Before we dive in, let's talk about what actually qualifies. A great family movie:

The movies that nail this balance are rare. Most films pick a lane—either they're genuinely for kids and adults endure them, or they're "adult" movies that happen to be animated and kids get bored. The ones below thread that needle.

This 2024 DreamWorks film is stunning—both visually and emotionally. A robot named Roz crash-lands on an island and has to learn to survive in nature while raising an orphaned gosling. It's basically a meditation on parenting, belonging, and what it means to be alive, wrapped in a gorgeous package that keeps younger kids engaged.

Why it works: The story is simple enough for little ones to follow, but the themes about adaptation, found family, and choosing kindness hit hard for adults. Plus, the animation style feels like a moving painting—it's genuinely beautiful to look at.

Parent note: There are some intense moments (animals in peril, a forest fire), but nothing gratuitous. Kids who can handle The Lion King will be fine.

Yes, you've probably already seen it. Yes, "We Don't Talk About Bruno" is still stuck in your head. But there's a reason this 2021 Disney film connected so deeply—it's about generational trauma and family expectations, told through magical realism and incredible music.

Why it works: Kids love the magic powers and colorful visuals. Adults see themselves in Mirabel's struggle to find her place in a family with impossible standards. The songs are actually good (Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote them), and the Colombian cultural details are rich and respectful.

Parent note: This is one of those rare Disney films with no villain—just a family working through their dysfunction. Refreshing.

These British films (2014 and 2017) are criminally underseen in the US. A polite bear from Peru moves to London and chaos ensues, but with such warmth and wit that you'll find yourself genuinely moved by a CGI bear.

Why it works: The humor is sophisticated without being inaccessible to kids. The second film especially is a masterclass in storytelling—it's got a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason. These movies believe in kindness without being saccharine about it.

Parent note: The first film has a slightly darker villain that might scare very young kids. Start with the second one if you have sensitive littles.

This 2023 sequel is a visual feast—every frame looks like a comic book panel, with different animation styles for different universes. But beyond the technical wizardry, it's a genuinely compelling story about growing up, disappointing your parents, and choosing your own path.

Why it works: The action sequences are incredible (kids love them), but the emotional core is about Miles Morales trying to be his own hero while his parents want to keep him safe. That tension is something every tween and parent understands.

Parent note: The ending is a cliffhanger, and the third film isn't out until 2025. You've been warned. Also, this is long (2 hours 20 minutes), so plan accordingly.

The 2024 installment brings Po back, and honestly? It's better than it has any right to be. Po has to train a new warrior while facing a shapeshifting villain who can steal kung fu abilities.

Why it works: Jack Black is still hilarious as Po, but the movie's real strength is exploring what it means to pass the torch and accept change. Kids get solid action and humor, parents get a surprisingly thoughtful meditation on mentorship and letting go.

Parent note: You don't need to have seen the first three films, but they're all solid if you want to do a series marathon.

This 2022 film came out of nowhere to become one of the best animated movies in years. Puss in Boots is facing his mortality (he's on his last life) and has to confront his fear of death, literally personified as a terrifying wolf.

Why it works: The animation style is bold and stylized, the action is legitimately thrilling, and the themes about confronting mortality and living authentically are handled with surprising depth. Plus, the villain is genuinely scary in a way that makes the stakes feel real.

Parent note: That wolf villain is intense. Kids who scare easily might struggle with those scenes. But for kids ready for slightly darker themes, this is gold.

This 2022 film swept the Oscars for a reason. A Chinese immigrant laundromat owner discovers she can access parallel universes and must save the multiverse while doing her taxes and dealing with her disappointed father and disconnected daughter.

Why it works: It's bonkers in the best way—absurdist humor, incredible action, and genuine emotional depth about family, regret, and choosing kindness even when nothing matters. Teens appreciate the weirdness and existential themes, parents see themselves in the generational conflicts.

Parent note: Rated R for language and some crude humor. There's also a lot going on visually and narratively—this isn't a passive watch. But for families with older kids who can handle mature themes, it's an experience.

This 2021 Netflix film is about a dysfunctional family road trip that gets interrupted by a robot apocalypse. It's hilarious, heartfelt, and genuinely gets what it's like to be a creative kid who doesn't fit in.

Why it works: The animation style mimics social media and YouTube culture in ways that feel authentic, not pandering. The family dynamics are realistic (the dad and daughter are genuinely at odds), and the resolution feels earned. Plus, it's laugh-out-loud funny for all ages.

Parent note: Some mild language and cartoon violence, but nothing egregious. The tech-obsessed theme might hit close to home for families navigating screen time battles.

This 2023 Netflix film is based on a beloved graphic novel and tackles themes of identity, transformation, and being labeled a monster by society. A shapeshifting teen teams up with a disgraced knight to clear his name.

Why it works: The LGBTQ+ themes are woven naturally into the story (the knight is in a relationship with another man), and the broader message about accepting people who are different resonates across ages. The animation is gorgeous, and Nimona herself is a fantastic character—chaotic, funny, and deeply wounded.

Parent note: There are some intense action sequences and themes about suicide/self-sacrifice that might be heavy for younger viewers. Best for mature tweens and up.

Some older films remain family night staples for good reason:

Not every popular family movie is worth your time:

Minions movies: Pure chaos with no emotional core. Kids under 6 might enjoy them, but there's nothing here for parents except a headache.

Most live-action Disney remakes: They're soulless cash grabs that add nothing to the originals. The Lion King remake is particularly egregious—photorealistic animals can't emote, so all the emotional beats fall flat.

Illumination films generally: Despicable Me was fine, but the studio's other offerings (Sing, The Secret Life of Pets) are forgettable at best.

Ages 4-6: Stick with gentler stories and clear emotional arcs. Moana, Coco, and Zootopia are solid picks. Avoid anything with intense villain scenes or complex plots.

Ages 7-9: Kids this age can handle more complexity and slightly scarier moments. How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, Big Hero 6, and Inside Out work well.

Ages 10-12: Tweens want to feel grown up but still enjoy animation. Spider-Verse films, The Incredibles, and Kubo and the Two Strings respect their intelligence.

Ages 13+: Teens can handle pretty much anything, but they'll appreciate films that don't talk down to them. Spirited Away, Your Name, and other Studio Ghibli films work beautifully for this age.

Most of the recent releases are on streaming services:

Check JustWatch to see where specific titles are streaming in your region.

The best family movies don't just occupy time—they create shared experiences. They give you things to talk about after the credits roll, jokes you'll reference for years, and moments that hit differently depending on your age.

You don't need to suffer through mediocre content just because you have kids. The films above prove that family movies can be sophisticated, beautiful, funny, and emotionally resonant for everyone watching.

Start with whatever matches your kids' ages and interests, but don't be afraid to stretch a little. Sometimes the movies that challenge us are the ones we remember.

Movie night doesn't have to be a compromise. With the right picks, everyone wins.