10 Kids Movies Parents Will Love Too
Family movie night doesn’t have to mean sitting through 90 minutes of fart jokes and sensory overload. The best family films are the ones that give everyone something to enjoy, with humor that’s actually clever, just the right amount of heartfelt moments, and enough depth to keep adults just as invested as the kids.
Here are 10 family-friendly movies that are just as enjoyable for parents as they are for kids, and where you can stream them.
1. “Paddington 2” (2017)
If someone told me that one of the greatest feel-good movies ever made starred a marmalade-loving bear from Peru, I probably wouldn’t believe them. Yet “Paddington 2” somehow pulls it off. It’s visually stunning, surprisingly funny, and packed with genuinely heartfelt moments. Sure, it makes sense to watch the first “Paddington” beforehand, but this is one of those rare cases where the sequel is even better. If you have the time, make it a double feature.
2. “The Wild Robot” (2024)
Bring tissues. This movie explores parenting, belonging, and growing up without ever feeling too heavy. The kids will love the talking animals, while parents will appreciate the emotional message that sticks with you after the credits roll.
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3. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)
Even if superhero movies aren’t usually your thing, “Into the Spider-Verse” is worth watching for the animation alone. Whether you have a younger kid in their “Spidey and His Amazing Friends” era, an older kid who loves Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, or you still have nostalgia for the Tobey Maguire days, this movie gives everyone something to enjoy. Not to mention its great soundtrack — when your kid asks to play it in the car for the 100th time, you might actually be okay with it.
4. “The Parent Trap” (1998)
Lindsay Lohan’s dual performance still holds up nearly three decades later (a sentence that makes me feel extremely old). Between the nostalgic summer camp setting, Nancy Meyers’ charm, and plenty of laughs, this remake remains a family movie night favorite. Bonus points if you teach your kids the handshake afterward.
Disney+ is one of the biggest family-focused streaming services available. If you’re deciding whether it’s worth adding another subscription, check out our Disney+ review for pricing, features, and more.
5. “The Goonies” (1985)
Adventure movies don’t get much more fun than “The Goonies.” Treasure maps, pirate ships, booby traps, and iconic one-liners make this ’80s classic just as entertaining for parents revisiting it as it is for kids discovering it for the first time.
6. “Luca” (2021)
“Luca” is one of Pixar’s more overlooked recent releases, a coming-of-age story about friendship and identity. It’s funny, beautifully animated, and might even have you Googling the Italian Riviera and planning your next kid-free vacation there.
7. “Elemental” (2023)
On the surface, it’s a movie about fire and water people. Underneath, it’s a surprisingly thoughtful story about family expectations, identity, and finding your own path. Kids will love the colorful world, while parents will likely connect with the emotional themes.
8. “The Iron Giant” (1999)
“The Iron Giant” proves kids’ movies don’t need nonstop action to be memorable. What starts as a story about a boy and a mysterious robot becomes a surprisingly emotional movie about friendship and acceptance. Kids get the giant robot adventure, while parents get a nostalgic classic that still hits just as hard decades later.
9. “School of Rock” (2003)
“School of Rock” is genuinely funny, extremely quotable, and manages to inspire kids to pick up an instrument while reminding adults not to take life quite so seriously. If the title doesn’t immediately win your kids over, just tell them Steve from “A Minecraft Movie” is in it. You can explain Jack Black later.
Paramount+ is another strong option for families looking for a mix of kids’ programming, movies, and popular TV shows. See costs and packages, or try it for free through our Paramount+ guide.
10. “The Princess Bride” (1987)
This movie really does have it all: sword fights, giant rodents, romance, comedy, and one of the most quotable scripts ever written. It never gets old, and it’s almost impossible not to have fun while watching it.
In this article
To watch “Elemental,” “Luca,” “The Parent Trap,” and “The Princess Bride,” you’ll need a Disney+ subscription ($11.99–$18.99/mo.).
You probably already have a Netflix subscription. That said, if you don’t, your kids will love you when you hook it up for $8.99–$26.99/mo..
Don’t sleep on Paramount+, especially if you were a Nickelodeon kid. All the classic Nick shows like “SpongeBob” and “Ren and Stimpy” will entertain your kids for months to come.
Think of Prime Video as the extra tool you can pull from your parental belt if your kids get sick of Disney and Netflix content. It’s always nice to have a backup.
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