Creating a list of Family Friendly Films sounds easy, right? There are countless movies out there that fit the bill. However, the sheer volume of choices quickly turns this simple task into a challenge. How do you sift through the overwhelming number of options to find truly great films that the whole family will enjoy? And how do you account for the way our memories can blur the details of films we loved as children? Do those nostalgic favorites still hold up in terms of quality and age-appropriateness today? It’s tough to judge the quality of a film based on decades-old memories.
Then comes another question: should I recommend the mega-popular, already-seen films? On one hand, if everyone has already seen them, are they still useful recommendations? But on the other hand, films become that famous for a reason – often because they are genuinely excellent. Or perhaps I should highlight lesser-known gems, films that may have slipped under the radar or faded from popular memory? I recall watching Disney classics from the 50s and 60s as a child in the 80s, and many still felt fresh and engaging even 20 years later. However, some older films can feel a bit dated to modern audiences.
These are all valid points to consider, but none are insurmountable obstacles. To navigate these challenges, I’ve organized my family friendly films recommendations into three distinct categories: Deep Loves, Deep Cuts, and Might Be’s.
Deep Loves: These are the family friendly films that are beloved classics and still widely recognized today. They’re the movies that spring to mind when you think of great family entertainment.
Deep Cuts: This category features family friendly films that were once popular but have since become somewhat obscure. Some may never have been mainstream hits but are still hidden gems worth discovering. Others might be more recent films that are still gaining recognition.
Might Be’s: These are the family friendly films that are a bit more subjective. Their suitability for families depends on the age and maturity of the children, as well as the family’s values and preferences. Every family is different – some are more like the wholesome Bradys, while others are more like the unconventional Bundys. The “Might Be’s” are for families who lean towards the Bundy side, or for films that require a bit more consideration before pressing play.
A scene from the movie Home Alone, showcasing a classic example of family friendly films.
Deep Loves
These family friendly films are timeless classics that have captured the hearts of generations. They represent some of the best in family entertainment and are likely to be hits with audiences of all ages.
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Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971): This is a personal favorite from my childhood and a truly enchanting family friendly film. Revisiting it recently only deepened my appreciation for its magic. With its delightful blend of music, fantasy, and live-action drama starring Angela Lansbury, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is perfect for family viewing. Its whimsical story and memorable songs make it a joy for all ages.
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Home Alone (1990): It’s been a while since I last watched Home Alone, but I vividly remember seeing it countless times during the 90s. This family friendly film is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. My initial cinema experiences were filled with unrestrained laughter, especially during the film’s riotous third act. A masterclass in slapstick comedy and a showcase for Joe Pesci’s comedic talents, Home Alone is a holiday classic suitable for all ages. It’s a staple of family friendly films for a reason.
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Jumanji (1995): Jumanji is a well-crafted and exciting family friendly film. While it’s been some time since my last viewing, I recall it being one of Robin Williams’ most compelling performances. The film’s action and adventure elements will keep you on the edge of your seat as Williams and the cast navigate the chaos unleashed by a board game gone haywire. Although generally age-appropriate, parents of very young children might want to consider that some scenes could be intense for sensitive viewers. However, it remains a popular choice for family friendly films with older kids.
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Finding Nemo (2003): This animated gem is a powerful and heartwarming family friendly film with a truly inspiring message. “Just Keep Swimming” is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a life lesson that resonates deeply. Finding Nemo is a tour-de-force of humor and wisdom, brought to life by stunning animation and memorable characters, including the underrated comedic genius of Albert Brooks. It’s a top-tier example of family friendly films that offer both entertainment and valuable life lessons.
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Ratatouille (2007): I almost overlooked Ratatouille due to the time elapsed since I last saw it. However, I distinctly remember its positive message about defying expectations and embracing your true self. This family friendly film also boasts a fantastic soundtrack and the voice talents of Patton Oswalt. While Oswalt may not be Albert Brooks, he is nonetheless a talented actor and comedian who brings charm to this delightful film. Ratatouille is a wonderful choice among family friendly films for audiences of all ages.
Deep Cuts
These family friendly films may not be as widely known today, but they are all deserving of a place on your family movie night list. They offer unique stories and perspectives, and many were once considered classics in their own right.
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A Night at the Opera (1935): A true classic from the 1930s and arguably the most famous film from the Marx Brothers, A Night at the Opera is a hilarious and timeless family friendly film. Whether it’s suitable for your family largely depends on your children’s attention spans. While packed with iconic and uproarious scenes that are legendary in film history, its pacing is slower than modern films due to the editing styles of the era. It’s a matter of your family’s taste for classic humor and a more leisurely comedic rhythm. Appropriate for most ages, but the verbal wordplay might be lost on younger children. This is a great option for families looking to explore classic family friendly films.
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The Red Balloon (1956): The Red Balloon is a film that was once a staple of childhood viewing. Many adults today remember seeing it on television or in school. This visually stunning family friendly film relies primarily on its imagery and a powerful musical score, with minimal dialogue. It’s a poignant and moving story that is sure to captivate viewers of all ages. Fun fact: Albert Lamorisse, the director of The Red Balloon, also created the globally popular board game Risk! This film is a beautiful example of family friendly films that transcend language barriers.
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The Goonies (1985): The Goonies was the quintessential kid-friendly crossover film of the 80s, and a standout in Steven Spielberg’s early career. This family friendly film features a group of lovable underdogs and dreamers who have inspired audiences for decades. The characters are instantly endearing, and the adventurous plot is captivating. However, it may be slightly intense for very young children. The Goonies remains a beloved classic among family friendly films for families with older children.
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The Hudsucker Proxy (1994): The Hudsucker Proxy is a family friendly film that works on multiple levels. It can be enjoyed as a lighthearted family movie, a quirky comedy, or even studied in film analysis courses. From the early careers of Joel and Ethan Coen, it’s a perfectly crafted screwball comedy with witty dialogue and visual gags. While very young children might not fully grasp its humor, kids around 10 and up could find it a delightful and unique cinematic experience. This is a more sophisticated choice among family friendly films, offering layers of enjoyment for different ages.
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Mary Poppins Returns (2018): I recently watched this sequel to the original Mary Poppins (1964) and found it to be a charming and well-made family friendly film. With excellent casting, catchy musical numbers, and a positive message, Mary Poppins Returns captures the spirit of the original while offering a fresh story. It is a bit long, but otherwise, it’s a solid family pick suitable for all ages who enjoy musicals and heartwarming stories. A modern addition to the collection of family friendly films, it successfully revives a classic for a new generation.
Films that Might Be Family Friendly . . . Depending on the Family.
These family friendly films require a bit more consideration. They might be perfect for some families but less suitable for others, depending on factors like children’s ages, sensitivities, and family values.
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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982): Revisiting E.T. about a decade ago, I was surprised by some of the content and language, particularly in the film’s earlier scenes. Perhaps my memory was softened by nostalgia. It might seem odd to place E.T. in the “might be” category, but certain scenes could be a bit intense or inappropriate for very young children or more sensitive families. Nevertheless, it remains a cinematic classic that everyone should experience eventually. Its suitability as a family friendly film is subjective and depends on individual family preferences.
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Oscar (1991): I first saw Oscar around the age of eleven and instantly loved it. However, it’s fair to say that most people either disliked it or felt indifferent. I’m including this family friendly film on this list because it’s a personal favorite, both from my childhood and in general. It’s a fast-paced screwball comedy with a classic comedy of errors plot. If you enjoy the “comedy of errors” episodes of Frasier, you’ll likely appreciate Oscar. While filled with innuendo regarding sex and violence, none is explicitly shown on screen. Whether it’s a family friendly film for you will depend on your tolerance for suggestive humor.
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The Rocketeer (1991): It’s been ages since I last saw The Rocketeer, likely around its initial release, but I believe it’s ripe for a resurgence, especially given our current fascination with superheroes and comic book adaptations. My memory is hazy on specific inappropriate content, but based on online searches, conversations, and general recollection, it’s likely fairly safe viewing. There will be some action violence, and it does feature Nazis as antagonists. However, I primarily remember it as a fun and adventurous movie. Its categorization as a family friendly film may depend on your comfort level with mild action and historical villains.
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The Sandlot (1993): The Sandlot beautifully captures themes of baseball, childhood, nostalgic storytelling, and belonging. However, some scenes, particularly those involving the lifeguard character, might not be filmed in the same way today due to evolving sensitivities. Despite this, it’s an endearing and nostalgic look at sports, myths, and camaraderie. It does contain some questionable language and is edgier than typical family friendly films, but it’s a classic worth considering for families with older children who can handle slightly more mature content.
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Troop Zero (2019): Troop Zero is a more recent family friendly film available on Amazon Prime. It tells the story of a young girl with dreams of space and aliens who forms a Birdie Scout troop. The film explores themes of friendship and self-discovery as she pursues her unusual quest. Troop Zero includes frank depictions of bullying, which might make it less suitable for very young or sensitive children. Despite this, it offers a heartwarming and empowering story for families willing to discuss these themes.
