Overlooked, Under-Hyped or Older Favorites You Might Have Missed
What are the best movies for kids? We have four small kids and love Dinner & a Movie Night! Since you already know about all the “Avengers” and “Harry Potter” movies, these are the OTHER recommendations for families. Not too scary. Classics that have aged well. Fun for adults too. That’s the criteria.
Updated in 2022, here is our list of favorites so far. We’ve watched every one so we can vouch for how sweet, funny or inspiring they are.
DISNEY+
“Free Guy”
Ryan Reynolds could NOT be more charming in this movie about a video game character come to life, in the style of The Truman Show. There’s action and laughs but watch out because you’ll hear swearing too. Available on Hulu, HBO Max and Disney+
“The Greatest Showman”
This is my kids’ FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME. There’s so much music plus can-do, root-for-the-underdog, love-yourself spirit through the whole thing. It’s amazing.
“G-Force”
Guinea pigs on a spy mission. Perfect for kids who have guinea pigs, and not painful for parents.
“Queen of Katwe”
I was surprised at how captivating a movie about chess could be! This Disney movie follows a true story of a girl who grew up in the slums of Uganda becomes a national champion. Gorgeous scenery.
Cruella
Like Maleficient, this movie is the back story of a famously misunderstood Disney villain–with EXCELLENT music and a fast-paced story my whole family loved more than once.
“The Princess Diaries”
Julie Andrews is a regal queen who guides her long-lost American grand-daughter into a new role as princess. Totally funny and charming.
“Pete’s Dragon”
This remake stars Robert Redford as lonely old-timer, the only one who believes in the dragon..until a little boy who LIVES with the dragon is discovered in the woods. Majestic flying scenes plus touching encounters make the few tense moments when the dragon gets captured, plus a fiery chase scene, worth it.
“The Nutcracker & The Four Realms”
It’s not just a ballet and it’s not just for Christmas. This time, The Nutcracker is a colorful, funny, live-action movie (with Keira Knightley) that made my five-year old squeal: “I love this movie! It’s not too scary.” Bonus: Misty Copeland dances a masterful solo.
“Christopher Robin”
Ewan McGregor plays Pooh’s pal all grown up. It’s charming and sweet, perfect for a family movie.
“Beauty and the Beast”
Did you know Emma Watson can sing? Well she can, and she’s amazing. The whole story is gorgeously told with sweeping scenery you’ll love. Beware the scenes when the townspeople storm the castle but otherwise enjoy.
“Night at the Museum”
Another movie that’s great for kids — and happened to hit theaters before I had any — this Ben Stiller hit is the first of three movies with fun special effects.
“Enchanted”
An animated princess enters the real world and meets a handsome lawyer. Can a fairytale romance really happen in the Big Apple?
“Hidden Figures”
An incredibly inspiring true story about three math geniuses who helped NASA get John Glenn into space.
The Emperor’s New Groove
David Spade is razor sharp in one of those rare animated movies “for kids”, that happens to be hilarious for adults too. You get a naughty young Emperor Kuzco who’s transformed into a llama by his power-hungry advisor. You get a buddy adventure and tons of unexpected laughs along the way. Prepare to hear your kids quoting funny lines from here on out…
“Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey”
Three pets set off on an adventure across a vast wilderness to try to find their family. Full of adventure but not too scary. Bonus: talking animals are always a hit.
“High School Musical”
If only high school was anywhere near as sweet as this. Singing. Dancing. Teen-aged misunderstandings and one tiny kiss. This movie came out before I even had kids and it’s still adorable–like Grease, but not filthy.
“BFG”
In a land of giants, there’s one Big Friendly Giant, who ends up making friends with an orphan. There are a few scary giants though, so this one is best to watch together.
“Descendants”
A musical fantasy every person in your family will love! Catchy songs, fun dances (thanks to the same choreographer who brought us Dirty Dancing), Descendants is easily one of the best movies for kids.
“Ice Age”
Another movie that came out in another era — called Before Kids — this very funny animated story is a favorite with my kids now. Ray Romano is perfect as the downcast mammoth.
“Narnia”
Our kids have read (or heard) the books so none of the drama was a surprise to them. Instead, they were amazed at this tale come to life. If your kids are small like ours, expect questions but the climactic scene when the White Witch torments Aslan is less scary than the animated version.
“Because of Winn Dixie”
When my third-grader’s teacher suggested she read this book about a girl who goes to the grocery store and comes home with a dog, we offered to watch the movie together when she was done. Instant hit! Plus, there’s just something irresistible about Jeff Daniels.
“Maleficent”
Here comes a theme: Movies that were made JUST when we started having kids but seemed too much to show them until now. Yes there are scary parts but the scenery is so breathtaking your family will still love this movie. Plus, who doesn’t love a fairy tale told from the villain’s side?
“One and Only Ivan”
In third grade, my daughter read — and loved — this Newbery Award-winning book about a man who befriends a gorilla and turns their relationship into an act at the mall. We were all DELIGHTED to find it on Disney+.
“Big Hero 6”
In this heartfelt addition to the superhero genre, a boy genius and his robot team up to save the world. Plus its anti-violence stance makes Big Hero 6 one of the best movies for kids at this age.
“The Rookie”
This true story has everything: a small town team that goes to State, a has-been who gets a second chance at his dream. The family scenes are so sweet and I love this movie. That is all.
“Ralph Breaks the Internet”
This is actually the sequel to “Wreck It Ralph”, about the secret lives of characters in video games. There’s adventure, suspense, car racing and really sweet friendship reconciliations.
Hulu*
(*Or rent on Amazon Prime)
“Mirror, Mirror”
I love an updated classic and this Julia Roberts film doesn’t disappoint. She’s the wicked queen who can’t stand Snow White’s beauty (played by Lily Collins). The colors are incredible, the special effects stunning.
“A Dog’s Purpose”
We’re dog lovers so we couldn’t leave this one off the list of best movies for kids and families. One dog’s spirit comes back through the lives of several dogs with a sweet twist at the end. Warning: Dogs die in this movie but I thought it was a good way to open up important conversation, if a pretty sad one.
“Cinderella” (2015)
So beautiful and charming, this age-old tale is even more fun with real actors. Kate Blanchett is perfect as the evil step-mother and Helena Bonham Carter sparkles as the fairy godmother.
“Space Jam”
Michael Jordan. Bill Murray. Bugs Bunny. Add in an intergalactic game of round ball and what could go wrong?
“The Star”
My kids have seen this one over and over. It’s a clever take on the story of Mary and Joseph and the donkey that takes them on their difficult (but sometimes funny) journey to Bethlehem.
p.s. Oprah is the voice of one of the characters.
“A Dolphin Tale”
Harry Connick Jr and Ashely Judd star in this surprisingly charming story about rescuing a dolphin after its tail is seriously injured. (Also available to stream on HBO Max.)
“Small Foot”
How cool to see a tiny glimpse of China (albeit animated) in this movie about a village of Himalayan yetis who get a crash course in Humans 101. It’s got rejection, team work, myth-busting and loyalty wrapped in a furry bow. (Note: There’s an intense scene when helicopters are searching for the Yeti.)
“Babe”
This fish out of water story is adorably told in a whimsical style: On a hilltop farm, the pig of all animals in the barnyard, becomes a champion herder of sheep. More talking animals.
“Charlotte’s Web”
This isn’t the cartoon version you grew up with but it’s so adorable you’ll love it just as much. Bonus: Julia Roberts is the soothing voice of Charlotte.
“Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle”
So funny and so fun. Except for the crop top “the girl” has to wear, I actually loved watching this movie with the kids and the sequel, Jumanji The Next Level, is just as entertaining.
“Peter Rabbit”
Apparently the first version of this movie was too racy for kids but whatever they did to fix it made this film work for us. My family has seen it — and loved it — multiple times. James Corden is adorable as the voice of Peter, plus the soundtrack is super fun.
“Beethoven”
What could go wrong when a giant, slobbering St. Bernard moves into your family home? Bad guys do try to dog-nap him, but the action is mild.
“Dr. Dolittle”
In the grand tradition of talking animal movies, this one takes it for the win! Even Eddie Murphy’s career soft spot is so much fun. My kids haven’t stopped talking about this movie.
AMAZON PRIME
“School of Rock”
Jack Black plays a rock star wanna-be who sneaks his way into a substitute teaching job at a fancy prep school. Guess who’s in the band now? The kids. It’s a super cute, underdog takes all story but the “a word” happens a few times.
“Leap”
We were so charmed by this story of an orphan girl who dreams of being a dancer in Paris…and how her talent eventually gets her there.
“The Black Stallion”
I LOVED this movie as a kid and my crew enjoyed it just as much. The early scenes are the scariest, when a ship carrying the stallion and Alec catches fire, but after that, it’s a captivating story.
“Oddball”
An outcast chicken farmer trains his naughty dog to protect the dwindling number of penguins living on an island sanctuary off the coast of Australia.
“Troop Zero”
I love a movie about outcasts who win in the end, and this one delivers. Plus you get Viola Davis, Allison Janney and Jim Gaffigan to guide you there. Available on Prime.
“Akeela and the Bee”
This movie is s-w-e-e-t and full of important lessons for kids. Peer pressure. Achieving your goals. It’s all there.
“Peanuts Movie”
Because our kids have loved all the Charlie Brown movies as much as I did in my day, we saw this one in the theater. Awesome!
“The Little Princess”
When all four of my kids watched this movie from start to finish, no one was more surprised than me. There’s not much singing or dancing but there’s still something amazing about this little girl.
“Annie”
Jamie Foxx stars as Daddy Warbucks this time and he’s got the charisma to do it! Rose Byrn and Cameron Diaz, plus Annie herself all light up the screen in this updated classic.
“Wonder”
Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson are always fun to watch, but especially touching in this story about a boy whose facial differences have kept him out of school, until now.
“Hugo”
This gorgeous movie is about a boy desperately seeking answers about an invention, all set in 1930s Paris.
“Dora and the Lost City of Gold”
What an adventure! It’s definitely a kids’ movie, rather than one that parents will want to watch again and again but a cool and kid-friendly ride.
“Ramona & Beezus”
Based on the classic book, Ramona is the quirky little sister to Selena Gomez’s Beezus and wait for it, John Corbet (Aiden!) plays their father. When he loses his job the family faces hard times but of course the story is ultimately hopeful and sweet to watch all the way through.
Cinderella (2022)
The mashups. The costumes. The inclusion. My kids love this modern take on a movie musical — and I had a ball watching it too.
NETFLIX
“Happy Feet”
Emperor penguins each have a distinctive song but this little guy can’t sing…he can tap dance instead. We really enjoyed this movie about being different and still finding your way.
“Enola Holmes”
Yes, it’s Eleven from Stranger Things and Millie Bobbie Brown is brilliant as the younger sister of Sherlock. If you like charming English countrysides and girls who are trained to take absolutely no guff, this is the perfect movie for you.
“Feel the Beat”
Small town dance star tries to make it big in NYC…only to head home. Licking her wounds means coaching the local dance troop to victory, with bumps and mishaps along the way. (NETFLIX ORIGINAL)
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
This true story is based on a New York Times Bestselling book (now in several versions for kids), about 13-year-old William Kamkwamba who builds a wind turbine to save his Malawian village from famine.
My Octopus Teacher
A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world. With a 93% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no surprise that our whole family was captivated from first sight. Warning: the octopus dies at the end, but the heartache is worth it.
These family favorites are the best movies for kids under 12.
This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.com. When you make a purchase, foodlets.com receives a very small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Simple Recipes for Family Dinner & a Movie Night
This summer we splurged on an outdoor movie setup (including an outdoor screen and projector) that’s so fun I can hardly describe it (plus it works inside too!) The kids pull out beanbags and sleeping bags, snuggle in and get cozy. There’s popcorn and wine (depending on which row you’re sitting in) and the whole thing is hard to beat.
Dinner is typically finger food OR something that’s served in a bowl for easy access. A few of our kids’ favorites:
- Easy Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough
- Apple Jack Sandwiches
- Easy Veggie Calzones
- Magical Mac & Cheese (with Hidden Veggies)
- Toasted Turkey, Salami & Cheese Grinders
And for the sides? Roasted veggies for the win! You can never, ever go wrong with roasted potato wedges with garlic or baked sweet potato fries.
More Instant animated family classics
If there’s any chance you haven’t seen these yet, they’re wonderful. For the whole family:
Plus 80’s Movies kids love
These 80’s classics are on our list but I can’t vouch for them yet (plus some have more adult content than we’re ready for).
- Kindergarten Cop
- ET
- Goonies
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
- The Princess Bride
- The Sandlot
- The Mighty Ducks Trilogy
- Back to the Future Trilogy
This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.com. When you make a purchase, Foodlets.com receives a very small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Great list of movies CC!
No