There’s nothing like coming together with your family after a long week — if possible, with a bowl of popcorn. These child-friendly movies, which are all streaming, make for fantastic movie night choices.
In an ideal world, family movies are ones that both children and adults will enjoy — and we are living in a golden age of these. “Encanto,” which is a recent Pixar movie, showed that family movies are part and parcel of the cultural conversation. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” which is a song from the movie, became a true sensation.
With that in mind, we have selected a couple of family movies, ranging from classics to contemporary ones, which are streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus, featuring comedies which will make sure that you’re kept laughing and musicals that will have you really singing your heart out.
The below a list of movies that, while watching, may produce family memories for families with toddlers, tweens and teenagers.
The Goonies (1985)
This coming-of-age ’80s classic film has got it all: hidden treasure, eternal friendship, edge-of-your-seat thrills as well as a young Josh Brolin. The bad guys (who are the thieving Fratellis) are a little frightening, which is why we suggest saving this one for children who are ten years and up.
The Lion King (1994)
A lion-sized success at the cinema when it first came out, this dazzling animated film has only gone from strength to strength since. This movies has a theatre spin-off, a remake and with multiple rewatches on Disney+ to its name. Simba, the lion cub, grows from young pretender to regal presence at Pride Rock and is our flawed hero. Scar is the hissable villain. Pumba and Timbo are the fun and flatulent double act who provide the laughs. It’s just never not a joy. Hakuna matata!
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
The “it” movie of 2021 and as popular as the action at an online casino South Africa, Raya and the Last Dragon is a Disney movie for the books. Based on traditional Southeast Asian cultures, the film follows a warrior princess looking for a fabled last dragon, who’s hilariously played by Awkwafina. Released simultaneously in theatres and on Disney+, this movie was essentially an instant success, with both critics and audiences alike raving about the movie.
The Greatest Showman (2017)
Perfect for families with older kids, The Greatest Showman is an alluring musical that stars Hugh Jackman, consummate showman himself, as circus maestro PT Barnum. The musical does not follow Barnum’s life story faithfully, however — featuring music by twosome Benj Pasek and Justin Paul — is likely far more entertaining for the editorialising.
Moana (2016)
This musical adventure earns additional points for its superb soundtrack (courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda) and total fighter heroine (no prince galloping in to rescue her). Follow brave Moana as she begins to travel the Polynesian seas with the assistance of demigod partner Maui (Dwayne Johnson) in order to save her island (Note: There’s a scary-ish scene at the end of the movie with a spluttering volcano that you could want to fast forward for younger viewers.)
