Good old-fashioned movie night, where you snuggle up with your family to spend some quality time. Prepare the seating, pop the popcorn, and pick from hundreds of family movies — wisely.
All of this is easier said than done, especially when it comes to choosing the right movie. What’s good for the younger kids might prove boring for the older kids. Excited to press play on that classic you loved as a kid? Not so fast. Picking a movie for family night should be a group effort. Done right, movie night can bond the family over jokes or sentimental on-screen moments. Lights, camera, action with these 10 fantastic family movies you can stream now.
1. A Little Princess (1995)
A Little Princess is a sweet, magical children's film of such high quality that even adults will be captivated. It's a World War I era story of the young daughter of a British Army captain who lives an exotic life in India. When her father is called to duty, she is sent to a school for girls where she changes the lives of young, orphaned girls with her mythical stories and imagination.
Rated: G
Where to watch: Hulu, Prime Video
2. Wonder (2017)
Based on a novel by R. J. Palacio, Wonder is the moving story of a science-loving boy named Auggie who was born with a genetic abnormality. The story centers on Auggie's journey from homeschool to public school, but it also includes his teen sister's coming-of-age moments. Add to the mix the theme of empathy throughout, and this movie truly has something for everyone in the family.
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Hulu, Prime Video
3. How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Visually, How To Train Your Dragon 2, featuring the beautiful backdrop of an animated world in the sky, is hard not to get excited about. Hiccup is one of the most relatable heroes to grace the screen, with his transformation from awkward teen to trusted leader. The dragon's aerial stunts and the movie's underlying themes of family, community, and inclusion make this film a good pick for a movie night where everyone's glued to the couch.
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Prime Video
4. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Not quite a remake and not quite a sequel, Mary Poppins Returns is a feel-good movie that brings back the magic of its predecessor. The film's whimsy will work for the kids and the nostalgia factor for the kids at heart. There's also plenty of catchy music for the family to sing together for days and weeks to come.
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Netflix
5. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Like a comic book come to Life, Spider-Verse is a stylish, graphically appealing superhero film. The story is about Miles Morales, a teen from Brooklyn who becomes Spider-Man and discovers alternate universes full of unlikely Spider-People like him. Entertaining and full of teachable moments, Spider-Verse is everything a good family movie is made of.
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Netflix
6. Beethoven (1992)
Beethoven is one of those films where everyone gets a few laughs and hearts are warmed for the hour or so run time. There's a grumpy dad, a smart yet underestimated mom, and three kids who are all as different as they can be. If you don't see yourself on the television screen in one of these characters, you'll at least enjoy the antics of the titular 200-pound Saint Bernard.
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Hulu, Prime Video
7. Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
Ralph Breaks the Internet is an endearing story about the lovable Wreck-It Ralph and his friendships. All ages can appreciate the theme of acceptance throughout, as the main characters deal with change in the environment as well as within themselves.
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Netflix
8. Spy Kids (2001)
It's James Bond, but for children. Spy Kids is action packed with the kind of humor kids love and villains who won't induce nightmares. Featuring high-tech gadgets and wild action scenes, this movie is far from boring. You'll feel like you're watching an action movie, and so will the kids (minus the violent and crude stuff).
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Netflix
9. The Princess Bride (1987)
A delightfully modern fairy tale, The Princess Bride is full of charm minus the cliches of classic romance stories. A handsome farmhand falls in love with a beautiful and strong noblewoman named Buttercup. Enter the awful Prince Humperdinck, who also has his eyes on Buttercup, and the rest is cult classic film history
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video
10. Matilda (1996)
Roald Dahl’s story of an incredibly smart little girl who takes on the big bullies in her life — her parents and the evil headmistress of her school. Matilda's love of reading makes her a good role model for little ones. Scenes can get a little dark, like when Matilda is put into a narrow closet full of nails in the wall called the "chokey." Overall, the tender relationship between Matilda and her teacher, Ms. Honey, and the very happy ending make up for the offbeat moments in this film.
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Prime Video
