The 25 Best Classic Family Movies

Having a family movie marathon is one of the best ways to spend some time together as a family, and a fantastic way to keep the kids entertained.

With so many options to choose from, we've got you covered for the 25 best family movies no matter which streaming service you're using.

Netflix

My Neighbour Totoro (U)

Perfect for: kids aged 4-8 who love letting their imaginations run wild.

This classic animated film is perfect for a family movie night. Telling the story of a young girl, Mei, and her sister, as they encounter magical creatures in the forest, this warm-hearted tale is perfect for all ages.

Mei encounters Totoro, a gigantic cuddly creature who helps them befriend the spirits in the nearby forest. Children will be amazed by the animation, which transports you into its own stunning world.

Shrek (U)

Perfect for: kids aged between 4 and 12 who love an adventure.

In this family favourite, the classic fairytale of a princess, a dragon, and an ogre is flipped on its head. Shrek, an ogre from a swamp, finds himself caught up in a quest to rescue the Princess Fiona for Lord Farquaad.

This one is perfect for the whole family - the adventure makes it a fantastic kids movie, while the comedy means that it's a film which is loads of fun for parents too.

Hook (U)

Perfect for: kids aged 5-7 who are fans of fantasy movies.

This adaptation of Peter Pan by director Steven Spielberg is full of action packed adventure. Robin Williams plays Peter Pan, who must return to Neverland to rescue his children from the evil Captain Hook.

The Wizard of Oz (U)

Perfect for: kids with a love for colourful characters.

One of the most famous family movies of all time, kids and grown-ups alike will love being able to get lost in the  magical world this movie conjures up. If your young ones don't already know the tale of Dorothy's fantastical adventure in the land of Oz, you will love seeing them encounter these characters for the first time.

Kiki's Delivery Service (U)

Perfect for: Any young ones with a passion animation and supernatural stories.

Another one of Studio Ghibli's  amazing animations, this film tells the story of Kiki, a young witch who uses her flying powers to deliver goods to people's houses. This heartwarming film is perfect for a movie night with the whole family.

Matilda (PG)

Perfect for: kids aged 7-12 who are fans of  the stories of Roald Dahl.

This adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic kids' book is one of the best movies about kids. Matilda, a young girl who is misunderstood by her family, starts a new school and discovers her own magical powers.

Kids will love the fun spectacle of Matilda using her powers, and parents will get a laugh out of the amazing comedy sequences starring Danny DeVito.

Only Yesterday (PG)

Perfect for: kids aged 8-12 who enjoy beautiful animations.

Only Yesterday is another creation from the Ghibli animation studio. So many of their movies are perfect for a family movie night, and this is no exception.

As with the others on this list, Only Yesterday is full of remarkable animation, creating a rich world you might even want to live in yourself. What's more, this is an unusual film in that it's written for both young children and adults, so it's something the whole family can enjoy together.

The drama follows Taeko, a young woman who recalls her childhood as she visits the Japanese countryside. This one is perfect for kids of every age.

Amazon Prime

Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG)

Perfect for: kids aged 5-12 who are fans of quirky, offbeat tales.

Another adaptation of a Roald Dahl book, this fresh animated take on the original novel promises loads of fun for all the family. For any kid, movies like this one are a treat - the wacky world created by director Wes Anderson is sure to spark their imaginations, and Mr. Fox's adventures will excite and entertain.

For parents, the charming animation and incredible voice work from stars such as George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Bill Murray mean this is a brilliant film to watch as a family.

Paddington (PG)

Perfect for: 5-10 year olds who enjoy light-hearted comedy.

This re-imagining of the classic tale of Paddington bear is one of the best new kids movies. Left alone in London and adopted by the Brown family, Paddington must try to find an explorer who knew his uncle while avoiding the wicked taxidermist Millicent Clyde. Features stars such as Sally Hawkins, Judi Dench and Ben Whishaw.

Paddington 2 (PG)

Perfect for: any 5-10 year old who loves both comedies and adventures - the second film in the Paddington series is equally hilarious and exciting, so any kid who was a fan of the first instalment will enjoy the sequel.

If your family loved  the first Paddington movie, then why not make it a marathon and watch the newest entry in the series? The second film finds the marmalade-loving bear settled happily in London - as ever, it's full of adventures and laughs the whole family will enjoy.

Jumanji (PG)

Perfect for: Anyone who loves action-packed adventures.

A magical board game opens a portal to another world, and siblings Judy and Peter must get to the end of the game in order to free their new friend Alan, who has been trapped in the game for 26 years. One of the most exciting kids' movies of all time, this one promises endless fun.

The BFG (PG)

Perfect for: All ages who have an interest in fantastic creatures.

This new version of the Roald Dahl book brings the Big Friendly Giant to life - just like the book, this is an imaginative story about a girl named Sophie who forms an unlikely friendship with a giant. Full of charm and warmth, this is a movie that is perfect for a family night in.

Happy Feet (U)

Perfect for: little ones with a passion for nature.

This quirky movie about a dancing penguin called Mumble is a perfect feel-good movie. For any young one who is an avid fan of wildlife and nature, the film's stunning animation will be sure to entertain them.

For parents, the lovable characters and the heartwarming story ensure that this is one of the best kids movies to watch as a family. With Robin Williams, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman contributing voiceovers, it's also got a star-studded cast.

Apple TV

The Lion King (U)

Perfect for: Young ones who have a passion for the animal kingdom!

This classic Disney animated musical is a brilliant way to pass time with the family - kids will be enthralled by the drama of Simba trying to overcome his evil uncle Scar, while parents can enjoy the brilliant songs.

Moana (PG)

Perfect for: kids aged 5-9 who find adventure films exciting.

This Disney adventure film is packed full of excitement, including epic adventures across the sea and magnificent creature design. Moana sets out on an adventure with the demigod Maui, on a mission to save her people where they encounter huge monsters while crossing the sea.

Kids who like a thrilling, action-packed adventure will find this movie special, and the whole family will enjoy the original songs composed for the movie.

Toy Story (PG)

Perfect for: Kids who like larger-than-life characters.

The classic Pixar movie is perfect for a family movie night. Sure to fire the imagination of your young ones, the movie is about the secret life of toys, who come to life when their owners aren't around.

Kids will be enthralled by the adventures Woody and Buzz Lightyear get into, but it's also great fun for adults - packed full of brilliant jokes and laugh-out-loud moments, meaning this is one the best films to watch together as a family.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (PG)

Perfect for: kids who are looking for an adventure.

You might suddenly have a chunk of spare time on your hands, and what better way to make use of it than starting a marathon of the Harry Potter movies? Loved by grown-ups and kids alike, the first instalment in the series is full of adventure which will be enjoyed by all ages.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (PG)

Perfect for: kids aged 5-12 with a love for superhero movies.

This animated take on the Spider-Man comic books is sure to enthrall any young ones - follow Miles Morales as he is transformed into Spider-Man, and has to save New York City from the villainous Kingpin.

The animation is truly unique, and parents will get the chance to indulge their inner child with this incredibly fun entry into the classic comic-book canon.

E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial (U)

Perfect for: ages 6-12 who will enjoy a heartwarming science-fiction film.

This timeless classic tells the story of a young boy, Elliott, who befriends a kind alien named E.T. Elliott must hide E.T. while the government search for the alien, and help him to return to his home planet. No matter your age, this movie has something for everyone.

Now TV

Wall-E (U)

Perfect for: kids who want a science-fiction adventure.

This fantastic Pixar creation follows the story of Wall-E, the last robot left on Earth. When the robot EVE arrives, Wall-E sets out to save the planet from an evil mega-corporation who have left the earth a wasteland.

Young ones will be engrossed in the amazing world created by the animators, and much like other Pixar films, this one has a heartfelt story at its core.

Labyrinth (U)

Perfect for: kids aged 6-12 who will enjoy a fantastical adventure movie.

This weird and wonderful fantasy movie is perfect for a family day in. Starring David Bowie, it tells the story of a girl who must rescue her brother from an enormous maze. Featuring amazing visuals, a cast made up almost entirely of puppets, and musical elements, this surprising picture is a top choice for a great family film marathon.

The Jungle Book (U)

Perfect for: young ones aged 4-8 who love fun adventures.

This classic Disney animation is full of fun, and is sure to be a hit with your young ones. Following the story of Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the jungle, this is full of fun songs which will entertain your young ones.

Maleficent (PG)

Perfect for: kids between 7 and 12 who enjoy fantasy movies.

This film is a twist on the classic tale of sleeping beauty. Told from the perspective of the villain of the story, Maleficent (voiced by a suitably evil-sounding Angelina Jolie), parents will this new take on a well-known tale, while the stunning visuals and brilliant performances will captivate younger viewers.

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (U)

Perfect for: ages 4-9 with a love for colourful musical adventures.

This adaptation of the wacky Dr. Seuss story follows Ted, a boy who lives on a planet without nature. On his quest to find a Truffula tree, Ted stumbles across the story of the Lorax, and learns the story of how nature came to be destroyed by the Once-Ler.

This is a feel-good story with an important message, and one which people of all ages will find heart-warming. Danny DeVito, Zac Efron and Taylor Swift contributed voice work to this movie.

Up (U)

Perfect for: ages 5-9 who will enjoy a film which is full of adventure.

This warm story of Carl Frederickson, a grumpy 78-year-old balloon salesman who goes on an adventure by tying thousands of balloons to his house, is sure to fire imaginations among your kids. Carl encounters a problem, however when he discovers that a young boy by the name of Russell has decided to join him on his adventure.

Full of charm, this one is one of the best picks if you are looking for an uplifting film to watch with your family.