45 of the Best Movies for Families on Prime Video Right Now (2024)

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Gather the whole gang

45 of the Best Movies for Families on Prime Video Right Now (1)

By Nakeisha Campbell

Published May 10, 2024

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45 of the Best Movies for Families on Prime Video Right Now (2)

I don't know about you, but finding a movie that everyone in my family can enjoy (and hasn’t already seen) feels like a near-impossible task. Especially since everyone has diverse interests, ranging from musicals and anthropomorphic dogs to high-stakes action flicks. Surprisingly, though, there are a wealth of solid, family-friendly options that cater to all age groups. (And I promise, they're not all animated.)

Allow me to introduce 45 of the best family movies to watch on Prime Video right now, including charming comedies like Troop Zero and timeless classics like Matilda. (P.S., Prime Video is offered as part of the Amazon Prime membership for just $15 a month, or you can just get Prime Video for $9 a month.)

1. Dolittle (2020)

  • Who's in it: Robert Downey, Jr., Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen
  • Run time:101 minutes
  • Directed by: Stephen Gaghan

The star-studded remake is heartwarming and fun, while also tackling themes like animal rights, grief, abandonment and the importance of teamwork. Downey Jr. transforms into Dr. John Dolittle, a veterinarian who can talk to animals. After learning that Queen Victoria is ill, he and his animal friends must embark on a journey to a mysterious island to find the only medicine that can heal her.

2. Troop Zero (2020)

  • Who's in it: Mckenna Grace, Viola Davis, Jim Gaffigan
  • Run time:98 minutes
  • Directed by: Bert & Bertie

Set during the '70s, this feel-good comedy-drama follows Christmas Flint, a young misfit who, with the help of a few of her pals, infiltrates the Birdie Scout groupand tries to win a contest. Her biggest goal? To be a part of thefamed Voyager Golden Record and get her voice transmitted into space. Per usual, Davis is fantastic.

3. The Ron Clark Story (2006)

  • Who's in it: Matthew Perry,Ernie Hudson,Judith Buchan
  • Run time:90 minutes
  • Directed by: Randa Haines

Based on true events, this inspiring drama follows Ron Clark, a teacher who leaves his North Carolina hometown to teach at a New York inner-city school. Mr. Clark is confident that his determination and unique teaching methods will help transform a struggling sixth-grade class—but it turns out to be way more challenging than he anticipated.

4. Daddy Day Care (2003)

  • Who's in it: Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Anjelica Huston
  • Run time:92 minutes
  • Directed by: Steve Carr

When Charlie loses his job, he makes the drastic decision of turning his home into a daycare center. PureWow Assistant EditorDelia Curtissaid, "I love that the story revolves around expectations around gender roles and undoing the stereotypes that women are the only capable caretakers. Plus, I will never get over the scene of Eddie Murphy and Jeff Garlin having a boxing match dressed as a carrot and a broccoli."

5. H for Happiness (2020)

  • Who's in it: Daisy Axon, Wesley Patten, Richard Roxburgh
  • Run time:98 minutes
  • Directed by: John Sheedy

Based on Barry Jonsberg,'s YA novel, My Life as an Alphabet, H is for Happiness tells the story of Candice, a quirky 12-year-old who makes it her mission to bring more joy and fix the problems of all the people in her life. Charming and laugh-out-loud funny, this heartwarming comedy is a guaranteed hit for even the pickiest in your family.

6. The Parent Trap (1998)

  • Who's in it: Dennis Quaid,Lindsay Lohan,Natasha Richardson
  • Run time:127 minutes
  • Directed by: Nancy Meyers

Years after they're separated at birth, twins Annie and Hallie meet for the first time at summer camp and hatch a clever plan to get their parents back together. PureWow Editor-in-ChiefJillian Quint said, "My kids had a hoot keeping track of who was who. And it's a good pump-everyone-up-for-camp summer movie."

7. The Incredibles (2004)

  • Who's in it: Brad Bird
  • Run time:115 minutes
  • Directed by: Craig T. Nelson,Holly Hunter,Samuel L. Jackson

Bob and Helen Parr used to be among the world's greatest crime fighters. Fifteen years later, they are just trying to live a "normal," suburban life with their three children. Kids of all ages will love watching to find out if they manage to save the world from a superhero wannabe.

8. The Pursuit of Happyness(2006)

  • Who's in it: Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith
  • Run time:117 minutes
  • Directed by: Gabriele Muccino

When Chris is evicted from his apartment, he and his young son embark on a life-changing journey. PureWow Assistant EditorKarelle McKaysaid, "Will Smith's character truly cared about his son. Despite the adversity they faced throughout the film, there were some sweet, tender moments that you can't help but smile at."

9. Queen of Katwe (2016)

  • Who's in it: David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, Madina Nalwanga
  • Run time:124 minutes
  • Directed by: Mira Nair

Set in Kampala, Uganda, Queen of Katwe follows 10-year-old Phiona as she is presented with a rare opportunity to escape poverty after learning to become a skilled chess player. It’s a touching and powerful story with the simplest message: Don’t give up, no matter your circumstances.

10. Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)

  • Who's in it: Isabela Moner, Eugenio Derbez, Michael Pena
  • Run time:102 minutes
  • Directed by: James Bobin

Follow Dora as she takes on her most dangerous mission to date: high school. The explorer navigates her teenage years, all while trying to solve the mystery behind her missing parents.

11. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial(1982)

  • Who's in it: Henry Thomas, Drew Berrymore, Dee Wallace Stone
  • Run time:114 minutes
  • Directed by: Steven Spielberg

This classic revolves around an adorable extraterrestrial who gets stranded on planet Earth and strikes up a friendship with some kind humans. Quint said, "I fully believe there is no greater children's movie. I've watched with my 7 and 9-year-old, who are really the perfect ages for appreciating the magic while also understanding the gravity."

12. Akeelah and the Bee(2006)

  • Who's in it: Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer
  • Run time:112 minutes
  • Directed by: Doug Atchison

Before she captivated fans in Jordan Peele's Nope, Palmer played Akeelah, an 11-year-old whiz who tries to compete in the National Spelling Bee. The movie explores themes like sportsmanship, racism, poverty and the educational system.

13. Moana (2016)

  • Who's in it: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House
  • Run time:107 minutes
  • Directed by: John Musker,Ron Clements

This musical adventure earns extra points for its killer soundtrack (courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda). Follow brave Moana as she sets out to explore the Polynesian seas with her demigod sidekick, Maui, in order to save her island.

14. Up (2009)

  • Who's in it: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai
  • Run time:96 minutes
  • Directed by: Pete Docter

Carl Fredricksen is about to fulfill a lifelong dream by tying thousands of balloons to his house and flying away to the South American wilderness. But there’s one problem: He has a stowaway. Warning—this one’s a tear-jerker.

15. Annie (2014)

  • Who's in it: Quvenzhané Wallis, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx
  • Run time:118 minutes
  • Directed by: Will Gluck

In this musical rags-to-riches story, an orphan named Annie gets taken in by a billionaire named Will Stacks. As much as I adore the 1982 film, I especially enjoy this remake—thanks in large part to Foxx's performance. Associate Editor Destinee Scott said, "The movie is funny, uplifting and so inspiring. I always feel warm and fuzzy after watching it."

16. Coco (2017)

  • Who's in it: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
  • Run time:105 minutes
  • Directed by: Adrian Molina,Lee Unkrich

This Oscar-winning flick follows Miguel on his quest to become an accomplished musician, despite his family’s ban on music. He eventually finds himself in the Land of the Dead where he meets some interesting characters and learns about his family's mysterious past.

17. Toy Story 4 (2019)

  • Who's in it: Tom Hanks,Tim Allen,Annie Potts
  • Run time:100 minutes
  • Directed by: Josh Cooley

With enough inside jokes for adults, this animated film about toys coming to life is tailor-made for family movie night. And the fourth and final rendition will give your entire gang all the feels.

18. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

  • Who's in it: Gene Wilder,Jack Albertson,Peter Ostrum
  • Run time:95 minutes
  • Directed by: Mel Stuart

Before Johnny Depp’s quirky Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, there was Gene Wilder's magical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Both tell the story of a poor boy seeking one of the five coveted golden tickets that will send him on a tour of Willy Wonka's candy wonderland. Whether you're a chocolate enthusiast like me or you enjoy a good rags-to-riches musical, you won't be disappointed with this timeless gem.

19. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

  • Who's in it: Louis C.K, Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart
  • Run time:86 minutes
  • Directed by: Chris Renaud

From the same creators of Despicable Me (also another classic), this adorable film gives families a behind-the-scenes look at exactly what pets do when their owners aren’t around. If you love it as much as I do, there’s also a sequel.

20. The Hunger Games (2012)

  • Who's in it: Jennifer Lawrence, Amber Chaney, Kimiko Gelman, Lenny Kravitz
  • Run time:136 minutes
  • Directed by: Gary Ross

In this film based on the hugely popular YA series, Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, who bravely stands up against the evil Panem nation after participating in the annual Hunger Games. Switch this one on if the fam is up for a suspense-filled adventure.

21. Scooby-Doo: The Movie (2002)

  • Who's in it: Freddie Prinze, Jr.,Sarah Michelle Gellar,Matthew Lillard
  • Run time:86 minutes
  • Directed by: Raja Gosnell

This live-action version of the hit series follows Scooby and the entire mystery gang as they investigate odd happenings on Spooky Island. Oh, and did we mention the film stars one of our favorite couples (Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr.) as Daphne and Fred?

22. Little Giants (1994)

  • Who's in it: Rick Moranis,Ed O'Neill,John Madden
  • Run time:106 minutes
  • Directed by: Duwayne Dunham

Two brothers, one a former football hero and the other a smart, warm-hearted introvert, find themselves at odds when they begin coaching opposing pee-wee football teams.

23. Freaky Friday (2003)

  • Who's in it: Jamie Lee Curtis,Lindsay Lohan,Mark Harmon
  • Run time:96 minutes
  • Directed by: Mark Waters

Teenage Anna and her mother, Tess, don’t necessarily get along. Their relationship is put to the test when they receive a fortune cookie that magically switches their bodies (we’re serious). Of course, hilarity ensues.

24. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

  • Who's in it: Robin Williams,Sally Field,Pierce Brosnan
  • Run time:125 minutes
  • Directed by: Chris Columbus

Adding one more Robin Williams film to the list, this comedy follows Daniel Hillard as he comes up with an elaborate plan to see his kids after his messy divorce. His solution? Disguise himself as an older British woman and apply to be the family’s housekeeper.

25. The Goonies (1985)

  • Who's in it: Sean Astin,Josh Brolin,Jeff Cohen
  • Run time:113 minutes
  • Directed by: Richard Donner

This coming-of-age ’80s classic has got it all: hidden treasure, everlasting friendship, edge-of-your-seat thrills and a young Josh Brolin. The bad guys are a little creepy, so just keep that in mind when showing to a younger crowd.

26. Field of Dreams (1989)

  • Who's in it: Kevin Costner,Amy Madigan,James Earl Jones
  • Run time:102 minutes
  • Directed by:

Before he became the patriarch of the Dutton family in Yellowstone, Costner starred in this fantasy as Ray Kinsella, a husband and father who decides to build a baseball field in his backyard. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

27. Wonder Park (2019)

  • Who's in it: Jennifer Garner, Matthew Broderick, John Oliver
  • Run time:85 minutes
  • Directed by: David Feiss,Josh Applebaum

This 2019 film follows an imaginative girl named June who discovers that the amusement park of her dreams has come to life. However, it's not long until chaos ensues and June (along with her animal pals) must find a way to save the park.

28. Jurassic Park (1993)

  • Who's in it: Sam Neill,Laura Dern,Jeff Goldblum
  • Run time:120 minutes
  • Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Your kids are probably more familiar with the newer film, Jurassic World, but you’ll be surprised to see how well the original’s special effects (and heart-pumping suspense) still hold up. The Academy Award-winning sci-fi film spawned a major franchise that includes five sequels, comic books and multiple theme parks.

29. Stuart Little (1999)

  • Who's in it: Geena Davis, Michael J. Fox, Hugh Laurie
  • Run time:84 minutes
  • Directed by: Rob Minkoff

E.B. White's family classic follows a charming mouse who gets adopted by a loving family, the Littles. Unfortunately, not everyone welcomes him with open arms, especially not the family cat.

30. The Sound of Music (1965)

  • Who's in it: Julie Andrews,Christopher Plummer,Richard Haydn
  • Run time:95 minutes
  • Directed by: Robert Wise

Two words: Julie Andrews. She shines as Maria, a free-spirited woman who becomes a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain. Also, don’t be surprised if “So Long, Farewell” becomes your kids' new bedtime send-off in the weeks immediately following.

31. Finding Nemo (2003)

  • Who's in it: Albert Brooks, Wille Dafoe, Ellen DeGeneres
  • Run time:95 minutes
  • Directed by: Andrew Stanton

A protective clownfish teams up with his pal to search for his missing son in this fun-filled adventure. Senior Director of Special Projects & RoyalsRachel Bowiesaid, "This one is such a hit in our fam! My son is ocean-obsessed, and he loves to watch and call out all the sea creatures he knows."

32. The Lego Movie (2014)

  • Who's in it: Chris Pratt,Will Ferrell,Elizabeth Banks
  • Run time:95 minutes
  • Directed by: Phil Lord

In this fun adventure, a construction worker named Emmet is on a dangerous mission to defeat the evil Lord Business from Kragling (or gluing) the Lego universe. PureWow Editor-in-ChiefJillian Quint said, "This movie is so subversive and weird—full disclosure—my husband and I first saw it in the theater without our kids. But the kids also love the bananas plotlines and lessons about creative play."

33. Spy Kids(2001)

  • Who's in it: Antonio Banderas,Carla Gugino,Alexa Vega
  • Run time:87 minutes
  • Directed by: Robert Rodriguez

When their spy friends mysteriously go missing, retired secret agents Gregorio and Ingrid are tasked with going after a dangerous new enemy. Unfortunately, they also vanish, forcing their inexperienced kids, Carmen and Juni, to step up and rescue their parents.

34. Inside Out(2015)

  • Who's in it: Amy Poehler,Lewis Black,Mindy Kaling
  • Run time:94 minutes
  • Directed by: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen

All age groups will enjoy this masterpiece, which creatively explores the messiness of emotions through the lens of a young girl. PureWow Editor-in-ChiefJillian Quintsaid, "If there's a better explanation of pre-adolescent emotions, I don't want to see it. I weep every time I watch, and I honestly think it helps my kids talk about their feelings."

35. Matilda(1996)

  • Who's in it: Mara Wilson,Danny DeVito,Rhea Perlman
  • Run time:98 minutes
  • Directed by: Danny DeVito

Based on Roald Dahl's book of the same title, this fun comedy tells the story of a young girl who discovers she has telekinetic powers. With her newfound abilities, she stands up to her neglectful parents and harsh headmaster—and she devours a lot of books while she's at it.

36. Sing(2016)

  • Who's in it: Seth MacFarlane,Nick Offerman,John C. Reilly
  • Run time:103 minutes
  • Directed by: Garth Jennings,Christophe Lourdelet

A team of talented animal performers work hard to prepare for an upcoming musical competition. Their biggest task? To get the famous Buster Moon to join the act. Quint said, "When I first showed this to my son (age 5) he freaked out because the animals were 'scary.' But a few years later and upon a rewatch, it's become a family favorite."

37. The Wolf and the Lion (2022)

  • Who's in it: Molly Kunz,Graham Greene,Charlie Carrick
  • Run time:100 minutes
  • Directed by: Gilles de Maistre

When 20-year-old Alma returns to her childhood home, she rescues a young wolf and a lion. Unfortunately, the trio are forced to part ways when a forest ranger takes them away. Will the animals find their way back to her?

38. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

  • Who's in it: Chris Pine,Michelle Rodriguez,Regé-Jean Page
  • Run time:130 minutes
  • Directed by: Jonathan Goldstein,John Francis Daley

An unlikely group of thieves try to carry out an ambitious heist to retrieve a lost relic—but naturally, their mission takes an unexpected turn. The star-studded action-adventure flick is full of dragons, battles and magic, and it's sure to appeal to fantasy fans who've never played the game.

39. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

  • Who's in it: Luna Lauren Velez,Anthony Ramos,Dominique Fishback
  • Run time:127 minutes
  • Directed by: Steven Caple Jr.

Set during the '90s, the seventh installment revisits the conflict between the Autobots and the Decepticons. Only this time, the war is even more intense with the involvement of the Maximals, the Predacons and the Terrorcons.

40. The Truman Show (1998)

  • Who's in it: Ed Harris,Holland Taylor,Jim Carrey
  • Run time:102 minutes
  • Directed by: Peter Weir

What would you do if you discovered that your entire world is fabricated, and that your life has been on full display via a live 24-hour TV show? This is exactly what happens to Truman Burbank, who has no clue that the world has been watching his every move since birth. The satirical comedy has plenty to say about privacy and how invasive the media can be.

41. The Brady Bunch Movie (1995)

  • Who's in it: Shelley Long,Gary Cole,Michael McKean
  • Run time:88 minutes
  • Directed by: Betty Thomas

Calling all Brady Bunch fans! In this parody film, the Bradys are thrust into a contemporary '90s setting to deal with financial problems. Worse yet, due to their conservative values, they find it hard to adjust to their more liberal surroundings. The movie spawned two sequels, including A Very Brady Sequel and The Brady Bunch in the White House.

42. Where the Red Fern Grows (1974)

  • Who's in it: James Whitmore,Beverly Garland,Jack Ging
  • Run time:96 minutes
  • Directed by: Norman Tokar

In this heartwarming classic, 12-year-old Billy, who comes from a poor family, works multiple jobs and saves his earnings to buy himself a redbone coonhound dog—the one thing he always wanted. If you need a clean and wholesome film that touches on themes like friendship and loyalty, this one's for you.

43. Eloise at the Plaza (2003)

  • Who's in it: Julie Andrews,Sofia Vassilieva,Jeffrey Tambor
  • Run time:88 minutes
  • Directed by: Kevin Lima

Vassilieva is so charming as Eloise, a playful and imaginative 6-year-old who can turn even the most mundane trips into an adventure. In the film, she tries to play matchmaker with a prince and score an invite to a fancy event. (Oh, and did I mention that Andrews is brilliant as her nanny?)

44. We Bought a Zoo (2011)

  • Who's in it: Matt Damon,Scarlett Johansson,Thomas Haden Church
  • Run time:123 minutes
  • Directed by: Cameron Crowe

Seven months after his wife passes away, Benjamin decides to get a fresh start by purchasing a new home and renovating an old zoo. The poignant tale has quite a few tearjerker moments, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in between. And folks, Damon is truly at his best here.

45. Imagine That(2009)

  • Who's in it: Eddie Murphy, Thomas Haden Church, Yara Shahidi
  • Run time:107 minutes
  • Directed by: Karey Kirkpatrick

When Evan, a financial advisor, learns that his daughter's imaginary friends are the key to his professional success, he's convinced that he's hit the career jackpot. However, as his career takes off, he realizes that it comes at a price he might not be willing to pay. (I get the feeling this one will especially resonate with dads.)

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