The Best Family-Friendly Movies on Netflix That Adults Will Actually Enjoy
The Best Family-Friendly Movies on Netflix That Adults Will Actually Enjoy
Finding a movie that everyone can sit down and watch is more difficult than you'd think. Once you eliminate as much violence and nudity as you can (I mean, think of the children), then you're left with what feels like a pretty limited selection. It's not as fraught as you think though. Put down the remote and steer away from that tenth rewatch of Pocahontas (shoutout to "Colors of the Wind") because there's more on the table to choose from. You want musicals? We got them. You want a thoughtful biopic? Got that, too. Netflix is your oyster. You just have to know where to find the pearls.
42
Jackie Robinson was one of the early pioneers leading the equality charge in sports. In 42, the harrowing story of Jackie Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman) comes to life after Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) breaks the rules and signs him to his baseball team.
Ant Man & The Wasp
While some Marvel movies venture for more serious and violent themes, Ant Man & The Wasp is one of those superhero movies that is perfectly enjoyable because it's full of fun with the absolute lowest of stakes. Also Paul Rudd is just a blast as a superhero.
Disney's Christopher Robin
There's something inherently touching about Winnie the Pooh, but in this specific tale, there's a little bit of story for both adults and children. The tale of the yellow bear who loves a pot of honey stays intact, but the boy who loved him so much finds a bit of himself in the process.
Coco
Yes, Coco is a tearjerker, but Coco is also one of the best films that Disney has put out in years. The story follows Miguel on his own journey to discover music and the history of his family. Of course, he can't make it happen without the help of his friend Héctor, who helps guide him through the Land of the Dead.
Dumplin
Dumplin' is as saccharine as a movie comes, but that's also the point, right? Dumplin' (played by Danielle Macdonald) joins the beauty pageant circuit, much to her beauty queen mother's (Jennifer Aniston) chagrin. But what starts as a stunt turns into a much deeper conversation about beauty, acceptance, and family. Oh, and it's all soundtracked to Dolly Parton.
The Edge of Seventeen
The Edge of Seventeen skews a bit older, but it's one of those rare films that is both critically acclaimed and full of thoughtful story. Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson star in the film about a teen who is trying to navigate the awkwardness of high school while her older brother dates her best friend. Maybe save this one for the older kids, but definitely watch it.
Evan Almighty
It's the follow up to Bruce Almighty where Steve Carrell picks up the torch as God's anointed one. This time, instead of getting the omnipotent powers of the greater being, Evan is selected as the next coming of Noah, tasked with building an arc in 21st century America as his bewildered family watches along.
Good Will Hunting
There's no denying that Good Will Hunting is one of the greats. You have Robin Williams, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck all in one story about a genius level custodian who just happens to work at MIT. It's the kind of feel good story that feels right for everyone in the family.
Gremlins
Gremlins is essentially horror for children, which is kind of perfect if you want a movie that will keep the young ones on the edge of their seats while filling a nice nostalgic void for grownups. There's something about that strange '80s comedy aesthetic that needs to be passed onto the next generation. Just remember to tell the kids not to water their stuffed animals or feed them after midnight, just in case.
Hairspray
The first of two musicals on the list, Hairspray is a nice take on the original-if not a little more family friendly than the John Waters version. Set in segregation-era Baltimore, there's a heartfelt message about acceptance and equality that gets weaved in through all the fun music, and bonus: it has Amanda Bynes at her absolute best.
Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Star Wars as a brand will be around for as long as Disney continues to make billions of dollars on it. So, might as well introduce your kids to it sooner rather than later. Thankfully, Episode VIII does an admirable job of introducing complex emotions that kids can understand and enjoy, while also getting dazzled by space battles.
Lion
This one, like The Edge of Seventeen, is probably better for a little bit older of an audience. But Lion is based on the true story of a man's incredible journey from accidental orphanhood to adoption in Australia, all the way back to India where he goes on an impossible pursuit to reconnect with the family he lost all those years ago. It's definitely a film that will stick with you once it's over.
Sherlock Holmes
Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law's Sherlock Holmes is just plain fun action-adventure. Though we're still being cheated out of a third installment (I don't believe this 2021 release date!), go ahead and introduce the family to the retelling of the age-old wily detective story. I'm sure they'll get around to movie three eventually.
West Side Story
It's one of the most iconic musicals of all time, and it's just sitting on Netflix for your family's viewing pleasure. The rivalry between the Jets and Sharks feels unfortunately timely as ever, but the music and message are timeless on their own. But be warned: what starts as light racial tension does escalate, so it's perhaps not the best for younger viewers.
A Wrinkle in Time
A Wrinkle in Time didn't quite get the critical acclaim that its novel counterpart did, but that doesn't mean it's a bad movie. Ava DuVernay's film is visually stunning and technically gorgeous. Plus you get Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, and Oprah Winfrey in one place. You can't beat that.
Finding a crop of movies that are friendly for the whole family can be difficult, but Netflix has you covered from Star Wars to a couple solid musicals.