If you grew up in the early 2000s, you probably remember this as the peak of the Steve Martin "Dad Era." The plot is straightforward: Tom (Steve Martin) and Kate Baker (Bonnie Hunt) have twelve children. When Tom gets his dream job coaching football at a big university and Kate’s book finally gets published, the family moves from their cozy rural home to the suburbs of Chicago.

Chaos—predictably—ensues. Between a projectile-vomiting toddler, a pet frog named Beans, and a very young Ashton Kutcher playing a self-absorbed actor boyfriend, the movie is a series of escalating disasters that somehow ends in a heartfelt realization about what actually matters.

It’s not high art, but it’s effective. Unlike some modern "brain rot" content that relies on flashing lights and screaming YouTubers to keep kids engaged, this movie uses actual comedic timing and character arcs.

Kids are naturally drawn to the "kids vs. adults" or "kids vs. the world" dynamic. In the Baker household, the children are a self-governing tribe. For younger viewers, there’s a massive "cool factor" in seeing a family that functions like a small army.

Beyond the laughs, this movie actually touches on some pretty heavy themes that we’re all navigating today.

Tom and Kate are both chasing big dreams. Tom wants the big-league coaching job; Kate wants her literary career. This isn't a 1950s sitcom where the mom stays home and everything is perfect. They both struggle. They both fail at times. Watching this as an adult in 2026, the "hustle culture" vibes are real. It’s a great entry point to talk to kids about how parents balance their own goals with the needs of the family.

The Baker kids do not want to move. They lose their friends, their routine, and their sense of belonging. If your family is facing a big change—a new school, a move, or even a change in household rules—this movie is a great "icebreaker" to talk about those feelings of resentment and the fear of the unknown.

The Bakers move next door to the Shenks, a family with one son who is over-scheduled, highly disciplined, and seemingly "perfect." The contrast between the messy, loud Bakers and the sterile Shenks is a loud-and-clear message: Comparison is the thief of joy. In an era of Instagram-perfect parenting and curated TikTok lives, this 20-year-old movie is a refreshing reminder that a happy home is often a messy one.

Ask our chatbot for more movies about big family dynamics

Recommended Ages: 6+

If your kids enjoyed the vibe of the Baker family, here are some solid recommendations to keep the momentum going:

The quintessential "kids scheming" movie. It has that same early-2000s warmth and focuses heavily on family reconciliation.

For kids who loved the "middle child" struggles of Sarah or Charlie Baker, Greg Heffley is the king of relatable (if slightly cynical) sibling drama.

If you have younger kids, Bluey is essentially the animated, Australian version of the Baker family’s philosophy: play is paramount, parents are human, and chaos is part of the deal.

For a more modern take on the "weird family vs. the world" trope (with a heavy dose of digital wellness themes), this movie is a masterpiece. It deals with a dad who doesn't "get" tech and a daughter who lives for it.

Check out our guide on movies that teach teamwork

After the credits roll, you can use these prompts to move beyond "was it good?" and actually get into their heads:

Cheaper by the Dozen (2003) isn't going to change your life, but it might change your perspective on the laundry pile in your hallway. It’s a "comfort food" movie that celebrates the idea that a family doesn't have to be perfect to be successful.

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with data about how we’re failing as parents or how our kids are being "ruined" by tech, taking 90 minutes to watch Steve Martin get tackled by a dozen children is actually a pretty great form of self-care.

Next Steps: