In this day and age, it can sometimes be hard to find good family movies. Even the animated movies released can be questionable depending on the age of kids watching them. However, there are plenty of movies out there, rather past or present, that are perfect for families of all ages. The following will be a few tips on finding family movies that you’re confident in showing your family. I’ll also be throwing in family movies, older and newer, for inspiration!
Finding Good Family Movies
Screen Your Family Movies
Probably the hardest part about finding good family movies is knowing if they’re safe for all your family members or not. Since ages can vary, which will make what’s acceptable also vary, a family movie for all of them is necessary. I don’t like to just go ahead and go to the theatre, rent a movie, or even buy a movie unless I’ve been able to check into it first. It’s never fun when you have to shut a movie off, effectively ending movie night. This can make for some sour attitudes all the way around. So, in order to tackle this to avoid all issues that might arise, thoroughly screening a movie is quite handy. However, who has the time, am I right?
I use a website called PluggedIn. They post the movies a few days before they’re released in theatres and give a thorough review, with families in mind. They list every curse word, every sexual element, every negative element, spiritual element, what have you. No matter the limitations you put on the movies for your family, strict or lenient, they have all the detailed information you could need, summed up in an organized post. If the movie you want to vet isn’t a newer one, you can simply search the movie title and they will most likely have it. I haven’t searched for one and come up empty yet.
Utilize Netflix or Hulu
If you and your family have used these platforms to find family movies, you’re probably a little behind. It’s pretty nice to read reviews, have access to new and old movies, and have another option just in case one goes awry. Not to mention, it’s much cheaper to pay for every month than going to the theatre, renting a Redbox (does anyone return these on time??), or buying a movie each time we want to watch. If you use Amazon Prime, then you already have access to Amazon Video which is similar to these two platforms.
Use Google
Trusting people on the internet is kind of a hit or miss. However, usually you can Google some suggestions and a bunch of options will pop up. There are a plethora of good family movies out there, it’s just many of us think we’ve exhausted our options. So, if you’re needing to branch out and think you’ve gone through all the movies possible, a quick Google search will show you there are endless options.
What is the Best Family Film Ever?
This question is one I’ve been asked before and boy, that’s not an easy question to answer. The answer will also vary from person to person since everyone has their own tastes. Based on IMDb, these are 10 of the most popular family movies of all time.
- Lion King
- The Wizard of Oz
- The Jungle Book (check out my movie night ideas for this film)
- The NeverEnding Story
- The Little Princess
- Toy Story
- The Secret Garden
- E.T.
- The Sound of Music
- Beauty and the Beast
- Finding Nemo (check out my movie night ideas for this film)
If you’re like me, many of these you’ve already exhausted. However, here are a few personal recommendations when it comes to good family movies that you may, or may not have, thought about.
- Charlotte’s Web (see my family movie night I put together with this film HERE)
- Finding Dory
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- Babe
- Anne of Green Gables
- Beethoven
- The King and I!
- Finding Nemo
- Pete’s Dragon
- Annie
- Dumbo (new AND old)
- Fly Away Home
- Free Willy
- The Parent Trap
- The Mighty Ducks
- The Little Rascals
- The Big Green
- Space Jam
Family Movies You’ll Not Want to Miss for 2019
Whether these movies have already released or are yet to come out, you’ll not want to miss these good family movies for 2019.
- How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World
- Dumbo
- The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
- Wonder Park
- Missing Link
- Penguins
- Ugly Dolls
- Aladdin
- The Secret Life of Pets 2
- Toy Story 4
- The Lion King
- Dora and the Lost City of Gold
- The Angry Birds Movie 2
- Playmobil: The Movie
- Abominable
