The Best Movies for Family Movie Night: Picks for Every Age

Posted 2024/05/08530

Family movie nights are a great way to relax and have fun together. But with kids of different ages, it can be tricky to find a movie everyone will love. Some movies might be too scary for little ones, while others might bore the older kids.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of awesome movies broken down by age group, so you can find the perfect flick for your family.

Movies for the Littlest Ones (Ages 2-5)

• What to look for: Bright colors, fun songs, simple stories, and happy themes.

• Our top picks:

  • Disney favorites: “Finding Nemo,” “Frozen,” “The Little Mermaid”
  • Studio Ghibli gems: “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Ponyo”
  • Adorable adventures: “Paddington 2,” “The Gruffalo,” “Peter Rabbit”

• Why these are great: These movies have lovable characters, silly songs, and lessons about kindness and friendship. The stories are easy for little kids to follow and understand.

Movies for Elementary Kids (Ages 6-10)

• What to look for: Exciting adventures, funny characters, stories about friendship and facing challenges.

• Our top picks:

  • Modern classics: “The Incredibles,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Coco”
  • Blast from the past: “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “The Princess Bride,” “Matilda”
  • Animal fun: “Zootopia,” “The Jungle Book” (live-action remake), “The Secret Life of Pets”

• Why these are great: These movies have a little more action and excitement than the toddler picks. They also have great messages about teamwork, bravery, and believing in yourself. Plus, they’re just plain fun for everyone!

Movies for Tweens and Early Teens (Ages 11-14)

• What to look for: Stories about growing up, friendships, a touch of fantasy or science fiction,

• Our top picks:

  • Fantasy favorites: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “The Chronicles of Narnia,” “Percy Jackson” series
  • Real-life inspiration: “The Sandlot,” “Hidden Figures,” “Akeelah and the Bee”
  • Comedy classics: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Home Alone,” “Ghostbusters” (original)

• Why these are great: Tweens and young teens are starting to think more deeply about the world. These films offer exciting adventures, relatable characters, and spark their imaginations.

Movies for Older Teens (Ages 15-18)

• What to look for: Complex stories, thought-provoking ideas, movies across different genres (drama, sci-fi, mystery, comedy).

• Our top picks:

  • Indie gems: “Lady Bird,” “Moonlight,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”
  • Sci-fi with smarts: “Arrival,” “Ex Machina,” “Interstellar”
  • Laugh-out-loud comedies: “Booksmart,” “Superbad,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”
  • Adapted from great books: “Pride & Prejudice” (2005), “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “Little Women” (2019)

• Why these are great: Older teens are ready for movies that tackle bigger issues and explore the world in a more complex way. These picks offer unique stories, artistic styles, and will leave them thinking long after the credits roll.

Extra Tips for an Amazing Movie Night

• Cozy vibes: Get out the blankets, pillows, and popcorn!
• Kid’s choice: Let your kids help pick the movie – they’ll be more excited!
• Movie talk: After it’s over, ask what everyone liked best and if the movie made them think about anything new.