Top 9 Classic Movies to Watch with Your Family

September 28, 2023

Watching movies with your family sounds fun, but the challenge is finding the right movie everyone would enjoy together. If it has fallen upon you to make that right choice, this list of 9 greatest movies of all time is for you. These movies are timeless classics that everyone, from kids to adults, will love watching. 

Whether you’re in the mood for some hearty laughter, heartwarming tears, or a steady adventure, these movies have it all. Get ready to create some cherished memories with these classics for your next family movie night. So, grab some popcorn and run to your favorite spot as these 9 movies gather your whole family together.

1. The Harry Potter Series

The Harry Potter Series
  • Where to Watch: HBO Max

The Harry Potter film series is a beloved adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novels, perfect for watching with your family. The movie has 8 parts and various other spin-offs. With eight movies in chronological order, it takes audiences on a magical journey through the dreamy world of young wizard Harry Potter as he navigates the mysteries of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and confronts the evil Lord Voldemort. 

The intriguing visuals, character growth, and valuable life lessons make it suitable for kids and adults. You can also read the novels if you like reading. Not only does it entertain, but it can also create a love for reading, as many are inspired to dive into the original novels after watching the films. This story has left an indelible mark on popular culture and is a must-watch for you and your family.

2. Star Wars

Star Wars
  • Where to Watch: Disney+

The Star Wars film saga is an iconic franchise that has trapped the hearts of generations. It comprises 3 trilogies and standalone films, combining epic battles and some memorable characters. Watching Star Wars with your family is a fantastic idea that everyone will surely enjoy. 

It’s a movie that takes you to a galaxy far, far away from reality. Secondly, it conveys the value of hope and the battle between good and evil. Whether you’re reliving the nostalgia of your own childhood or introducing your kids to this beloved franchise, Star Wars brings generations together, creating memorable experiences and interesting discussions about the vast Star Wars lore and fan theories.

3. Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park
  • Where to Watch: Hulu, Prime Video

The Jurassic Park movies are an absolute thrill to watch! They’re perfect for a family movie night, as they blend science and adventure to create an exciting viewing experience. The special effects used to bring the dinosaurs to life are incredible, making the films visually stunning for both kids and adults. 

From action-packed dinosaur chases to great battles, the movies are full of excitement that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But what’s even better is that they also introduce scientific concepts like genetics and cloning, sparking curiosity and discussion about science and history. The Jurassic Park films promise an unforgettable cinematic adventure for the entire family.

4. The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride
  • Where to Watch: Disney+

“The Princess Bride” is a cinematic masterpiece that has left a mark on audiences of all ages since its release. This film offers a blend of adventure, romance, and comedy, making it a great choice for your family movie night. The story revolves around the true love between Westley and Buttercup, which leads to daring sword fights, unforgettable encounters with quirky characters like Inigo Montoya and Fezzik, and a search to rescue Buttercup from an unwanted marriage.

What makes “The Princess Bride” truly special is its universal appeal. Children are drawn to the fairy tale elements, including a beautiful princess and a heroic quest. At the same time, adults appreciate the clever humor, witty dialogues, and smart meta-narrative that gently pokes fun at classic adventure tales. So, get ready and take off on a magical journey to the world where true love wins all.

5. Home Alone

Home Alone
  • Where to Watch: Prime Video, Vudu, AppleTV

Home Alone is a movie that will keep you entertained from start to finish. The story revolves around young little Kevin McCallister, who is left home alone by his family accidentally during the holidays. Kevin is a naughty 8-year old child who has to face some bumbling burglars alone while his family is not with him. The movie also has other sequels to the 1st part. 

Filled with humor and Kevin’s clever traps to trick the burglars Harry and Marv, the Home Alone movies take you on a laughter riot no matter what age you are. Amongst the chaos, these movies also deliver essential lessons about family, forgiveness, and responsibility for your kids. Shot in the landscapes of Christmas magic, the festive decorations and iconic holiday music make it the best Christmas movie for you and your family. Home Alone is a timeless family film series that combines humor, heart, and holiday fever.

6. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
  • Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video, Max

The name itself is so tempting, right? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory revolves around one of the finest novels of Roald Dahl. The story is a fictional fantasy that is appealing to all generations. Charlie Bucket, a young boy, wins a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s magical Chocolate Factory. The Whimsical world shown in the movie is just pure delight for our eyes. 

The Candy Lands, the chocolate river, the characters (Oompa Loompas), and the magical confectionery creations make the movie a masterpiece and a must-watch for you and your family. With its exceptional visuals, the film also offers an important message about how your good deeds will reward you and how the consequences of your greed will affect you. All in all, this movie is an ideal choice to watch with your family.

7. Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast
  • Where to Watch: Disney+, Vudu, Prime Video

Nostalgic, isn’t it? Beauty and the Beast is a popular and most loved fairytale of all ages. It is a Disney original movie known for its enchanting narrative of love. If you already don’t know, the story is about a young woman named Belle, who is from a small village and is considered an outcast. The girl’s life drastically changes as she finds herself trapped in a mysterious castle belonging to a Beast. 

The Beast, who used to be a charming prince, is now cursed to look the way he does. The only way to break the curse is for him to experience love and have it reciprocated. The film conveys the idea that inner beauty lies in the heart and not the body. This film has won multiple awards for its outstanding animation and storyline. It’s a film that holds a special place in the hearts of many and is a must-watch for families and Disney fans.

8. Moana

Moana
  • Where to Watch: Disney+

While we are already talking about princesses, Moana is another great addition produced by Walt Disney Animations. Moana, the daughter of a chief on the peaceful island of Motunui, is a little girl who takes you into the beautiful world of Polynesia. However, when a terrible disease threatens her people, Moana realizes that her destiny lies beyond her home. 

Guided by her close relationship with the ocean and her wise grandmother, Moana takes off on a journey to rejuvenate the islands. As Moana goes through this difficult journey, filled with mythical creatures and personal discoveries, she learns the importance of friendship and humor. “Moana” is a visually stunning movie with unforgettable songs and an inspiring message of self-discovery. It is a culturally rich and heartwarming film that will appeal to audiences of all generations, making it a perfect choice for family movie night.

9. The Elf

The Elf
  • Where to Watch: Prime Video, AppleTV

“Elf” is an incredibly heartwarming and whimsical Christmas comedy film that came out in 2003. It stars Will Ferrell as a lovable and human-sized elf. The movie follows Buddy as he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real father, Walter Hobbs. Along the way, Buddy spreads holiday cheer and brings joy to everyone he meets, ultimately discovering the true meaning of family and acceptance.

The movie perfectly blends humor, festive spirit, and heartwarming themes, making it a beloved film of all time during the holiday season. Will Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy is simply iconic, and the film’s memorable one-liners, charming performances, and festive music continue to delight viewers of all ages.


Parents or grandparents sharing a classic film from their childhood can evoke waves of nostalgia. This creates opportunities to revisit the past and weave personal tales into your family fabric for younger generations. So get going and indulge in a cozy time together this weekend as you binge-watch these 9 movies listed above. 

These classics are not just movies but feelings that you can share with your loved ones. From the magical fairytale of “Beauty and the Beast” to the classic holiday movie “Elf,” these movies will entertain and enhance your family bonding, creating life-long memories.