The 12 Best Family Comedies to Watch with Kids
It’s no easy task agreeing on something to watch for family movie night. Not only are there far too many streaming options to choose from, but it’s also difficult to find titles that children of all ages will enjoy. So, if you’re looking to shake up your next watch party, keeping reading for a list of the 12 best family comedies.
1. ‘School of Rock’ (2003)
Who’s in it? Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack and Miranda Cosgrove
What’s it about? A guitarist who goes to extreme measures after he gets kicked out of his band. In an attempt to find work, he poses as a substitute teacher at a private elementary school, where he secretly transforms his class into an all-out rock band.
How to watch? Available for purchase ($3) on YouTube, Amazon Prime and Google Play
2. ‘The Incredibles’ (2004)
Who’s in it? Characters voiced by Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell and Samuel L. Jackson
What’s it about? A superhero family. No, really. The film follows Mr. Incredible and his wife, Elastigirl, as they introduce their three children to their alter egos.
How to watch? Available for purchase ($3) on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes
3. ‘The Sandlot’ (1993)
Who’s in it? Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna and Chauncey Leopardi
What’s it about? A young boy named Scottie Smalls who moves to a new neighborhood with his mom and stepdad. When he becomes friends with a group of boys who play baseball in a sandlot (get it?), he quickly learns the price of impressing your friends. You’re killing me, Smalls!
How to watch? Available for purchase ($4) on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes
4. ‘Toy Story’ (1995)
Who’s in it? Characters voiced by Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney and Annie Potts
What’s it about? Andy and his collection of talking toys. The story follows Woody, Buzz and the rest of the toy box crew as they endure day-to-day obstacles—like new arrivals and Andy’s evil neighbor, Sid.
How to watch? Available for purchase ($4) on Amazon Prime
5. ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ (1971)
Who’s in it? Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn Cole and Paris Themmen
What’s it about? A young boy named Charlie Bucket, who obtains one of five highly coveted Golden Tickets, landing him an invitation to Willy Wonka’s candy factory. Inside, he discovers the chocolatier has created a magical world of his own—and he wants Charlie to join him.
How to watch? Available for purchase ($4) on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes
6. ‘Frozen’ (2013)
Who’s in it? Characters voiced by Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad and Jennifer Lee
What’s it about? When Snow Queen Elsa’s icy spell traps the kingdom in a never-ending winter, her sister, Anna, teams up with Kristoff to break the curse once and for all. (The soundtrack will be stuck in your head after one viewing. You’ve been warned.)
How to watch? Available for purchase ($3) on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes
7. ‘Back to the Future’ (1985)
Who’s in it? Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Thomas F. Wilson and Crispin Glover
What’s it about? Marty McFly, who is unexpectedly sent on a time traveling mission after his crazy eccentric scientist friend, Doc Brown, enlists him for an experiment. Together, they must ensure everything stays the same, or it will change the future indefinitely.
How to watch? Available for purchase ($4) on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes
8. ‘Shrek’ (2001)
Who’s in it? Characters voiced by Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow and Cody Cameron
What’s it about? An ogre named Shrek, whose isolated lifestyle is turned upside down thanks to Lord Farquaad. When Shrek cuts a deal with the dictator, he’s tasked with rescuing Princess Fiona, who—as it turns out—is hiding a deep, dark secret.
How to watch? Available for purchase ($4) on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes
9. ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (1993)
Who’s in it? Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Mara Wilson and Matthew Lawrence
What’s it about? When Daniel Hillard’s wife divorces him, he comes up with an elaborate plan to see his kids more than their custody agreement allows. This includes dressing up as an older British woman and becoming the children's nanny.
How to watch? Available for purchase ($4) on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes
10. ‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)
Who’s in it? Dick Van Dyke, Julie Andrews, Karen Dotrice, Matthew Garber and David Tomlinson
What’s it about? While the Banks children aren’t thrilled about a nanny at first, that all changes when they meet Mary Poppins and embark on a musical adventure that is (almost) too unbelievable for words.
How to watch? Available for purchase ($3) on iTunes; also available on YouTube, Amazon Prime and Google Play for $13
11. ‘Grease’ (1978)
Who’s in it? John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Didi Conn, Stockard Channing and Jeff Conaway
What’s it about? After a steamy summer fling, Sandy attends a new school as an exchange student only to discover that her former lover, Danny, is the big man on campus—and not in a good way.
How to watch? Available for purchase ($3) on YouTube, Amazon Prime and Google Play
12. ‘Home Alone’ (1990)
Who’s in it? Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara and John Heard
What’s it about? When the McCallisters accidentally leave their eight-year-old son, Kevin, at home, he takes advantage of their absence. However, things take an interesting turn when two con men try to break in, forcing Kevin to do whatever it takes to protect the family home.
How to watch? Available for purchase ($4) on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes
