Chocolate Factories, Flying Nannies, and Cowardly Lions — Oh My! The 25 Best Family Movies to Stream This Summer

What are the 25 best family movies?

It’s the doldrums of summer, and you’ve run out of ways to keep the kids busy. Luckily, you can always plan a family movie night. If you’re looking for flicks to add to your watch list this summer and beyond, here are 25 of our favorite all-time family movies that should appeal to kiddos of all ages.

We’ve got heartfelt animated fare like “Ratatouille” and “The Iron Giant,” or classic ’80s movies like “The Neverending Story,” “The Princess Bride,” and “The Karate Kid.” If you’re looking for stories that skew slightly older, there’s “School of Rock” and “Edward Scissorhands.” Or if you’re trying to introduce your family to more classics, there’s “Mary Poppins,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

Without further ado, here are our 25 favorite family flicks to stream this summer.

The 25 best family movies

1. “The Wizard of Oz”

Call me old-fashioned, but I feel like every kid who loves the “Wicked” movies should watch “The Wizard of Oz.” Because before there was Glinda and Elphaba, there was Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion—and Toto, of course.

Dorothy meets her new friends as she tries to get back home to Kansas after a tornado uproots her house and drops her in Munchkinland. The quartet is off to see the wizard via cinema’s most iconic road, though the wizard is not quite what they expect once they reach the Emerald City.

Where to watch “The Wizard of Oz”

You can stream “The Wizard of Oz” on HBO Max and Hulu with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

2. “The Neverending Story”

This timeless, singular movie sticks in your memory for so many reasons. Like some of my favorite family movies, it’s framed as a kid engrossed in a book. The story in the book follows Atreyu, who must save Fantasia from a dark force called “The Nothing.” Along the way, Atreyu befriends a friendly but also kind of unsettling luckdragon named Falcor.

There are some perilous moments, including a swamp death that’s pretty petrifying for any age, but this is a must-see at some point for every kid. Be warned that the theme song will definitely become an earworm for days after watching the movie.

Where to watch “The Neverending Story”

You can rent “The Neverending Story” through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

3. “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”

Five kids gain entry into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory by scoring a golden ticket, but only one makes it to the end of the factory tour. Along the way, kids get sucked into chutes, balloon into giant blueberries, and shrink down to miniature size.

This is one of those movies that seems cheery at first glance but is ultimately a little bit terrifying. The touch of terror is what makes it so good — and of course, Gene Wilder’s deadpan delivery.

Where to watch “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”

You can stream “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” on Netflix and HBO Max with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

4. “Mary Poppins”

This classic musical is filled with so many hummable songs, from “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” to “A Spoonful of Sugar.” And Mary Poppins’ tricks never get old, whether it’s flying with an umbrella, pulling a hat stand out of a satchel, or sliding up a staircase bannister.

I love this musical for its mix of happy melodic tunes and more poignant songs like “Feed the Birds” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” Of course, Julie Andrews also nails the role of best nanny ever with her magical tricks and warm but firm demeanor.

Where to watch “Mary Poppins”

You can stream “Mary Poppins” on Disney+ with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

5. “Paddington”

It’s hard to pick just one movie from the Paddington franchise. But nothing beats the magic of the original film, in which the gentle marmalade-loving bear makes his way to London and meets the Brown family. As he learns the ropes of city (and human) living, he’s pursued by a maniacal taxidermist who’s determined to ensnare a Peruvian bear for her collection. This movie is genuinely sweet and entertaining without ever being sappy. No wonder it’s got stellar scores on Rotten Tomatoes.

Where to watch “Paddington”

You can rent “Paddington” through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

6. “Ratatouille”

Remy is a rat with exquisite taste in food, so he’s thrilled when he becomes a chef at his favorite legendary five-star restaurant in Paris. Well, kind of a chef. Since his mere presence at a restaurant would be a serious health code violation, he hides in the chef hat of the newest kitchen hire, Linguini, and issues cooking directions by tugging Linguini’s hair.

I could have picked any number of Pixar movies for this list, but “Ratatouille” strikes a perfect balance of solid storytelling and heartwarming vibes. Plus, it inspires an appreciation for food in a way you wouldn’t expect from an animated movie.

Where to watch “Ratatouille”

You can stream “Ratatouille” on Disney+ or Hulu with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

7. “The Princess Bride”

“The Princess Bride” is a classic crowd-pleaser that offers a little bit of everything—sword fights, romance, and humor that works for all ages. Cary Elwes stars as a farm-boy-turned-pirate who battles man and creature to reunite with his true love, Princess Buttercup. Of course if your kids aren’t into romance, they’ve got Fred Savage in their corner, as a young boy urging his grandpa (the storyteller) to skip the kissing parts and move on to the action.

Where to watch “The Princess Bride”

You can stream “The Princess Bride” on Disney+ or Hulu with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

8. “The Iron Giant”

You’d never guess that a movie about a kid who befriends a giant alien robot could be so heartwarming, but boy is it ever — and it’s a tearjerker, to boot. When Howarth encounters a giant metal-munching robot in the woods, he takes it in and hides it in a local junkyard. An unlikely friendship blooms.

Unbeknownst to Howarth, the robot is actually a weapon of mass destruction that attracts federal agents to his town’s doorstep. You can guess where it goes from there, as the government tries to reclaim the robot.

Where to watch “The Iron Giant”

You can rent “The Iron Giant” through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

9. “My Neighbor Totoro”

There are so many movies from Hayao Miyazaki that belong on this list, but if you’re going to pick one for the entire family, “My Neighbor Totoro” is a safe bet.

Two young girls move to a countryside home as their mother recovers from an illness in a nearby hospital. They befriend a magical creature named Totoro, as well as other friendly spirits that inhabit the local woods. It’s such a simple story, and it’s the rare kid’s movie without any villains.

Where to watch “My Neighbor Totoro”

You can stream “My Neighbor Totoro” on HBO Max or Hulu with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

10. “Babe”

Before there were sheep detectives, there was “Babe,” starring the smart titular pig and the OG herd of intelligent, talking sheep.

When Farmer Hoggett brings Babe home after winning him at a contest, Babe makes quick friends with the farm animals thanks to his curiosity and diplomatic nature. When the farmer realizes his pig has a knack for herding animals, he enlists Babe to herd sheep — and eventually enters him into a sheepherding competition. The world thinks he’s crazy, but you can guess who has the last laugh.

Where to watch “Babe”

You can rent “Babe” through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

11. “Flow”

A cat navigates a post-apocalyptic world with a crew of unlikely friends that includes a Labrador Retriever, capybara, lemur, and secretarybird. As water levels mysteriously rise and fall, the gang sails through harrowing waters, dodges predators, and learns to live with each other’s differences along the way. Oh, and it’s all done with zero dialogue, which may scare off some families but really shouldn’t. To be honest, it’s such a riveting film, your kids may hardly notice the absence of words.

This won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2025, beating tough competitors such as “Inside Out 2” and “The Wild Robot.”

Where to watch “Flow”

You can stream “Flow” on HBO Max and Hulu with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

12. “Edward Scissorhands”

For the kiddos who like movies that lean creepy, this one’s a must. When a family takes in an eccentric young man with scissors for hands, he becomes the hottest house guest in town — and an in-demand stylist for stunning topiaries. All goes well until a series of mishaps brings out the pitchforks and torches.

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have made some great movies together, but this one is, ahem, a cut above the rest.

Where to watch “Edward Scissorhands”

You can stream “Edward Scissorhands” on Disney+ with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

13. “E.T.”

A young boy, Elliott, befriends an alien who’s been accidentally left behind on Earth, luring him in with a trail of Reese’s Pieces. Elliott then hides E.T. at home, where he and his siblings discover E.T.’s healing powers while devising a way to get the extra-terrestrial back to his ship. Of course there’s only so long you can keep an alien hidden away before federal agents come a-calling.

This is an enduring classic that has aged well. It’s also an emotional roller-coaster ride at times, so be prepared to comfort younger kiddos.

Where to watch “E.T.”

You can rent “E.T.” through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

14. “A Christmas Story”

“A Christmas Story” has so many iconic moments — the leg lamp, the triple dog dare/tongue stuck to a frozen pole, the all-consuming desire for a Red Ryder BB Gun. Ralphie, as an adult narrator reflecting on childhood, is such a great storyteller, he really puts you in the shoes of a 9-year-old boy growing up in the early 1940s.

It’s a perfect movie to watch during the holidays, but you can also watch it in the dead of summer for a little bit of Christmas in July.

Where to watch “A Christmas Story”

You can rent “A Christmas Story” through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

15. “The Secret of NIMH”

A widowed mouse must move her family to a new home before a tractor mows it down, but logistics prove difficult when one of her children falls ill. She seeks help from a den of rats who live beneath a rose bush — and who mysteriously knew and revered her late husband.

I loved this movie as a kid, and the story holds up remarkably well with its eerie undertones and the sense of imminent danger.

Where to watch “The Secret of NIMH”

You can stream “The Secret of NIMH” on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Apple TV and Plex.

16. “The Sound of Music”

Even kids who aren’t into musicals will appreciate this movie about the von Trapp family. Julie Andrews stars as a nun who takes on a job as governess to seven children. She undermines their strict father left and right by turning curtains into clothes, overturning their rowboat, and above all teaching them to sing. Of course, ultimately, she falls in love with him — all against the backdrop of World War II.

As much as I love a good Lin-Manuel Miranda score, the earnest, melodic songs from “The Sound of Music” are a nice change of pace if you need a break from today’s clever, faster-paced Disney tunes.

Where to watch “The Sound of Music”

You can stream “The Sound of Music” on Disney+ with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

17. “Willow”

When Willow discovers an abandoned baby in his village, he embarks on a mission to find her a forever home. Little does he know the evil queen is hunting the baby down to prevent a prophecy from coming true, making his mission a wee bit more harrowing. Willow gets help along the way from Madmartigan, a mercenary who only looks after himself — until his new crew grows on him.

Where to watch “Willow”

You can stream Willow on Disney+ with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

18. “It’s a Wonderful Life”

George Bailey just can’t get a break in life, and it drives him to a depth of despair you don’t find in many family-friendly movies. Luckily he’s got an angel to show him just how awful his town would be if he’d never been born: Family members have passed, his wife is a spinster, and Bedford Falls is just overall a gloomy place to live.

Where to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life”

You can rent “It’s a Wonderful Life” through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

19. “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope”

I’ll admit this isn’t my favorite movie of the original Star Wars trilogy, but you can’t watch “The Empire Strikes Back” or “Return of the Jedi” without knowing how it all starts. Luke, Leia and Hans team up to bring down the Death Star, as Luke is introduced to the Force. Whether your kiddo is new to Star Wars or has already been introduced via recent spin-offs like “The Mandalorian,” this is good old-fashioned entertainment that can still keep eyes glued to the screen.

Where to watch “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope”

You can stream “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope” on Disney+ with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

20. “Home Alone”

Here’s another “Christmas in July” pick for you. In this iconic holiday flick, Macaulay Culkin plays Kevin McCallister, a kid who accidentally gets left behind when his family jets off to Paris for the holidays. And the late Catherine O’Hara plays the mom who desperately tries to get back home to him.

As far as Kevin is concerned, being alone is all fun and games. That is, until a couple of robbers try to break into the house. But they’re no match for Kevin’s DIY home protection inventions. The nail in the foot makes me wince just thinking about it.

Where to watch “Home Alone”

You can stream “Home Alone” on Disney+ with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

21. “Back to the Future”

Marty McFly is transported from 1985 to 1955 after a demo of his friend Doc Brown’s time-traveling Delorean goes awry. He meets his mother and father when they were mere high schoolers (and learns a thing or two about them that he probably wishes he never knew).

When his arrival alters the trajectory of his parents’ relationship, Marty must do all he can to ensure they fall in love. It’s the quintessential time travel movie without too much mind-messing — a good time travel starter flick for kids.

Where to watch “Back to the Future”

You can rent “Back to the Future” through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

22. “The Karate Kid”

When Daniel LaRusso moves to Los Angeles with his mom, life isn’t exactly easy at his new high school — due in large part to bully Johnny Lawrence. The handyman at Daniel’s apartment complex, Mr. Miyagi, starts teaching Daniel karate for self-defense. His methods are a bit unconventional, but it turns out painting a fence and waxing a car are top-notch techniques for learning karate moves. The stakes increase when Johnny’s ex falls for Daniel.

Where to watch “The Karate Kid”

You can stream “The Karate Kid” on Netflix with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

23. “School of Rock”

There’s that moment as a parent when you show your kids a beloved movie, hoping it’ll enthrall them as much as it enthralled you. So I was thrilled when “School of Rock” stuck the landing with my kids.

Jack Black plays a struggling musician who slyly steals a substitute teaching gig from his roommate. Not knowing the first thing about teaching, and realizing there’s some serious musical talent among his students, he decides to cultivate his class into a secret rock band. It’s heartwarming, funny, and watchable for kids and adults alike.

Where to watch “School of Rock”

You can stream “School of Rock” on Hulu or Paramount+ with a subscription or rent it through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.

24. “Kpop Demon Hunters”

Rumi, Zoey, and Mira—aka Huntrix—must protect Seoul from evil forces through the power of K-pop music. This mega-hit wasn’t just a flash in the pan — oh no. This is destined to become a family classic for years to come, and for good reason. The music is uplifting and catchy, and the story is just so entertaining for ages 3 to 99. I’ve lost count of the number of skeptics who told me they relented to the zeitgeist and gave the movie a try — and ended up delighted.

Where to watch “Kpop Demon Hunters”

You can stream “Kpop Demon Hunters” on Netflix with a subscription.

25. “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit”

A giant pest has been devastating a town’s beloved garden crops, right before the annual vegetable competition. Wallace is hired to capture the pesky pest once and for all. But as Gromit, his smarter half, soon figures out, the beast resides much closer to home than expected. Gromit is on the job, while Wallace keeps himself busy wooing Lady Tottington.

This is the first-ever Wallace and Gromit feature film, and it still holds up two decades later.

Where to watch “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit”

You can rent “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” through VOD retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Plex.