Watching movies with grandchildren can be a wonderful bonding experience. Here’s a list of family-friendly live-action movies that are perfect for multi-generational viewing. This list includes films that span several decades. Share in the joy of familiar stories while also discovering new favorites together.
Mary Poppins (1964)
A magical nanny named Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) arrives at the door of the Banks family. Along the way, the trio sings and plays with a chimney sweep named Bert (Dick Van Dyke), and a few other magical friends. Poppins teaches the Banks, children, how to find fun in everyday activities and helps strengthen their bond with their father. Mary Poppins (1964)Â is a 1960’s musical perfect for any age.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Brought to you by Steven Spielberg (The Color Purple), comes a story about a gentle alien stranded on Earth. The alien, lovingly nicknamed E.T. meets a young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas). As they form a unique bond, Elliott and his siblings embark on a quest to help the extraterrestrial find his way home while evading government agents determined to capture him. This nostalgic classic is a perfect film for big and little kids.
Hook (1991)
Peter Pan (Robin Williams) has grown up and started a family of his own. When he visits his mother-in-law, Wendy (Maggie Smith), Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) kidnaps his children. Now Pan must return to Neverland with the help of Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts) to save his family. Disney’s new Peter Pan and Wendy (2023) was released in April 2023.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Who doesn’t love a talking animal movie? Homework Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) follows dogs Shadow (Don Ameche) and Chance (Michael J Fox), and cat Sassy (Sally Field) on an adventure of a lifetime. The trio is left on a farm while their family transitions to a new home. Misunderstanding why they’ve been left behind, they set out to find their family. From Porcupine attacks to white water rapids, this family film will keep you on your toes until the very end. This is a great film for introducing new generations to the dogs we grew up with on TV.
Jumanji (1995)
In Jumanji (1995), a mysterious board game is uncovered by young Alan Parrish (Adam Hann-Byrd). When Parrish and his friend Sarah (Laura Bell Bundy) play the game, Parrish is sucked inside. He returns suddenly when two young orphans move into the old Parrish house with their aunt. A fully grown Parrish (Robin Williams) must help the kids navigate the game to set things right. They reunite with now-adult Sarah (Bonnie Hunt) for the adventure of a lifetime. If you love board game films, look for the new Monopoly movie currently in the works.
Nanny McPhee (2005)
When a widowed father struggles to handle his seven unruly children, the mysterious and magical Nanny McPhee arrives. McPhee uses her special powers to teach the children important lessons. As the children’s behavior begins to transform, they discover that the more they listen and cooperate, the less frightening and enchanting Nanny McPhee becomes. Nanny McPhee (2005) stars Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility) as the titular character of McPhee and Colin Firth (Love Actually) as the widower she helps. Nanny McPhee was filmed in England.
Night at the Museum (2006)
When Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) takes a job as a night security guard at the Museum of Natural History, he’s stunned to discover that the exhibits come to life after dark. Faced with a T-Rex, Roman gladiators, and mischievous monkeys, Daley must learn to navigate this magical chaos and, with the help of a wax Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), restore order by sunrise.
Enchanted (2007)
Enchanted (2007) finally shows us what life would look like if a cartoon princess found herself in the real world. Amy Adams (Julie and Julia) plays Giselle, a fairytale maiden pushed into a magical well by her fiancé, Prince Edward’s (James Marsden) evil stepmother (Susan Sarandon). The cynical Robert Phillip (Patrick Dempsey) and his daughter, Morgan (Rachel Covey) take Giselle in. Soon Phillip isn’t so cynical and Giselle realizes not everything in life is like a fairytale. The film has a wedding scene, but we won’t say who ties the knot.
Paddington (2014)Â
In Paddington (2014), a young Peruvian bear with a penchant for marmalade sandwiches arrives in London. Paddington (Ben Wishaw) meets a nice family called the Browns and is taken in as one of their own. While in London he hunts for an explorer who had known his aunt and uncle in Peru. During his search, he is targeted by a nefarious taxidermist named Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman).
Finding ‘Ohana (2021)
In a throwback to The Goonies (1985), Pili (Kea Peahu) and her brother, Loane (Alex Aiono) wind up on an unexpected pirate treasure hunt in Finding ‘Ohana (2021). The film follows a family returning home to Hawaii when their grandfather (Branscombe Richmond) falls ill. After stumbling upon an old pirate notebook of her grandfather’s, Pili can’t resist picking up where he left off in search of treasure.
Unforgettable Bonding Moments: The Top 20 Family Films Ever Made
Are you tired of endlessly scrolling through streaming services, searching for a family-friendly movie that won’t make you want to pull your hair out? Look no further! As a fellow movie enthusiast and parent, I’ve compiled a list of the 20 best family movies of all time. From heartwarming classics like It’s a Wonderful Life to the modern-day antics of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, this list has something for everyone.
The 20 All-Time Greatest Animated Masterpieces
Dive straight into our list of the top 20 animated films, a vibrant collection featuring a range of unforgettable stories. Experience the visually striking universe of ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’, journey alongside the adventurous ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’, and stand at the frontlines of the epic ‘Justice League Dark: Apokolips War’. This selection promises captivating narratives, stunning artistry, and emotional resonance, showcasing the best that animated cinema has to offer.
The 20 Most Epic Adventure Movies Ever Made
Prepare to traverse magical realms, distant galaxies, and perilous landscapes with our ultimate selection of the best adventure films ever made. From the monumental battles in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ to the cosmic voyages in ‘Interstellar’, these 20 cinematic treasures promise an unparalleled journey of thrill, heroism, and mesmerizing storytelling.
