Your at-home summer entertainment lineup has arrived
While the no-school season is the perfect time to get outdoors and play, it is also a great time to be lazy with the family. With both new and classic films on every major streaming service, snuggling up in the living room on a rainy afternoon or setting up a backyard movie night sounds just about right. From modernized fairy tales to historical musicals, we found the best family movies streaming now (and a few more coming later this summer).
The Best Family Movies Streaming (& Later This Summer) on Netflix
Nimona
Nimona is a shape-shifting teenager in this techno-medieval animated film is an adaption of the graphic novel. Lord Ballister Boldheart is a knight falsely accused of committing a crime. He must accept help from Nimona, someone he is supposed to destroy.
Why it made our list: This family movie streaming now blends action and humor perfectly. Nimona also discusses important themes about judgment and acceptance.
Recommended ages: 13+ due to crude humor and some violence
PG
Release Date: June 30
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
Based on the humorous and popular book series by Dav Pilkey, the film follows two kids named Harold and George. They turn their grumpy principal, Mr. Krupp, into the comic book hero they created. When Mr. Krupp becomes Captain Underpants, misadventure ensues.
Why it made our list: Parents have been reading these wildly popular books to their children since 1997, and it is interesting to see the on-screen adaptation. While the humor can be simple-minded, it guarantees giggles and has a stellar cast including Ed Helms, Kevin Hart, and Jordan Peele.
Recommended ages: 6 and over, due to a bit of very mild language (stupid, weirdo)
PG
Release Date: July 10
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Epic adventurer, Puss in Boots tries to reclaim his lost eight lives after realizing he is living his final life. He must go on his most important journey to find the magical star that can restore his lives, all while being hunted by The Big Bad Wolf.
Why it made our list: Puss in Boots was funny enough to find his way to the big screen in 2011 after playing a supporting character in Shrek 2. The latest installment in the series was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film and has themes of positive thinking and teamwork.
Recommended ages: 8+ for some perilous situations, violence, and mild language
PG
Release Date: July 13
Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie
Based on the popular animated series, this movie is the backstory to how Ladybug became a superhero. Along with her male counterpart, Cat Noir, the teen protects the streets of Paris from evil.
Why it made our list: With a female and male superhero learning to work together, the film provides positive lessons on teamwork as well as two positive teenage role models.
Recommended ages: 7+ due to some action and peril
PG
Release Date: July 28
Despicable Me 1 & 2
Join Gru and his crew for the first two films in the franchise. Despicable Me introduces villainous Gru plotting to steal the moon from his suburban lair alongside his merry band of minions, only to realize that the love of three orphans could upend everything. In the sequel, Gru must balance the demands of fatherhood with fighting crime as he helps the Anti-Villain League battle a formidable threat.
Why it made our list: These films are a delightful balance of humor and heart and feature the voice talents of A-list actors like Kristen Wiig, Steve Carell, and Will Arnett.
Recommended ages: 6+ for some mild violence and language
PG
Release Date: Aug. 1
The Monkey King
Along with his magical fighting Stick, a Monkey battles dragons, demons, and ego on a comedic quest. Based on the Chinese legend, “Journey to the West,” the film is executive-produced by epic filmmaker and actor Stephen Chow.
Why it made our list: The film promises to provide humor and important lessons on casting aside one’s ego. Colorful animation also makes this action adventure a must-see.
Recommended ages: 7 and up for some violence
PG
Release Date: Aug. 18
The Best Family Movies Streaming on MAX
Coraline
This 2009 film features a young girl named Coraline who stumbles upon an alternate reality where her world becomes a darker version of the one she normally inhabits. Based on the classic children’s book by Neil Gaiman, the film has become as popular as the novel.
Why it made our list: Coraline is a formidable female character who realizes that sometimes real life, while not perfect, is far better than fantasy. Even her parents learn important lessons about being engaged and involved in their daughter’s life.
Recommended ages: 10+ due to frightening themes and images
PG
Father of the Bride
In this 2022 remake of the classic film, Andy Garcia plays the father of the bride who does his best to get through his daughter’s wedding. Gloria Estefan is the mother of the bride in the comedic journey parents go through when their children grow up and get married.
Why it made our list: The film features a tight-knit Cuban-American family and modern ideals surrounding marriage. Positive messages also abound in the latest version of this well-loved film.
Recommended ages: 13 and over because the film features language and drinking
PG-13
Dune
A remake of the 1984 David Lynch film, based on the 1965 sci-fi novel by Frank Herbert, Dune tells the story of the noble Atreides family and their battle for control of a valuable resource that holds great potential for humanity.
Why it made our list: The film features an award-winning cast including, Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin. If the cast isn’t reason enough to watch, Dune also won six Oscars.
Recommended ages: 13 and over due to intense violence and adult themes.
PG-13
8-Bit Christmas
It’s Christmas in July! In this family movie streaming on MAX, a father played by Neil Patrick Harris, returns home and relays the story of one amazing childhood Christmas in the late 1980s. All he wanted was a Nintendo entertainment system, and he was willing to do almost anything to get it.
Why it made our list: Parents may enough the nostalgic return to the yesteryear of late 1980-something featured in the film, which includes music and items from the era. Kids will love the camaraderie and comedy between the group of friends who share a love of video games.
Recommended ages: 8+ for some mild language and violence
PG
The Batman
The latest installment in the Batman film franchise features Batman, played by Robert Pattinson, investigating his own family and corruption in Gotham to catch a serial killer targeting important political figures.
Why it made our list: In addition to Robert Pattinson as the caped crusader, there’s a fantastic cast including Zoë Kravitz, Colin Farrell, John Turturro, and Peter Sarsgaard. The film was nominated for three Oscars and features a diverse representation of characters.
Recommended ages: 14 and up due to intense violence and mature themes including drugs and sex
PG-13
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Family Movies Streaming Now on Amazon Prime
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Video game legends Mario Brothers (Mario and Luigi) must travel to an underground labyrinth and battle the villainous Bowser to save Princess Peach. Based on the popular video game, the film stars Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Jack Black.
Why it made our list: The film may appeal to parents who grew up playing the video game the film is based on. With realistic animation and nods to the Nintendo game around every turn, kids and parents will find reasons to watch.
Recommended ages: 7 and up for some mild violence
PG
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Based on the popular children’s book series by Norman Bridwell, the film adaptation finds Emily Elizabeth navigating life as a middle school kid in New York City. When her mom goes out of town, she stays with her uncle. Emily Elizabeth rescues a red puppy, Clifford, who continues to grow and grow.
Why it made our list: The movie is as sweet and heartwarming as the book series. Emily Elizabeth is kind and gentle toward Clifford, and the film offers positive messages about empathy and teamwork.
Recommended ages: 6+ for some very mild language and violence
PG
Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformia
In the fourth and what is believed to be the final installment in the Hotel Transylvania film franchise, an experiment makes human Johnny a monster, while the monsters become human. With roles reversed, will things ever get back to normal?
Why it made our list: This fun franchise is humorous and filled with positive messages and role models. It is also a ‘who’s who’ of comedic talent with a voice cast including Molly Shannon, Andy Samberg, and Steve Buscemi.
Recommended ages: 7 and over for some mildly inappropriate humor and cartoon nudity
PG
Cinderella
In this modern version of the timeless fairy tale, Cinderella proves that dreams can be about much more than snagging a prince. In this musical, Camila Cabello plays the title character, Ella, who wants to start her own business designing dresses.
Why it made our list: This postmodern take on Cinderella features an outstanding cast including Idina Menzel, Minnie Driver, Billy Porter, and Pierce Brosnan. Its feminist spin is refreshing and provides many positive female role models for young girls everywhere.
Recommended ages: 8+ for some suggestive humor
PG
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Based on the video game of the same name, this sequel to the first film sees the return of Dr. Robotnik, played by the hysterical Jim Carrey. This time, Sonic has a new friend who will help him fight against evil.
Why it made our list: With social and emotional life skills like working together as a team and being responsible as a focus in the film, kids might learn these lessons right along with the furry blue hedgehog. Parents may enjoy Jim Carrey’s outlandish portrayal of the villain, Dr. Robotnik.
Recommended ages: 8+ for some perilous and potentially scary situations
PG
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Family Movies Streaming Now on Disney+
Avatar: The Way of Water
This science-fiction sequel returns audiences to Pandora where Jake Sully now lives. When threatened by the RDA, the Na’vi work with Jake and Neytiri to save the home they’ve worked hard to create and maintain.
Why it made our list: The long-awaited sequel took over a decade to make it to the big screen and filled with positive messages about acceptance and peace, this blockbuster lives up to the hype.
Recommended ages: 13+ due to some intense violence and language and partial nudity
PG-13
Indiana Jones Collection
Whether searching for a lost relic or fighting off the bad guys, Indiana Jones has been a staple in the action-film genre for four decades. The first film, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark won four Oscars and was directed by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg.
Why it made our list: With the fifth in the series, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, coming to theaters this summer, it is a perfect opportunity to either rewatch the former films or to see them for the very first time. Filled with history, adventure, and some of the best action sequences on celluloid, this collection of family movies is a cinematic gem.
Recommended ages: 11 and over due to violence, some language, and peril
PG (for 1 & 2)
PG-13 (for 3 & 4)
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
It’s a family affair in the latest installment in the Ant-Man film franchise. Ant-Man Scott Lang and his daughter journey with Wasp Hope Van Dyne and her mother and father into the Quantum Realm, and while there, face Ant-Man’s adversary, Kang the Conqueror.
Why it made our list: Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly return as Ant-Man and Wasp, while screen legends Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer round out the cast as Wasp’s parents. The film also features positive themes about teamwork and forgiveness.
Recommended ages: 13+ due to some strong language and violence
PG-13
Peter Pan & Wendy
Based on the work of author J. M. Barrie, this film finds Wendy worried about growing up. Boy-child Peter Pan whisks her (and her siblings) off to adventure in Neverland where they meet the malicious Captain Hook.
Why it made our list: The latest version of the classic tale focuses more on Wendy. With big stars like comedian Jim Gaffigan and Jude Law starring Smee and Captain Hook, the film features an A-list cast.
Recommended ages: 10 and over due to some frightening scenes and violence
PG
Hamilton
Featuring the original cast from the Broadway show captured at the Richard Rodgers Theater, the film focuses on the life of founding father and American historical great Alexander Hamilton. The musical features a magical blend of history and many genres of music including hip hop and jazz.
Why it made our list: This award-winning musical won a Tony and a Pulitzer, and the filmed version offers those who can’t make it to Broadway the opportunity to experience the cultural phenomenon from the comfort of their living room.
Recommended ages: 12 and over due to mature themes and strong language
PG-13
The Best Family Movies Streaming on Apple TV
Luck
When historically unlucky teenager Sam finds a lucky penny and then loses it, the world as she knows it will never be the same. She must figure out how to turn her bad luck around while learning valuable lessons.
Why it made our list: Some notable voices can be heard during the film including Jane Fonda and Whoopi Goldberg. The film is beautifully animated and filled with positive role models and messages about resiliency, family, and compassion.
Recommended ages: 5+ for some very mild danger
G
Wolf Walkers
This Apple Original film features a young girl, Robyn Goodfellowe, and her father heading to Ireland to hunt and wipe out the last pack of wolves. Things get interesting (and complicated) when she meets a girl who may be able to transition into a wolf when the moon rises.
Why it made our list: This Oscar-nominated film reveals some history connecting Ireland and England and is filled with themes about not judging by how people look or their background and accepting differing beliefs. It features a young, strong female lead who exhibits significant growth throughout the film.
Recommended ages: 8+ for some perilous moments
PG
The Elephant Queen
Released in 2019, this documentary focuses on a herd of elephants led by Elephant Queen (and mother) Athena as they leave their waterhole and journey to find a new home.
Why it made our list: With the beautiful scenery of the African savannah, this film is a fascinating tribute to mothers and their love for their families. It also spotlights one of the most loyal animals, elephants, who value family ties more than humans probably realize.
Recommended ages: 10+ due to the death of a baby elephant and some themes surrounding starvation and drought
PG
Blush
When an astronaut and horticulturist finds himself trapped on a dwarf planet, he meets a woman, and they create a future together. This 10-minute short film is an Apple Original with a lovely storyline surrounding love.
Why it made our list: This computer-animated film, though brief, tells the sweet story of a relationship that grows over many years. It’s perfect if you are short on time but want to watch something with the family.
Recommended ages: 5+ as death is a theme
PG
