Plenty of recommendations to watch with the whole clann
When you’ve gathered all the family around the telly watching Netflix, chances are there’ll be young and old, kids, teens, grown-ups, mature and immature all mixed in together.
It can be hard to find a movie that’s not only appropriate for every age group but actually enjoyable and entertaining for each family member as well.
Netflix offers a huge selection of films that meet just those requirements but it’s a total trek to trawl through them all. So we’ve narrowed them down to just over a dozen, making your lives easier and a little more conflict-free. You’re welcome!
'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse'
'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' was probably the most surprising animated film of the 2010s. The animation was gorgeous and vibrant, voice cast the perfect fit, and soundtrack urban and electrifying. Even viewers without a prior knowledge of Spidey were blown away by it.
'The Grinch'
'The Grinch' tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl's generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming, and visually stunning, it's a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.
'Jumanji'
Now you've an excuse to not only embrace your inner child but to also introduce little ones to the wonder that was Robin Williams. The 1995 feature follows two generations who get caught up in a board game that comes to life.
'Labyinth'
Ah, the 80s, another great time for family movies. In 'Labyrinth', a young Jennifer Connelly goes out to rescue her little brother from the Goblin King, who has trapped him in the castle in the middle of a labyrinth. David Bowie is iconic as the lead and penned a fabulous soundtrack for the flick.
'Hook'
A lot of people have a love it or hate it relationship with 'Hook'. We're in the love it camp and find it just a delightful follow-up to the classic 'Peter Pan'. The family will get wrapped up in the magic of it all. Williams finds a worthy foe in Dustin Hoffman's Captain Hook.
'Goosebumps'
Starring Jack Black, 2015's 'Goosebumps' is surprisingly entertaining, effectively balancing a lot of humour with thrills and chills. The 'Goosebumps' series from the 1990s is on Netflix now too.
'Free Willy'
Before there was 'Blackfish', there was '90s family classic 'Free Willy'. Its environmental message rings beautifully and the friendship between a little boy and orca whale will touch all who watch the movie.
'Matilda'
Another beloved '90s family flick is 'Matilda', starring Mara Wilson as the girl genius who defies her cruel parents and principal to forge her own path. It's the perfect take-home message for kids, and grown ups too.
'Richie Rich'
Sticking with the '90s again, 'Richie Rich' is also good for a laugh and stars a familiar face in 'Home Alone' star Macaulay Culkin. Here he plays a wealthy kid who must use his wits to save his family.
'Madagascar'
It has spawned sequels, spin-offs and more since, but you can't beat the original 'Madagascar'. Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer voice four animal friends living in a zoo, who end up on an island off the coast of Africa. Sacha Baron Cohen plays the hilarious King Julien.
'Madeline'
Set in 1950s Paris, 'Madeline' made for a delightful children's book series. Such is the case for the movie adaptation too. Frances McDormand is a dream as Miss Clavel and Hatty Jones is adorable in the titular role.
'Missing Link'
The latest from Laika animated studios ('The Boxtrolls', 'Kubo and the Two Strings') is another delightful stop motion animation. This one sees an explorer and myths and monsters investigator team up with a Yeti to help him find his family. The globe trotting adventure is sure to put a smile on your face.
'Spirited Away'
A whole range of Studio Ghibli movies have been added to Netflix in recent months. Just search 'Ghibli' on the streaming service to experience all the anime wonders. Of all of them, 'Spirited Away' remains the standout, a fantasy adventure you and your family will never forget as a girl is transported to a parallel world of ghosts.
'Holiday in the Wild'
You couldn't get cheesier than 'Holiday in the Wild', about a divorced mom who ends up volunteering at an elephant reserve in Africa. Still, we'll admit, Kristin Davis and Rob Lowe charmed us. The elephants are the MVPs of the cast.
'The Theory of Everything'
One for perhaps slightly older kids is 'The Theory of Everything'. It is based on the extraordinary life of Stephen Hawking and his wife, Jane, and Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones are fantastic in it. The former won an Oscar for his performance.