Family movie nights can bring your family together. That’s because movies create a space for us to have a dialogue, both with the film’s big themes and with each other. This emotional relationship, in turn, facilitates actual communication. Your children will feel much more comfortable talking to you about what is going on at school, after school, with their friends, and, subsequently, with their significant others. But out of thousands of movies and series out there, which one should you watch? Well, we thought you’d never ask! We have come up with a list of top award-winning movies that are children and family-friendly! Ready the popcorn and soda because it’s going to be an amazing movie marathon!
2022 Best Children & Family Movies You Should See
Annie
The story of the charming orphan who continues cheerfully singing about tomorrow has been retold several times, but the finest of the lot remains the 1982 smash, the original adaptation of the 1977 Broadway hit. The 1982 Annie is the one that made the redhead a household name, with wonderful supporting appearances from Albert Finney and Carol Burnett, and brilliant direction from John Huston.
Won: Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction 2000, Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography 2000, Costume Designers Guild Award for Best Costume 2000, Peabody Award 2000
A Cinderella Story
On Netflix, there are a lot of specials, TV shows, and films for the true young ones, but fewer for pre-teens who haven’t yet moved over to an adult profile. They might like this PG rom-com retelling of Cinderella’s story between two pen pals who meet at a Halloween ball, starring Hilary Duff, Chad Michael Murray, Jennifer Coolidge, and Regina King.
Won: Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actress 2005, BET Award for Best Actress 2005, Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Breakout Star – Male 2004, Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Blush 2005, Teen Choice Award for Film – Choice Sleazebag 2005
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs
There has been a strange revolving door phenomenon in which one of the two movies based on the beloved book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is available on a streaming service (usually the second), but it appears that the stars have finally aligned: both movies and the TV series are now available on Netflix! Keep an eye on them while you can. They’re hilarious, astute, and as sweet as maple syrup.
Nominated: Golden Globe Awards Best Animated Feature Film, Satellite Awards Best Animated or Mixed Media Feature, Visual Effects Society Awards Outstanding Animation in an Animated Feature Motion Picture
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
It’s not full horror, but it appeals to those things that go bump in the night. With his popular 2005 picture, co-directed by Mike Johnson but a Tim Burton production, the beloved director returned to stop-motion storytelling. It’s a great slice of dark humor starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in the narrative of a love triangle involving a man, a woman, and a ghost. It, like all of Burton’s animated work, could not have been created by anyone else.
Won: Future Film Festival Digital Award
The Karate Kid
Ralph Macchio became a household name after appearing in this 1984 family drama about a young boy who learns the art of karate from a teacher named Mr. Miyagi, who was performed brilliantly by Pat Morita. While so many other ’80s movies have been forgotten by history, this one has not. Find out why by watching it (and its sequel).
Won: Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2011, People’s Choice Award for Favorite Action Movie Actor 2011, Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Buttkicker 2011
Soul Surfer
Do you want a genuine story to empower your kids? Look no farther than Bethany Hamilton’s adaption of her autobiography of the same name. The surfer lost her arm in a shark attack, yet she refused to stop doing what she loved. Sean McNamara directed the film, which stars Anna Sophia Robb as Hamilton.
Won: Satellite Award for Best Original Score, Fabulous Films for Young Adults
