plan to be their nanny. Welcome Mrs. Doubtfire to the scene. With a lead like Robin Williams, it's sure to be a riot.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Action, adventure, and villains, oh my. Buttercup is going to marry a prince she doesn't love because she thought her precious Wesley was dead. Well, he's not. And he's back to claim her love in The Princess Bride.

The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

Ever wonder what your pets do all day when you're gone? It's probably not the antics the pets in The Secret Life of Pets get up to. You'll have to watch and see.

Zootopia (2016)

Judy Hopps has always dreamed of being a cop. Sadly, she's only destined to be a traffic cop in Zootopia. That is, until this sleuthlike bunny happens on a conspiracy. Add in a con artist fox, and you have a fantastical adventure that will bring on the laughter.

Greatest Action & Adventure Films for Kids

Any time is adventure time! These movies will appeal to the whole family. From action to superheroes, you'll find it all.

Big Hero 6 (2014)

Join the squishy Baymax as he helps the robotics prodigy Hiro come to grips with his brother's death in Big Hero 6. Add in a ragtag group of high-tech friends and a sketchy villain, and you have fantastical tale children will want to watch again and again.

Captain Marvel (2019)

One of the newest Marvel superheroes, Carol Danvers, is caught between the human and alien worlds. To save her family, she must become Captain Marvel.

Enchanted (2007)

Gieselle fell out of the cartoon world into the human world in Enchanted. Only the human world isn't like the fairytale land she's used to. She does, however, find her Prince Charming.

The Karate Kid (1984)

Daniel moves to a new town and gets bullied. Karate might help him out. Thankfully, Mr. Miyagi takes him under his wing to transform him into The Karate Kid.

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Spirits and magic are the name of the game in Kubo's world. To defeat a spirit from the past, he needs to use his smarts and intuition to find his father's Samurai armor.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Walk back into George Lucas's creation by checking out Rogue One. To stop the Rebellion, a few heroes must halt the creation of the Death Star.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Spider-Man gets a revamp in the newest edition of the Spider-Man saga. Peter Parker must learn to balance school life and being a superhero. It all goes awry when a new villain comes to town.

Spy Kids (2001)

Could you imagine having super-spy parents? Juni and Carmen learn this the hard way. Now they need to become super spy kids to save their parents' lives.

The Goonies (1985)

Lifelong friends are going to be separated soon; so they want to have one last adventure together. They just don't know it will lead them to One-Eyed Willy and the money to save their home in The Goonies.

The Sandlot (1993)

Smalls was new in town. He didn't have friends or know how to play baseball. That didn't stop him from gaining lifetime friends and having the greatest summer of his life.

Classic Movies for Kids to Enjoy

Some of the best kids' movies out there are classics. From heartwarming tales to epic adventures, these are a few movies you won't want to miss.

Anne of Green Gables (1985)

The Cuthberts wanted a boy. Instead, they got a fiery redhead who forged her way into their hearts.

Babe (1995)

They said a pig couldn't herd sheep. Well, Babe proved them wrong in this classic film for kids. Join Babe on his adventures with Farmer Hoggett.

Fly Away Home (1996)

Amy Alden helps a flock of geese learn how to fly. She gets a bit of help from her dad and some ultralight planes.

Jumanji (1995)

Could you imagine falling into a board game? That's just what happens to Alan when he plays Jumanji. And he's stuck there until the Shepherd siblings try to outwit the game and release him.

Matilda (1996)

A child genius, Matilda just wants to go to school. But the school she finds herself in is a thing of nightmares. Thank goodness Miss Honey gets her away from her horrible parents and Miss Trunchbull.

My Girl (1991)

In My Girl, Vada is surrounded by death all the time. Her father owns a funeral home. But, she has Thomas to fill her days with adventures. However, when Shelly walks into her life, everything starts to change. Get the tissues ready for the ending of this one.

Old Yeller (1957)

There is nothing more profound than the relationship between a boy and his dog. When Travis finds a mangy mutt, he doesn't realize he's found a forever friend in Old Yeller.

Star Wars (1977)

The first original film released in the Star Wars franchise, Star Wars: A New Hope, provides your first look into the galactic civil war. Meet Luke Skywalker as he finds an old message on R2-D2, which changes his path.

Flight of the Navigator (1986)

David Freeman went missing in 1978 and returned in 1986. The strange thing is, he hasn't aged a day. With a brain full of star maps and NASA breathing down his neck, David needs to find his way back to 1978.

Harry and the Hendersons (1987)

Bigfoot doesn't exist… or does he? When an accident leads to the Henderson family picking up Bigfoot, he makes a significant impact on their family.

Best Kids Movies Based on Books

The pages of books are whimsical wonders filled with imaginative prose that piques a reader's curiosity. Now take those beautifully crafted words and make them a movie. You have a surefire hit.

A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

When Meg's father goes missing, she knows she needs to find him in A Wrinkle in Time. It takes a bit of space travel and the help of a few magical beings to get to him.

Enola Holmes (2020)

With a brother like Sherlock Holmes, it should come as no surprise that Enola is a sleuth master. But when her mother goes missing, and her brothers try to tame her, it's time to take matters into her own hands.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Harry Potter was a modern-day Cinderella living under the stairs and serving his aunt, uncle, and cousin. Rather than a fairy godmother, he gets a Hagrid coming to tell him he's a wizard bound for Hogwarts.

Hidden Figures (2016)

Not every hero is found in the pages of a newspaper. Some slip in under the radar like those in Hidden Figures. A brave group of African-American women mathematicians faced prejudice with every step, but they persevered to become some of the greatest minds in NASA.

Holes (2003)

Stanley and his family always have the worst luck, thanks to a curse. Because of a shoe stealing debacle, Stanley ends up in Camp Green Lake digging holes. Little does he know that this adventure is just what he needs to change his luck for the better.

Hugo (2011)

Living in a train station is not the optimal life for Hugo, but he's making it work. Using the skills he learned from his father, he's maintaining the station's clocks. After befriending Isabella, Hugo sets off on an adventure to find the key to unlock his father's creation and, hopefully, the secret it holds.

Little Women (2019)

The March sisters have a tight bond and march to the beat of their own drum. Watch them grow up, and their lives change through this heartwarming tale that's also a tearjerker.

The BFG (2016)

Not all giants are monstrous. Sophie learns that the Big Friendly Giant is actually kind of charming, even though his size is a bit intimidating. After Sophie gets taken to Giant Country, the duo work together to stop the bad giants from invading their world.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe (2005)

When orphaned siblings play an innocent game of hide and seek in their uncle's home, it unearths a wardrobe that is a portal to grand adventures in a magical land. Traveling to the land of Narnia, the children must find a way to stop the White Witch.

Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

Max likes to get his way. When he doesn't, he runs away from home, straight into a world of his imagination. He finds a world of Wild Things and claims himself as their king. But Max soon learns it's hard to be king.

Sports Movies for Children

For the sports lovers in your life, finding a good kid's movie can be challenging. See a few of the best sports movies for kids.

A League of Their Own (1992)

When the men are away, the women will play. During WWII, women formed baseball leagues to keep the sport alive. Follow the plight of a few sisters as they try to get noticed in A League of Their Own.

Little Giants (1994)

When they don't make the cut on the PeeWee football league, a group of determined boys makes their own team, The Little Giants. This band of misfits uses their will and determination to prove everyone wrong.

Miracle (2004)

Miracle is a feel-good sports story based on real-life events. A coach takes a team of talented individuals to the Olympics and helps them live their dream.

Remember the Titans (2000)

When two segregated football teams are told to integrate, tensions rise. Through it all, the boys learn to become one team: The Mighty Mighty Titans.

Rudy (1993)

Rudy's dream was to play football at Notre Dame. When everyone told him he was too small and weak, he pushed himself daily. His perseverance and drive impacted the team. Not only did he join, but he became a legend.

Secretariat (2010)

One of the best horse racing movies on the big screen, Secretariat follows Penny Chenery and her journey into horse racing. Though she lacks experience, she conquers a male-dominated sport.

Soul Surfer (2011)

Like many of the tremendous sports-themed kid's movies, Soul Surfer is based on actual events. This movie follows the harrowing journey of Bethany Hamilton, a surfer who lost her arm during a shark attack. Overcoming many obstacles, she finds her way back to her passion.

Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

Following on the heels of the Michael Jordan original, Space Jam: A New Legacy finds a new star in LeBron James. Determined to get his son back, LeBron enlists the help of a few animated greats to win the game.

The Mighty Ducks (1992)

Gordon Bombay is a shady attorney with a troubled hockey past. To fulfill his community service, he steps in to coach the Ducks. It's a long road to gain their trust, but the team finds a way to persevere.

We Are Marshall (2006)

When Marshall University loses nearly its entire football team in a plane crash, it doesn't seem like there is any way to come back. But with the drive of the right coach, miracles come to life on the field.

Fantasy Films for Kids & Families

Films based on fantasy transport viewers to exciting new worlds. Give these fabulous fantastical movies a try the next time your little one craves some excitement.

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

When you are a small Viking, dragon hunting might not be in your future. Well, Hiccup wasn't ready to accept that fate in How to Train Your Dragon. Instead, he got a pet dragon and a whole new outlook on who the real enemy is.

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010)

What's an excellent movie for a little owl lover? One with a world full of owls, of course. Kidnapped Soren will not be a brainwashed St. Aggie's soldier. Instead, he escapes and joins the cause to fight against the evil army of The Pure Ones in the animated film Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole.

Onward (2020)

In Onward, Ian, and Barley miss their deceased father. With a stroke of luck, they get one last chance to spend the day with him. When something goes wrong, they just get his legs, and an epic adventure.

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

When Raya loses her whole tribe to the Druun, she's desperate to get them back. So, she needs to find the last dragon. The only thing is, Sisu isn't exactly sure how to save humanity.

Short Circuit (1986)

The military creating robots was a futuristic concept in 1986. Now, imagine one of those robots coming to life. In Short Circuit, Number 5 is an alive and quirky robot.

The Dark Crystal (1982)

Before the advancements of CGI, Jim Henson brought a world to life through muppets. Dark Crystal follows the saga of Jen as she works to find the dark crystal to restore balance in her world.

The Iron Giant (1999)

An alien would be hard to hide. Now imagine that alien being 50-feet tall. Hogarth Hughes tries, though. Enjoy the friendship, adventure, and sacrifice of The Iron Giant.

The Neverending Story (1984)

Basian is living a dreary life when he finds an ancient book. A fantastical world is revealed to him in the classic film The Neverending Story.

The Pagemaster (1994)

Richard Tyler is afraid of life because he knows the statistics for getting hurt. When a storm leads him into a library, an accident leads him on a journey only found in fiction.

The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

The Grace twins are new to the Spiderwick estate, and they don't particularly want to be there. The pages of a field guide to the magical world make things a bit more interesting.

Spooktacular Scary Movies for Kids

Some kids enjoy a good scare. Finding that fine line of spooky but not too scary for kids can be tricky if you don't know where to look. Thankfully, you have the following list of suitably scary movies for kids.

Casper (1995)

Kat doesn't expect to find any ghosts in the mansion she's moving to. But she finds the friendliest one of all in Casper.

Coraline (2009)

Coraline is getting a bit irritated with her family when she happens upon a door to another dimension. But, the family she meets there isn't as happy as she thinks.

Frankenweenie (2012)

Victor uses his smarts to resurrect his beloved dog, Sparky. It becomes disastrous when others try to do the same.

Goosebumps (2015)

Zach is new to town. He gets a bit of a surprise when his next-door neighbor Hannah turns out to be the daughter of R.L. Stein, the famous author of Goosebumps. Things get crazy when Stein's monsters are released from his books.

Gremlins (1984)

If someone tells you not to feed your creature after midnight, it's essential to listen. Billy doesn't listen, and the creatures that come to life cause mayhem in Gremlins.

Hocus Pocus (1993)

The Sanderson sisters are just waiting to be unleashed on the world again. Skeptical Max granted their wish by lighting the candle for them.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Mavis isn't feeling the vamp life at Hotel Transylvania. It's like something is missing... until Jonathan enters the scene.

Monster House (2006)

D.J. is sure there is something wrong with Nebbercracker's house. So when he's taken away in an ambulance, it's their chance to investigate. That is, until the monster house almost eats them.

The Addams Family (2019)

A new take on an old classic, the The Addams family, is living life in a New Jersey asylum away from the outside world. The problems begin when the outside world finds them and decides they have to go.

Paranorman (2012)

Norman just wants to be accepted. But he can see ghosts, which makes him Paranorman. Having this ability might make him a little strange, but it comes in handy when saving your town from a curse.

Magnificent Musicals for Kids

The power of a good musical can stir the soul and be music to your ears. Introduce your kiddo to a few new musicals to love.

Annie (1982)

Little orphan Annie finds a home with Mr. Warbucks. But the grouchy Miss Hannigan tries to ruin Annie's newfound happiness with her schemes.

Frozen (2013)

It's important to let it go. Follow the bond of sisterly love in Frozen. When Elsa accidentally freezes the land, it's up to Anna to get her back.

High School Musical (2006)

Two teens from different cliques find their love of music in High School Musical. Only if Sharpay doesn't ruin everything.

The Muppets (2011)

Miss Piggy, Kermit, and Gonzo bring music to life in this musical. They need to perform one last show in the Muppet Theater to save it.

Parent Trap (1961)

Music and mayhem are the name of the game when Sharon and Susan meet at summer camp, not knowing they are twins. When they find out their parents are divorced, they work to get them back together in The Parent Trap.

Mary Poppins (1964)

Children in need deserve a Mary Poppins indeed. Mary Poppins glides down to the Banks family to help get them in tip-top shape for their father. It's a heartwarming tale with lots of memorable tunes. If you love this film, check out the remake of this classic, Mary Poppins Returns.

Over the Moon (2020)

Fei Fei is sure the moon goddess exists. To prove it, she's going to create a rocket ship and meet her.

School of Rock (2003)

When down-and-out musician Dewey takes a job for his roommate, he makes beautiful music with his class. Now, if he can only turn them into the School of Rock.

The Sound of Music (1965)

Set in 1930s Austria, Maria becomes a nanny for the Von Trapp family. Though it's a bit rough, she builds beautiful relationships with each child, and brings much-needed joy into their lives.

Trolls (2016)

Poppy is a princess determined to celebrate. Her celebration takes on a somber tone when a few of her buds are kidnapped by the Bergens. Poppy is determined to get them back though, with a little help from Branch.

Awesome Anime Movies for Kids to Enjoy

You might not think of foreign anime when you think of kids' movies. Anime is a hot ticket for kids and tweens. Just make sure you find kid-friendly anime.

Castle in the Sky (1986)

Escaping pirates, Sheeta floats down into Pazu's village. The pirates come looking for her, along with some other villains. Sheeta and Pazu have to make a run for it in Castle in the Sky.

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

Kiki is a young witch trying to run her delivery service. Things get a bit tricky when she can no longer fly. Explore Kiki's adventures in this fun anime.

Mirai (2018)

Magic is in the air in Mirai. Kun is having trouble acclimating to his new sister. Things change when he finds a magic gateway through time.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Satsuki and Mei are on the move in My Neighbor Totoro. Settling into a house in the country, they discover the Totoros in the forest, and their magical adventure begins.

Okko's Inn (2019)

Tragedy strikes Okko when her parents die in a car crash. She goes to live with her grandmother and makes new friends with a few friendly ghosts.

Phantom Boy (2016)

Because of an illness, Leo can separate his body and spirit. He meets Lieutenant Tanner when he helps his spirit back into his body after an accident. The two work together to bring down the mob kingpin.

Ponyo (2009)

Ponyo is a beautiful goldfish with extraordinary powers. Saved by Sosuke, she wants to become a real human. Her dream causes an imbalance in the world that the two must fight to fix.

Spirited Away (2002)

Chihiro and her family get waylaid when moving to the countryside. Unknowingly, they find themselves in a demon town. With the help of Haku, Chihiro must get her family out.

The Cat Returns (2002)

Haru has the ability to talk to cats in The Cat Returns. She saves a cat one day, which turns out to be the cat prince. Pulled into the Cat Kingdom, she must find a way to get out.

Wolf Children (2013)

Hana has two adorable wolf children with Wolf Man. But she must learn to raise her two children without letting the world know they are part wolf.

Enjoying the Best Kids Movies

Movies are fun for kids to watch alone or together with family. Find them the perfect PG-rated film to keep them entertained on our thorough and exciting list of amazing films for kids above.

100 Best Kids Movies the Whole Family Will Love