When family movie night rolls around it can be hard to choose a film that everyone wants to watch. It is easy to revert to an old faithful, but if you are at the stage where you would rather do your taxes than watch Frozen again, then you are in luck because thanks to the myriad of streaming services, there are a lot of great options at your fingertips.
From star-studded blockbusters to cute indie flicks and heartwarming dramedies, there are new family movies streaming out there to satisfy even the fussiest member.
Updated on October 30, 2023, by Hannah Saab:
As families eagerly wait for the premiere of Disney’s Wish (November 22), it’s the perfect time to discover new family movies to stream at home today!
20 ‘The Sleepover’
(2020)
The Sleepover is the 2020 Netflix Original starring Malin Akerman and Joe Manganiello. The film is an action-packed family adventure and perfect for parents who love spy and heist movies.
Siblings Clancy (Sadie Stanley) and Kevin’s (MaxwellSimkins) sleepover with friends goes awry when their parents are abducted because, much to the shock of the entire family, their mother (Akerman) is not the housewife they think she is but in fact, a former thief who is actually in witness protection. Now it’s up to Clancy, Kevin, and their friends to save the mother they thought they knew and their father, the innocent bystander.
Watch on Netflix
19 ‘Yes Day’
(2021)
Yes Day was the ninth most-watched movie on Netflix in 2021, attracting millions of viewers from around the world. The feel-good family flick stars Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramírez, and Jenna Ortega.
Allison (Garner) and Carlos Torres (Ramírez) used to know how to have fun, but after three kids and a mountain of responsibility later, things have changed. Now they spend most of their time saying ‘no’ to fun, that is until their eldest daughter challenges them to a Yes Day, where they agree to every one of their children’s wild requests for 24 hours. It is a super fun, very sweet film that every parent will be able to relate to and every child will want to reenact.
Watch on Netflix
18 ‘The Magician’s Elephant’
(2023)
One of the best new kids’ movies streaming that you might have not heard of, The Magician’s Elephant is a Netflix original animated movie that follows Peter’s (Noah Jupe) journey after he goes looking for his missing sister. The orphan boy’s magical misadventure is prompted by a fortune teller’s assurance that she’s still alive, and all he has to do is “follow the elephant.”
Before viewers know it, Peter is whisked away on a magical path that he never would have expected to go on. The Magician’s Elephant is a touching tale of perseverance and bravery for the sake of love.
Watch on Netflix
17 ‘We Lost Our Human’
(2023)
A new release among family movies streaming on Netflix, We Lost Our Human is an interactive Netflix special that’s perfect for families looking for something wholly original. The ambitious interactive movie presents its engrossing story in a non-linear fashion, letting audiences decide what its main characters should do next.
These characters are actually a humorous cat and dog, who are startled to wake up one day to find that all the humans (including theirs) are gone. It’s up to fans to help them navigate the world to find them, or even destroy the universe completely. The fun and weird journey provides a totally unique viewing experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Watch on Netflix
16 ‘Enola Holmes’
(2020)
Sherlock Holmes’ (played by Henry Cavill) teenage sister gets the spotlight in Enola Holmes. The titular mischievous and witty sleuth uses her talents to track down her missing mother, but she soon encounters a rebellious lord who obviously needs her help.
With the lead character masterfully portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, Enola Holmes is effortlessly inspiring and tons of fun to watch with the family. It sends a strong message for young girls especially and reminds them that they can grow up to be whatever they want (no matter what anyone says).
Watch on Netflix
15 ‘Mixtape’
(2021)
Mixtape is without a doubt one of the best Netflix Original films to date. It is a quirky, heartwarming, and at times heartbreaking coming-of-age film about a young girl desperately trying to find a connection with the parents she lost as a baby. The film has received rave reviews from critics and viewers alike.
Set in 1999, Mixtape is the story of Beverly (Gemma Brooke Allen) a 12-year-old girl who lives with her grandmother Gail (Julie Bowen). Since losing Beverly’s mother in a car accident, Gail has lived a quiet life as a postal worker and is extremely protective of her granddaughter preventing her from ever having too much fun. But Beverley’s life gets a lot more exciting when she discovers a mixtape that belonged to her parents. When the mixtape is destroyed by her Walkman she goes on a quest to find the songs in an attempt to recreate it. However, her pursuit leads to more than she could have dreamed of, making new friends along the way and discovering a love of music.
Watch on Netflix
14 ‘Jungle Cruise’
(2021)
Inspired by the Disney ride of the same name, Jungle Cruise is a blockbuster, family comedy starring Emily Blunt and wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson. In it, brother and sister, MacGregor (Jack Whitehall) and Dr. Lily (Blunt) Houghton acquire the services of a charismatic skipper, Frank Wolff (Johnson) to guide them through the Amazon River in search of the Lágrimas de Cristal Tree and its flowers which have healing properties. Their quest proves to be much more dangerous than anticipated, filled with adventure and supernatural mystery.
Jungle Cruise is a wacky, wild, and sometimes heartfelt adventure film that has something to offer for audiences of all ages. Kids will love the antics in the forest and adults can appreciate the visual effects and wholesome story.
Watch on Disney+
13 ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’
(2019)
After the phenomenal success of the first film, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, its sequel shows that the gang is back for round two and have bought Awkwafina, Danny DeVito, and Danny Glover along for the ride.
With things at college not going the way, Spencer (Alex Wolff) had hoped, and his romance with Martha (Morgan Turner) seemingly fizzled out he decides to try his luck in the game of Jumanji once again, leaving his friends to ever so reluctantly come to his rescue. Jumanji: The Next Level is just as funny and action-packed as the first installment and stars Dwayne Johnson, JackBlack, Kevin Hart, Nick Jonas, and Karen Gillan.
Watch on Starz
12 ‘The Bad Guys’
(2022)
An underrated DreamWorks animated movie, The Bad Guys is a comedy heist film based on the eponymous children’s book by Aaron Blabey. It follows a group of wacky criminals – Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark, and Ms. Tarantula – who, after finally being caught and tried for their crimes, decide to become good citizens.
Audiences can expect to laugh and be surprised by some emotional moments as the anthropomorphic animals fool everyone into thinking they can stick to model behavior. Their lives are forever changed by, well, the genuine change their leader experiences, which is soon interrupted by a new villain.
Watch on Peacock
11 ‘The Sea Beast’
(2022)
Director Chris Williams‘ The Sea Beast is a thrilling animated adventure movie that takes viewers on a dizzying journey through the high seas. It’s centered on the legendary Jacob Holland (Karl Urban), whose monster-slaying days are changed when the young Maisie Brumble (Zaris-Angel Hator) joins him on his quest to find the elusive Red Bluster.
The Oscar-nominated film has the perfect mix of action and adventure, and a touch of heartwarming moments, too. It’s an exhilarating swashbuckling story that’s perfect for younger audiences, and adults can expect to be wowed by its visuals.
Watch on Netflix
10 ‘Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical’
(2022)
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (or simply Matilda the Musical) brings to life the beloved stage musical by Kelly and Tim Minchin, which in turn is based on the classic 1988 book by the titular author. The musical fantasy comedy-drama film follows Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir), an extraordinary young girl who is neglected by her parents and mistreated by her headmistress. She soon discovers she has psychic abilities, and all sorts of hijinks ensue.
With its dazzling dance numbers, witty humor, and incredible performances, it’s not surprising that the 2022 film became an instant hit. It’s the perfect feel-good film to watch with the entire family, as it’s impossible not to root for Matilda all throughout.
Watch on Netflix
9 ‘The Little Mermaid’
(2023)
The Little Mermaid earned a reputation as an unnecessary remake of an untouchable classic long before it was even released. 2023’s live-action remake cast the enchanting Halle Bailey as Princess Ariel, whose dreams of being where the people are and learning more about the surface begin to stir trouble among her family.
While it received mixed reviews after its premiere, The Little Mermaid undeniably offers a magical time, especially for younger viewers who have never seen the 1989 film. It’s a great choice for parents who want to introduce a nostalgic classic with a beautiful story and catchy tunes.
Watch on Disney+
8 ‘Instant Family’
(2018)
Instant Family is a heartwarming dramedy starring Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Tig Notaro, and Octavia Spencer that is based on director Sean Anders‘ own experience with fostering and adoption.
The story follows Pete (Wahlberg) and Ellie (Byrne) on their fostering journey. The pair is taken with a sassy teen named Lizzy (IsabelaMerced) who they meet at a fostering fair however, things become complicated when they learn she has two younger siblings. Now Pete and Ellie must navigate the trials and tribulations that come with raising three children. The story that follows is both funny and heartbreaking with critics admiring its earnest approach to the topic.
Watch on Paramount+
7 ‘Turning Red’
(2022)
In director Domee Shi‘s Turning Red, viewers follow the wild adventures of Mei Lee (Rosalie Chiang), a 13-year-old whose difficult transition into adolescence is compounded by the arrival of her red panda. Mei transforms into a red panda whenever she feels ashamed or any other intense emotion. As audiences may expect, this causes problems both at school and at home.
Mei’s journey to self-acceptance in this renowned Pixar film is just as important as her struggle to connect with her mother. It does it in a manner that is both serious and heartfelt, and the lessons it imparts about individuality, change, and love are all the more important for it. As an added bonus, the movie’s visual style and overall atmosphere are both distinct and effective in depicting what it was like to be a tween in the early 2000s, providing a dash of nostalgia for any adults watching.
Watch on Disney+
6 ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’
(2021)
The Mitchells vs. the Machines is the Academy Award-nominated, critically acclaimed animated feature created by Sony Pictures, though it was later distributed by Netflix due to the COVID pandemic. Innovative animation, diverse characters, and a cast that includes comedy legends like Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Fred Armisen, and the incomparable Olivia Colman, make The Mitchells vs the Machines a must-see.
When Katie (Jacobson) gets accepted into a college on the other side of the country, her family decides to make the most of the time they have left together and join her on a road trip. Their plans quickly fall by the wayside when the world is taken over by artificial intelligence, and the Mitchell family is left to save humankind.
Watch on Netflix
5 ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’
(2022)
Through beautiful and somewhat spooky stop-motion animation, Guillermo del Toro gives viewers his own dark spin on the Pinocchio fairytale. Although most people probably associate Pinocchio with a family-friendly Disney film, del Toro’s version has some really frightening moments, most notably in the design of the fairy godmother’s monster.
Geppetto’s dark, tragic nature in Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is rivaled only by the wooden boy’s initial annoyance, which makes the story of his redemption all the more compelling. It became an immediate classic (thanks in large part to del Toro’s signature embellishments) and will undoubtedly remain a benchmark among the many iterations of the famous narrative. This film may be suitable for the entire family, but not for very young audiences – parents will definitely have to provide guidance with this one when they’re not bawling their eyes out during the film’s emotional climax.
Watch on Netflix
4 ‘Encanto’
(2021)
Disney’s Encanto made audiences laugh, sing, and cry when it first premiered and told the story of the Madrigals. The magical family lives deep in the mountains of Colombia, and is known among the community for each member’s special mystical gift. They receive these gifts (like super strength, rapid healing, shapeshifting, and more) when they reach a certain age. But one of them, the protagonist Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz), seemingly never got hers and feels excluded because of it.
The whimsical movie provides some humorous and iconic musical moments, but, more importantly, it explores complex family bonds and tensions, as well as what brings members together. Its cast of wacky characters also makes it endlessly rewatchable, but, adults be warned, bring a box of tissues just in case.
Watch on Disney+
3 ‘Soul’
(2020)
With filmmaker Pete Docter at the helm, Pixar once again manages to enchant and make audiences cry with its popular film, Soul. The plot of the animated movie centers on Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a music instructor whose spirit is violently torn from his body just before he performs in his first important gig as a jazz musician. As he gets closer to the afterlife, he goes through a journey that is terrifying, inspiring, and emotional from beginning to end. This is because he is coming to terms with the great beauty of life throughout this time.
It is one of the greatest and most tear-jerking animated films that the company has produced to this point because of its profound dialogue, breathtaking cinematography, and superb soundtrack. Joe’s story carries so many universal truths and is a thought-provoking way to introduce younger viewers to existentialist ideas.
Watch on Disney+
2 ‘Wolfwalkers’
(2020)
In Wolfwalkers, Robyn Goodfellowe (Honor Kneafsey) is a young novice hunter who goes to Ireland with her father. Their mission is to track down the last pack of wolves, but the main character’s budding relationship with a local free spirit derails their plans. Robyn benefits much from their working together by learning firsthand the perils of magic and superstition.
Directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, the fantastical story of this charming animated picture is accompanied by a striking expressionist visual style. It’s an underrated fantasy film with lots to offer viewers of all ages, though the film’s poignant message about discrimination is more likely to resonate with older viewers.
Watch on Apple TV+
1 ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’
(2018)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a groundbreaking, visual masterpiece that is so brilliant it won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film. The film has something for everyone, with a gripping storyline, intertwining well-developed characters, and a soundtrack that features original tracks by Post Malone, Swae Lee, and Nicky Minaj.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse starsmorecelebrities than you can poke a stick at with the ensemble cast including MahershalaAli, JakeJohnson, HaileeSteinfeld, Lily Tomlin, Chris Pine,Kathryn Hahn, and Nicolas Cage. The story follows Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), a teenage boy who, on top of starting a new school is bitten by a radioactive spider, and develops superpowers. Things get even more complicated when spider-heroes from alternate universes start popping up around the city.
Watch on Fubo
