The world is in an era with no shortage of movies to watch. Whether watching solo, with friends, or with a partner, there's something worth watching for every occasion, and plenty of streaming services offer immediate satisfaction. For those who like to view things with the entire family, there's an abundance of movies that have come out recently that are sure to win the hearts of everyone, from the kids to the parents, and possibly even the pets.
From stop-motion to more recent stylistic experiments like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, family movies can be visually stunning, appealing to older audiences for whom the kid-friendly stories might be old hat. Other films, like The Inventor, can wow just about anyone at any age. This modern era of family-friendly films is pushing the genre into exciting new directions.
Updated on October 14, 2023, by Andrea Sandoval: family movies are the perfect activity for adults and children as well as adults who simply love this genre -- the plots of kids movie have become more and more enticing for all publics in recent years. We updated this list to include the newest kid and family films to watch on October 2023.
25 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Based on the iconic roleplaying game, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, follows bard Edgin Darvis as he tries to retrieve a precious relic that might bring his deceased wife back to life. When everything goes wrong, Edgin will create an unlikely group of his friends as he tries to right his wrongs.
Dungeons & Dragons is composed of a hilarious cast, including Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, and Michelle Rodriguez. It's the perfect movie to watch with family as children will get entertained with its epic yet heartwarming plot, but adults will the ones enjoying most of the jokes. Even though this film didn't do so well in the box office, critics applauded it for accurately depicting the role-playing nature of the game in a fun and lighthearted film.
24 The Inventor
The Inventor tells the story of the famous inventor Leonardo da Vinci after he leaves Italy for France. He joins the French Court, and while there, he experiments with his inventions, such as flying machines, and studies the human body. He ruffles some feathers during his time there, but he does it in an effort to discover the meaning of life.
This is a charming stop-motion animated film co-directed by Jim Capobianco and Pierre-Luc Granjon and written by Jim Capobianco, who wrote for Ratatouille. The stop-motion animation is a delightful rarity in movies on its own. Given that it's written by Capobianco, who saw major success with Ratatouille, this film is set up to be a joy for the whole family. It stars Daisy Ridley, Marion Cotillard, and Stephen Fry, who lends his voice to Leonardo da Vinci.
23 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem brings back the classic turtle mutant heroes in a stylized animated film. The story follows the four brothers, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello, as they try to integrate into New York society for the very first time. It's a comedic and adventurous coming-of-age story as the Turtles try to be normal teenagers.
There's also plenty of action in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as they take on a mutant crime group and grapple with their identities as mutant teenagers. The film stars Micah Abbey as Donatello, Shamon Brown Jr. as Michelangelo, Nicolas Cantu as Leonardo, Brady Noon as Raphael, and Jackie Chan as Master Splinter.
22 The Monkey King
The Monkey King is a new take on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. It follows the titular Monkey King as he tries to prove his worth to the gods after he is banished from his tribe. During his epic journey, he fights one hundred demons and a Dragon King while accompanied by his trusty fighting Stick and a village girl named Lin.
The Monkey King is packed with action and adventure as well as heartfelt moments as Monkey King grapples with his self-worth and ego with the help of Lin. The movie stars Jimmy O. Yang as Moneky King, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Lin, Bowen Yang as Dragon King, and Jo Koy as Benpo.
21 Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie
One-of-a-Kind Marcie follows the quiet Peanuts character Marcie, an introvert who likes to help out her friends and enjoys being alone. Since she's so great at helping everyone around her, Marcie is nominated to be the next class president, a role that would require her to be front and center.
Now finding herself in a role she never wanted and wanting nothing more than to retreat into the comfort of her solitude, Marcie has to figure out how to help others in her own way rather than how everyone else wants her to. This new family film by Apple TV+ is short and heart-warming. It shines a light on an unsung Peanuts character and gives a voice to the viewers who identify with Marcie. It stars Adrianna McDonald as Marcie, Lexi Perry as Peppermint Patty, and Etienne Kellici as Charlie Brown.
20 LEGO Disney Princess: The Castle Quest
LEGO Disney Princess: The Castle Quest is a new LEGO movie streaming exclusively on Disney+. It follows an unlikely mashup of Disney princesses: Rapunzel, Moana, Ariel, Tiana, and Snow White, as they work together to stop the evil Gaston from taking over all of their kingdoms. The princesses get to show what they're made of as they fight their way through a mysterious castle and are content with pirates and dragons.
The film is a fun romp for the whole family as audiences enjoy seeing the traditional Disney Princesses navigate a non-traditional world, placing them as the heroes. Also, Snow White gets to swing around an ax. The film brings back the original princess voice cast with Jodi Benson, Auli'i Cravalho, Mandy Moore, Anika Noni Rose, and Katie Von Till.
19 Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
In the beginning of this year, Disney released Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the third installment of the Ant-Man franchise that follows Scott Lang as he and his family explore the Quantum Realm. People who didn't catch this film in theaters, or even people who would like a rewatch, can already stream it on Disney+.
Besides being a cultural phenomenon, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has provided a great space for families to follow superhero stories. The MCU is conventionally loved by both children and adults, as it caters to every taste. Ant-Man in particular, has always offered a great sense of humor, wholesome scenes, and its fair share of epic moments that make it the perfect family movie.
18 Elemental
Elemental follows Ember, the daughter of Fire element immigrant parents, and her budding friendship with Wade, a water element of a much privileged position. Together, Ember and Wade explore Element City, despite social expectations and the marked differences between them. Ember is eventually exposed to a new view of life that differs from that of her parents and challenges her beliefs.
Directed by Peter Sohn and stars Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie, Elemental is a beautiful and colorful story about being the child of immigrant parents and having to contend with navigating the world in a way that is different from how the previous generations have done so. Its heartwarming message and incredible animation make Elemental one of the best kids movies of the year.
17 The Little Mermaid
The latest in Disney's live-action remakes, The Little Mermaid is a fresh new take on the classic story about a mermaid princess who wants to learn about the human world. It follows Ariel, the youngest of King Triton's daughters, who habitually visits the surface world.
While on one of her visits, she happens upon a shipwreck and rescues Prince Eric. In an effort to be among the humans, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, for a chance to experience life on land. Halle Bailey gives the adventurous mermaid princess a fresh voice, and the movie stays as close to the original 1989 film as possible. The film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy.
16 Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken follows Ruby Gillman, an awkward sixteen-year-old who only wants to fit in at her high school. That's a little difficult when her mother has forbidden her from getting into the ocean with all the cool kids. However, Ruby breaks her mother's rule and discovers she is a Kraken, and her grandmother is the Warrior Queen of the Seven Seas.
Now, Ruby has to step into her role as a Kraken and master her abilities to protect the seas from the mermaids. Teenage Kraken is an adventurous coming-of-age story with unique character designs and pokes fun at a certain studio with a famous red-haired mermaid. The film stars Lana Condor, Toni Collette, Annie Murphy, and Jane Fonda as the warrior queen Kraken.
15 Wonderwell
Wonderwell stars Carrie Fisher in her final film. The movie is a coming-of-age fairy tale that follows Violet from modern-day Italy through a portal to a magical realm. Here, Violet makes a wish to grow up. With Violet crossing realms, a feud resurfaces between two witches, the witch of the forest and the witch of the town.
Carrie Fisher plays Hazel, the witch of the forest; Rita Ora plays Yana, the town's witch; and the film introduces Kiera Milward as Violet. While Wonderwell didn't get great reviews, it's still a magical and inspiring story that kids will surely enjoy.
14 The Secret Kingdom
The Secret Kingdom follows siblings Peter and Verity as they discover a magical world beneath the floorboards of their new home. They get pulled into a quest to save the kingdom from the evil Shroud, and they must journey to unite five magical treasures to save the kingdom.
The Secret Kingdom has an air of nostalgia with its premise of a family moving into an old home and the kids getting dragged along into an unforgettable adventure. It's not often that a film is released that centers around a pair of siblings saving the day, so this movie brings a unique flavor to audiences. The film stars Sam Everingham and Alyla Browne as Peter and Verity, respectively.
13 Nimona
Based on the comic series of the same title by ND Stevenson (especially known for creating the TV series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power), Nimona tells the story of the eponymous character, a chaotic yet good-hearted girl who creates an unlikely alliance with self-righteous Ballister, a man who was about to be knighted before being framed for a terrible crime.
With an excellent sense of humor, a dynamic soundtrack, and stunning visual aesthetic, Nimona is one of the best animated movies of 2023. With a great message and a very diverse cast, Nimona will make viewers laugh and cry in the best ways.
12 Heroes of the Golden Masks
Heroes of the Golden Mask is about a homeless American orphan named Charlie who is whisked away to the kingdom of Sanxingdui, where he is chosen to wear a magical mask and help four other heroes defend the city from being conquered. However, he has some unfinished business back in the present day, and if he doesn't pay "Uncle Rizzo," then he will have some problems.
The story of Heroes of the Golden Mask was inspired by the discovery of the bronze masks of Sanxingdui in the late 80s. Director Sean O'Reilly takes this inspiration to bring to life an exciting adventure about self-discovery and honor. The film stars late actor Christopher Plummer as Rizzo in his final voice acting role before he died in 2021, Ron Perlman, Kiefer O'Reilly, Patton Oswald, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, and Byron Mann.
11 The Super Mario Bros. Movie
The Super Mario Bros. Movie follows the famous Mario and Luigi as they try to jumpstart their business as independent plumbers. However, fate has more in store for them as they are transported to Mushroom Kingdom. Now Mario has to work with Princess Peach to save Luigi and defeat Bowser before he can destroy the Mushroom Kingdom.
The famous Nintendo characters come to life in this colorful homage to popular games that will entice longtime fans and entertain younger viewers. The film stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor Joy as Peach, and Jack Black as Bowser.
10 Peter Pan & Wendy
Peter Pan & Wendy is another Disney live-action remake inspired by the classic 1953 animated film Peter Pan. The film follows Wendy as she travels to Neverland with her younger brothers and meets the island's colorful inhabitants. She meets Peter, a boy who refuses to grow up, the Lost Boys, the fairy Tinker Bell, and the evil pirate Captain Hook and his crew.
Peter Pan & Wendy is a charming remake of the original animated classic that updates the story enough for modern audiences while retaining the original story's magic. The film stars Alexander Molony as Peter, Ever Anderson as Wendy, and Jude Law as Captain Hook.
9 Chupa
Chupa follows thirteen-year-old Alex as he visits his family in Mexico for the first time. While there, he discovers a mythical chupacabra cub hiding in his grandfather's shed. Alex soon finds himself being whisked away on an adventure to protect the misunderstood creature from an ambitious scientist who wants to harness the young creature's powers.
Chupa highlights one of Mexico's most famous mythological creatures as it tells a story about family and learning to rely on others. The film stars Demián Bichir, Evan Whitten, and Christian Slater.
8 The Magician's Elephant
The Magician's Elephant is about a young boy named Peter searching for his long-lost sister. He meets a fortune-teller who sets him on a path to follow the magician's elephant to find his sister. Peter finds himself having to complete seemingly impossible tasks that impact his town in an effort to have the elephant in the hopes it will lead him to his sister.
The Magician's Elephant is a charming story about a boy not giving up hope and how hope is what gets him through life's challenges. The film is based on Kate Dicamillo's classic novel of the same name. The film stars Noah Jupe as Peter, Mandy Patinkin, and Brian Tyree Henry.
7 Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too!
For those who loved Krypto in DC League of Superhero Pets, this superdog now has a crossover with the iconic show Scooby-Doo. Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too! follows the Scooby-Doo gang and Krypto as they team up to stop Lex Luthor after the disappearance of the Justice League.
With Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, and Grey Griffin as some of the voices, this movie is perfect for fans of both DC Comics and the Hanna-Barbera show. Children, as well, will find this movie amusing and exciting. Scooby-Doo is known for its many astounding crossovers, and this one is a fun ride.
6 The Slumber Party
The Slumber Party is about four friends having to piece together the forgotten events of a sleepover birthday party after hypnotism goes wrong. Taking inspiration from The Hangover, the girls have to find their missing friend, retrace their steps of the night before, and contend with the aftermath of the party's events.
The movie puts a family-friendly spin on the basic premise of The Hangover, which is sure to entertain both adults and children. The film stars Darby Camp, Emmy Liu-Wang, Valentica Herrera, Alex Cooper Cohen, and Dallas Liu.