Summary
The bestfamily moviesof 2023 include superhero films, graphic novel adaptations, and moving biopics to make for an acclaimed and diverse year. 2023 may have been one of the best years recently for family-friendly movies. There were new and bold superhero movies likeBlue Beetle, adaptations of literary classics likeAre You There God? It’s Me, Margaret., and several animated movies with incredible displays of artistry, likeWish.There was something for everyone, with even some mature movies that younger family members will still appreciate.
Family movies are not necessarily kids' movies, nor are they necessarily movies about family, of which there are plenty of both that premiered in 2023. The best family movies are ones that everyone can enjoy. Some are meant for younger families with children, but they have more mature ideas parents will appreciate. Others are for teens and their parents and can be enjoyed by both age groups for the same reasons. These are movies that target a wide audience andthe very best have everyone smiling when the credits roll.
The 20 Best Family Movies Of 2024 Available For Streaming Now
The best family movies of 2024 include remakes of old classics, animated projects, and coming-of-age dramas, and they’re all available to stream.
The Little Mermaid
Cast
The Little Mermaid is a live-action remake in the same vein as many of Disney’s others, like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. Halle Bailey stars as Ariel, a young mermaid who desperately wants to see the world above the ocean.
Disney continues its live-action remake traditionwith the 2023 adaptation ofThe Little Mermaid. Whether someone is new to the story or whether they’re intimately familiar with every song on the animated movie’s classic soundtrack,The Little Mermaidoffers new twists and faithful callbacks for an enjoyable watch.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
DreamWorks Animation presents Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, an animated action-adventure film that follows high-schooler Ruby Gillman as she tries to fit in at Oceanside High. When Ruby finally discovers that she’s directly descended from the protectors of the seas, the Krakens, she’ll have to dig deep to protect her school and the oceans themselves from the popular but dangerous mermaid, Chelsea.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Krakenis a teen comedy film that takes place underwater and follows the titular Kraken girl, voiced by Lana Condor, as she tries her best to fit in at Oceanside High School. Beyond its setting and character designs, it’s a fairly run-of-the-mill animated feature, butthe energy and comedic sensibility make it a worthy choice for a family movie night.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is an animated adventure film featuring Brooklyn plumbers Mario and Luigi. Released in 2023, the movie follows the brothers as they are transported to a magical world through a mysterious pipe, leading Mario on a quest to rescue Luigi after they become separated.
The Super Mario Bros. voice castoriginally caught some flack for what audiences thought were poor cast choices, but the bouncy, well-animated, and faithful adaptation proved their worries were wrong. Set in the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are pulled into a battle between Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Bowser (Jack Black), and all their allies from the video game franchise.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is the fifth entry in the Indiana Jones franchise, directed by James Mangold and starring Harrison Ford in his final portrayal of the titular character. The film will see Jones in 1969 on an adventure with his goddaughter, Helena Shaw, as they find themselves in the middle of an uneasy space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, with the former enlisting the help of former Nazis with ulterior motives.
The fifth movie in theIndiana Jonesfranchise,Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, is set in 1969 and follows the aging adventurer (Harrison Ford) as he teams up with his estranged daughter, Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), to find a time-traveling artifact that could affect the outcome of World War II. A step up from the fourth movie,Dial of Destinyis a nostalgic, if occasionally plodding, return to form for the adventure franchise.
Flamin' Hot
Flamin' Hot is a biography/drama film based on the bookA Boy, A Burrito and a Cookie: from Janitor to Executiveby Richard Montanez. The film focuses on the unbelievable story of a Frito Lay Janitor who brought Flamin' Hot Cheetos to the masses and permanently changed the food industry worldwide.
Eva Longoria’s feature directorial debut,Flamin' Hot, tells thesemi-true story about the creation of the “Flamin' Hot Cheetos"snack food and the successful rise of its inventor, Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia). LikeUnfrostedbefore the idea even came to Jerry Seinfeld,Flamin' Hotis an inspiring, light, and funny story that everyone in the family can enjoy for a different reason.
Dreamin' Wild
Dreamin' Wild is a music-focused biography film exploring the lives of Donnie and Joe Emerson, two brothers in the 1970s who built their family farm to produce an album. Thirty years after release, the record is rediscovered and explodes in popularity, sending the brothers into the career of their dreams later in life.
Based on a true story,Dreamin' Wildfollows Donnie (Casey Affleck) and Joe Emerson (Walton Goggins), two brothers who struggled for years to create a successful album, only to suddenly be rediscovered decades later.Dreamin' Wildis a sweet and poignant look at fame and dreams from the perspective of adults and children, making itthe type of family movie that will affect viewers differently depending on their age.
Wish
Wish is a Disney animated adventure/fantasy comedy that follows Asha, a young girl from the kingdom of Rosas who wants nothing more than to care for the people of her home. One night, Rosa takes a chance to wish upon a star - only to invite a bit of chaos when her prayers are somewhat answered by an energetic cosmic entity known as Star. Together with her goat and this new friend, they’ll set off to save the kingdom from an ambitious king.
Disney’sWishis in a long line of animated musical fantasies and though it may not be as enduring asMoanaorEncanto,there is plenty for the whole family to love about the gorgeous animation and epic, sprawling story.Wishfollows a 17-year-old girl named Asha (Ariana DeBose) who makes a desperate wish only for a falling star to come to life. Together, they journey to defeat the kingdom of Rosas' nefarious ruler, the sorcerer Magnifico (Chris Pine).
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 follows Peter Quill as he grapples with the loss of Gamora while rallying his team to defend the universe. The Guardians face a crucial mission to protect one of their own, with stakes that could alter the fate of the group forever.
James Gunn’s third moviein his interstellar superhero franchise,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, feels like an end cap on one of the most successful runs in the MCU and an exciting, hilarious, and charming film from start to finish. InVolume 3, Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) is mortally wounded, and the Guardians must race against time to save their friend from the workings of the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji).
Chevalier
Chevalier (2023) explores the life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a French-Caribbean composer and violinist during the 18th century. Directed by Stephen Williams, the film stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the titular role. It delves into Bologne’s challenges and triumphs in a society entrenched in racial and social hierarchies, highlighting his contributions to classical music and his complex identity as a talented, yet oft-overlooked, historical figure.
Chevalieris a biopic about the titular French-Caribbean composer and violinist, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), who overcomes the racial and socio-economic barriers of the 18th century to make his contributions to classical music. It’s a masterful performance from Harrison Jr. who elevates the film and makes foran inspiring tale about determination and integrity.
The Inventor
Based on the later life of famed inventor Leonardo da Vinci, The Inventor is an animated biographical adventure film by writer-director Jim Capobianco. The film loosely recounts Leonardo’s journey into the heart of life by leaving his home in Italy to join the French court to continue his inventions together with the aid of Princess Marguerite de Nevarre.
The stop-motion movie,The Inventor, is a biographical film about the life of the Italian inventor, highlighting his successes, as well as some of his failures.A charming, sweet, and informative film,The Inventorshould keep both young and older viewers engaged with its characters and jokes, as well as interesting lessons and tales about the genius' life.
