Family movie night is a time-honored tradition and a simple joy that can bring any family together. Just imagine all the lights off, the popcorn popping in the kitchen, everyone in their comfiest PJs, and all that’s left is the perfect movie for the whole family to enjoy. The question is, what’s the movie? This can be a bigger challenge than it sounds — sometimes finding something that’s both entertaining and appropriate for all ages in the home is no easy task.
But look no further! We rounded up our top seven recommendations for your next family movie night. These movies range in age recommendations, starting with picks for the youngest viewers and working their way up to movies better suited for tweens and up. Let’s jump in!
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Rated: 5.0 out of 5
Recommended ages: 6 and up
For kids, this movie is hilarious, bright, and action-packed. But for parents (especially the 80’s gamer parents), this movie is all nostalgia. Mario and Luigi begin as ordinary plumbers in New York City when they get transported to the Mushroom Kingdom. The brothers get separated, and it becomes up to Mario to find Luigi and rescue him. Familiar characters such as Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, and Toads are all a part of the adventure in this high-energy, feel-good movie, perfect for all ages.
Inside Out 2
Rated: 5.0 out of 5
Recommended ages: 6 and up
If you watched the first Inside Out movie, then you already know what’s in store for the equally fun-loving and heartwarming sequel. Riley enters her middle school years, and we find all her same emotions are there to help — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. But when a new emotion, Anxiety, comes along, Riley and her emotions have to figure out how to navigate all these changes and new feelings.
Parents should know this movie describes mental health struggles in detail, including a scene in which Riley actively has an anxiety attack. It’s handled with care and ends on a hopeful note, but it’s worth noting for any parents with kids who have similar struggles. Overall, Inside Out 2 is a delightful and moving story for families.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Rated: 4.0 out of 5
Recommended ages: 8 and up
Shrek’s lovable and hilarious feline companion, Puss in Boots, is the star of this movie and has just as much sass and charm as we remember from the Shrek movies. In this movie, he’s gotten to the last of his nine lives and begins a quest to achieve unlimited lives. Along the way, he meets some unlikely friends and takes some risky adventures, all while learning what’s really important in life, such as friendship and gratitude. With more sarcasm and pointed humor than the first two movies, this movie is a great pick for slightly older kids.
Wonka
Rated: 4.0 out of 5
Recommended ages: 8 and up
Imagination, musical numbers, and magical quests are all a part of this prequel to a beloved household story. Specifically, this Wonka story tells of the chocolate-maker's humble beginnings, including how he discovered the magic that ultimately made his candy so legendary. There are some moments of hardship and suggestive language, but parents don’t have to worry about anything graphic or unsuitable for young viewers. If there’s one lesson this movie teaches, it’s to dream and dream big!
Thunderbolts*
Rated: 3.0 out of 5
Recommended ages: 13 and up
Marvel fans, assemble! Besides the fact that this is another classic action-packed superhero movie, it’s a pivotal moment in the Marvel universe with the return of the Avengers. Parents should know that this movie leans darker and is better suited for teens. There are considerable moments of violence (i.e., fight scenes and character deaths that are common in superhero movies) and some emotionally complex scenes surrounding mental health struggles.
The Fall Guy
Rated: 3.0 out of 5
Recommended ages: 14 and up
If you need a funny and thrilling movie to watch with your teens, this movie is perfect! The story follows an infamous but retired stuntman who gets tangled up in a slew of Hollywood scandals and crimes. Parents can expect some mature content in the form of adult language, party scenes with substance use, as well as many intense and violent fight scenes. The movie centers around a mysterious murder, and there are some moments where the audience sees a dead body. But these scenes are not generally gory or disturbing. That said, this movie will have you and your teen laughing and on the edge of your seat the whole time.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Rated: 3.0 out of 5
Recommended ages: 14 and up
Looking for something deeper and more emotional? The Pursuit of Happyness is an older movie — based on a true story — and has a timeless heart behind it. Chris is a single father living in New York with his young son, experiencing homelessness and immense hardship. The audience sees the struggle that Chris faces while he tries to provide for his son and teach him that anything is possible with hard work. As expected, this movie touches on some emotionally complex themes, but it undoubtedly teaches powerful lessons of perseverance and strength of character to all who watch it.
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