Even after the controversies, Will Smith has a level of "main character energy" that kids gravitate toward. He’s funny, he’s physically expressive, and he usually plays the hero. Whether he’s a secret agent or a blue genie, he has a way of making the screen feel bigger.

Plus, with the resurgence of 90s nostalgia, shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air have found a second life on streaming, making him a rare "legacy" star that kids actually recognize.

If you have younger kids, you want to stick to his voice acting or his more polished Disney-era work.

Look, nobody was ever going to replace Robin Williams, but Will Smith’s Genie is actually pretty great for the modern era. It’s colorful, the music is solid, and it’s a very safe bet for a family movie night. It’s also a good way to introduce the concept of "reinterpreting" a character.

This one often flies under the radar, but it’s a fantastic animated spy flick. Will plays a super-cool spy who gets turned into a pigeon. It’s goofy, the action is clean, and it actually has a decent message about non-violence and tech-based solutions rather than just "blowing things up."

Is this a cinematic masterpiece? Absolutely not. It’s basically Goodfellas for kids but with fish, and it hasn't aged perfectly. That said, if your kid is in an "ocean" phase, it’s harmless enough, though the humor is definitely geared more toward parents with its pop-culture references.

This is where the "Classic Will" lives. These are the movies that defined the summer blockbuster.

This is arguably the perfect tween movie. It’s got aliens, cool gadgets, and a great dynamic between Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. Warning: There is some "alien goo" gross-out humor and some mild language, but it’s generally the gold standard for PG-13 sci-fi.

If your kid is starting to ask for "real" action movies, start here. It’s huge, it’s loud, and it’s patriotic in that very 90s way. There’s some peril and a few scary alien moments, but it’s mostly just big-budget fun.

In 2026, talking to your kids about AI is a daily requirement. I, Robot is a great conversation starter. It’s an action movie first, but the "Three Laws of Robotics" and the idea of machines "waking up" is more relevant now than when the movie came out in 2004.

Check out our guide on talking to kids about AI and technology

Will Smith spent a large chunk of his career trying to win an Oscar, which resulted in some heavy, emotional films that are great for older kids who can handle complex themes.

This movie is a tear-jerker. It deals with homelessness, poverty, and the absolute grind of trying to provide for a child. It’s a beautiful movie to watch with a middle-schooler to talk about empathy and the reality that life isn't always fair.

This is a sports movie about Venus and Serena Williams, but it’s really a movie about a very intense father. It’s a great watch for families with young athletes, as it opens up doors to talk about "helicopter parenting," discipline, and what it takes to be the best in the world.

This is for the horror-adjacent kids. It’s intense, lonely, and has some legitimate jump scares. If your kid liked A Quiet Place, they’ll probably dig this. Pro-tip: The dog scene is brutal. Be prepared for some "why did they do that?" questions.

There are some Will Smith movies that parents often assume are "fine" because they remember them being fun, but they are definitely R-rated for a reason.

We can’t talk about Will Smith in 2026 without acknowledging the 2022 Oscars incident. If your kids spend any time on social media, they’ve likely seen the clips or the memes.

As a Screenwise parent, this is actually a "teachable moment" rather than something you need to censor. It’s a real-world example of:

You don't have to "cancel" his movies in your house, but if your kid brings it up, lean into the conversation. It’s a much better way to handle digital culture than just pretending it didn't happen.

Learn more about navigating celebrity controversies with kids

Will Smith’s library is a treasure trove of "Big Cinema" that most kids will eventually enjoy. For the younger crowd, stick to the Genie and the Pigeons. For the tweens, let them enjoy the alien-blasting fun of the 90s.

The key is being intentional. Don't just hit "play" on a movie because you remember it being "cool" when you were twelve. Take two minutes to check the rating and the "why" behind it.

Ask our chatbot if a specific movie is right for your family