The world is in an era with no shortage of movies to watch. Whether watching solo, with friends, or with a partner, there’s something worth watching for every occasion, and plenty of streaming services offer immediate satisfaction, not only from Disney or DreamWorks. For those who like to view things with the entire family, there’s an abundance of movies that have come out recently that are sure to win the hearts of everyone, from the kids to the parents, and possibly even the pets.

From stop-motion to more recent stylistic experiments, like Wonka, family movies can be visually stunning, appealing to older audiences for whom kid-friendly stories might be old hat. Other films, like The Inventor, can wow just about anyone at any age. This modern era of family-friendly films is pushing the genre into exciting new directions.

Updated on April 12, 2024, by Andrea Sandoval: Family movies are the perfect activity for adults and children as well as adults who simply love this genre — the plots of kids’ movies have become more and more enticing to all kinds of audiences in recent years. We updated this list to comply with CBR’s new writing style and added some of the most recent and fantastic choices of family movies.

20 Kung Fu Panda 4 Comes Full Circle After 15 Years

Eight years after Kung Fu Panda 3, Po (Jack Black) returns to the big screen in Kung Fu Panda 4 to defeat one more terrible villain and select the new Dragon Warrior. This time, Po must team up with Zhen (Awkwafina), a shady fox, to stop the main antagonist of the film, the Chameleon (voiced by Viola Davis).

The latest installment of one of people’s favorite movie franchises, Kung Fu Panda 4 is a great watch both for those who have been following Po’s journey since 2008 and also for those who are just meeting the Dragon Warrior for the first time. The movie includes epic action scenes, plenty of adventures, and the iconic jokes for which Kung Fu Panda is well known and loved.

19 Orion And The Dark Teaches Its Audience To Be Brave

Orion and the Dark is a recent Netflix animated movie about a kid who is afraid of the dark. When Darkness itself becomes irritated by Orion’s screams, he decides to show Orion the positive side of the nighttime. Orion and the Dark travel around the world as Orion meets other supernatural creatures who do their job during the night.

With a splendid and clever narrative device that will surprise viewers, funny scenes, and heartwarming moments, Orion and the Dark is one of those sweet movies with great messages. Both kids and adults can learn from a lot of Orion to face their fears, whether it is the dark or something even spookier.

18 Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret Is A Charming Coming-Of-Age Film

Based on Judy Blume’s children’s novel of the same, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is one of the best coming-of-age stories of recent years. Set in the 1970s, Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) is an eleven-year-old girl who moves with her family from New York City to New Jersey. In the middle of her formative years, Margaret makes new friends and starts questioning her religion and her place in the world.

With an amazing cast that includes Rachel McAdams as Margaret’s mother and Kathy Bates as her grandmother, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is an excellent movie for the whole family. A lot of Margaret’s struggles, especially when it comes to religion and family, are relatable for both children and adults. This movie is funny, heartwarming, and interesting to watch.

17 Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget Is The Sequel To A Claymation Classic

The sequel to the 2003 film, Chicken Run, Netflix’s Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget follows Rocky and Ginger after escaping the villainous Mrs. Tweedy in the previous movie. The hen and the rooster now live in a peaceful community with their daughter, Molly. However, soon Molly gets herself in trouble as she ends up a prisoner on a pseudo-futuristic farm, so her parents and their friends come to her rescue.

While Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is a sequel, it works as a stand-alone film. In fact, the first minutes of the movie put the audience up to speed. However, this is a great opportunity to watch both films as they’re incredibly hilarious, and they offer unique characters that aren’t the stereotypical archetypes from children’s movies.

16 The Boy And The Heron Is Another Studio Ghibli Masterpiece

The latest by director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, The Boy and the Heron is an outstanding anime fantasy film in which Miyazaki imbued some elements of his own childhood. It follows a boy, Mahito Maki, who has just lost his mother during the Pacific War. Mahito has to come to terms with his grieving at the same time that his father marries his mother’s sister, and they move from Tokyo to a rural area.

Mahito then meets a grey heron who leads him to a tower through which he accesses another world, full of fantastical elements. During this time, Mahito will learn to overcome his family struggles and become the best version of himself. The Boy and the Heron is a beautifully illustrated film with a lot of heart.

15 Wonka Portray’s Willy Wonka’s Youth In A Whimsical Musical

Most people know Roald Dahl’s novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which inspired two of the most iconic films in history: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in 1971 as well as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2005. This time, Warner Bros. brings to the big screen the background of the famous chocolatier, focusing on Willy Wonka’s youth and his journey as he becomes the owner of the most fantastic chocolate factory in the world.

With amusing scenes, fun musical numbers, and heartwarming moments, Wonka is a sweet and whimsical film that will entertain and warm the hearts of both children and adults.

14 Wish Follows A Magical Journey

After its 100th anniversary, Disney decided to go back to its classic roots with Wish. Even though the film contains digital animation, it also portrays some of the most traditional elements from the most iconic previous Disney movies.

The film revolves around 17-year-old Asha (Ariana DeBose), who lives in the Kingdom of Rosas, ruled by King Magnifico who supposedly makes every person’s wish come true. However, when Asha discovers that Magnifico isn’t as good as she thought, she receives the help of a Star to change the rule of the Kingdom of Rosas. Wish is a heartwarming and inspiring story full of fantasy elements that talk about the power of family and friendship in the face of evil.

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13 Family Switch Is A Hilarious Take On A Classic Comedy Trope

While Christmas is over, many families might still enjoy Netflix’s Christmas movie, Family Switch. When the Walker family has a hard time getting along, Angelica (Rita Moreno), a magical being, will charm the family to make them exchange bodies and learn to empathize with each other.

As a movie about body swapping, Family Switch is full of references to iconic classics such as Freaky Friday and 13 Going 30 (of which Jennifer Garner is also the lead), making it a treat for adults, who would surely enjoy the presence of these hilarious 2000s movies.

12 Leo Will Warm The Hearts Of Both Children And Adults

A heartwarming, hilarious, and uplifting film, Leo is an animated movie released by Netflix that follows a lazy classroom pet Iguana, Leo (voiced by Adam Sandler), who believes he’s about to die. Leo craves to explore the world and live in nature before his inevitable death, so he plans to escape while visiting the different students’ homes.

However, soon, Leo creates a relationship with the children that will prove better than anything he might have encountered in the wild. Leo is full of hysterically funny moments, but it also contains a lot of endearing lessons and a great message about growing up and staying truthful to yourself.

11 The Marvels Is An Epic Story About Female Friendship

The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film, The Marvels features Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, and Ms. Marvel as they become entangled through their abilities, constantly switching places when using their powers, and the three of them join forces to stop the powerful villain Dar-Behn from harming the universe with the Quantum Bands.

Viewers shouldn’t get dispirited by The Marvel’s score. The film is full of epic action scenes, but The Marvels is also a funny and interesting movie. It includes outstanding character development and the friendship between these characters is truly endearing. Fans wish they could get more heartwarming friendship dynamics like this one in the MCU.

10 The Inventor Is A Delightful Stop Motion Film

The Inventor tells the story of the famous inventor Leonardo da Vinci after he leaves Italy for France. He joins the French Court, and while there, he experiments with his inventions, such as flying machines, and studies the human body. He ruffles some feathers during his time there, but he does it to discover the meaning of life.

This is a charming stop-motion animated film co-directed by Jim Capobianco and Pierre-Luc Granjon and written by Jim Capobianco, who wrote for Ratatouille. The stop-motion animation is a delightful rarity in movies on its own. Given that it’s written by Capobianco, who saw major success with Ratatouille, this film is set up to be a joy for the whole family. It stars Daisy Ridley, Marion Cotillard, and Stephen Fry, who lends his voice to Leonardo da Vinci.

9 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Brings Back Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, And Donatello To The Big Screen

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem brings back the classic turtle mutant heroes in a stylized animated film. The story follows the four brothers, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello, as they try to integrate into New York society for the very first time. It’s a comedic and adventurous coming-of-age story as the Turtles try to be normal teenagers.

There’s also plenty of action in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as they take on a mutant crime group and grapple with their identities as mutant teenagers. The film stars Micah Abbey as Donatello, Shamon Brown Jr. as Michelangelo, Nicolas Cantu as Leonardo, Brady Noon as Raphael, and Jackie Chan as Master Splinter.

8 Snoopy Presents: One-Of-A-Kind Marcie Puts Marcie In The Spotlight

One-of-a-Kind Marcie follows the quiet Peanuts character Marcie, an introvert who likes to help out her friends and enjoys being alone. Since she’s so great at helping everyone around her, Marcie is nominated to be the next class president, a role that would require her to be front and center.

Now finding herself in a role she never wanted and wanting nothing more than to retreat into the comfort of her solitude, Marcie has to figure out how to help others in her own way rather than how everyone else wants her to. This new family film by Apple TV+ is short and heart-warming. It shines light on an unsung Peanuts character and gives a voice to the viewers who identify with Marcie. It stars Adrianna McDonald as Marcie, Lexi Perry as Peppermint Patty, and Etienne Kellici as Charlie Brown.

7 LEGO Disney Princess: The Castle Quest Features Everyone’s Favorite Disney Princesses

LEGO Disney Princess: The Castle Quest is a new LEGO movie streaming exclusively on Disney+. It follows an unlikely mashup of Disney princesses: Rapunzel, Moana, Ariel, Tiana, and Snow White, as they work together to stop the evil Gaston from taking over all of their kingdoms. The princesses get to show what they’re made of as they fight their way through a mysterious castle and are content with pirates and dragons.

LEGO Disney Princess: The Castle Quest is a fun romp for the whole family as audiences enjoy seeing the traditional Disney Princesses navigate a non-traditional world, placing them as the heroes. Also, Snow White gets to swing an ax around. The film brings back the original princess voice cast with Jodi Benson, Auli’i Cravalho, Mandy Moore, Anika Noni Rose, and Katie Von Till.

6 Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken Is A Hilarious And Wholesome Coming-of-Age Story

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken follows Ruby Gillman, an awkward sixteen-year-old who only wants to fit in at her high school. That’s a little difficult when her mother has forbidden her from getting into the ocean with all the cool kids. However, Ruby breaks her mother’s rule and discovers she is a Kraken, and her grandmother is the Warrior Queen of the Seven Seas.

Now, Ruby has to step into her role as a Kraken and master her abilities to protect the seas from the mermaids. Teenage Kraken is an adventurous coming-of-age story with unique character designs and pokes fun at a certain studio with a famous red-haired mermaid. The film stars Lana Condor, Toni Collette, Annie Murphy, and Jane Fonda as the warrior queen Kraken.

5 Nimona Shows That Villains And Heroes Aren’t Always Who People Expect

Based on the comic series of the same title by ND Stevenson (especially known for creating the TV series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power), Nimona tells the story of the eponymous character, a chaotic yet good-hearted girl who creates an unlikely alliance with self-righteous Ballister, a man who was about to be knighted before being framed for a terrible crime.

With an excellent sense of humor, a dynamic soundtrack, and a stunning visual aesthetic, Nimona is one of the best animated movies of 2023. With a great message and a very diverse cast, Nimona will make viewers laugh and cry in the best ways.

4 Scooby-Doo! And Krypto, Too! Is A Marvelous Crossover

For those who loved Krypto in DC League of Superhero Pets, this superdog now has a crossover with the iconic show Scooby-Doo. Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too! follows the Scooby-Doo gang and Krypto as they team up to stop Lex Luthor after the disappearance of the Justice League.

With Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, and Grey Griffin as some of the voices, this movie is perfect for fans of both DC Comics and the Hanna-Barbera show. Children, as well, will find this movie amusing and exciting. Scooby-Doo is known for its many astounding crossovers, and this one is a fun ride.

3 Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie Is An Amazing Superhero Film For Children

Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie is based on the popular animated show Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. It retells the early adventures of the two superheroes. It follows Marinette and Adrien as they learn to master their newfound powers while hiding their true identities from each other and their friends.

Together as Ladybug and Cat Noir, they have to defeat evil villains terrorizing the streets of Paris under the control of the wicked Hawk Moth. The story takes inspiration from classic anime magical girl tropes with flashy hero transformations, hidden identities, and heroic destiny. The film stars Cristina Valenzuela, Bryce Papenbrook, and Keith Silverstein.

2 PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie Gives Super Powers To These Beloved Characters

One of the most awaited movies of 2023, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie was released in theaters on September 29 as a sequel to PAW Patrol: The Movie and it’s already a box office success. The movie follows the beloved PAW Patrol as they obtain superpowers and form the superhero team, the Mighty Pups.

Granted, unlike other family movies, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie is more targeted at kids than adults, but the little ones are surely going to have a blast. The movie is fun and sweet with the adorable characters of the PAW Patrol series, so kids will definitely love it, but adults won’t get bored either.

1 Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Is The Best Family Movie Of 2023

Arguably the biggest animated blockbuster hit of the summer, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse follows Miles Morales as he’s grown accustomed to being Spider-Man a year after the first movie. However, he’s still getting the hang of being Miles Morales as he juggles school, home life, and superhero work. He’s recruited by Gwen Stacy to help stop The Spot from tearing apart the Spider-Verse and, in the process, meets the multitude of Spider-Men from other universes. As the sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Across the Spider-Verse maintains its predecessor’s stunning visual art style and has recruited a fantastic line-up of music artists for the movie’s soundtrack.

The movie is exciting from the get-go, draws the audience into its colorful and action-packed world, and doesn’t disappoint. The film stars Shameik Moore as Miles, Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen, Oscar Isaac as Miguel O’Hara, Jake Johnson as Peter B. Parker, Issa Rae as Jessica Drew, and Daniel Kaluuya as Hobie Brown.