25 of the Best Family Movies: Kids Movie Night Ideas the Whole Family Will Love

Looking for movie night ideas for kids that will actually keep everyone entertained? Whether you’re snuggling up and staying in on a rainy weekend, planning a Friday night treat, or hosting a school holiday movie marathon, I’ve got you covered with 25 of the best family movies of all time! Obviously these are in my opinion, haha!

From cartoon classic to live action fun, these kids movie night ideas are perfect for all ages, because let’s be honest, the grown-ups want to enjoy movie night too!

1. The Lion King (1994)

A timeless Disney classic, The Lion King follows young Simba as he grows from a cub to king. With unforgettable songs, epic themes, and heartwarming characters, it’s one of the best family movies ever made by Disney.

2. Finding Nemo (2003)

This Pixar gem tells the story of a clownfish dad searching for his lost son. The vibrant underwater animation and hilarious side characters like Dory (my fave!) make it a go-to choice for kids movie night ideas. 

3. Paddington 2 (2017)

Paddington Bear brings joy, chaos and marmalade to the big screen in this charming sequel. It’s one of the best family movies of all time, which is a tough gig for a sequel. There is enough warmth and humour in this film to please all generations.

4. Matilda (1996)

Based on Roald Dahl’s book, this film follows a brilliant girl with neglectful parents, a terrifying headmistress, and magical powers. Empowering and delightful, this 90s classic is perfect for slightly older kids and tweens. The newer 20’s version is also a great watch.

5. Toy Story (1995)

The first fully computer-animated feature, Toy Story is Pixar’s heartwarming tale of toys that come to life when humans aren’t looking. An excellent pick for movie night ideas for kids that adults will also adore – a real pioneer when it comes to animation.

6. Encanto (2021)

Celebrate family and individuality in Disney’s colourful Colombian-inspired film. The songs in this film are AMAZING, and it’s an ideal option for younger kids (and will have everyone singing “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”!).

7. The Incredibles (2004)

A superhero family tries to live a quiet suburban life until they’re called back into action. Fun, fast-paced, and surprisingly deep, it’s one of the best family movies with action-packed moments and lots of laughs.

8. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

A visually stunning adventure about a Viking boy and his unlikely friendship with a dragon. With themes of courage and compassion, it’s a great pick for slightly older kids. There is a newer version of this out in the cinema this summer.

9. Despicable Me (2010)

Supervillain Gru discovers the power of love and laughter when he adopts three girls. Throw in Minions for comic relief and you’ve got one of the most fun kids movie night ideas around. This is one of my youngest son’s favourite films, for good reason!

10. Coco (2017)

This beautifully animated Pixar film celebrates family, memory, and Mexican culture. With heartfelt moments and rich visuals, it’s one of the best family movies of all time for all ages.

11. Zootopia (2016)

In a city of anthropomorphic animals, rookie bunny cop Judy Hopps and sly fox Nick Wilde team up to solve a mystery. It’s clever, funny, and a perfect movie night idea for kids who love animals and adventure.

12. The Princess Bride (1987)

Part fairy tale, part comedy, part swashbuckling adventure, this cult classic has it all. It’s a fun one for older kids and parents who love a nostalgic throwback.

13. Frozen (2013)

With iconic songs and strong female leads, Frozen is still a top pick for kids movie night ideas. If you haven’t sung “Let It Go” in a while, now’s your chance!

14. The LEGO Movie (2014)

Everything is awesome in this hilarious, fast-paced movie that’s both a tribute to creativity and a surprisingly touching tale. Great fun for kids and adults alike.

15. Ratatouille (2007)

A rat who dreams of being a chef in Paris? It might sound odd, but this Pixar classic is full of charm and culinary adventure. Ideal for food-loving families. Arguably one of Disney’s best films!

16. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)

A quirky family road trip turns into a wild adventure to save the world from robots. Modern, funny, and full of heart—it’s quickly becoming one of the best family movies of recent years.

17. Mary Poppins (1964)

Practically perfect in every way! The magical nanny, memorable songs and heartwarming story make it a wonderful old-school pick for family movie night.

18. Big Hero 6 (2014)

Robots, science, and superhero action come together in this emotional and exciting Disney film. Baymax the inflatable robot is sure to win everyone’s heart.

19. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

Ever wondered what pets do when their owners aren’t home? This fun comedy delivers a hilarious take on animal antics, perfect for movie night ideas for kids who love animals. The New York backdrop appeals to adults too.

20. Luca (2021)

A gentle and beautifully animated film about friendship, identity and seaside adventures in Italy. Great for summer nights and chill vibes.

21. Shrek (2001)

This irreverent fairy tale parody is packed with humour for both kids and adults. With catchy music and a strong message about accepting yourself, Shrek is a classic kids movie night idea that never gets old.

22. Wall-E (2008)

A little robot finds love and saves the planet in this silent, stunning Pixar masterpiece. It’s sweet, surprising, and one of the most unique best family movies of all time.

23. The Peanuts Movie (2015)

This beautifully animated reboot of the classic comic strip captures all the charm of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang. A gentle and funny film for a relaxing movie night.

24. Moana (2016)

A brave Polynesian girl sets sail to save her island and find herself. With incredible visuals and empowering messages, it’s a must-watch for adventure-loving families. Again, amazing songs in this film too by Lin-Manuel Miranda!

25. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

No list of the best family movies would be complete without this iconic Spielberg film. It’s magical, moving and still captivates young audiences today – although it IS sad (my youngest sobbed his heart out watching this!).

 

Tips to Make Your Family Movie Night Extra Special

Choosing the perfect film is just the beginning. Here are a few ways to take your kids movie night ideas to the next level:

• Create a Movie Snack Bar with movie night essentials: Popcorn, sweets, fruit skewers, or themed treats based on the movie!

• Make Tickets or Posters: Let the kids design posters or print out little tickets for a home-cinema vibe.

• Dress-Up Theme Nights: Watching Frozen? Wear princess dresses! Planning How to Train Your Dragon? Get some dragon wings involved.

• Outdoor Movie Night: In summer, set up a projector in the garden and enjoy one of the best family movies of all time under the stars.

With so many amazing choices, your next family movie night doesn’t need to be a last-minute panic to find something to watch. I hope these 25 films are perfect movie night ideas for kids, that you’ll enjoy watching too.

The great thing about building a collection of best family movies is that they never get old. Many of the best family movies of all time that I’ve listed here still stand the test of time!

 

See more of my lifestyle posts here, and kids activities posts here!