These Are the Best 25 Family Movies of 2024

It’s time to start thinking ahead and organizing your family’s movie nights for the best family movies of 2024. The selection for this year is excellent; there is something for children (and adults!) of all ages and skill levels.

2024 is going to be a huge year for family-friendly moviegoing, with everything from beloved franchises returning to new experiences.

Soul, Turning Red, and Luca—three Pixar hits that were delayed in theaters due to the pandemic—were all eventually shown on the silver screen. Naturally, a brand-new Pixar film, one of the most eagerly awaited sequels, is in the works with Inside Out 2 opening this past week, already claiming a spot as one of the best family movies of 2024.

There are a lot of nostalgic films for parents to enjoy and exciting family movies of 2024, such as Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which transports the popular series back to the original haunted house. As for nostalgic favorites, a new generation is about to meet Garfield, the cat that loves lasagna and despises Mondays.

Then there’s the recent film IF, which stars Ryan Reynolds and was helmed by John Krasinski. It tells the story of a little child who has the ability to see the imaginary pals that adults have left behind. This is going to be one of those family movies that transcends age boundaries and makes grownups cry!

Here’s your guide to the best family movies of 2024 coming out, whether you’re watching them at home or at the theater.

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25. The Casagrandes Movie

The Casagrandes Movie is related to a television program called “The Casagrandes,” which is a spin-off of another program called “The Loud House,” as one could infer from the title. But in the movie, at least, school is out for the summer, so you can jump right in with no homework to do.

The Casagrandes Movie is essentially a story in the vein of A Goofy Movie, with a central focus on the strained relationship between a parent eager to spend quality time with their child and a child who’s old enough to want to go off and do their own thing, making for one of the most fun family movies of 2024. This is true despite the large ensemble of Casagrandes family members featured.

It’s actually a twofer. Punguari, the demigoddess of the moon played by Paulina Chávez, is angry in the beginning of the film because her parents don’t understand that she is 12,000 years old and ready to become a complete god. With disastrous outcomes, Punguari chooses to handle things herself.

Eight hundred years later, Ronnie Anne Santiago (Izabella Alvarez) is introduced to us. She is angry that her mother doesn’t realize she is twelve years old and eager to spend the summer getting sick and twisted 12 and Over Skatepark injuries. Rather, Ronnie Anne is taken in a little minivan to see her great-grandmother in Mexico and discover her history. That legacy is brought to life in a way that completely destroys the town, with a little assistance from a mystical necklace.

There’s a joke about the enigmatic link between miles and kilometers that had me laughing aloud, the animation is bright and lively, and the fantastical components give an interesting twist to a family holiday story that could have been dull otherwise.

24. True Spirit

The movie True Spirit narrates the actual tale of teenage Jessica Watson (Teagan Croft), who made history by being the youngest person to solo circumnavigate the globe. Watson, who is only sixteen years old, embarks on the risky journey in one of the most gripping family movies of 2024.

Cliff Curtis delivers a remarkable portrayal as the tough but devoted sailing tutor who prepares Watson for the perilous voyage ahead. Anna Paquin plays Jessica’s mother, who encourages her ambitious quest despite its risks. This inspirational tale of perseverance in the face of adversity is sure to touch the hearts of the whole family and anyone in need of a little motivation now and then.

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23. Orion and the Dark

Everyone has certain things they fear, be it the dark, the danger of an infected mosquito bite rotting your arm off, or the unknown, murky depths of the ocean. In Frank Herbert’s Dune, a small mantra—”I must not fear—allows certain characters to overcome their anxieties. The mind-killer is fear. Fear is the tiny death that results in complete annihilation.”

The animated fantasy adventure Orion and the Dark by Sean Charmatz begins as a lesson about facing your fears and learning to live without fear, but it quickly acknowledges that adults are not qualified to impart such knowledge. We are terrified of things, after all.

In the movie’s Princess Bride-style bedtime story framing device, Orion must confess to his own daughter Hypatia (Mia Akemi Brown) that he is not the expert on everything. It’s not easy for parents to tell their children that they don’t have all the answers, but some of those questions come to fruition in one of the best family movies of 2024.

The Dark (Paul Walter Hauser) offers to take Orion on a 24-hour journey into the nighttime realm, where he will meet other beings including Sleep (Natasia Demetriou), Dream (Angela Bassett), and Unexplained Noises (Golda Rosheuvel), in order to help him overcome his dread of the dark. The maxim “feel the fear and do it anyway” may sound like the title of a self-help book, but it’s presented in a way that’s much more appealing to young readers here.

22. Tiger’s Apprentice

Tom (Soo Hoo) is an ordinary youngster who resides in Chinatown, San Francisco, with his grandma Yeoh. As it happens, his grandmother isn’t so much quirky as the Guardian of the Phoenix Egg! After she dies in combat, Tom has to train under an odd tutor, Mr. Hu (Golding), a tiger, to acquire the ancient magic he will need to guard the egg going forward in one of the best family movies of 2024.

This movie encourages bravery, strong family ties, and a lot of teamwork overall. But be prepared for some moderate (and hilarious) violence with demons who resemble monsters, as well as magical abilities that can do anything from turn humans into stone to cause a goat to burst into fart explosions.

21. Damsel

The fantasy adventure Damsel on Netflix is rated PG-13, thus it’s definitely best suited for older and/or more courageous children. In addition to the intense danger that Millie Bobby Brown’s character Elodie finds herself in, Shohreh Aghdashloo’s voice of the dragon causes various gory deaths, such as multiple incinerations and one unfortunate knight who is splattered under a dragon’s claw in one of the best family movies of 2024. Hey, ’80s kids saw The Neverending Story, where Artax sank into the Swamp of Sadness, and it was way more traumatic than any number of violent dragon deaths.

Damsel throws off the traditional fairy tale of a charming prince saving a princess from a dangerous dragon by having the prince lead the princess into the dragon’s cave and flee. As you can see, the royal dynasty of this specific realm has an uncomfortable peace deal with the dragon that calls for the sacrifice of three princesses every generation.

Elodie is the newest sacrifice, but luckily she’s been using her upper body strength back home while chopping wood, and she also has the advantage of all the hints left by past princesses written on the walls. And she wants to talk to that dashing prince about why it’s bad to hurl girls down holes if she can just make it through the dragon.

20. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Amazing fact: in 2024, the first Ghostbusters film will celebrate its 40th anniversary! But what’s more difficult for me to understand? With the next generation of the Spengler family, the famous New York City firehouse, and the original Ghostbusters battling against a malevolent entity that might trigger a second Ice Age, the most recent episode is a nostalgic homage to the original!

There will be some violence and some scary moments, much like in all the Ghostbusters films, but it will all be done in a humorous way in one of the nicest family movies of 2024. Indeed, there will be some mature references and profanity, but nothing too shocking—in fact, it might easily pass for normal conversation among small children who are overly preoccupied with the arrival of ghosts in New York City.

19. Kung Fu Panda 4

Returning to the big screen after almost ten years away, Jack Black plays the improbable Dragon Warrior in Kung Fu Panda 4. Despite not quite living up to the glory of the first three DreamWorks Animation films, this latest installment in the series nevertheless offers an engaging adventure supported by impressive animation, deft action, and Jack Black’s consistently amusing performance as Po in one of the best family movies of 2024. This time, he’s teamed up with Awkwafina’s astute fox Zhen, and the two have a hilarious buddy cop chemistry that breathes new life into the franchise.

Highlights include a chase through a busy city scene and the fight scene at the end where Po’s archenemy, The Chameleon (Viola Davis), changes into each of his fierce opponents before combining the strength of all the kung fu experts to create a monstrosity. Additionally, stay tuned for a spirited Tenacious D cover of Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time” throughout the credits sequence.

In spite of the fact that the film falls short of those same heights, the music, which was composed by Hans Zimmer and Steve Mazzaro, is still quite good. You can’t go wrong with it even though it’s not as good as the previous installments because it’s still better than 90% of family entertainment available.

18. IF

A beloved aspect of childhood are imaginary friends, or “IFs,” and Krasinski helms this timeless film that honors the ones we all have. Bea (Fleming), a small child, learns that she is able to view IFs that the children they formerly assisted have abandoned. Bea learns that her neighbor, The Man Upstairs (Reynolds), has the same gift as her and that he is able to see them. I think this movie will require three boxes of tissues for us all to watch!

This film has the potential to spark meaningful conversations on aging, significant life transitions, and changes that come with transitioning from one stage of life to the next. It’s normal to part from comforts like imaginary companions, but that doesn’t make the experience any less poignant.

17. Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse

Miles Morales, after the events of the first “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” movie, is trying to strike a balance between his teenage life and his identity as Spider-Man. However, Morales is drawn back into the universe where he discovers that not all heroes and Spider-People have the same goals of saving the world, following a disastrous battle with the villain known as “The Spot” and a reunion with his friend Gwen Stacy.

Both reviewers and viewers praised this second installment in the popular series, which presented Miles Morales’s nuanced hero’s journey. Families will adore taking this voyage into the multiverse since it’s full of action, heart, and one of the best animated film scores ever in one of the best family movies of 2024.

16. Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin

The 39-minute “Peanuts” special “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home Franklin” on Apple TV+ may stretch the boundaries of what constitutes a “movie,” but youngsters don’t have long attention spans. This is a type of origin narrative for Franklin (Caleb Bellavance), based on the plot from the 1968 comic strip where he first appeared.

Franklin, a military brat who is accustomed to changing towns frequently and never staying with the same group of friends for very long, looks to his grandfather’s wisdom to help him make new acquaintances as quickly as possible in one of the best family movies of 2024. But in his strange new neighborhood, with a child who worships a gigantic pumpkin and another who has opened her own psychiatric clinic despite dubious credentials, his grandfather’s advice to strike up a conversation and show people affection is put to the test.

Luckily, Charlie Brown (Etienne Kellici), another nervous and lonely child, lives in this town as well. Due to their lack of partners for the upcoming soap box derby, Franklin and Charlie decide to work together to try to win, a goal that quickly threatens to sour their recently formed friendship. This charming tale is enhanced by observing how a newcomer responds to the peculiarities of the “Peanuts” universe.

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15. A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon

In A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, a humorous stop-motion film with an unexpectedly touching message about friendship, giving to others, and the value of home, Shaun ventures into science fiction.

A mysterious alien is left stranded after a crash-landing close to Mossy Bottom Farm at the beginning of the movie, making for one of the best family movies of 2024. Shaun chooses to assist, but quickly discovers that an enigmatic group is pursuing this extraterrestrial visitor. There is enough here for adults as well, including some clever allusions to science fiction classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., and 2001: A Space Odyssey, even though children will love the film’s close calls and ridiculous humor.

14. Descendants: The Rise of Red

Since 2015, the Descendants franchise has enthralled kids and tweens even though it isn’t currently showing in theaters. We get to know Red, a new character in this fourth Descendants chapter. She is the Queen of Hearts’ daughter, and a gripping character in one of the best family movies of 2024. The Queen of Hearts attempts to instigate a coup against Auradon in this movie. The task of attempting to reverse the Queen of Hearts’ actions then falls to Red and her roommate Chloe, who is Cinderella’s daughter.

The only “descendant” your children will recognize if they enjoyed the first three films is Uma, Ursula’s daughter. As the last three movies were rated for audiences older than eight, this one ought to be too. Parents should prepare for some staged combat as good fights evil.

13. Harold and the Purple Crayon

The well-known novel Harold and the Purple Crayon has never before been made into a motion picture. Harold, portrayed by Zachary Levi, is able to draw anything and bring it to life. In due course, he matures and draws himself directly out of the book and into reality. Harold finds out very quickly that he has a lot to learn. Harold’s purple crayon continues to spark a world of mischief and exploration, enabling imaginations to come to life.

The original 1955 children’s book is often meant for younger readers. However, because the film is rated PG, your child could find some of the action and adventure parts a little frightening.

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12. Moana 2

Moana 2, one of the most eagerly awaited family movies of 2024, is about to transport viewers back to the high seas. Moana needs to answer the phone when her navigational ancestors call. “Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced,” according to the Disney materials.

Parents may anticipate similar themes of adventure and familial ties in the upcoming movie, though details about it are still few at this time of writing. Anticipate the same caliber of humor as in the first movie.

11. Wicked

The enormously popular Broadway musical is coming to the big screen. The origin stories of Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West are the main subject of Wicked. It takes place in the Land of Oz before to Dorothy’s arrival. The movie chronicles Elphaba’s life from birth to college, illuminating her descent into evil. She and Glinda eventually develop a strange rivalry and friendship, making for a compelling plot and one of the best family movies of 2024.

Parents should expect the movie to follow the Broadway production even though it is not rated. The musical’s website states that kids eight years old and up are the target audience. Younger children may find some of the scenes frightening, and there are themes of good vs evil. Additionally, you may want to inform them that this is only the first section.

10. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

The original narrative is reimagined as a post-World War I tale with much darker themes in Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. Still in mourning for his son Carlo (Gregory Mann), the woodcarver Geppetto (David Bradley) makes a puppet out of a pine tree that was planted at his son’s grave. Pinocchio (Mann), the puppet, comes to life as a naughty little boy and causes havoc in his little community.

Sebastian J. Cricket (Ewan McGregor) is Pinocchio’s guide. While wishing for immortality, Pinocchio battles with his identity and encounters a number of disasters, such as being taken advantage of in a circus run by Count Volpe (Christoph Waltz) and coming into close proximity to a scary sea creature. Though darker than the Disney version, the trek is still well worth it.

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9. The Mitchells vs. The Machines

The Mitchells vs. The Machines is an animated picture that is a recent addition to our list of the best family movies of 2024, and it is sure to please all audiences. Its cast is stacked with A-list talent, including Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Eric Andre, and Olivia Colman. Its visuals are breathtaking.

The Mitchell family is taking a road trip just before daughter Katie begins film school, thus the plot seems straightforward until it devolves into anarchy. But suddenly the rebellion of the robots starts. You know, our sophisticated technology is going to take over because it has finally had enough of humans. It’s the moment that we all knew was coming, and it’s the last thing that a family that relies on electronics while traveling would desire.

8. Soul

When Soul, the Academy Award–winning animated film, was released in 2020—the world was still closed off, it was not a hit in theaters. From the comfort of our couch, my family found peace in this movie, but we are eager to see it on a big screen and crown it one of the best family movies of 2024. It is a lovely picture about living life to the fullest—as it was meant to be. Turning Red and Luca, two other Pixar movies that made their streaming debuts during the pandemic, are coming to Disney.

Be ready to answer questions, particularly if your child has not yet experienced a loved one’s death. Soul addresses a number of difficult subjects, such as life, death, the afterlife, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose in human existence.

7. Paddington in Peru

The Paddington films have the delectable taste of a marmalade sandwich—they’re simultaneously sweet and vaguely peppery. Under the direction of Paul King, the two earlier films brilliantly translated the stories of Michael Bond, combining humor, whimsy, and a number of memorable scene-stealing performances, most notably Hugh Grant’s evil Phoenix Buchanan, making for a perfect start to one of the best family movies of 2024. King will not be appearing in the third Paddington film, which follows Ben Whishaw’s well-meaning owl on a new, heartwarming, and humorous adventure as he returns to his native country.

6. Thabo and the Rhino Case

Meet Thabo, an 11-year-old Sherlock Holmes who lives in a quiet African community on a savannah. He enjoys living in the green reserve with rhinos, giraffes, and elephants, but he longs to crack a really excellent mystery. He realizes his goal one day when he sees a rhino that was slain for its horn. Thabo is a lovely way to teach young children to serious subjects like animal rights and poaching, culminating in one of the best family movies of 2024. It’s a delightful and entertaining new kids’ film that the whole family will enjoy.

5. Robot Dreams

Robot Dreams, directed by Pablo Berger in Spain, was an unexpected Oscar nominee this year and is one of the best family movies of 2024. It’s not any less magical because The Boy and the Heron won the best-animated film prize. The musical set in the 1980s, about a city pooch who orders a companion robot to ward against loneliness, is charming despite having very little speech. It’s one of those films that will captivate every viewer in the room, but when you take the adults along, they’ll cry uncontrollably.

4. Inside Out 2

Pixar is a company that rarely fails, and its debut feature Inside Out moved even the most elitist fans of the Cannes Film Festival to tears. That’s quite the feat! In the second version, Riley, the protagonist, has transitioned into adolescence, and Joy, the optimistic head of her inner range of emotions, is facing a new chapter as a demolition crew makes space in their offices for new, more nuanced feelings, such as the dreaded worry. Riley is rapidly approaching puberty, too, which gives additional heart to this film among the best family movies of 2024.

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3. The Wild Robot

The Wild Robot, which is based on the beloved children’s book by Peter Brown, narrates the tale of Roz, an intelligent piece of metal that is abandoned in the vast outdoors, where only the creatures of Mother Nature call home. Unaware of her presence, Roz adjusts and gains the animals’ friendship—until her past poses a threat to ruin everything, culminating in one of the best family movies of 2024. This is only the first story in a trilogy that comments on the nexus of acceptance, technology, and nature. In light of this, sequels might be in store.

2. Mufasa: The Lion King

Following the events of the first film, Simba is now raising a cub of his own in Mufasa. Because it revisits the myth of Mufasa, the first king of the Pride Lands, it also acts as a precursor. Like the 2019 version featuring Beyoncé’s voice, this Disney live-action picture will also use computer-generated, photorealistic animal designs. Hopefully, Queen Bey will also be featured on the poster for this soon-to-be smash song.

1. Despicable Me 4- Best Family Movies of 2024

The complete plot of the upcoming film Despicable Me 4 has been disclosed in the teaser, although it was unknown for a while. Gru Jr.’s entrance causes chaos throughout the entire house as Gru and Lucy get used to being parents again. To make matters worse, after villain Maxime Le Mal escapes, Gru and his clan must hide while trying to carry out the heists that initially made him so well-known as a supervillain, making for one of the most-anticipated family movies of 2024. The bond between Gru and his little son will be the real focus of Despicable Me 4, even though the action premise is thrilling.