Top 20 Most Awesome Streaming Family Movies
Need an easy way to gather the whole family for a fun (and low-cost) night in? We’ve rounded up 20 of the top movies titles to watch this summer – all of which are available to stream now. Whether it's action or animation, you’re sure to find a hit (or five) in our list of picks. Because why go to the actual movie theater when you can pop your own popcorn and cozy up together on the couch? - Mehera Bonner
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- DirectorTim JohnsonStarsJim ParsonsRihannaSteve MartinAn alien on the run from his own people makes friends with a girl. He tries to help her on her quest, but can be an interference.Rating: PG. Jim Parsons and Rihanna are a total dream team as Oh, the lovable alien, and Tip, his unlikely human friend. Their quest to find Tip's mom while Oh is on the run from his fellow Boov brings misadventures, laughs, and a lesson in friendship and compassion. Perfect for everyone from toddlers all the way up to you parental units (who will definitely appreciate the movie's family-oriented message).
- DirectorPierre CoffinChris RenaudStarsSteve CarellJason SegelRussell BrandGru, a criminal mastermind, adopts three orphans as pawns to carry out the biggest heist in history. His life takes an unexpected turn when the little girls see the evildoer as their potential father.Rating: PG. In this summer of Minions, go back to where it all began with Despicable Me. It may be aimed at kids, but it has plenty of adult-friendly humor. Watching the World's Greatest Villain, Gru, take on the good guys with his fleet of Minions is hilarious, sweet, and surprisingly sentimental. Plus, there's enough physical comedy to entertain even the littlest viewers — who will surely get excited by all those goofy familiar faces.
- DirectorDon HallChris WilliamsStarsRyan PotterScott AdsitJamie ChungA special bond develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who together team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.Rating: PG. The friendship that develops between Baymax (an inflatable white robot) and 14-year-old Hiro Hamada is the main draw of this fun, action-packed movie (and their fellow high-tech superheroes are pretty enjoyable as well!). Big Hero 6 might not hold the attention of younger viewers, but ages 6 and up should be good to go.
- DirectorDean DeBloisStarsJay BaruchelCate BlanchettGerard ButlerWhen Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace.Rating: PG. Hiccup and Toothless are back in this Academy Award-nominated sequel. This time they're stopping Drago and his group of dragon trappers. Along they way, the duo reunite with family, discover the meaning of friendship, and learn that peace and unity always conquer aggression. Some of the more violent scenes might upset little ones, but for the most part this movie is appropriate for young kids.
- DirectorDavid Mickey EvansStarsTom GuiryMike VitarArt LaFleurIn the summer of 1962, a new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his rowdy team, resulting in many adventures.Rating: PG. This ‘90s classic epitomizes childhood friendship, and it absolutely stands the test of time. Even after all these years, watching Scotty Smalls and Benny the Jet play baseball and plot against the scary dog in their neighbor's yard is an absolute joy, not to mention a nostalgia-fest. The coming-of-age movie is ideal for pre-teens and teens who are just entering young adulthood.
- DirectorRobert StevensonStarsJulie AndrewsDick Van DykeDavid TomlinsonIn turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father.Rating: G. In the mood for a classic? Mary Poppins never gets old, and remains one of the greatest family movies that's ever been made. Julie Andrews is at her best as Mrs. Poppins, and while the film might get a little long (and dare we say boring) for younger audiences, its iconic songs are always crowd-pleasers.
- DirectorDuwayne DunhamStarsMichael J. FoxSally FieldDon AmecheA fun-loving American bulldog pup, a hilarious Himalayan cat, and a wise old golden retriever embark on a long trek through the rugged wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains in a quest to reach home and their beloved owners.Rating: G. One of the sweetest family movies to come out of the 90s, Homeward Bound is about love and friendship as seen through the eyes of a trio of pets who are separated from their family. Side effects of watching this movie involve weeping hysterically, so young children who don't yet understand the concept of loss might not be ready for it.
- DirectorKelly AsburyStarsJames McAvoyEmily BluntMaggie SmithSeparated by a garden fence and a feud, are blue gnomes on one side and red gnomes on the other. This doesn't stop blue Gnomeo and red Juliet from falling in love with each other. Do they have a future together?Rating: G. This movie is much like Romeo and Juliet before it — only with adorable gnomes and sans the deeply tragic ending. With voice work from the likes of Maggie Smith and Emily Blunt, this cute flick is great for ages 7+, but it runs a little long for the super-antsy toddler crowd.
- DirectorJohn LasseterStarsTom HanksTim AllenDon RicklesA cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman action figure supplants him as top toy in a boy's bedroom.Rating: G. It goes without saying that Academy Award-winning Toy Story isn't just one of the best family films of all time, it's one of the best films of all time, period. Buzz and Woody's unlikely friendship is almost as much fun to watch as their adventures at Sid's house of horrors — and don't even get us started on the genius that is Mr. Potato Head! Great for all ages (and you might find yourself watching this even when the kids aren't at home.!).
- DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintAs Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts, he discovers an old book marked as "the property of the Half-Blood Prince" and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort's dark past.Rating: PG. If you're in the mood for something a little more gritty, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is the family movie for you. It has the cozy appeal of being a Harry Potter film, but definitely takes a turn for the dark and disturbing as "The Boy Who Lived" comes closer to defeating his biggest wizarding foe. Slightly scary, but nothing a pre-teen can't handle.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDustin HoffmanRobin WilliamsJulia RobertsWhen Captain James Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.Rating: PG. Robin Williams as Peter Pan? Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell? What more could you want from a ‘90s movie? Hook is a bonafide cult classic, and more than 20 years later, it stands the test of time. That said, the movie's dated elements might not hold a young child's attention — though your teen should get a kick out of it (at least in an ironic way).
- DirectorBrad BirdStarsCraig T. NelsonSamuel L. JacksonHolly HunterWhile trying to lead a quiet suburban life, a family of undercover superheroes are forced into action to save the world.Rating: PG. How about spending movie night watching a family of superheroes save the world in The Incredibles? The film somehow packs in several life lessons in the midst of a fast-paced adventure story, and there are plenty of funny moments for audiences of all ages. No, seriously, even a baby would enjoy this (Note: We are not suggesting you let your baby watch a movie).
- DirectorDan ScanlonStarsBilly CrystalJohn GoodmanSteve BuscemiA look at the relationship between Mike Wazowski and James P. "Sully" Sullivan during their days at Monsters University, when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.Rating: G. Disney Pixar's prequel to Monsters, Inc. follows Mike Wazowski, James P. Sullivan, and their screwball Oozma Kappa brothers as they struggle to compete in the Scare Games. Along the way they learn about teamwork and cooperation, all while remaining completely hilarious. Younger children could be scared by the nastier monsters, so you might have to check underneath the bed for a few weeks post-viewing….
- DirectorPete DocterBob PetersonStarsEdward AsnerJordan NagaiJohn Ratzenberger78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.Rating: G. The first six minutes of Up are guaranteed to have you sobbing hysterically, and the rest of the movie is just as wonderful. Watch with tears in your eyes as Carl, an adorable old man, attaches balloons to his house and floats to Paradise Falls to fulfill his wife's dream and start a new adventure. Yeah, your younger kids might get bored, but whatever. You can still enjoy the movie once they've dozed off.
- DirectorThor FreudenthalStarsLogan LermanAlexandra DaddarioBrandon T. JacksonIn order to restore their dying safe haven, the son of Poseidon and his friends embark on a quest to the Sea of Monsters, to find the mythical Golden Fleece, all the while trying to stop an ancient evil from rising.Rating: PG. Percy Jackson and his demigod buddies continue their epic search for the Golden Fleece while discovering their capacity for love, leadership, bravery, and sacrifice. Great for teens and young kids who aren't too scared by the whole "sea of monsters" thing.
- DirectorTomm MooreStarsDavid RawleBrendan GleesonLisa HanniganBen, a young Irish boy, and his little sister Saoirse, a girl who can turn into a seal, go on an adventure to free the fairies and save the spirit world.Rating: PG. Murakami's Song of the Sea follows the adventures of Conor and Saoirse, who unintentionally enlist the help of faeries in the search for their mother. Breathtaking animations of the seaside are sure to please parents, and a beautiful message about family make this fantasy a must-see for everyone.
- DirectorMatthew VaughnStarsJames McAvoyMichael FassbenderJennifer LawrenceIn the 1960s, superpowered humans Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr work together to find others like them, but Erik's vengeful pursuit of an ambitious mutant who ruined his life causes a schism to divide them.Rating: PG. Marvel's prequel to the X-Men series chronicles the rise of Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto, as well as the origins of the X-Men themselves. It's a great coming-of-age story about embracing individual differences and straying from the pack, and a solid pick for parents, teens, and older kids.
- DirectorHarald ZwartStarsLily CollinsJamie Campbell BowerRobert SheehanWhen her mother disappears, Clary Fray learns that she descends from a line of warriors who protect our world from demons. She joins forces with others like her and heads into a dangerous alternate New York called the Shadow World.Rating: PG. The film adaptation of the first installment of The Mortal Instruments follows demon hunter Clary Fray, a teen with the ability to see evil beings (creepiest power ever). Clary struggles to reconcile her talent with finding her place in society, making this film a nice study in self-exploration for YA audiences.
- DirectorJohn LasseterBradford LewisStarsOwen WilsonLarry the Cable GuyMichael CaineStar race car Lightning McQueen and his pal Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.Rating: G. Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen usually lives life in the fast lane, but he gets a change of pace when he returns home to Radiator Springs — until he's wrapped up in an international spy ring, that is! Sounds fun, right? While the plot of Cars 2 might be a little convoluted for small minds, most kids will be entertained simply by watching cars race around.
- DirectorPaul TibbittMike MitchellStarsTom KennyAntonio BanderasBill FagerbakkeWhen a diabolical pirate above the sea steals the secret Krabby Patty formula, SpongeBob and his friends team up in order to get it back.Rating: PG. "SpongeBob SquarePants" has been on television all these years for a reason: It remains one of the funniest and most out-there children's cartoons of all time. The best part about SpongeBob is that he's beloved by adults and kids alike. In Sponge Out of Water, our hero finally leaves Bikini Bottom and joins our dimension to take on a pirate — a fresh story line sure to intrigue his fans of all ages.