Best Family Movies to Watch Together
Films the whole family will actually love — from award-winning animation to live-action adventures. Every pick is kid-approved and parent-enjoyed, with streaming links ready to go.
Key Takeaways
- Coco earns our top spot with its gorgeous celebration of family and music
- All picks rated G or PG — safe for the youngest viewers
- Mix of Pixar, Disney, and live-action films for variety
- Runtimes from 88 to 117 minutes — bedtime-friendly lengths
- Every film has layers that adults genuinely enjoy too
Hero Pick
C
Coco (2017)
PG
Animation
Family
Music
1h 45min
⚖ 96% Verdict
Heartwarming
Musical
Magical
Why this pick: Pixar's Coco is a masterpiece that transcends age. It tells the story of young Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family's ban on music, and accidentally enters the Land of the Dead. The animation is breathtakingly colorful, the original songs (especially "Remember Me") will have the whole family singing, and the emotional payoff in the final act is genuinely one of the most moving moments in film history. Kids love the adventure and humor; parents love the themes of family legacy and following your dreams. Bring tissues.
Runner-Up Picks
More incredible family films for your next movie night.
P
Paddington 2
2017 · PG · 1h 43min
Family
Comedy
Wholesome
⚖ 99%
Netflix
T
The Incredibles
2004 · PG · 1h 55min
Animation
Action
Exciting
⚖ 95%
Disney+
U
Up
2009 · PG · 1h 36min
Animation
Adventure
Emotional
⚖ 95%
Disney+
M
Moana
2016 · PG · 1h 47min
Animation
Adventure
Musical
⚖ 93%
Disney+
S
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
2018 · PG · 1h 57min
Animation
Action
Inspiring
⚖ 97%
Netflix
More Ways to Find Your Next Film
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family movies to watch together?
The best family movies appeal to all ages with rich storytelling, humor, and heart. Top picks include Coco for its stunning exploration of family and music, Paddington 2 for its warmth and wit, The Incredibles for superhero family fun, Up for its emotional depth, Moana for empowering adventure, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse for its groundbreaking animation.
What age ratings should I look for in family movies?
For family movie night, G and PG rated films are the safest choices for all ages. PG-13 films can work for families with older kids (10+) but may contain mild violence or thematic elements. All movies on our family picks list are rated G or PG, making them suitable for viewers of all ages. Always check Common Sense Media for detailed age-appropriateness guides.
Are animated movies only for kids?
Absolutely not! The best animated films like Coco, Up, and Spider-Verse are crafted with layered storytelling that resonates deeply with adults. Pixar and Studio Ghibli films are known for exploring complex themes like grief, identity, and family bonds in ways that adults often appreciate even more than children. Animation is a medium, not a genre.
Where can I stream family movies for free?
Several platforms offer family movies for free. Tubi, Pluto TV, and Peacock's free tier have rotating selections of family-friendly films. Disney+ offers the largest collection with a subscription, including nearly all Pixar and Disney Animation titles. Use SelectMovie's Where to Watch tool to check which family movies are currently free or included with your existing subscriptions.
How do I choose a movie the whole family will enjoy?
Look for films with universal themes (family, friendship, adventure), humor that works on multiple levels, and engaging visuals. Our curated list above features films tested across generations. For a personalized approach, try SelectMovie's Group Pick tool — each family member enters their preferences, and we find the perfect movie everyone will love.
What's the ideal movie length for family movie night?
For families with younger children (under 8), aim for films under 100 minutes. Most Pixar and Disney films run 90-105 minutes, which is ideal. For families with older kids, up to 2 hours works well. Our picks range from 96 minutes (Up) to 117 minutes (Spider-Verse). Pro tip: start the movie a bit early so bedtime isn't a battle, and have snacks ready to keep everyone settled.