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Best Family Friendly Movies

A foolproof lineup of family fun that keeps everyone on the couch happy, no matter their age, the best family friendly movies are great for a Friday night in.

By Annie KielyPublished 7 years ago 6 min read
Top Story - July 2017
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Finding a movie that will work for the whole family can be a challenge 

Selecting a movie that interests the whole family can be a major challenge. Things that are age appropriate for the kids often may not be interesting for older members of the family. Family movie night is just not as fun unless the whole gang is interested in the movie. Check out this list of family-friendly movies that are sure to be a hit with the whole family (and will save you from watching the same movie on repeat).

Zootopia is the perfect pick for family night because of the entertainment value, and because of the lessons it teaches. Featuring a cast of animals and a world where they have found a way to live despite their differences, this is a great choice for the laughs, the entertainment, and the moral of the story.

This fast-paced and witty Disney movie has chase scenes and antics that kids find perfect, and many well-placed jokes for the adults that fly right over their kids heads (see if you can spot the Breaking Bad reference).

The Sandlot is a classic that many new parents might remember from their childhoods. First released in 1993, The Sandlot captured the essence of childhood summers, and shows how special and surreal this time was. The way the local people and animals are elevated into legends by the magic of summer vacation will remind parents what it is like to be so young.

The Sandlot is the perfect movie for kids exploring their relationships and interests, but is also the perfect nostalgia picture that might have parents longing for their own summer vacations as well.

Hiccup, the misfit some of a Norse tribe, is our hero in How to Train your Dragon. The movie follows Hiccup as he enters dragon-fighting school, and must prove himself as a true Viking who can live up to his father's legacy. Instead of becoming a feared Viking warrior, Hiccup befriends an injured dragon named Toothless, and has the chance to change the course of his people, and how they relate to dragons.

This movie has it all: a wonderful main character, mythology, battles, and family drama. There is something for everyone in this adorable film! Get ready for some recreated flying scenes to take place in your living room.

The original Jumanji is the perfect adventure for the family to watch together, especially for clans that love nature documentaries. The cast has both adults and children involved in the drama of the plot, and the clash between the magic of the game invading everyday life is enchanting.

There are definitely some heavy elements to Jumanji, most of which add to the story and interest level for the parents. There is even a new version of the film set to be released in late 2017.

The Goonies is the adventure movie for kids, and is a great one for the adults in the family too. This classic tale brings together treasure-hunting, piracy, searching for bad guys, and a no-adults, kids-only adventure in the perfect combination for a kids movie.

The Goonies has been beloved since its release in 1985, and continues to be a popular family movie choice. If The Goonies is your next selection for family movie night, you can look forward to one of the kids doing the Truffle Shuffle.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone will go down in history as one of the most beloved family movies of all time. The people who first watched this film in theaters are now old enough to share it with their own children.

It is hard to tell who will like this one more, in fact. Harry Potter fans come in all shapes and sizes, but the main audience for these movies has definitely gotten a little older, and kids might be under some serious pressure to like this one.

The Karate Kid is a classic 80's movie that still holds up to this day. Kids and adults will both be heavily invested in Daniel's success as moves through his training and deals with bullies. By the time Daniel reaches the final tournament, everyone in the family will be cheering at the TV.

The lessons The Karate Kid teaches about hard work and integrity doesn't hurt either. For a fun family-movie-night idea, try watching the classic 80s version of The Karate Kid, and then the updated version from 2010 to compare!

Is there a more perfect family movie than Matilda? No. The answer is no.

Matilda is a story that brings together magic, everyday life, and a look into the lives of children who are not really cared for by their parents. It follows Matilda's first few months at school, where she discovers friendship, the magic of learning, and the horror of Principal Trunchbull - and has all the charm of stories where kids are left to their own devices.

Matilda has inspired thousands of children to stand up for themselves, and fantasize about a life where they are in control. Even adults will find themselves wishing for Matilda's powers, or that Ms. Honey would agree to adopt them.

Tangled is the heartwarming re-telling of Rapunzel's life and escape from the tower she is imprisoned in. It shows Rapunzel as she reaches adulthood and starts to long for escape, adventure and a life of her own. Mother Gothel will do anything to stop Rapunzel from leaving her, since she holds the key to youth and beauty.

Tangled brings together a classic story and adds romance, adventure, and idea that you need to find your own way. Parents will root for Rapunzel as much as their kids, and hope for the downfall of the Mother Gothel.

Home Alone is a classic that doubles as a Christmas movie. This movie has a lot of kid-focused action and antics that they find hilarious. While parents might be stressed out by Kevin's dangerous antics, it is hard to not get into the fun. At the same time, Home Alone gives a great insight into the relationship between parents and children, and the roll that parents play in a child's life.

If you love Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is just as good of a movie, and another great choice for a Christmas-themed movie night. If either film is on your playlist, make sure to watch out for new booby traps in your home after the movie is done.

Frozen is one of the newer films on this list, and kids and adults alike have embraced it as a modern classic. The premise might seem horrifying to some (a kingdom trapped in perpetual winter? No thank you), so kids and adults alike will be rooting against the ice queen.

Frozen is a great movie for the whole family to watch. So good, in fact, that there are many families that have fallen victim to watching Frozen almost exclusively as a movie, over and over again. If you have an obsessed kid, try showing them one of the other movies on this list, so you can continue to enjoy "Let it Go."

It really can be hard to find a movie that works for the whole family and makes family movie night enjoyable for everyone. This lineup is sure to please every generation.Planning ahead and having suggestions ready for family movie night is a great way to avoid falling into a pattern of watching the same movie over and over again, and can be a great Friday-night family tradition.

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About the Creator

Annie Kiely

Annie Kiely is a freelance writer, editor and researcher who lives in the 'burbs of Toronto with her pets and her partner. Annie is an advocate for wellness, mental health education, and literacy. She loves animals and gardening (and food).

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