Whether you’re looking for a way to spend a Friday night with the kids, or trying to find something to do to kill a few hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon, few things bring a family together better than a movie, especially the more comedy-centric options. Though it’s never been easier to find movies the whole family will love, there comes a time when you’ve made it through the list of classics and you want to start checking out new family movies.
You’ve come to the right place if you fall into that camp, as we have put together a list of new family movies worth checking out on the best streaming services. From box office juggernauts to pictures that may have slipped between the cracks, we’ve got a little something everyone will enjoy, even that 7-year-old child who claims to have seen everything…
Wonka (2023)
Looking for a movie that combines the whimsical nature of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the lovely charm of the Paddington movies, and Timothée Chalamet? Well, look no further than Paul King’s Wonka, a 2023 origin story of the world-famous chocolatier and candy maker. Set years before the events of Dahl’s beloved novel, this enchanting and imaginative family-friendly movie follows a young Willy Wonka (Chalamet) as he attempts to get his candy business off the ground and warm the world with his positive outlook on life.
With multiple songs, incredible performances by the cast, and some outstanding visuals, there’s a little something for everyone, even if they’re not fond of sweets.
Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
Though it’s not the best Kung Fu Panda movie, the most recent addition to the franchise is still a great way to spend a couple of hours with the family. In Kung Fu Panda 4, Po (Jack Black) goes to war with the Chameleon (Viola Davis), a powerful shape-shifting villain who’ll stop at nothing to take the Staff of Wisdom. With a new sidekick, Zhen (Awkwafina), the giant panda goes to great lengths to save the Valley of Peace from complete destruction.
As was the case with previous movies in the franchise, this DreamWorks Animation film is full of great humor, tremendous action, and a whole lot of heart that will surely keep everyone entertained.
Rent Kung Fu Panda 4 on Amazon.
Trolls Band Together (2023)
Trolls Band Together, the third and possibly best Trolls movie, has something for everyone in the family from those who’re obsessed with an *NSYNC reunion to those who just can’t get enough of jukebox musicals. This time around, the movie follows Poppy (Anna Kendrick) as she helps Branch (Justin Timberlake) convince his brothers they need to set aside their differences to save one of their own from an evil duo.
This race against time has a great story, some awesome music choices, and a sense of fun and adventure that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Stream Trolls Band Together on Peacock.
Woody Woodpecker Goes To Camp (2023)
There is a long tradition of movies set at summer camp, and the latest entry in the Woody Woodpecker franchise is one of the latest additions to that list. Released on Netflix in April 2024, Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp is a live-action CGI hybrid that follows the iconic cartoon character as tries to save his new home, Camp Woo Hoo, from being closed down for good.
Sure, this movie is silly, juvenile, and a tad bit predictable, but just watch the looks on your kids' faces as they enjoy this over-the-top and zany slapstick comedy. Just be careful, as they may or may not start recreating Woody Woodpecker’s signature laugh.
Stream Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp on Netflix.
Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin (2024)
In addition to all the classic Charlie Brown holiday specials, an Apple TV+ subscription also gives you access to new movies, shows, and specials set in the world of the Peanuts. One of the most recent additions to the franchise is Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin, a new origin story about one of the most popular Peanuts characters as he first gets to know the gang.
Teaming up with Charlie Brown himself for the annual Soap Box Derby race, Franklin learns the true meaning of friendship and acceptance in a new place and with a new set of kids. In typical Peanuts fashion, Welcome Home, Franklin has equal amounts of humor and heart, with great messages found throughout.
Stream Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin on Apple TV+.
Orion And The Dark (2024)
Featuring the outstanding voice work of Jacob Tremblay and Paul Thomas Hauser, the 2024 Netflix original film, Orion and the Dark tells the story of a young boy who fears the dark and the embodiment of his fear as they embark upon an epic and eye-opening adventure. With some wild animation, an emotional story, and a sense of adventure like no other, this family-friendly film is a real gem.
Stream Orion and the Dark on Netflix.
Wish (2023)
One of the best animated movies of 2023, Disney’s Wish follows Asha (Ariana DeBose), a teenage girl who goes to great lengths to save her home from falling into complete darkness, a journey that will test her physically, mentally, and emotionally. Though a difficult task, it is made a little easier when Asha befriends Star, a powerful (and adorable) ball of energy who helps guide her along her way.
In standard Disney fashion, Wish is filled with great songs, talented voice actors, and a powerful message that will resonate with the adults in the room just as much as the kids.
Migration (2023)
With its Despicable Me franchise, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and several other successful properties, Illumination has been holding it down when it comes to big animated movies for the past decade-and-a-half. The studio added to its collection in late 2023 with the release of Migration, a movie about a family of ducks who finally decide to fly south for the winter, only to face some difficult obstacles along their way.
If you’re a fan of family road trip films, stories about characters overcoming their fears, and Illumination’s signature animation style, then this movie is going to do the trick.
The Velveteen Rabbit (2023)
One year after turning The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse into an Oscar-winning animated short film, Apple TV+ gave the world The Velveteen Rabbit. Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, this live-action CGI hybrid follows a young boy as he is given a toy rabbit that brings joy to his heart and major changes to his outlook on life.
Daring, charming, and sentimental, The Velveteen Rabbit will have you feeling like a kid again thanks to its magical and emotional story about friendship.
Stream The Velveteen Rabbit on Apple TV+.
Tiger (2024)
This falls more on the documentary side, but Tiger, the latest addition to the Disney Nature franchise, is something that you should definitely watch with the family as soon as possible. Released to Disney+ subscribers in 2024, it follows a tigress as she raises her cubs in India and tries to keep them safe, a feat easier said than done.
Guiding you through this powerful nature documentary is the narration of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who explains the love and danger experienced by the young mother and her curious and clumsy cubs over 1,500 days.
Leo (2023)
If you’re a fan of animated musicals, classic Adam Sandler bits, and the perfect combination of heart and sarcasm, Leo is going to be a movie you won’t want to miss. Released in the final weeks of 2023, this surprisingly great family-friendly comedy follows Leo (Sandler), a 74-year-old lizard who tries to escape an elementary school and spend his final days in the wild after living the majority of his life as a class pet. However, when he strikes a bond with the fifth-graders, Leo finds a new purpose.
There’s no shortage of songs, laughs, and impactful lessons throughout this movie that also features Saturday Night Live alum like Cecily Strong, Rob Schneider, and Robert Smigel, who served as the co-writer and co-director.
Family Switch (2023)
Everyone loves body swap movies, right? Well, if you’re fond of comedies like Freaky Friday, The Shaggy Dog, and The Change-Up, you’re going to get a kick out of Family Switch. This 2023 Netflix movie starring Ed Helms and Jennifer Garner follows the Walker family as they magically switch places, causing all kinds of chaos. A mom becomes a daughter, a son becomes a father, and a baby and family pet even switch places.
Like other family-friendly movies of this variety, the Walkers must overcome all kinds of obstacles before they can get everything back in order, which means you’re going to learn some great lessons before the credits roll.
Stream Family Switch on Netflix.
Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget (2023)
If you’re looking for another excellent stop-motion animated movie, then Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is going to be something you want to watch during your next family movie night. A sequel to 2000’s Chicken Run, this movie features an incredible voice cast that is filled with returning actors and new additions, has a tremendous story about parents trying to save their daughter, and top-notch animation.
Don’t be surprised if you find your kids watching this one over and over again. And, who knows, maybe this could serve as an introduction to the world of Aardman Animations.
Stream Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget on Netflix.
Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023)
Have a Paw Patrol fanatic (or two) in your family? Well, you won’t want to miss Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, the second theatrical release starring the heroic pups from the popular animated series. When an asteroid crashes into Adventure City, the pups gain superpowers that are unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. But after Victoria “Vee” Vance (Taraji P. Henson) and the no-good Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo) team up and steal the powers for themselves, all kinds of danger awaits.
Watching the movie in a theater full of kids was a wild experience. Watching at home won’t compare to that spectacle, but you’ll be your kids’ hero if you check it out with them sometime soon.
Stream Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie on Paramount+.
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2023)
Comic book fans were treated to what could be the best Spider-Man movie in June 2023 with the release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse, an epic animated adventure with all kinds of dimensions, dangers, and friendly Web-Slingers. Kids, adults, comic readers, and general moviegoers will all find something in this highly-acclaimed sequel following Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) as he continues his hero’s journey, one that is filled with awesome twists, shocking turns, and an amazing ending that makes waiting for the upcoming Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse all the more difficult.
Stream Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Netflix.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Audiences were taken “under the sea” with Rob Marshall’s live-action remake of the animated gem that was The Little Mermaid in May 2023, where they followed Ariel (Halle Bailey) as her fascination with the human world leads to a journey of self-discovery and great sacrifice. With recreations of those beloved songs, an outstanding voice cast that includes everyone from Daveed Diggs as Sebastian to Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and eye-popping visuals, there’s a lot to love in this Disney+ live-action remake.
Stream The Little Mermaid on Disney+.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
Is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem the best Turtles movie ever? Well, there’s a strong case to be made for this claim, as the 2023 animated feature film has a lot going for it, even if you aren’t a lifelong fan of the “Heroes in a Half-Shell.” The Seth Rogen-produced movie looks and feels like something from the minds of a group of teenagers, as the story, which goes in a lot of different directions, centers on a group of aspiring heroes as they try to find themselves in the world; a world that isn’t all too receptive to mutant reptiles with a love of pizza and early ‘90s hip-hop.
Stream Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem on Paramount+.
Haunted Mansion (2023)
Though two underrated spooky Disney films are M.I.A., the studio’s most recent fright fest, Haunted Mansion, is alive and streaming on Disney+ only a few months after making its theatrical debut. Based on the legendary Disney park ride of the same name, this star-studded horror comedy has thrills, chills, laughs, and a whole lot of heart, with its expansive story touching on everything from grief to new beginnings. A lot is going on in this movie, but the heart and soul of the core cast of characters (as well as some of the more notable ghosts) keep this one grounded, and human.
Stream Haunted Mansion on Disney+.
Elemental (2023)
Like some of the other best Pixar movies, Elemental arrived in theaters in Summer 2023 and made everyone cry (but for different reasons) with its sophisticated story concerning two elements who meet and fall in love despite their various differences. The movie has something for everyone, no matter the age, shape, or element of each viewer. Kids will like the flashy animation and trademark humor while parents should take something from the rich narrative and symbolism.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023)
The 2023 DreamWorks Animation film, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a movie that will probably be best enjoyed by the pre-teen members of the family, but this isn’t to say that younger, or older, audiences won’t take something from it. Centered on the titular 16-year-old played by Lana Condor as she discovers why her mom has long kept her away from water, this coming-of-age comedy is full of laughs, heart, and soul. And, though there weren’t as many mermaids as some would have wanted, maybe a sequel will dive into that more.
Stream Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken on Netflix.
Each of these movies appeals to both the young and young at heart, and will surely make for perfect options at your next family movie night. Make sure to check back in the future, because there are tons of other great movies that will soon be coming to a streaming platform near you, especially with the busy 2024 release calendar.
