22 Funny Family Movies (And How To Watch Them)
Finding a movie that not only the whole family can enjoy, but one that will also leave everyone laughing hysterically, is oftentimes easier said than done. Finding that perfect balance that children and adults will enjoy equally (or, at least a 60/40 ratio) can, more times than not, be a Herculean effort that will leave everyone in tears before you even get a chance to watch something, even on one of the best streaming services.
However, some of the best kids movies have as much humor as life lessons or contagious songs. That being said, here are a couple dozen funny family movies that the young and young at heart can enjoy (and how to watch them).
The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride, with all its hilarious and classic lines, is something that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and it’s been that way ever since the release of Rob Reiner’s 1987 classic. This play on fairy tale tropes has action, adventure, romance, and most of all, comedy. Tthis story about two lovers going to great lengths to reunite just never gets old, no matter how many times you watch it.
Stream The Princess Bride on Disney+.
Rent/Buy The Princess Bride on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Leo (2023)
If you are a parent who grew up watching classic Adam Sandler movies like Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, then the 2023 Netflix animated musical, Leo, is going to be a perfect option for a side-splitting family movie night. With a great story about a class pet coming to terms with his mortality before making a great change in the lives of several fifth-graders, some catchy songs, and a whole lot of heart, this was a surprisingly enjoyable experience.
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
The Shrek film franchise has been entertaining parents and kids alike for the better part of the past quarter-century and has introduced us to some great (and hilarious) characters along the way. The latest addition to that animated universe, 2022’s Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, is honestly one of the best. The unique animation styles, the cast of fairy tale characters, and perhaps the best DreamWorks Animation villain are all great, but the movie’s humor is something that’ll keep you coming back time and time again (my kids have this on repeat).
Stream Puss In Boots: The Last Wish on Netflix.
Rent/Buy Puss In Boots: The Last Wish on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
Beethoven (1992)
When it comes to family comedies from the early 1990s, few movies, if any, come close to capturing the heart, soul, and humor of Beethoven. Though the various sequels released over the years aren’t all that great, the 1992 original about a family finding a new lease on life after an adorable (and destructive) dog waltzes into their lives is the stuff of legend. And while the movie was a treat to watch as a kid, revisiting it as an adult is oddly an even more enjoyable and relatable experience.
Stream Beethoven on Netflix.
Rent/Buy Beethoven on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
One of the best comedies of the ‘80s, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is a laugh-a-minute type affair with several jokes (the basement at the Alamo) becoming a part of everyday life for a lot of us. It’s wild, it’s wonky, and oddly, it has a lot of heart. Watching as Pee-Wee Herman (the late Paul Rubens) goes off on a grand adventure to find his missing bike is an adventure like no other, and one that just gets better with time.
Rent/Buy Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure on Amazon.
Get it on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.
Home Alone (1990)
Though it’s technically a Christmas movie, nothing is stopping you from watching Home Alone throughout the entire year. Written by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus, this iconic 1990 comedy film continues to bring families together (even jerk uncles) nearly 35 years after its theatrical debut. Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister is a legendary movie character and is responsible for some of the funniest moments in cinematic history. And don’t get me started on the comedy greats like Catherine O’Hara, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, and John Candy.
Stream Home Alone on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Home Alone on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
The Goonies (1985)
If you’re looking for a movie that has a slightly harder edge than most kids movies, The Goonies is going to be a great option for family movie night. From director Richard Donner, screenwriter Chris Columbus, and Steven Spielberg, who came up with the story, this 1985 comedy is more than worthy of its reputation. The sense of adventure overwhelms the audience as the Goonies try to find One-Eyed Willy’s lost treasure in hopes of saving their community from greedy developers, and great jokes are present throughout as well. No wonder we keep revisiting this gem of a movie nearly 40 years later.
Rent/Buy The Goonies on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
The Lego Movie (2014)
“Everything is awesome” when it comes to The Lego Movie, especially the 2014 animated film’s sense of humor. In addition to conquering the task of turning a toy with no story into a grand adventure film, sneaking in all kinds of references, and getting the most out of the film’s massive voice cast, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller also managed to create a uniquely funny experience. There’s a little something for everyone here.
Rent/Buy The Lego Movie on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989)
Undoubtedly the best entry in the franchise, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids entertains the concept of what happens when a scientist’s latest invention goes haywire and shrinks his kids (and his neighbors' children) to smaller than the size of ants. Directed by Joe Johnston, this classic ‘80s movie is full of great laughs thanks to the chaotic energies of Rick Moranis and Matt Frewer’s characters, in addition to some incredible special and visual effects.
Stream Honey, I Shrunk the Kids on Disney+.
Rent/buy Honey, I Shrunk the Kids on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
The Muppet Movie (1979)
With an iconic movie song, wonderful creations by Jim Henson, and an all-time great road trip story, James Frawley’s The Muppet Movie has a little bit of something for everyone. Like the countless other Muppets movies that would follow, this 1979 classic sees Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and the various other beloved characters getting in all kinds of mischief and chaos as the green protagonist sets out to become a movie star in Hollywood, if a vindictive businessman doesn’t stop him first.
Stream The Muppet Movie on Disney+.
Rent/buy The Muppet Movie on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Toy Story (1995)
One of the best Pixar movies also happens to be one of the funniest the studio has ever produced. Thanks to the performances by the likes of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, the late Don Rickles, and multiple other hilarious stars, Toy Story has as much humor as it does heart, if not more. While the movie is throwing life lessons and ahead-of-its-time animation at you, it gives you joke after joke that’ll leave the whole family in hysterics.
Stream Toy Story on Disney+.
Rent/buy Toy Story on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Shrek (2001)
Meta, gallows, fantasy, and just about every variation of humor are on full display in the 2001 animated adventure film, Shrek. More than 20 years after the franchise’s debut, the jokes in this early 2000s classic just hit, and hit well. This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the movie follows an ogre played by Mike Myers and a talking donkey voiced by Eddie Murphy as they save a princess from a manchild of a villain.
Stream Shrek on Peacock.
Rent/buy Shrek on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
The Sandlot (1993)
There were a lot of iconic 1993 films, and one that is quoted more than just about everything else is the beloved family-friendly baseball comedy, The Sandlot. The lines (“You’re killing me, Smalls”), the antics like the pool scene and the carnival barf-o-rama, and the cast of child actors who brought it all to life, make this not only one of the best sports movies of all time, but one of the funniest movies of the decade.
Stream The Sandlot on Disney+.
Rent/buy The Sandlot on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
If you’re looking for a movie that features Pixar’s signature style, a great story about creatures who supply their society’s energy by crossing over into the human world to scare children, and loads of laughs, then Monsters, Inc. is going to be the way to go. The film’s voice cast, which is anchored by comedy legends like Billy Crystal and John Goodman, is just one of the bright spots of this charming and hilarious adventure that features one of the best Pixar movie endings.
Stream Monsters, Inc. on Disney+.
Rent/buy Monsters, Inc. on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
The Parent Trap (1961; 1998)
Whether you’re checking out Nancy Meyers’ 1998 remake or the 1961 Disney classic, there’s no wrong way to watch The Parent Trap. The premise alone – two identical twins separated at birth swap places after meeting at summer camp – leads to some outrageous situations that make comedy look easy.
Stream The Parent Trap (1961) on Disney+.
Stream The Parent Trap (1998) on Disney+.
Rent/buy The Parent Trap (1961) on Amazon.
Rent/buy The Parent Trap (1998) on Amazon.
Night At The Museum (2006)
Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, and the rest of the Night at the Museum cast make this 2006 family-friendly movie a hilarious and fantastical experience. At night, the exhibits at New York’s Natural History Museum come to life and make inventor-turned-guard Larry Daley’s (Stiller) job all the more difficult, yet all the more hilarious for those watching at home.
Stream Night at the Museum on Disney+.
Rent/buy Night at the Museum on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Elf (2003)
This one may be better suited for the holiday months, but considering it’s the funniest Will Ferrell movie, and an all-time Christmas classic, we just can’t leave Elf off this list. Twenty years after its initial release, Jon Favreau’s movie about an elf who leaves the North Pole to find his long-lost father in New York City still hits in all the right ways. Hysterical laughter, moving family drama, and a touch of the fantastical means this is never leaving the rotation.
Rent/buy Elf on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Paddington 2 (2017)
As the first Paddington 2 trailer teased, the adorable 2017 sequel was full of mishaps, mayhem, and jars and jars of delicious marmalade. Equal parts charming and hilarious, Paul King’s adaptation of Michael Bond’s iconic book series can and should be enjoyed by all. Even if you take out the surprisingly wholesome prison segments, Ben Whishaw, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville, and Hugh Grant are to die for here.
Rent/buy Paddington 2 on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
School Of Rock (2003)
Though it’s hard to imagine, it has already been 20 years since Jack Black introduced us to Dewey Finn, a guitarist who poses as a substitute teacher and changes the lives of his students (and his own) in School of Rock. Child actors, awesome rock-and-roll sequences, and Black firing on all cylinders makes this 2003 classic a must for music lovers of all ages.
Stream School of Rock on Paramount+.
Rent/buy School of Rock on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
The Bad News Bears (1976)
The 1976 sports classic, The Bad News Bears, is a great way to introduce your kids to the late, great Walter Matthau or even the sport of baseball. The foul-mouthed, beer-drinking, and no-nonsense Morris Buttermaker was one of the actor’s best, and funniest roles, which is saying a lot considering his filmography. Tatum O’Neal, Jackie Early Haley, and the rest of the kids who make up this all-time great movie baseball team are phenomenal, relatable, and laugh-out-loud funny.
Rent/buy The Bad News Bears on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Space Jam (1996)
One of the best basketball movies of all time, Space Jam felt like the biggest thing on Earth upon its release in 1996. What’s great about this live-action/animation hybrid is the fact that Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, the rest of the Looney Tunes characters, and Michael Jordan aren’t even the funniest part. Instead, it’s Charles Barkley who’s the MVP. The church scene, the pick-up game, everything about his performance is all killer and no filler.
Rent/buy Space Jam on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Daddy Day Care (2003)
Much like he did in Dr. Dolittle five years earlier, Eddie Murphy proved he could still be just as funny without all the cussing in Daddy Day Care, though his over-the-top mannerisms and outbursts were still on full display. Kids, parents, and even grandparents should find some humor in this 2003 comedy about a dad who starts a childcare business in his home.
Stream Daddy Day Care on Max.
Rent/buy Daddy Day Care on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
More Family Friendly Movies:
The Best Family Movies On Netflix Right Now
These funny family films should be more than enough to do the trick the next time you turn your living room into a home theater. But, if you want to know about all the titles that will soon be on the big screen, check out our 2024 movie schedule.
