Is there anything better than popping your PJs on, grabbing the popcorn and sitting down together as a family to enjoy a night in together? Of course not! That is until the fights start about who gets to pick the movie. So we’ve put together this list of the best family movies that your whole family should agree on. Enjoy!
Use these links to check out our favourite family friendly movies (and happy watching!):
- Blended
- The Parent Trap
- Cheaper By The Dozen
- Matilda
- Red Dog
- Billy Maddison
- Mrs Doubtfire
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Free Willy
- Dennis the Menace
- Herbie: Fully Loaded
- Mighty Ducks
- The Greatest Showman
- BFG
- Honey I Shrunk The Kids
- Flubber
- ET
- Charlotte’s Web
- School Of Rock
- Harry Potter
- The NeverEnding Story
- Jumanji
- Hook
- Cool Runnings
- The Sandlot Kids
1. Blended (2014)
- Where: Netflix
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 57 minutes
- Cast: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Wendi McLendon-Covey
After a blind date gone horribly wrong, Jim and Lauren agree they never, ever want to see each other again… can you see where this is going? You guessed it! They find themselves and their respective families (including children) all stuck together in one suite at an African Safari vacation spot. It’s predictable, and you can probably pick the ending before hitting ‘play’, but you are sure to enjoy many a laugh with this one.
2. The Parent Trap (1998)
- Where: Disney+
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 2 hours, 2 minutes
- Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson
If you really want to, you can go back and watch the 1961 version of this one, but I really can’t go past a double dose of mini Lindsay Lohan! The premise is simple, but fun! Identical twins Annie and Hallie, separated at birth and each raised by one of their biological parents, later discover each other for the first time at summer camp and make a plan to bring their wayward parents back together. There’s a great modern spin on this one and the whole family will enjoy.
3. Cheaper By The Dozen (2003)
- Where: Disney+
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 46 minutes
- Cast: Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Hilary Duff
Tom finds his life turned upside down when he agrees to tend to his 12 children while his wife is away and simultaneously also coaches his football team. As you can imagine, this movie is a lot of fun, with some nice heartfelt moments that will resonate with the whole family.
4. Matilda (1996)
- Where: Netflix
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 42 minutes
- Cast: Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Mara Wilson
I introduced this one to my own daughter at the age of four, and she asks to watch it again and again (we even have a Matilda dress up). Matilda shares a home with her parents and brother, who do not appreciate her. When her principal tortures her and a kind-hearted teacher, she uses her telekinetic powers to settle scores. There’s some truely memorable scenes the family will love, and also a few scarier bits for you to huddle up on the couch together to!
5. Red Dog (2011)
- Where: Stan
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 32 minutes
- Cast: Josh Lucas, Rachael Taylor, Rohan Nichol
Based on the true story of Red Dog, the film revolves around how a dog develops a strong bond with Grant, who becomes his ‘true master’ as he sets off in search of him. Set in the Australian outback, it is a unique and heartwarming story that the whole family will enjoy.
6. Billy Madison (1995)
- Where: Foxtel
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Cast: Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras
“Back to school, back to school”… remember how this one goes? The infamous man-child Billy Madison has been a spoiled rich kid all his life, and spends his days drinking and partying. When his father becomes fed up, he issues an ultimatum: he must retake and pass every grade in 24 weeks. Otherwise, the business will be turned over to Brian’s conniving associate. This is one of those movies you could watch over and over.
7. Mrs Doubtfire (1993)
- Where: Disney+
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 2 hours, 5 minutes
- Cast: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan
Now here is a fun family movie that can, and should, be watched over and over again. Daniel, a divorced actor, disguises himself as Mrs Doubtfire, an ageing female Scottish housekeeper, in order to work in his ex-wife’s house and spend more time with his children. The story is simple, and you will love and you will experience some heartfelt moments – you won’t want it to end.
8. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
- Where: Stan
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes
- Cast: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly
Willy Wonka decides to let five children into his chocolate factory, releasing five golden tickets in five separate chocolate bars, causing complete mayhem. The tickets start to be found, with the fifth going to a very special boy, called Charlie Bucket. With his Grandpa, Charlie joins the rest of the children to experience the most amazing factory ever. But, of course, not everything goes to plan. Kids will enjoy a little bit of magic, plenty of fun, and belly-stitching laughter, you may need some chocolate on hand for this one as the cravings will come!
9. Free Willy (1993)
- Where: Netflix, Foxtel
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 52 minutes
- Cast: Jason James Richter, Lori Petty, Michael Madsen
When a boy learns that a beloved killer whale is to be killed by the aquarium owners, the boy risks everything to free the whale. While the plot can see a little cliched, it is a movie you don’t want to miss. It is a touching movie that brought to light the mistreatment of whales.
10. Dennis the Menace (1993)
- Where: Stan
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 36 minutes
- Cast: Walter Matthau, Mason Gamble, Joan Plowright
When Dennis’s parents have to go out of town, they ask Mr and Mrs Wilson to look after their son. They agree but soon regret their decision when they learn about Dennis’s mischievous nature. This is a family classic, but be warned, it might give the kids some ideas! It’s full of plenty of laughs that make this risk worthwhile.
11. Herbie: Fully Loaded (1993)
- Where: Disney+
- Rated: G
- Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes
- Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Michael Keaton, Cheryl Hines
Herbie, sometimes referred to as “Herbie the Love Bug” is a fictional 1963 Volkswagen Beetle, who has featured in several Walt Disney motion pictures. He has a mind of his own, and is often a serious contender in racing competitions. In this movie he becomes great friends with Maggie and they bond together on the race track.
12. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
- Where: Disney+
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 42 minutes
- Cast: Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, Lane Smith
Gordon reminisces the day he lost a crucial game for his team, but life gives him a second chance. He becomes the coach of a weak hockey team and so the journey begins. This fun family film is a feel-good movie, and while it is technically a ‘sports’ movie, it is so much more than that and everyone will enjoy!
13. The Greatest Showman (2017)
- Where: Google Play
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 46 minutes
- Cast: Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron
This is a film that will have the whole family up and singing, and if you have already seen it, it is worth watching again! The American Phineas Taylor Barnum will always be remembered as the man with the gift to effortlessly blur the line between reality and fiction. He manages to open a wax museum before shifting focus to the unique and peculiar, never-seen-before live acts on the circus stage.
14. BFG (2016)
- Where: Disney+
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 57 minutes
- Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton
Sophie befriends a giant, who is an outcast because, unlike other giants, he refuses to hurt children. However, things change after the other giants decide to hunt down Sophie. This is a fabulous, heart-warming movie based on one of Roald Dahl’s amazing books – may even encourage the kids to get reading some of his other tales.
15. Honey I Shrunk The Kids (1989)
- Where: Disney+
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes
- Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton
A classic that should be revisited time and time again. A scientist tries his best to get his recent invention, a shrinking machine, to work. Things go awry when he accidentally shrinks his children and throws them along with the garbage. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.
16. Flubber (1997)
- Where: Disney+
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes
- Cast: Robin Williams, Marcia Gay Harden, Christopher McDonald
Another childhood favourite that can be switched over and over. Philip tries his best to create a new source of energy which will save his college from being shut down. In the process, he ends up creating Flubber! This rubber-like substance helps objects jump higher and causes plenty of mayhem. An entertaining film for all ages.
17. ET (1982)
- Where: Google Play
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes
- Cast: Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore
Sure, aliens aren’t for everyone, but you can’t help but fall in love with ET. After he becomes stranded on Earth, ET is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien. Bring the tissues for this one.
18. Charlotte’s Web (2006)
- Where: Netflix, Stan
- Rated: G
- Running time: 1 hour, 37 minutes
- Cast: Dakota Fanning, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey
When Wilbur, a pig adopted by young Fern, grows up, she sells it to her uncle who intends to slaughter it for food. Charlotte, a spider, vows to save the pig’s life. This is just what she does. This sweet film will add a bit of magic to your home on a Friday night and have the whole family smiling.
19. School Of Rock (2003)
- Where: Netflix, Stan
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 49 minutes
- Cast: Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack
This is a funny, clever movie that will have your kids begging to take up an instrument afterwards. After being kicked out of his rock band, Dewey Finn becomes a substitute teacher of an uptight elementary private school, only to try and turn his class into a rock band. What ensues is an emotional rollercoaster.
20. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
- Where: Google Play
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 2 hour, 39 minutes
- Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris
We have listed the first movie here, but really you can watch any movie in the series… or all of them if you feel like a movie marathon. I am a strong believer that a love for Harry Potter should start with the books, but exceptions can be made. It’s a great movie, that starts with Harry enrolling in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world. Once you step in, you’ll be hooked.
21. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
- Where: Google Play, Stan
- Running time: 1 hour, 47 minutes
- Cast: Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach
This fantasy film is both deep and emotion and will transport you to another world. Bastian is a young boy who lives a dreary life being tormented by school bullies. He escapes into a book shop where the old proprietor reveals an ancient story-book to him, which he is warned can be dangerous. Shortly after, he “borrows” the book and begins to read it in the school attic where he is drawn into the mythical land of Fantasia.
22. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
- Where: Google Play, Stan
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 2 hour, 3 minutes
- Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart
Did you know there are now four Jumanji movies? Jumanji (1995) Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). In this latest movie, Spencer goes back into the fantastical world of Jumanji, and friends Martha, Fridge and Bethany re-enter the game to bring him home. But the game is now broken, and fighting back.
23. Hook
- Where: Google Play
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 2 hours, 24 minutes
- Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts
Another charming fantasy movie that will transport you, with a well-known story retold for the family to enjoy. In this sequel to Peter Pan, his children are abducted by Captain Hook, he is forced to return to Neverland. With some help from Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys, he must battle against his old foe to save his kids.
24. Cool Runnings (1993)
- Where: Disney+
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 38 minutes
- Cast: John Candy, Leon, Doug E. Doug
If you haven’t seen this movie yet, you are in for a treat. It’s a little bit cheesy, but also heartwarming and fun. A Jamaican bobsleigh team fights many odds, including a reluctant coach, to compete in the 1988 Winter Olympics. It’s inspired by a true story, which adds to the appeal of this feel-good family movie.
25. The Sandlot Kids (1993)
- Where: Disney+
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes
- Cast: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Art LaFleur
This movie really captures that innocence of youth and the joy of playing baseball in a small town. Scotty, a young boy, moves into a new neighbourhood, where he decides to join the local baseball team. However, with his new friends, he experiences a series of adventures that he never imagined. It’s a simple, fun, feel-good movie that you can really sit back, relax and enjoy.
