Here's the thing about family movie nights: they're one of the few times everyone's screens are pointing in the same direction. In a world where your 7-year-old is watching Minecraft videos, your 12-year-old is on Discord, and you're doom-scrolling news, shared media experiences actually matter.

But not all family movies are created equal. Some are genuinely great films that happen to be appropriate for kids. Others are... well, they're technically family-friendly in that no one will have nightmares, but you'll be checking your phone by minute 23.

The goal here isn't just "something the kids can watch." It's finding movies that create actual conversation, that different ages can appreciate on different levels, and that don't make you want to fake a work emergency.

Paddington and Paddington 2 - I'm leading with these because they're legitimately perfect. Funny for adults, sweet without being saccharine, and Paddington 2 has a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason. Your kids will love the slapstick, you'll love Hugh Grant as a washed-up actor villain.

Encanto - Yes, you'll have "We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head for three weeks. But this movie does something really smart with family dynamics and pressure that even young kids can grasp while giving parents a lot to think about. Plus the animation is stunning.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines - This one's on Netflix and it's shockingly good. It's about a family road trip during a robot apocalypse, but really it's about a dad who doesn't understand his creative daughter and a family that's better together than apart. The humor works for all ages and it's genuinely moving without being manipulative.

Kubo and the Two Strings - Heads up: this one has some genuinely sad moments and might be intense for sensitive kids. But if your family can handle it, it's a beautiful stop-motion film about storytelling, memory, and family. Visually stunning in a way that makes it worth watching on the biggest screen you have.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse - Even if you think you're done with superhero movies, this one's different. The animation style is revolutionary, the story works on multiple levels, and it's genuinely about something (expectations, mentorship, finding your own path). Plus it moves fast enough that no one gets bored.

The Princess Bride - Yes, it's from 1987. No, that doesn't matter. This movie has everything: adventure, romance, humor that works for kids and adults, and infinitely quotable lines. If your kids haven't seen it, tonight's the night.

Ratatouille - This Pixar movie is secretly about artistic integrity and the role of criticism in art, but it's also about a rat who cooks. Your 9-year-old will love Remy's adventures, you'll appreciate the surprisingly sophisticated story about pursuing your passion despite obstacles.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople - This New Zealand film is about a foster kid and his grumpy foster uncle who end up on the run in the bush. It's funny, it's heartfelt, and it's got real emotional depth without being heavy-handed. Fair warning: there are some mild language moments and themes about child welfare, but it handles everything with care.

The Grand Budapest Hotel - Wes Anderson's style is like Marmite—you love it or you don't—but this caper movie is accessible, funny, and visually gorgeous. It's also a great entry point for talking about filmmaking style and visual storytelling with teens who are getting more sophisticated in their media consumption.

Knives Out - A modern whodunit that's genuinely clever and fun to puzzle through as a family. There's some language (it's PG-13), but it's a great movie for teens who are ready for more complex plots. Everyone will have theories, and you can pause to debate suspects.

Everything Everywhere All at Once - Okay, this one's rated R, so check the guide to Everything Everywhere All at Once before committing. But for families with older teens (15+), this movie about a laundromat owner jumping through multiverses is wild, creative, and ultimately about family relationships and finding meaning. It's chaotic and weird and surprisingly moving.

Spirited Away - Studio Ghibli films work for a huge age range, but this one particularly resonates with teens. It's about a girl navigating a strange spirit world, but really it's about growing up, work, greed, and identity. Visually stunning and genuinely strange in the best way.

Here's the real challenge: what do you watch when you've got a 6-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 14-year-old? The overlap is small, but it exists:

Some movies get recommended constantly for family movie night, but let's be honest:

Boss Baby - This is fine if your kids are under 7 and you're doing dishes in the other room. Otherwise, it's pretty skippable.

Most live-action Disney remakes - With rare exceptions (the new Little Mermaid is actually good), these are soulless cash grabs that make you appreciate the originals more.

Minions movies - Look, if your 5-year-old is obsessed, fine. But these aren't family movie night material unless you enjoy gibberish and slapstick for 90 minutes.

The best family movie is one that gives everyone something to enjoy and maybe something to talk about afterward. It doesn't have to be profound—Paddington 2 is about a polite bear and it's perfect—but it should be something you're all actually watching together, not just tolerating in the same room.

Tonight's move: Pick based on your youngest kid's age range, check the runtime (nothing kills movie night like realizing at 8 PM that you've chosen a 2.5-hour film), and maybe have a backup ready in case your first choice isn't hitting.

And if all else fails? Sometimes rewatching The Princess Bride for the hundredth time is exactly what everyone needs.

Want more specific recommendations? Ask our chatbot about movies for your specific family setup or check out our guide to setting up family media time that actually works.