7 Best Movies to Watch for Your Next Family Movie Night — Top New, Classic, and Highly-Rated Titles

This list includes the best family movies out in recent years, plus some comforting classics worth rewatching today.

We've included a little something for everyone - colorful, kid-friendly animations, ones with more mature themes for teens, and wholesome, entertaining titles suitable for all ages.

Here are the best family movies streaming now and where to find them.

• The 7 Best Family-Friendly Films to Watch in 2024
  1. 7. The Avengers (2012)
  2. 6. Inside Out (2015)
  3. 5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
  4. 4. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
  5. 3. Up (2009)
  6. 2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
  7. 1. Spirited Away (2001)
• Noteworthy Classic Family Movies to Watch in 2024
  1. 1. Back to the Future
  2. 2. Toy Story
  3. 3. Groundhog Day
  4. 4. The Lion King
  5. 5. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
• Can I Watch The Best Family Movies for Free?
• What to Do if a Movie or Platform isn't Accessible in Your Region
  1. The Best VPNs for Streaming and Torrenting the Top Family Movies
• Final Thoughts
• FAQs
  • The 7 Best Family-Friendly Films to Watch in 2024
    1. 7. The Avengers (2012)
    2. 6. Inside Out (2015)
    3. 5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
    4. 4. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
    5. 3. Up (2009)
    6. 2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
    7. 1. Spirited Away (2001)
  • Noteworthy Classic Family Movies to Watch in 2024
    1. 1. Back to the Future
    2. 2. Toy Story
    3. 3. Groundhog Day
    4. 4. The Lion King
    5. 5. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
  • Can I Watch The Best Family Movies for Free?
  • What to Do if a Movie or Platform isn't Accessible in Your Region
    1. The Best VPNs for Streaming and Torrenting the Top Family Movies
  • Final Thoughts
  • FAQs The 7 Best Family-Friendly Films to Watch in 2024

    Here are some of the best family movies to stream for your next family movie night:

    No. (Ranking)	Film	Age	Movie Rating
    7	The Avengers (2012)	13+	IMDb - 8.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes - 91%
    6	Inside Out (2015)	All ages	IMDb - 8.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes - 98%
    5	Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)	13+	IMDb - 8.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes - 80%
    4	How to Train Your Dragon (2010)	All ages	IMDb - 8.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes - 99%
    3	Up (2009)	All ages	IMDb - 8.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes - 98%
    2	Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)	All ages	IMDb - 8.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes - 97%
    1	Spirited Away (2001)	All ages	IMDb - 8.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes - 96%

    7. The Avengers (2012)

    Run Time - 2h 23m
    IMDb Rating - 8.0/10
    Director - Joss Whedon
    Where to Watch - Disney+, Prime Video
    Age - 13+ (PG-13)
    Synopsis - Loki, the God of Mischief, plans to conquer Earth with his alien army, and the world's greatest champions must unite in defense of humanity.

    The Avengers is a great movie to rewatch with your family, especially if your teen is a Marvel fan.

    If you haven't seen it already, the movie brings together many beloved Marvel characters, including Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk, Thor, and Black Widow.

    Add a bunch of intense fight scenes and top-notch special effects to this iconic ensemble, and you have one of the best action movies in recent years.

    The Avengers (2012) won nine Best Movie awards throughout 2012-2013 and was named 2024 Winning Motion Picture at the OFTA Film Hall of Fame, so you know you're in for a treat.

    You can watch The Avengers and all the other movies from the Marvel saga on Disney+ right now.

    Did You Know?

    Stan Lee - the creator of numerous Marvel comics like Iron Man, Thor, Spider-Man, and X-Men - appears in a cameo towards the end of the movie.

    6. Inside Out (2015)

    Run Time - 1h 35m
    IMDb Rating - 8.1/10
    Director - Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen
    Where to Watch - Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+
    Age - All ages (G)
    Synopsis - Riley can't adjust after her family moves from the Midwest to San Francisco. Her emotions, Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness, struggle to help her navigate her new life.

    A beautiful animated movie suitable for all audiences. Inside Out portrays a colorful coming-of-age story where Riley's anthropomorphized emotions take center stage.

    Although Riley initially loses Happiness while struggling with homesickness, her other emotions learn to work together. Their successful teamwork helps Riley blossom into a well-rounded young girl.

    The movie isn't only highly rated among viewers and critics, but it even won 99 titles and 118 nominations, including 2016 Favorite Family Movie Nominee at the People's Choice Awards.

    By the way, there's also an excellent, recently released sequel. Inside Out 2 is among the best new family movies out in 2024 and still trending on IMDb. You can watch both on Disney+.

    Did You Know?

    Inside Out is among a handful of Pixar movies without a villain character. Other movies like this include Finding Nemo and Soul.

    5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

    Run Time - 2h 23m
    IMDb Rating - 8.1/10
    Director - Gore Verbinski
    Where to Watch - Disney+, Prime Video, DirecTV
    Age - 13+ (PG-13)
    Synopsis - Captain Jack Sparrow and blacksmith Will Turner unite forces to rescue Elizabeth Swann from Captain Barbossa and his undead pirate crew.

    Pirates of the Caribbean has already become a timeless classic, perfect for nostalgic movie nights.

    If you're craving action, fantasy, and adventure, this thrilling saga delivers it all, starting with The Curse of the Black Pearl.

    And Captain Jack Sparrow's iconic, charming quirks inject just the right amount of humor, giving the story a playful, light-hearted feel.

    Overall, this 2003 release remains among the best family movies on Amazon Prime and Disney+, even considering all the other binge-worthy titles in recent years.

    Even two decades after hitting the big screen, The Curse of the Black Pearl is still among the top-rated movies on IMDb, so it's definitely worth rewatching with your loved ones in 2024.

    Just know the movies are rated PG-13 for mild nudity, adult language, and violent action scenes.

    Did You Know?

    Pirates of the Caribbean is the sixth biggest movie franchise ever, grossing over $4.5 billion worldwide across just five movies. A sixth is in the making, and it'll feature Margot Robbie.

    4. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

    Run Time - 1h 38m
    IMDb Rating - 8.1/10
    Director - Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
    Where to Watch - Prime Video, Max, Hulu, AppleTV+
    Age - All ages (PG)
    Synopsis - Hiccup is a weak young Viking who dreams of becoming a dragon slayer to protect his village. Things take a turn when, one day, he befriends and nurses an injured dragon back to health.

    A wholesome story with stunning animation, How to Train Your Dragon is one of the best family movies streaming on Max.

    The plot focuses on Hiccup, a physically weak boy who wants to grow stronger to protect his village against dragon attacks. It turns out his compassion has always been his greatest strength.

    After he befriends the first dragon he hunts, Hiccup makes a big discovery about the age-old conflict between Vikings and dragons, and a peaceful resolution ensues.

    This 2010 title is actually part of a trilogy, so you can also check out the other titles for more good family movies on Max and Hulu.

    Parts 2 and 3 are also among the best family movies on Netflix right now but might be geo-restricted in certain locations. If the title isn't available for you, you could also use a VPN to unblock it.

    Did You Know?

    How to Train Your Dragon was one of the most successful animated movies released in 2010, having won over 30 Best Animation awards and nominations to date.

    3. Up (2009)

    Run Time - 1h 36m
    IMDb Rating - 8.3/10
    Director - Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
    Where to Watch - Disney+, Prime Video
    Age - All ages (G)
    Synopsis - 78-year-old widower Carl must honor a promise to his late wife by flying his house to Paradise Falls. However, he unintentionally brings a young boy scout on the adventure.

    Although a wholesome adventure with many moments of comedic relief, Carl's story is bittersweet and sometimes very sad.

    This makes Up one of the most memorable Pixar movies, but also a real tearjerker at times.

    Still, Up remains one of the best movies to watch with family, especially for those who appreciate a more heartfelt story with an emotional happy ending.

    Besides, the movie does a great job of delivering touching lessons about love, friendship, and pursuing your dreams despite any obstacles in your way.

    Did You Know?

    In 2010, Up became the sixth Pixar movie to win an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. The other winners before it were Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Wall-E.

    2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

    Run Time - 1h 57m
    IMDb Rating - 8.4/10
    Director - Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
    Where to Watch - Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Apple TV+
    Age - All ages (PG)
    Synopsis - Teenager Miles Morales accidentally becomes the new Spider-Man of his universe and must fight alongside other Spider-People from parallel universes to save New York City from Kingpin.

    This 2018 Sci-Fi action title was the first animated movie in the Spider-Man and the Spider-Verse franchises. It's a thrilling, modern reinvention of Marvel's iconic Spider-Man in an alternate reality.

    It's also an inspiring coming-of-age story, as we get to see a young and inexperienced Miles Morales grow into his newfound role of Spider-Man.

    In true Spider-Man fashion, he learns to embrace the great responsibility of his new life.

    Did You Know?

    Into the Spider-Verse released shortly after Stan Lee's passing at age 95. This movie marks his last cameo and voice-acting role in a Marvel production.

    1. Spirited Away (2001)

    Run Time - 2h 5m
    IMDb Rating - 8.6/10
    Director - Hayao Miyazaki
    Where to Watch - Netflix, Max, Prime Video
    Age - All ages (PG)
    Synopsis - Chihiro and her parents stumble into a surreal spirit realm after taking a shortcut on their trip. Alone in this new world, Chihiro must overcome many trials to save her parents and return to her regular life.

    Spirited Away is an enchanting fantasy adventure filled with weird-looking monsters, mean spirits, and interesting references to Japanese folklore.

    Maybe that sounds like a strange combo, but this movie has a heart-warming and wholesome story about growing up, staying true to yourself, and fighting for what's good.

    Still, it's rated PG, so you might want to give it a lookover first.

    This Studio Ghibli title is regarded as an animation masterpiece by many and might be one of the best family movies of all time. Unfortunately, it's a bit hard to find online.

    It's currently available on Max and Netflix, but it's geo-blocked in many locations, so you might need a streaming VPN to watch it.

    Did You Know?

    To this day, Spirited Away is the highest-rated animated movie on IMDb. It also made history in 2003, when it became the first Oscar-winning hand-drawn animation feature.

    Noteworthy Classic Family Movies to Watch in 2024

    In the mood for some nostalgic movies? We put together a list of classic family movies, including some of the top animations and the best family comedy movies to date:

    1. Back to the Future

    Release Date: 1985
    Rating: IMDb - 8.5/10
    Where to Watch: Prime Video, NOW TV, Tubi, Netflix
    Synopsis: Teenager Marty McFly accidentally travels back in time with the time machine invented by his scientist friend, Doc Brown. He must find a way to return home without altering this timeline.

    2. Toy Story

    Release Date: 1995
    Rating: IMDb - 8.3/10
    Where to Watch: Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+
    Synopsis: Woody, a cowboy doll, grows jealous when Buzz, the spaceman toy, arrives and threatens his status as the top toy in Andy's room. Their rivalry kickstarts a series of unexpected adventures.

    3. Groundhog Day

    Release Date: 1993
    Rating: IMDb - 8.0/10
    Where to Watch: NOW TV, Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV+
    Synopsis: A conceited and cynical weatherman finds himself in a time loop on Groundhog Day in a town he hates, but he's in for a transformative experience.

    4. The Lion King

    Release Date: 1994
    Rating: IMDb - 8.5/10
    Where to Watch: Disney+, NOW TV, Prime Video
    Synopsis: Young lion cub Simba must battle his uncle Scar to avenge his father's death and reclaim his rightful place on the throne of the lion pride.

    5. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

    Release Date: 1982
    Rating: IMDb - 7.9/10
    Where to Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV+, Tubi
    Synopsis: Ten-year-old Elliott Taylor discovers a mysterious alien and forms a deep mental connection with him. Elliott must protect his new friend from the authorities while the two search for a way to send E.T. back home.

    Can I Watch The Best Family Movies for Free?

    You can watch some of the best family movies for free on Tubi, but it's restricted to US viewers. Alternatively, you could stream family movies free for 7 days with the Apple TV+, Hulu, or NOW TV trial.

    Note some of these services might not work in all regions. NOW TV, for example, is exclusively available in the UK and US. In such cases, a VPN would help you bypass geo-restrictions.

    While we don't condone torrenting, a reliable solution like NordVPN could also keep you safe while downloading movies online.

    What to Do if a Movie or Platform isn't Accessible in Your Region

    A VPN is the best workaround when a movie or platform is blocked for you. With one, you can effortlessly bypass all geo-restrictions and stream your favorite movies anywhere. Here's how:

    Install a VPN solution like NordVPN.
    Open the app and log in with your subscription credentials.
    Select a server in a location where the app or movie is available, and click connect.
    Start streaming.

    An example of a movie on Max that's geo-blocked throughout Europe

    A VPN can come in handy when you least expect it, as even the most widely available platforms, like Disney+, have some of their content geo-restricted because of licensing agreements.

    The Best VPNs for Streaming and Torrenting the Top Family Movies

    Finding a good VPN takes time and research. Here's a rundown of our top picks in 2024 to help you:

    VPN	Free Version	Paid Plans	Unblocks	Servers	Full Review
    NordVPN	7-day Android trial; 30-day refund policy	From $3.09/month	Max, Netflix, Tubi, Disney+, NOW TV, etc.	6,400+ servers in 111 countries	NordVPN Review
    Surfshark	7-day mobile trial; 30-day refund policy	From $2.19/month	Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, etc.	3,200+ servers in 100+ countries	Surfshark Review
    ExpressVPN	30-day refund policy	From $6.67/month	Hulu, Prime Video, DirecTV, Netflix, etc.	3,000+ servers in 105 countries	ExpressVPN Review

    Editor's Choice

    NordVPN is our top choice for affordable, safe, and lag-free streaming in 2024. It offers average speeds surpassing 250 Mbps, perfect for ensuring a smooth online viewing experience.

    A Basic 2-year plan starts at just $3.09/month and provides global coverage with over 6,000 servers and unmatched unblocking power-giving you access to practically any platform.

    Moreover, the app's Threat Protection feature adds an extra layer of safety when browsing the web by blocking potentially malicious ads and flagging dangerous websites.

    Final Thoughts

    The best family movies include Inside Out and How to Train Your Dragon. In 2024, Inside Out 2 is the most popular animated movie so far, so stay tuned for when it's out on Disney+.

    You can already find part 1 there, plus other timeless family-friendly titles like Toy Story and Pirates of the Caribbean.

    If Disney+ or Inside Out aren't available in your region, remember you can fix this issue with a VPN like NordVPN.

    Try NordVPN Today Watch on Disney+FAQs What is the best movie for a family movie night?

    The best movie for a family movie night depends on your preferences, but you can't go wrong with animations like Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, or How to Train Your Dragon. These are wholesome and fun for all ages. Plus, they're vetted and highly rated by thousands of fans.

    What good family movies are out on Netflix?

    Some good family movies out on Netflix include Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and How to Train Your Dragon parts 2 and 3. You can also find other entertaining family movies to rewatch, including Puss in Boots, Ice Age, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

    What is the best streaming service for family movies?

    Disney+ is by far the best streaming service for family movies. Not only will you find countless Disney classics there, but Disney also owns Pixar and Marvel. This means Disney+ has exclusive rights to some of the best family-friendly movies from the biggest studios.

    ReferencesClick to expand and view sources
    • The Avengers (2012) - Awards (IMDb)
    • All Marvel Universe Movies in Release Order (IMDb)
    • Inside Out (2015) - Awards (IMDb)
    • Soul & 6 Other Pixar Movies That Don't Have A Villain (Screen Rant)
    • IMDb Top 250 Movies (IMDb)
    • Biggest Movie Franchises of All Time (CBR)
    • How to Train Your Dragon (2010) - Awards (IMDb)
    • Up (2009) - Awards (IMDb)
    • Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) - Stan Lee as Stan (IMDb)
    • Hollywood Flashback: Spirited Away' Broke Records and Made Oscar History (IMDb)
    • Can I Watch NOW Abroad? (NOW TV)
    • NordVPN Comparative Test (AV-TEST)

    The post 7 Best Movies to Watch for Your Next Family Movie Night - Top New, Classic, and Highly-Rated Titles appeared first on The Tech Report.