Look, we all know the fantasy: everyone snuggled on the couch, popcorn in hand, watching a movie that has the 5-year-old giggling, the 12-year-old not rolling their eyes, and you and your partner actually staying awake. In reality? Someone needs to pee every 15 minutes, the teens are "watching" while scrolling TikTok, and you're just hoping nobody asks awkward questions about what's happening on screen.
But here's the thing—family movie night can actually work. You just need the right movies. Not the ones that are "technically for kids" but make you want to claw your eyes out. Not the ones you love that will bore your kids to tears. The sweet spot: movies that genuinely entertain across ages without those "oh god I forgot about THAT scene" moments.
In a world where everyone's glued to their own screen watching their own thing, shared media experiences are increasingly rare. And they matter. Watching something together creates common ground, inside jokes, and actual conversation starters that aren't "how was school?" (met with "fine").
Plus, let's be honest—curating what your family watches together is one of the few areas where you still have some influence over what enters your kids' brains. Might as well make it count.
For Families with Younger Kids (Ages 4-10)
The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021) This is the gold standard of modern family movies. It's about a family road trip during a robot apocalypse, but really it's about screen time, family dynamics, and feeling misunderstood. The animation is bonkers-creative, the humor works for adults (there are legitimate laugh-out-loud moments), and it has actual heart. Ages 6+ will get it, but honestly, older kids and teens will too.
Paddington and Paddington 2 (2014, 2017) If you haven't watched these yet, fix that immediately. These movies are shockingly good—genuinely funny, beautifully made, and wholesome without being saccharine. Paddington 2 has a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason. Ages 4+ can watch, and you'll actually enjoy them. No notes.
Encanto (2021) Yes, you'll have "We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head for weeks. But this movie handles family pressure, generational trauma, and feeling like you don't measure up with surprising nuance. Plus the music absolutely slaps. Ages 5+, though be prepared for younger kids to ask why Mirabel doesn't get a gift (it's a whole thing).
For Families with Tweens/Teens (Ages 10+)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) This isn't just a great superhero movie—it's a great movie, period. The animation is revolutionary, the story works on multiple levels, and it's genuinely moving. Ages 8+ can handle it, but teens will appreciate the deeper themes about identity and expectations. Some intense action scenes, but nothing gratuitous.
The Princess Bride (1987) A classic for a reason. Adventure, romance, humor, and endlessly quotable lines. Ages 8+ typically love it, though younger kids might need some context. Fair warning: there are a few scary moments (the ROUSes, the torture machine) that might spook sensitive viewers. But if your kids can handle mild peril, this is perfect.
Knives Out (2019) Okay, this one's PG-13 for a reason (language, some mature themes), but for families with kids 12+, it's fantastic. A clever murder mystery that keeps everyone guessing, with humor that works across ages. It treats its audience as intelligent, which teens especially appreciate. Just preview it first if you're strict about language—there are a few F-bombs.
The Reliable Crowd-Pleasers
Coco (2017) Pixar at its best. Beautiful, culturally rich, and will make you cry (fair warning). The themes about death and remembering loved ones are handled beautifully, but might need conversation with younger kids. Ages 6+ typically handle it well.
Ratatouille (2007) Underrated Pixar gem about a rat who wants to cook. Sounds weird, totally works. The food looks amazing, the story is about following your passion despite obstacles, and it's genuinely funny. Ages 5+, though the villain can be a bit scary for very young viewers.
The Lego Movie (2014) "Everything is awesome" will haunt your dreams, but this movie is way smarter than it has any right to be. It's about creativity, conformity, and father-son relationships, wrapped in rapid-fire humor and stunning animation. Ages 6+, and adults will catch jokes kids miss.
Most live-action Disney remakes: They're soulless cash grabs that add nothing to the originals. Just watch the animated versions.
The Emoji Movie: This exists only to sell you things. It's bad. Don't do this to yourself.
Anything with "fart jokes as primary humor": You know the ones. Life's too short.
Let kids have input: Rotate who picks. Even if you end up watching Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (which, honestly, isn't terrible), they're more invested when they chose it.
Set the vibe: Phones in a basket, lights dimmed, actual snacks. Make it feel special, not just "default screen time."
Don't force discussion: Sometimes a movie is just a movie. But if natural conversation happens afterward, lean into it.
Preview when needed: If you're unsure about content, check Common Sense Media
or watch it first. Better than scrambling for the remote during an awkward scene.
The "perfect" family movie doesn't exist—every family is different. But movies that respect their audience, tell good stories, and offer something for everyone? Those exist in abundance. The key is being intentional about what you choose, rather than just defaulting to whatever Netflix is promoting this week.
Start with one of these, see what lands, and build from there. And remember: if your kid wants to rewatch Turning Red for the 47th time and everyone's actually enjoying it? That's a win. Family movie night isn't about finding the objectively "best" movie—it's about finding what works for your family right now.
Want more recommendations? Check out our guides on age-appropriate Netflix shows or movies that teach emotional intelligence.