Summer is the perfect time for family movie nights, but it’s easy to feel like you’re running out of options. Not to worry, we’ve compiled a list of 20 of our favorite children’s movies. Find more details at commonsensemedia.org to ensure the content is a good fit for your family
- The Parent Trap
In this comedy, twin sisters who’ve lived apart with their divorced parents swap identities to reunite the family
Head’s Up: Alcohol, divorce, deception
- Dolphin Tale
Based on a true story, a dolphin called Winter is transported to a marine hospital after being caught in a trap. It will take a miracle to help her swim again. Follow it up with Dolphin Tale 2 featuring pro surfer Bethany Hamilton
Head’s Up: Injured dolphin, injured soldier, hurricane
- Honey I Shrunk the Kids
When a scientist’s kids stumble upon his experimental shrink ray and end up displaced from home, they face a comedic adventure in which sprinklers are like storms and ants seem as large as elephants
Head’s Up: Some scariness, smoking, kissing, and marital problems
- Cheaper by the Dozen
This classic follows the hilarious chaos of a family of fourteen who have relocated to a new city amid new job opportunities for both parents. Watch Cheaper by the Dozen 2 after
Head’s Up: Language, sexual references, minor injuries
- Harry and the Hendersons
Driving through the woods, the Henderson family runs into a Sasquatch called Harry, who they take home. Harry wins them over and they comically struggle to keep him a secret
Head’s Up: Language, guns, minor fights
- High School Musical
When basketball star Troy signs up to perform in the school musical with ace student Gabriella, chaos ensues as they avoid the efforts of their friends to break them apart. This favorite features a catchy soundtrack, epic choreography, and a powerful reminder to accept yourself
Head’s Up: Father-son relationship tested
- Soul Surfer
Bethany is a rising young surfer from the island of Kauai. When she loses her arm in a shark attack, her Christian faith and courage get her back on the board. Motivational and heartwarming, this movie is based on a true story
Head’s Up: Shark attack
- Charlotte’s Web
Based on the classic book, a spider called Charlotte weaves wordy webs to save her pig friend from the butcher
Head’s Up: Name-calling, death
- Freaky Friday
A bickering mother and daughter wake up one morning to discover they have switched bodies, leading them to develop a greater sense of respect for one another until they can solve the situation. Plenty of fun music and dance!
Head’s Up: Teen manipulates peers
- Frozen
A musical about two sisters, one magical and the other brave enough to try to save their kingdom from perpetual winter. A cute snowman named Olaf adds irresistible humor. Follow it up with Frozen 2
Head’s Up: Death of parents, weapons, scariness
- Annie (2014)
This modern remake of a favorite musical features the story of an orphan adopted by a wealthy man, who she will change more than he ever imagined
Head’s Up: Drunkenness and hostility in parenting at orphanage, scariness, language
- Inside Out
When 11-year old Riley moves from the Midwest to San Francisco, a cast of animated, humanised emotions based in the headquarters of her mind try to guide her through the event with plenty of humor
Head’s Up: Peril, fear, references to subconscious young children may not understand
- Brave
Merida, a Scottish princess, longs to defy tradition with her archery. When she receives a beastly wish from a witch, she must undo the curse before it’s too late
Head’s Up: Angry bear, brawling
- Up
78-year-old Carl plans to fulfil his dream of attaching balloons to his house and flying to South America. It becomes even more of an adventure when he discovers that a Boy Scout called Russell has stowed aboard
Head’s Up: Scariness, illness, death
- The Incredibles
Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl have assumed normal lives to safely raise their family. When Mr. Incredible seeks a taste of his old adventurous life by battling a robot on an island, his family of superheroes comes to his rescue
Head’s Up: Violence, scariness,
- Finding Nemo
When his son Nemo is caught by a diver and placed in a dentist’s tank, Marlin and a helpful but forgetful blue reef fish called Dory embark upon an adventure to save hi
Head’s Up: Scariness, peril, death
- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
When a poor boy called Charlie discovers a Golden Ticket in a chocolate bar that will give him access to the candy factory of the secretive Mr. Wonka, he proves himself to be a capable future owner of Wonka’s property in a wacky adventure
Head’s Up: Scariness
- Coco
Coco is an avid young musician who must prove himself in a family with a generations-old ban on music. He finds himself in the fantastical Land of the Dead, where he unlocks the secrets of his ancestral history. This animation celebrates Mexican culture and traditions
Head’s Up: Scariness, peril, drinking, mild language
- Tangled
A modern reimagining of Rapunzel, a princess locked in a tower due to her magical hair that can provide eternal youth escapes to the outside world with a prince. This isn’t your typical story of a princess in need of rescuing, but rather a positive message about girl power
Head’s Up: Flirting, violence
- The Princess and the Frog
When Tiana, a hardworking future restaurant owner, is kissed by a prince-turned-frog after being mistaken for a princess, the two must embark on an adventure to annul the curse. This modern favorite features the first African-American Disney princess, who is a strong and resourceful role model
Head’s Up: Scariness, death
We hope you’ve enjoyed this eclectic mix of titles, a mix of classic and modern finds. Don’t forget to sign up for the Cardinal Rule Press newsletter to receive lots of fun content, including July’s Book Bingo download