From box office hits to new studio breakouts, family movies took 2024 by storm.
There was something for just about everyone. Streamers continued to bolster the number of family films on offer and allowed some unique voices to jump into the fray.
But since family time is limited, we want to spend it on films that will entertain and edify in equal measure. This list will help you make the right pick for your next family movie night.
A few films that didn’t make the cut that are worth mentioning are “Out of My Mind,” about a nonverbal preteen who gets a speaking device; “Ultraman: Rising,” an introduction for kids into the long-running Japanese franchise’ and Wallace and Gromit’s latest charming adventure, “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.”
10. ‘Young Woman and the Sea’
Perhaps a bit slow for younger kids, this film tells the story of Trudy Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel. It offers an inspiring lesson on perseverance.
Daisy Ridley brings a complicated character to life effectively, and the family dynamics are worth celebrating.
How to watch: “Young Woman and the Sea” is available to stream on Disney+.
9. ‘IF’
Bursting with delightful characters and voice performances, “IF” was the best of an unusually large number of films about the power of imagination this year.
Bea learns to embrace her imagination to cope with her dad’s failing health. With a plot full of twists, “IF” will entertain the whole family.
How to watch: “IF” streams on Paramount+ and Prime.
8. ‘Tiger’
DisneyNature’s latest documentary, “Tiger,” follows Ambar, a Bengal tiger mother, as she navigates raising cubs in a rapidly changing world.
With breathtaking shots of the Indian wilderness and an emotionally resonant story of family and perseverance, “Tiger” balances adventure, education and pathos.
How to watch: “Tiger” streams on Disney+.
7. ‘Transformers One’
This animated prequel brings fresh life to the beloved “Transformers” franchise, and it’s easily the franchise’s best film yet.
It explores the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron on their home planet of Cybertron and highlights poignant lessons about friendship, maturation and what it means to lead.
“Transformers One” is an indispensable film for growing boys.
How to watch: “Transformers One” streams on Paramount+.
6. ‘Orion and the Dark’
The man behind mind-bending films like “Being John Malkovich” turned his talents toward family fare for the first time with “Orion and the Dark.” What he created is a very sweet tale of learning to conquer our fears, as Orion makes friends with the personification of Darkness.
This movie has everything that made the Pixar films of a decade ago so fun and powerful.
How to watch: “Orion and the Dark” streams on Netflix.
5. ‘Moana 2′
Disney’s much-anticipated sequel to “Moana” brings the character of Moana back to the big screen in a thrilling adventure.
We’re instantly reminded of why Moana is the most admirable of Disney princesses. Her journey of growth is one that will resonate with anyone navigating multiple pressures.
With dazzling animation, unforgettable new songs, and a story that celebrates courage and community, “Moana 2″ delivers for all ages.
How to watch: “Moana 2″ is currently in theaters.
4. ‘Lost on a Mountain in Maine’
This inspiring family drama recounts the harrowing journey of a young boy lost in the wilderness. This movie never tries to do too much; it just tells a good story well.
Packed with suspense, heartwarming moments and breathtaking scenery, “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” manages to find the importance of family in surviving even when you’re all alone.
How to watch: “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” is currently in theaters.
3. ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’
This beautifully animated adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel follows Michael, a young boy shipwrecked on a remote island, and his bond with Kensuke, a mysterious old man who shares the land.
Michael has a lot of learning to do, and caring about something bigger than him helps him grow up. This is an underwatched gem families will love.
How to watch: “Kensuke’s Kingdom” streams on Hoopla.
2. ‘Flow’
There’s never been a movie like “Flow.” It features a cat, capybara, secretary bird, lemur and golden retriever who have survived a cataclysmic flood by jumping on an abandoned sailboat.
These aren’t your typical animated animals because they act like animals — except in the few moments they transcend their natures to save one another.
A dreamlike textured animation style brings the story to life brilliantly. And the plot gave me more gasps per minute than any film this year.
How to watch: “Flow” is currently in theaters.
1. ‘The Wild Robot’
“The Wild Robot,” my pick for best family film of the year, was a breakout box office hit.
Lupita Nyong’o crafts an AI character that, through the power of parenthood, becomes something more human. Behind her performance, the movie is original, funny, thrilling, uplifting and deeply good.
As my 7-year-old reported, “It was so emotional. I liked it.”
How to watch: “The Wild Robot” is currently in theaters.