TL;DR: The MJF Essentials
If you’re looking to swap the "brain rot" of current YouTube shorts for something with actual substance, Michael J. Fox is your guy. Here are the top picks for your next family night:
- The Ultimate Classic: Back to the Future (Ages 10+)
- The Animal Adventure: Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (Ages 6+)
- The Heart-Warmer: Stuart Little (Ages 5+)
- The Animated Deep Cut: Atlantis: The Lost Empire (Ages 8+)
- The Real-Life Lesson: Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (Ages 12+ for documentary themes)
We’ve all been there. You sit down for family movie night, and the kids want to watch something that looks like a fever dream or a 20-minute unboxing video. You want to show them something from "your time," but you’re worried it won’t hold their attention or, worse, that it’s secretly full of weird 80s tropes that didn't age well.
Enter Michael J. Fox.
There is a specific kind of "main character energy" that MJF brought to the 80s and 90s. He wasn't the untouchable, muscle-bound action hero. He was the scrappy, fast-talking underdog who used his wits to get out of trouble. In a world where kids are constantly bombarded with "perfection" on social media, MJF’s characters—who are often relatable, slightly frantic, and deeply human—are a breath of fresh air.
Beyond the nostalgia, Michael J. Fox’s filmography is a masterclass in resilience. Whether he’s trying to get his parents to fall in love in 1955 or navigating the world as a tiny mouse in a human family, his characters face "heavy" situations with heart and humor.
Plus, there’s the real-world component. Teaching our kids about Michael’s journey with Parkinson’s disease turns a fun movie night into a conversation about character, perseverance, and what it looks like to face life’s "Ohio" (weird/difficult) moments with grace.
If your kid hasn't seen this yet, stop reading and go find it. It is arguably the most perfectly constructed screenplay in Hollywood history. Marty McFly is the blueprint for the "cool but relatable" teen. Why it wins: It deals with the universal realization that our parents were once kids, too. It’s funny, the stakes are high, and the DeLorean is still the coolest car ever made. Parental Note: There is some 80s-era swearing (the "sh" word and "b-word" pop up) and the Libyans subplot is definitely a product of its time. Check out our full guide to the Back to the Future trilogy
Before every animal movie was a CGI-fest, we had real dogs and cats "talking" via voiceover. Michael J. Fox voices Chance, the impulsive American Bulldog. Why it wins: It’s a story about loyalty and the "never give up" attitude. Chance’s character arc—from a selfish pup to a devoted family member—is a great talking point for younger kids. Parental Note: The ending is a certified tear-jerker. Have the tissues ready.
MJF provides the voice for Stuart, a mouse adopted by a human family (the Littles). Why it wins: It’s a beautiful metaphor for adoption and "belonging" where you don't necessarily fit in. It’s gentle, funny, and has a great message about how family isn't about what you look like, but how you love. Parental Note: The "Snowbell the cat" subplot involves some mildly scary alley cats, but it’s mostly safe for the little ones.
This is the "underrated" Disney movie of the early 2000s. MJF plays Milo Thatch, a linguist and cartographer. Why it wins: Milo isn't a prince or a warrior; he’s a nerd who saves the day because he’s smart and respects other cultures. It’s a great departure from the standard Disney formula. Parental Note: It’s more of an "action-adventure" than a musical, so it might appeal more to kids who find standard Disney "cringe."
A high schooler discovers he’s a werewolf, which—naturally—makes him better at basketball.
Why it wins: It’s the ultimate "be yourself" story. Scott Howard realizes that being the "Wolf" makes him popular, but it doesn't make him a better person.
Parental Note: This one is definitely for the older crowd (12+). There’s some 80s "locker room" talk and a bit of mild partying that you might want to contextualize.
Ask our chatbot about specific content warnings for Teen Wolf
When diving into these classics, keep in mind that the "PG" rating of the 1980s is not the "PG" rating of 2026.
- Ages 5-8: Stick with Stuart Little and Homeward Bound. These are safe bets with clear moral lessons.
- Ages 9-12: This is the sweet spot for Back to the Future and Atlantis. They can handle the plot complexities and the mild "action" violence.
- Ages 13+: You can introduce Teen Wolf or even Doc Hollywood. This is also a great age to watch the documentary Still to see the man behind the characters.
One of the best things about Michael J. Fox is that he is a living example of the themes in his movies. Here are a few ways to bridge the gap between the screen and real life:
- On Resilience: "Marty McFly never gave up, even when it seemed like he was stuck in 1955 forever. Michael J. Fox has been living with Parkinson’s for over 30 years and still finds ways to be funny and help people. Which kind of 'never give up' is harder?"
- On Technology: Watching the "future" of 2015 in Back to the Future Part II is hilarious now that we’re in 2026. "They thought we’d have flying cars, but we have TikTok and Roblox. Which would you rather have?"
- On Being Different: "Stuart Little is a mouse in a human world. Milo Thatch is a bookworm in a world of soldiers. Have you ever felt like you didn't fit in? How did they handle it?"
Learn more about talking to kids about physical disabilities and resilience
The 80s were... a time. You’re going to see people smoking in hospitals (Doc Hollywood), some casual bullying that goes unchecked, and language that wouldn't fly in a "G" rated movie today.
Don't panic and turn it off. These are "teachable moments." If a character says something offensive, ask your kid, "Do people still say that today? Why do you think that was okay in a movie 40 years ago but not now?" It builds their digital literacy and critical thinking.
Michael J. Fox movies are a safe harbor in the storm of modern content. They aren't "brain rot," they aren't trying to sell your kids virtual currency, and they aren't designed by an algorithm to keep them scrolling. They are stories about heart, family, and the idea that even the smallest person (or mouse) can change the course of the future.
- Pick a Friday: Start with Back to the Future. It's the gold standard.
- Check the Wise Score: Before you watch, check the Screenwise Media Page for any specific triggers or community notes.
- Go Deeper: If your kids become MJF fans, visit The Michael J. Fox Foundation website together to see how he’s using his platform for good.