TL;DR: If you’re looking for a "safe bet" actor who consistently shows up in movies your kids actually want to watch (without making you want to scroll TikTok the whole time), Anthony Ramos is your guy. From the heist-comedy chaos of The Bad Guys to the high-stakes storm chasing in Twisters, he’s mastered the art of being the "cool older brother/relatable dad" figure of the 2020s.
Quick Links:
- Best for Littles: The Bad Guys 2
- Best for Family Night: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
- Best for Teens: Hamilton
- Best for "I want to feel something": In the Heights
It’s January 2026, and if your house is anything like mine, you’ve probably seen Anthony Ramos’s face more than some of your actual relatives this year. Whether he’s voicing a piranha with digestive issues or leading a Marvel series, the man is everywhere.
But here’s the thing: unlike some actors who take "one for them, one for me" (meaning one blockbuster for the paycheck and one weird indie movie where they play a sentient rock), Ramos has built a filmography that is surprisingly family-friendly without being "brain rot" material. He brings a specific kind of Brooklyn energy—earnest, high-vibe, and genuinely talented—that bridges the gap between what a 7-year-old thinks is "fire" and what a parent finds tolerable.
Kids love him because he doesn't talk down to them. Whether he’s playing a human lead in a massive franchise or a voice in an animated hit, there’s an authenticity there. He’s got "rizz," as the kids say (though by now they’re probably saying something else—honestly, it’s hard to keep up), but it’s a wholesome kind.
For parents, he’s a win because he usually picks projects with actual heart. He’s a "theater kid" at his core, which means even in a movie about giant transforming robots, he’s actually acting.
Ages 6+ If you haven't seen the first one, it’s basically Ocean’s Eleven for the elementary school set. Ramos voices Mr. Piranha, the "muscle" of the group who has a tendency to let out toxic farts when he’s nervous. Yes, it’s potty humor, but it’s stylized, fast-paced, and actually funny. The sequel, which hit streaming recently, doubles down on the "reformed villains" trope. It’s a great way to talk to kids about the idea that people (or animals) can change, even if their reputation is "bad." Check out our guide on whether The Bad Guys is too scary for toddlers
Ages 9+
Ramos plays Noah Diaz, a guy just trying to take care of his family in 90s Brooklyn who accidentally ends up in a cosmic war. This is probably the most "human" a Transformers movie has felt since the first one.
Parent Pro-Tip: The bond between Noah and his younger brother is the real soul of the movie. It’s a great pick for a Friday night when you want something flashy but don't want to feel like your brain is melting.
Ask our chatbot about the violence levels in Transformers
Ages 10+ Released a couple of summers ago, this has become a staple on the "I don't know what to watch" menu. Ramos plays Javi, a tech-focused storm chaser. It’s a bit more intense than the animated stuff—there are some genuine scares and "nature is terrifying" moments—but for middle schoolers, it’s peak entertainment. It also might actually make them interested in meteorology, which is a nice break from them wanting to be "influencers."
Ages 10+ Ramos recently joined the MCU as Parker Robbins (The Hood). Now, fair warning: he’s more of an antagonist here. If your kids are deep into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, they’ve likely already binged this. It’s a bit grittier than a standard Avengers flick, exploring the intersection of tech and magic. Read our full parent guide to the Ironheart series
Before he was chasing tornadoes, he was the guy who made us all cry in Hamilton. If you have a theater kid, these are non-negotiable.
Ages 12+ Ramos plays John Laurens and Philip Hamilton. It’s a masterpiece, full stop. However, as a Screenwise reminder: there are a few F-bombs in the Disney+ version (though one is muted). More importantly, the themes of death, infidelity, and political warfare are heavy. It’s a "watch together" movie, not a "set it and forget it" one. Learn more about the historical accuracy of Hamilton
Ages 8+ This is pure joy. Ramos stars as Usnavi, and his charisma is off the charts. It’s a beautiful celebration of community, heritage, and "sueñitos" (little dreams). It’s much more "family-friendly" in tone than Hamilton and has some of the best choreography put to film in the last decade.
While Anthony Ramos is generally a "green light" actor for families, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Intensity Levels: Movies like Twisters and Transformers have some "jump scare" moments and intense action. If you have a sensitive kid, maybe stick to Trolls World Tour (where he plays a techno-king mermaid—yes, really).
- Language: His musical work (Hamilton) and some of his more adult-leaning roles (like Dumb Money or A Star Is Born) have significant profanity. Always check the rating before you assume "oh, it's the guy from The Bad Guys, it's fine."
- The "Vibe" Shift: Ramos is moving into more complex roles. His character in Ironheart is a complicated villain/anti-hero. This is a great opportunity to talk to kids about how actors play different types of people—just because he was a "Good Guy" in one movie doesn't mean he's a role model in the next.
- Preschool/Kindergarten: Stick to Trolls World Tour. It’s bright, loud, and he’s only in it for a bit, but his character is a hit.
- Elementary (6-10): The Bad Guys is the gold standard here. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is great for the older end of this bracket.
- Middle School (11-13): In the Heights and Twisters. They’re old enough to appreciate the stakes and the music.
- High School (14+): Hamilton and his more dramatic work.
Anthony Ramos is one of those rare talents who actually seems to enjoy making movies for families. He doesn't "phone it in." Whether he’s singing about a bodega or fighting a Decepticon, he brings an energy that makes the "digital wellness" struggle a little easier—because at least you're watching something high-quality together.
Next Steps: If your kid is obsessed with the music in these movies, they might enjoy exploring coding music in Scratch or checking out musical theater podcasts.
Ask our chatbot for a personalized weekend watchlist based on your kids' ages