100+ Best Kids Movies to Watch With Your Family (Updated 2026)

Planning a family movie night? Whether you’re after a rainy day distraction, something to watch during the school holidays, or just a reason to huddle on the couch with popcorn, this list has you covered.

We’ve pulled together more than 100 of the best kids movies — classics, Australian films, animated adventures, feel-good comedies and films for older kids — and sorted them so you can find the right movie for the right moment.

Ratings are included as a guide, but every family is different, and ratings have also changed significantly since the 1980s — some films that were rated G back then would likely carry a PG today.

We’ve included the original ratings for each film, but we recommend checking Know Before You Go or Common Sense Media for more detailed information before watching with younger or more sensitive viewers.

Jump to a section:
New & Worth Watching | Best for Littlies (2–6) | Best for Primary School Kids (6–12) | Best for the Whole Family | Great Australian Films | Feel-Good & Funny | Adventure & Action | For Tweens & Teens | Rainy Day Movie Marathons

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New & Worth Watching (2025–2026)

Updated regularly — check back each school holidays for the latest additions.

How to Train Your Dragon — Live Action (2025)

The live action remake of the beloved animated film, directed by the same filmmaker who made the originals. Hiccup and Toothless’s story is told again with stunning real-world visual effects and a great cast. If your kids loved the animated trilogy, this is a must-watch. Now streaming. Rated PG.

Zootopia 2 (2025)

Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back investigating a new case that threatens the city. A worthy sequel that keeps the humour and heart of the original. Rated PG.

The Minecraft Movie (2025)

Four misfits are pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld — a blocky, pixelated universe where they must survive alongside a legendary crafter named Steve. Chaotic, funny, and exactly what any Minecraft-obsessed kid wants to watch. Rated PG.

K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025)

A K-Pop girl group who secretly moonlight as demon hunters. Wildly fun, action-packed, and full of great music. Kids absolutely love it. Rated PG.

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Best for Littlies (Ages 2–6)

Short attention spans, big feelings, easily scared — these films are perfect for your youngest viewers.

My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

Two sisters move to a new home and discover magical creatures in the neighbourhood, including the gentle giant Totoro. This Japanese animated classic from Studio Ghibli (available dubbed in English) is pure magic for small children — gentle, imaginative, and completely charming. Rated G.

Ponyo (2008)

A five-year-old boy befriends a goldfish princess who desperately wants to become human. Another beautiful Studio Ghibli film, perfect for little ones. Rated G.

Ferdinand (2017)

A bull who loves flowers instead of fighting. Simple, sweet, and a lovely way to talk to small kids about being true to yourself. Rated PG.

Ratatouille (2007)

A French rat with a passion for gourmet cooking ends up helping a young kitchen hand in a Paris restaurant. Somehow Pixar made rats completely loveable. Rated G.

Encanto (2021)

Fair warning: the soundtrack will be stuck in your head for months. The Madrigal family each have a magical gift — except for young Mirabel, who must save the family’s magic when it begins to fade. Warm, colourful, and deeply funny. Rated PG.

Frozen (2013)

No introduction needed. Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Let It Go. If you somehow haven’t watched this yet, fix that immediately. Follow up with Frozen 2. Rated PG.

Moana (2016)

The daughter of a Polynesian island chief sets sail to save her people, meeting demi-god Maui along the way. Packed with Polynesian culture, stunning animation, and a brilliant female lead. Rated PG.

Moana 2 (2024)

Moana returns for another ocean adventure, this time leading a crew of explorers across uncharted seas. Not quite as tight as the original but the music is great and little ones will love it. Rated PG

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

A young witch strikes out on her own to complete her training and sets up a broomstick delivery service by the sea. Another Studio Ghibli gem — gentle, gorgeous, and full of heart. Rated G.

Ballerina (2016)

A French orphan escapes to Paris and enrols herself in a prestigious ballet academy. Lovely animated film with a great message about chasing your dreams. Rated G. Note: sometimes listed as Leap on streaming platforms.

The Princess Diaries (2001)

A shy high school student discovers she is the heir to the throne of a small European country. Classic feel-good viewing. Rated G.

Peter Rabbit (2018)

The classic tale in live action and CGI, with Peter’s feud with Mr McGregor going to new heights. Fun for the whole family, especially little ones who know the books. Rated PG.

Charlotte’s Web (2006)

The heartwarming story of Wilbur the pig, destined for the dinner table, and Charlotte the spider who vows to save him. A gentle tearjerker. Rated PG.

101 Dalmatians (1996)

Dalmatians Pongo and Perdita lead a heroic rescue mission to save their puppies from the villainous Cruella De Vil. You can choose from the original animated Disney film or this 1996 live action version — both are great. If your kids love it, follow up with 102 Dalmatians. Rated G.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

Three family pets — golden retriever Shadow, bulldog Chance, and Himalayan cat Sassy — find themselves separated from their family and must find their way home across the American wilderness. A genuine tearjerker that animal-loving kids will adore. Rated G.

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Best for Primary School Kids (Ages 6–12)

Old enough for more complex stories, young enough to still believe in magic. This is the sweet spot.

Matilda (1996)

Roald Dahl’s story of a brilliant little girl with terrible parents and a terrifying headmistress — and telekinetic powers she uses to sort them all out. An absolute classic. Rated PG.

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Young Viking Hiccup befriends a Night Fury dragon named Toothless, against everything his village has ever believed. The animation is stunning and the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless is one of cinema’s best. Follow up with the two sequels. Rated PG.

Coco (2017)

A young boy with a passion for music stumbles into the Land of the Dead on Día de los Muertos and discovers the truth about his family’s history. One of Pixar’s most beautiful films. Rated PG.

Brave (2012)

A fiery Scottish princess named Merida defies her family’s traditions by refusing to be betrothed — and accidentally turns her mother into a bear in the process. A Pixar film with a genuinely original story, stunning Scottish Highland scenery, and one of Disney’s best female leads. Rated PG.

Inside Out (2015)

The story of Riley’s five core emotions — Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust — is a wonderful way to talk to kids about their own feelings. One of Pixar’s best. Rated PG.

Inside Out 2 (2024)

Riley is now a teenager and some new emotions have moved in — including the very relatable Anxiety. Pixar at its best. A brilliant conversation starter for families with kids moving into high school. Rated PG.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

The beginning of the Wizarding World. An 11-year-old discovers he’s a wizard and heads off to Hogwarts. Perfect for this age group — just be aware the series gets progressively darker with each film. Rated PG.

Paddington (2014)

A bear from Darkest Peru arrives at London’s Paddington Station with his red hat and jars of marmalade, and is taken in by the Brown family. Charming, funny, and brilliantly cast. Follow up with Paddington 2. Rated PG.

Paddington in Peru (2024)

The Browns travel to Peru to visit Aunt Lucy, and things go wonderfully, chaotically wrong. Just as warm and funny as the first two films. Rated PG.

Finding Nemo (2003)

A clownfish dad crosses the ocean to rescue his son, helped along by the wonderfully forgetful Dory. Funny, exciting, and surprisingly emotional. Follow up with Finding Dory. Rated PG.

Babe (1995) 🇦🇺

An adorable sheep-herding pig learns that he might just have what it takes to work with the sheepdogs. Sweet, gentle, and completely charming. Just be prepared for questions about whether you can get a pet pig. Rated G.

Toy Story (1995)

Cowboy Woody’s place as a boy’s favourite toy is threatened by the arrival of a shiny new space ranger named Buzz Lightyear. A genuine masterpiece. Watch all four films back to back. Rated PG.

The Incredibles (2004)

A family of superheroes forced into suburban life gets the chance to be extraordinary again. Funny, thrilling, and a great watch for the whole family. Follow up with Incredibles 2. Rated PG.

Flow (2024)

A Latvian animated film with no dialogue — just a small cat navigating a world flooded by rising waters, forming unlikely friendships with a capybara, a bird, and a lemur along the way. Won the Academy Award for Best Animated Film in 2025. Surprisingly gripping for all ages. Rated PG.

Despicable Me (2010)

A criminal mastermind adopts three orphan girls to help him pull off the greatest heist in history — and completely loses his heart to them instead. The Minions are an added bonus. Rated PG.

Shrek (2001)

A hilarious send-up of every fairy tale you’ve ever known. The big green ogre Shrek just wants his swamp back, but ends up on a quest involving a princess, a talking donkey, and the villain Lord Farquaad. Adults will love the in-jokes. Rated PG.

The Jungle Book (2016)

The live action remake of Mowgli’s story — the boy raised by wolves and his adventures with bear Baloo — is visually spectacular and genuinely thrilling. Rated PG.

Spirited Away (2001)

A ten-year-old girl’s parents are turned into pigs and she must work in a spirit world bathhouse to rescue them. This Academy Award-winning Studio Ghibli film is truly magical. Best for ages 8 and up. Rated PG.

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Po the Panda — kung fu enthusiast and terrible student — somehow gets selected as the Dragon Warrior. Funny and surprisingly wise. Follow up with the sequels. Rated PG.

Madagascar (2005)

Four zoo animals from New York end up stranded on Madagascar with only each other for company. Great characters, great laughs. Follow up with the sequels. Rated PG.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010)

Greg Heffley tries desperately to navigate middle school and improve his social standing. Based on the hugely popular book series by Jeff Kinney. Four films to work through. Rated PG.

Secret Life of Pets (2016)

What exactly do your pets get up to while you’re at work? This film answers that question with maximum chaos. Rated PG.

Luca (2021)

Two young sea monsters — who transform into humans when on land — have the best summer of their lives in a small Italian seaside town. A gorgeous, warm coming-of-age story. Rated PG.

Wonder (2017)

Auggie Pullman has facial differences and is starting mainstream primary school for the first time. A brilliant, kind film about friendship, bullying, and what it means to be truly brave. Rated PG.

Onward (2020)

Two elf brothers set off on a quest to bring their late father back for just one day. Funny and unexpectedly emotional — it deals with grief and loss in a way that’s honest without being overwhelming. Rated PG.

The BFG (2016)

Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant befriends young orphan Sophie and whisks her away to Giant Country. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it captures the magic of the book beautifully. Rated PG.

Peter Pan (1953)

Peter Pan flies through the Darling children’s nursery window and takes them to Neverland. A Disney classic. Rated G.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971 & 2005)

Who wouldn’t want to find a Golden Ticket? Both the Gene Wilder original and the Johnny Depp remake are worth watching — have chocolate nearby. Rated G (1971) and PG (2005).

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Best for the Whole Family

These are the films that hold up for every age in the room — from the four-year-old to the grandparents.

The Sound of Music (1965)

Julie Andrews as a would-be nun who’s far better suited to being a nanny for seven children in Austria. Gorgeous music, beautiful scenery, and a story that has stood the test of time. Unrated.

Mary Poppins (1964)

A magical nanny arrives via umbrella to look after two spirited children. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Rated G.

Home Alone (1990)

Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris for Christmas — and then must defend the house against two very incompetent burglars. Timeless. Rated PG.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

A young boy discovers and befriends an extraterrestrial stranded on Earth. One of the great family films. Rated PG.

The Wild Robot (2024)

One of the best animated films in years. A robot named Roz washes up on a remote island and must learn to survive among the wildlife — eventually adopting an orphaned gosling. It’s warm, funny, and genuinely moving. Be warned: you will cry. Rated PG.

The Princess Bride (1987)

A fairytale adventure story about true love, pirates, sword fights, and the Dread Pirate Roberts. Genuinely funny for adults, exciting for kids, and quotable forever. Rated PG.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Dorothy and Toto are swept to the land of Oz by a tornado and must follow the yellow brick road to find their way home. The oldest film on this list — and still a classic. Unrated.

Hook (1991)

Peter Pan has grown up and forgotten everything. When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, he must return to Neverland and remember who he really is. Robin Williams at his most loveable. Rated PG.

Mrs Doubtfire (1993)

A newly separated father disguises himself as a Scottish housekeeper to spend time with his children. Robin Williams is hilarious and heartwarming. A great film for families navigating big changes. Rated PG-13.

The Parent Trap (1998)

Twin girls, separated at birth, meet at summer camp and devise an elaborate plan to reunite their parents. A young Lindsay Lohan plays both girls. Funny, charming, and endlessly rewatchable. Rated PG.

Night at the Museum (2006)

The exhibits at a New York museum come to life after dark, making the new night watchman’s job extremely eventful. Rated PG.

Jumanji (1995)

A board game that unleashes real jungle animals into the real world. Classic adventure-chaos. Good for ages 8 and up — some scenes may startle younger children. Follow up with the 2017 remake. Rated PG.

Up (2009)

A widower ties thousands of balloons to his house and sets off for South America to honour his late wife’s dream. The opening ten minutes will make every adult in the room cry. Rated PG.

Soul (2020)

A jazz musician who finally gets his big break is suddenly caught between life and the Great Beyond. Funny, moving, and full of extraordinary jazz music. Rated PG.

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

The Mitchell family hits the road on a cross-country trip — which happens to coincide with a robot apocalypse. One of the funniest animated films of recent years, with a lot of heart underneath the chaos. Rated PG.

Sing (2016)

A theatre-owning koala holds a singing competition to save his struggling venue. Great fun, great music, great characters. Rated PG.

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

A warrior searches for the last dragon to save her world. Stunning animation, excellent action sequences, and a great female lead. Rated PG.

The Lion King (1994)

Simba, the lion cub, must reclaim his rightful place as king after his evil uncle seizes control. Iconic songs, iconic characters. You may want to fast-forward the Mufasa scene if you have very young children. Also available in the 2019 CGI remake. Rated PG.

Anne of Green Gables (1985)

Red-haired orphan Anne Shirley arrives at Green Gables and promptly turns everyone’s life upside down. A childhood classic that holds up beautifully. Rated G.

The Willoughbys (2020)

Four gifted but neglected children hatch a scheme and end up on an unexpected adventure. Funny, inventive, and surprisingly sweet. Rated PG.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)

A scientist accidentally miniaturises his own children and the kids next door with his experimental machine — and then throws them out with the rubbish. A classic 80s adventure that holds up brilliantly. Follow up with Honey, I Blew Up the Kid. Rated PG.

The Sandlot (1993)

Set in the 1960s, new kid Scotty moves to a neighbourhood and falls in with a group of baseball-mad kids spending the perfect summer at the local sandlot. A warm, funny coming-of-age film with a giant dog and a whole lot of heart. Rated PG.

Free Willy (1993)

A mischievous orphaned boy befriends a captive orca named Willy and hatches a plan to set him free. An emotional film that launched a generation of marine wildlife advocates. Rated PG.

Space Jam (1996)

Michael Jordan teams up with Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes crew to play a high-stakes basketball game against a group of alien monsters. Ridiculous, fun, and a brilliant introduction to both the Looney Tunes and to basketball. Rated PG.

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Great Australian Films

These films are worth watching for the stories, the landscapes, and the pride in seeing our own backyard on screen.

Babe (1995) 🇦🇺

Already mentioned in the primary school section, but it deserves a place here too. One of the great Australian films, full stop. Rated G.

The Dish (2000) 🇦🇺

The true story of the Australian radio telescope that helped broadcast the Apollo 11 moon landing. Warm, funny, and a great piece of Australian history.

Red Dog (2011) 🇦🇺

The true story of a stray Kelpie who wandered the Pilbara in Western Australia in the 1970s, changing the lives of everyone he met. Genuinely moving. Follow up with Red Dog: True Blue. Rated PG.

Paper Planes (2015) 🇦🇺

A young Western Australian boy discovers a talent for making and flying paper planes and sets his sights on the World Paper Plane Championships in Japan. Inspiring and very Australian. Rated G.

The Sapphires (2012) 🇦🇺

Based on the true story of four Indigenous women who formed a music group and performed for Australian troops in the Vietnam War. A great conversation starter about Australian history and identity. Rated PG-13.

Storm Boy (1976 & 2019) 🇦🇺

A boy living on the remote South Australian coast raises three orphaned pelicans, one of whom — Mr Percival — becomes his closest companion. Bittersweet and beautiful. A 2019 remake is also available. Rated PG.

Strictly Ballroom (1992) 🇦🇺

A champion ballroom dancer risks everything to compete in the Pan-Pacific Championships with an unconventional partner. A feel-good classic that will have you dancing around the living room. Rated PG.

Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest (1992) 🇦🇺

A fairy community must protect their rainforest home from loggers. A great environmental conversation starter for kids, with gorgeous animation and a Robin Williams voice performance. Rated G.

Happy Feet (2006) 🇦🇺

A young Antarctic penguin can’t find his heart song — but he can tap dance. Cute, funny, and the soundtrack is fantastic. Rated PG.

BMX Bandits (1983) 🇦🇺

Nicole Kidman’s debut film. A trio of teenage BMX riders discover stolen walkie-talkies belonging to bank robbers. Full of stunts, 80s fashion, and great Sydney locations. Rated PG.

Oddball (2015) 🇦🇺

A Victorian farmer proposes training his sheepdog to protect a little penguin colony from fox attacks. Based on a true story. Rated PG.

The Castle (1997) 🇦🇺

The Kerrigan family of Coolaroo love their home more than anything — so when the government tries to compulsorily acquire it for airport expansion, dad Darryl fights back with everything he’s got. One of the great Australian comedies. Best for ages 12 and up given some language. Rated PG.

The Man from Snowy River (1982) 🇦🇺

After his father dies, young Jim Craig takes a job on a high country cattle station and must prove himself to the tough mountain men. Based on Banjo Paterson’s iconic poem, with stunning Australian alpine scenery. Rated PG.

Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) 🇦🇺

The true story of three Aboriginal girls — Molly, Daisy, and Gracie — who escape from a government settlement in 1931 and walk 1,500 kilometres home along the rabbit-proof fence. An important and beautifully made Australian film. Best for ages 10 and up. Rated PG.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) 🇳🇿

Okay, it’s New Zealand — but it belongs on this list. Misfit kid Ricky Baker and his reluctant foster uncle Hec find themselves on the run from the entire New Zealand police force. Hilarious and surprisingly moving. Rated PG.

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Feel-Good & Funny

Sometimes you just need a film that makes everyone in the room laugh.

Yes Day (2021)

Two exhausted parents agree to say yes to everything their kids ask for one entire day. A fun, chaotic watch — brace yourself for your kids demanding their own yes day immediately after. Rated PG.

Descendants (2015)

The teenage children of Disney’s greatest villains get the chance to attend school with the heroes’ kids. A fun, silly musical comedy. Good for tweens. Rated G.

Flubber (1997)

An absent-minded professor accidentally creates a bouncy rubber-like substance with a mind of its own. Classic Robin Williams chaos. Rated PG.

Nim’s Island (2008)

A girl living alone on a tropical island must survive while her scientist father is lost at sea — and enlists the help of her favourite adventure novelist. Rated PG.

The Goonies (1985)

A group of kids find a treasure map and set off to find pirate gold, encountering criminals and booby-trapped tunnels along the way. A quintessential 80s adventure. Best for ages 10 and up. Rated PG.

Ghostbusters (1984)

Three disgraced university parapsychologists start a ghost-catching business in New York City — and end up saving the world from a supernatural apocalypse. A comedy classic with enough scares to keep it exciting without being genuinely frightening. Who ya gonna call? Some scenes may startle younger children so best for ages 8 and up. If your family loves it, follow up with Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) — which introduces a new generation of Ghostbusters — and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024). Rated PG.

Annie (1982)

The classic musical about a scrappy orphan who goes to live with the billionaire Daddy Warbucks. Choose from the 1982 original, the 1999 TV movie, or the 2014 remake. Rated PG.

Stuart Little (2000)

A family adopts a charming little mouse as a brother for their son. Their cat is not impressed. Rated PG.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Sonic the Hedgehog navigates life on Earth with his new human best friend. For a movie based on a video game, it’s genuinely fun. Rated PG.

Pixels (2015)

Alien invaders attack Earth in the form of classic 80s video game characters — Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders — and only a group of former arcade champions can stop them. Silly but fun for kids who love games. Rated PG-13.

Dr Dolittle (1998)

Eddie Murphy stars as a doctor who suddenly discovers he can hear and understand animals. Full of rude humour that kids find hilarious, it’s also a surprisingly fun conversation starter about what your pets might actually be saying. Rated PG-13.

Dolittle (2020)

The eccentric Dr Dolittle — this time played by Robert Downey Jr — is coaxed out of retirement when the young Queen Victoria falls ill, setting off on a voyage to a mythical island in search of a cure. A fun, colourful adventure. Rated PG.

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Adventure & Action

For when the kids want something exciting — without the nightmares.

Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope (1977)

The one that started it all. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and the Death Star. If your kids haven’t seen it yet, now is the time. Rated PG.

Back to the Future (1985)

Marty McFly accidentally travels back to the 1950s in a DeLorean. A perfect adventure film that has aged remarkably well. Follow up with the two sequels. Rated PG.

Mulan (2020)

When the Emperor calls for one man from every family to serve in the army, Hua Mulan disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place. The live action version is a genuinely epic action film. Rated PG-13.

Black Panther (2018)

After his father’s death, T’Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to claim the throne — and must defend both his country and the world from a formidable enemy. Groundbreaking, visually stunning, and a brilliant story. Rated PG-13.

Ella Enchanted (2004)

Cursed with the gift of obedience, Ella refuses to accept her fate and sets off to break the curse herself. A clever, funny retelling of Cinderella. Rated PG.

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Tim Burton’s visually inventive take on Carroll’s classic. Alice falls down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland for a second time — this time as a young woman. Rated PG.

A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

Meg searches for her missing scientist father with the help of three mysterious women who can travel through time and space. Rated PG.

Finding Ohana (2021)

Two New York siblings visit their grandfather in Hawaii and stumble onto the trail of hidden pirate treasure. A fun adventure with beautiful Hawaiian scenery. Rated PG.

Aladdin (1992 & 2019)

Whether you watch the original animated film or the live action remake, Aladdin is one to watch with your family. The Genie — especially Robin Williams’ version in the original — is unforgettable. Original rated G. Remake rated PG.

The Secret Garden (2020)

Mary Lennox arrives at her uncle’s remote Yorkshire estate and discovers a locked and hidden garden that holds secrets — and magic. Beautifully filmed. Rated PG.

Dolphin Tale (2011)

Based on the true story of an injured dolphin named Winter whose tail fin is amputated, and the two children who arrange for a prosthetic tail to be made. A heartwarming story about the bond between animals and humans. Rated PG.

Spy Kids (2001)

Carmen and Juni discover their boring parents are actually retired international spies — and when Mum and Dad are kidnapped, the kids must rescue them. A brilliantly fun action adventure that works for the whole family. Rated PG.

The LEGO Movie (2014)

An ordinary LEGO minifigure is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person in the world and recruited to stop an evil tyrant. Hilarious, surprisingly clever, and full of jokes for adults hidden throughout. Rated PG.

Jurassic Park (1993)

A billionaire creates a theme park populated by cloned dinosaurs — and then the dinosaurs escape. Spielberg’s classic is genuinely thrilling and the special effects still hold up. Best for ages 10 and up as some scenes are intense. Rated PG.

Call of the Wild (2020)

Buck, a big-hearted dog, is uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the wilds of Alaska during the 1890s Gold Rush. Based on the Jack London classic. Rated PG.

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For Tweens & Teens

Old enough for more complex themes, ready for stories that challenge them to think. Most films in this section are best for ages 12 and up unless noted otherwise.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Jess, a British-Indian girl who loves football, defies her traditional parents to play for a local women’s team. Warm, funny, and a brilliant film about following your passion against the odds. Rated PG.

Billy Elliot (2000)

Set in 1984 northern England, Billy wants to be a ballet dancer — but his father and brother have other ideas. A brilliant film about standing up for who you are. Some coarse language. Rated PG-13.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

An inspirational English teacher at a strict boys’ boarding school encourages his students to seize the day, think for themselves, and find their own voice. Robin Williams at his most quietly brilliant. A film that genuinely changes how teenagers think. Rated PG.

Enola Holmes (2020)

Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister goes on the run from her brothers to solve her own mystery. Smart, funny, and Millie Bobby Brown is a brilliant lead. A great entry point for younger tweens into mystery and adventure. Rated PG.

Freaky Friday (2003)

A mother and daughter magically swap bodies for a day and are forced to walk in each other’s shoes. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are brilliant together — genuinely funny and surprisingly touching. Rated PG.

Hidden Figures (2016)

The true story of three brilliant Black women who worked as mathematicians at NASA in the 1950s and 60s, helping launch the first successful US space missions. Inspiring, important, and brilliantly acted. Rated PG.

The Hate U Give (2018)

Sixteen-year-old Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend by a police officer and must decide whether to speak out. A powerful, important film that handles race, identity, and injustice with real honesty. Best for ages 14 and up. Rated M.

The Hunger Games (2012)

In a dystopian future, teenager Katniss Everdeen volunteers to compete in a televised fight to the death in place of her younger sister. Compelling, well-acted, and raises real questions about power, survival, and the media. Best for ages 13 and up. Follow up with the three sequels. Rated M.

In the Heights (2021)

A musical set in the Washington Heights neighbourhood of New York, following a community of Latin American immigrants over one sweltering summer. Joyful, vibrant, and brilliantly choreographed. Rated PG.

The Karate Kid (1984)

New kid Daniel-san gets relentlessly bullied — until he finds an unlikely mentor in the wise Mr Miyagi. Wax on, wax off. A timeless underdog story. Rated PG.

A League of Their Own (1992)

There’s no crying in baseball. The story of the Rockford Peaches, a women’s professional baseball team formed during World War II. A great sports film with an even better cast. Rated PG.

Little Women (2019)

The March sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy — navigating life, love, and ambition in 19th century America. The 2019 Greta Gerwig version is the definitive one. Rated PG.

Mean Girls (2004)

New girl Cady navigates the brutal social hierarchy of an American high school after being homeschooled in Africa her whole life. Sharp, funny, and still the definitive film about teenage girl friendships and social dynamics. Best for ages 13 and up. Rated PG-13.

Nimona (2023)

A shape-shifting girl teams up with a disgraced knight to clear his name in a futuristic medieval kingdom. Funny, action-packed, and quietly one of the most emotionally resonant animated films in years. Deals with themes of identity and belonging that tweens will connect with deeply. Rated PG.

October Sky (1999)

A coal miner’s son in a small West Virginia town becomes obsessed with building rockets after the 1957 Sputnik launch — against everyone’s expectations. A wonderful underdog story about following your passion. Rated PG.

Paper Towns (2015)

Quentin has always lived next door to the mysterious Margo. One night she pulls him into a city-wide adventure — and then disappears. Rated PG-13.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

A shy, introverted teenager navigates his first year of high school, finding friendship and facing the ghosts of his past. An honest, tender film about being young and feeling like you don’t fit in. Best for ages 13 and up. Rated M.

Remember the Titans (2000)

Based on the true story of a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia in 1971 and the coach — played by Denzel Washington — who must unite players across racial lines. A brilliant sports film with a powerful message about teamwork and overcoming prejudice. Rated PG.

The Sapphires (2012) 🇦🇺

Based on the true story of four Indigenous women who formed a music group and performed for Australian troops in the Vietnam War. A great conversation starter about Australian history and identity. Rated PG-13.

Stand By Me (1986)

Based on a Stephen King story, four friends in a small Oregon town set off on a summer adventure to find the body of a missing boy. One of the great coming-of-age films — funny, moving, and absolutely captures what it feels like to be twelve years old. Some coarse language. Best for ages 12 and up. Rated PG-13.

Turning Red (2022)

Thirteen-year-old Meilin Lee turns into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited — which, as a teenage girl, is basically all the time. Funny, relatable, and a brilliantly honest film about growing up, navigating friendships, and the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters. Tweens especially will love this one. Rated PG.

Wicked (2024)

The long-awaited film adaptation of the beloved musical. Elphaba and Glinda arrive at Shiz University as unlikely roommates and become unlikely friends — before their paths diverge in ways that will change the land of Oz forever. Spectacular music, stunning visuals, and two extraordinary performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Note: this is Part One — it ends on a cliffhanger, so watch it back to back with Part Two. Best for ages 8 and up. Rated PG.

Wicked: For Good (2025)

The conclusion of the story picks up exactly where Part One left off, following Elphaba and Glinda as their friendship is tested and their destinies are sealed. Watch Part One first. Rated PG.

Whiplash (2014)

A young drumming student at a prestigious music school is pushed to his absolute limits by a ruthless instructor. Genuinely thrilling and a fascinating film about ambition and the cost of greatness. Best for ages 14 and up. Rated M.

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Rainy Day Movie Marathons

Why watch one film when you can watch five? These series are perfect for a long weekend or the school holidays.

The Harry Potter Series (2001–2011)

Eight films, one extraordinary world. Start with Philosopher’s Stone and work your way through — but be aware the tone gets progressively darker. Best for ages 8 and up for the early films, 12 and up for the later ones. Rated PG to M.

The Toy Story Series (1995–2019)

Four films, decades of Pixar magic. Woody, Buzz, and the whole gang. Worth noting: Toy Story 5 is due in cinemas in 2026. Rated PG.

The Shrek Series (2001–2010)

Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After — four films featuring the loveable green ogre and his very large family of fairy tale friends. Adults will love the in-jokes as much as the kids love the silliness. Rated PG.

The How to Train Your Dragon Trilogy (2010–2019)

Hiccup and Toothless across three films. The ending of the final film is genuinely devastating — in the best possible way. Rated PG.

The Madagascar Series (2005–2012)

Three Madagascar films plus the Penguins of Madagascar spin-off. Great for younger kids who want something they can watch repeatedly. Rated PG.

The Spy Kids Series (2001–2011)

Four films following Carmen and Juni Rodriguez and their spy family. The first two are the best but the whole series is solid family entertainment. Rated PG.

The Night at the Museum Series (2006–2014)

Three films of museum exhibits coming to life after dark. Great for history-loving kids. Rated PG.

The Despicable Me Series (2010 onwards)

Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2, Despicable Me 3, and the Minions films. Minions 3 is due in 2026. Rated PG.

The Paddington Films (2014–2024)

Paddington, Paddington 2, and Paddington in Peru. Three near-perfect family films. Watch them in order. Rated PG.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Know a great family film we’ve missed? Drop us an email and we’ll consider adding it to the list. We update this page regularly — bookmark it for your next movie night.

Looking for more to do with the kids? Check out our School Holiday Activity Guide, Rainy Day Activities in Newcastle, and Best Easter Movies to Watch with Kids.