Movies About Parenting That the Whole Family Will Love

Parenting isn’t always easy, but sometimes a good movie can make the load feel a little lighter. Whether you need a laugh, inspiration to try something new, or just want to feel seen, there are plenty of parenting-themed movies to choose from. And while some days may call for some after-hours fun like Bad Moms, nothing beats movies that parents and kids can enjoy together. 

To help refresh your watchlist, we’ve collected the best movies about parenting for families that you may not have seen yet, along with a few older Bark-approved favorites. So grab the remote, the kids, and a sweet snack: it’s showtime.

The Best Movies About Parenting for Families: The New Kids on The Block

Migration (2023, Streaming on Peacock | Ages 6+)

This animated adventure follows a family of ducks as they leave their quiet pond for their first migration to Jamaica. Dad Mack is hilariously overprotective, while Mom Pam pushes the kids to explore the world. With vibrant visuals and lots of heart, it’s a fun watch for kids and a relatable story for parents learning to let go.

Encanto (2021, Streaming on Disney+ | Ages 6+)

Winner of the 2022 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, this vibrant Disney hit resonates with parents as much as kids. While the songs and magic captivate little ones, Abuela sets impossibly high standards for her children and grandchildren, and Mirabel struggles to feel truly seen. It’s a colorful reminder of generational pressures, impossible expectations, and the importance of seeing every child for who they really are.

Yes Day (2021, Streaming on Netflix | Ages 7+)

Jennifer Garner and Édgar Ramírez star as parents who decide, for just one day, to say “yes” to everything their kids (including Wednesday’s Jenna Ortega) ask. From giant ice cream sundaes to foam parties, the day quickly spirals into chaos. Underneath the montages of dream fun for the kiddos, the film highlights the importance of balance and how saying “yes” can open the door to connection.

Turning Red (2022, Streaming on Disney+ | Ages 8+)

Oscar-nominated and the winner of multiple Annie Awards, this imaginative animated film follows 13-year-old Mei as she suddenly starts turning into a giant red panda. It’s a funny, heartfelt look at puberty, mother-daughter dynamics and the challenges of letting kids grow into themselves. Parents will laugh and maybe wince as they see themselves in Ming, Mei’s well-meaning but overbearing mom, and kids will no doubt appreciate all the red panda antics.

Instant Family (2018, Streaming on Netflix | Ages 12+)

Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne play a couple who foster three siblings and quickly discover that parenting is less about picture-perfect moments and more about patience, mess, and unconditional love. Praised by adoption groups and family advocates, the film balances humor with real-life challenges like sibling trauma and family bonding. It’s a heartfelt story that resonates with anyone who knows parenting doesn’t always go as planned.

The Best Movies About Parenting for Families: The Classics 

Cheaper by the Dozen (2003, Streaming on Disney+ | Ages 7+)

With twelve kids (including Hilary Duff), careers, and constant chaos, Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt juggle the beautiful mess of raising a big blended family. The film is packed with slapstick humor, sibling rivalry, and sweet family moments. It’s a reminder that even when things feel out of control, love keeps it all together.

Parental Guidance (2012, Streaming on Hulu | Ages 8+)

When grandparents (Billy Crystal and Bette Midler) step in to babysit, they find themselves butting heads with their daughter’s modern, tech-heavy parenting style. What starts out as a disaster turns into an opportunity to connect across generations. Both funny and warm, it’s a story about learning that love matters more than methods.

Finding Nemo (2003, Streaming on Disney+ | Ages 5+)

A millennial classic and winner of the 2004 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, this Pixar masterpiece is both an underwater adventure and a deeply emotional parenting story. Marlin’s journey to find his son speaks to every parent’s protective instinct and the courage it takes to let children grow. Parents will feel the tug of heartstrings just as much as kids enjoy the oceanic humor.

The Incredibles (2004, Streaming on Disney+ | Ages 7+)

This Oscar-winning Pixar film reinvented the superhero genre by making it about a family, balancing world-saving missions with homework, dinners, and sibling fights. Parents will laugh at Mr. Incredible’s frustrations and Elastigirl’s multitasking superpowers, both of which hit close to home. It’s one of the rare action films that doubles as a sharp parenting comedy.

The Pacifier (2004, Streaming on Disney+ | Ages 7+)

Vin Diesel trades in his action-hero persona for babysitting duty when he’s assigned to protect the children of a computer scientist working on a top-secret code. What starts as a tough-guy mission turns into a crash course in diapers, school runs, and bedtime drama. Equal parts silly and sweet, it shows that even the toughest adults can be softened (and schooled) by parenting.

How Bark Can Help

With thousands of podcasts out there, it can be hard to figure out which ones you can trust. If you are looking to expand beyond these five suggestions or want to dive deeper into your kid’s favorite new podcast, Bark is here to help. In Bark’s content review hub, experts review popular shows, podcasts, and games so you can rest assured your new podcast is a winner.