Finding a funny family movie that will leave everyone laughing hysterically is oftentimes easier said than done. Finding that perfect balance that children and adults will enjoy equally (or, at least a 60/40 ratio) can, more times than not, be a Herculean effort that will leave everyone in tears before you even get a chance to watch something, even on one of the best streaming services.
However, some of the best kids movies have as much humor as life lessons or contagious songs. That being said, here are 26 funny family movies that the young and young at heart can enjoy (and how to watch them).
Big Fat Liar (2002)
When it comes to early 2000s Disney movies focused on revenge, Big Fat Liar is in a league of its own. Shawn Levy’s hilarious 2002 comedy about a young slacker with a wild imagination (played by Frankie Muniz) getting back at the Hollywood executive (played by Paul Giamatti) who stole his idea and plans to turn it into a movie features one great moment after another.
If you’re looking for a fun way to revisit the comedies of your adolescence and your kids without freaking them out with more intense favorites from the early 2000s, this is going to be the way to go. You’ll be blue in the face from laughing so much.
Rent/Buy Big Fat Liar on Amazon.
Cheaper By The Dozen (2003)
Not to be confused with the 2023 Disney+ remake of the same name (which was later removed from the platform), Cheaper by the Dozen is honestly one of the funniest early 2000s movies you can watch with the whole family. Sure, there are some maddening scenes, and the sequel should be avoided at all costs, but this Steve Martin-led family film – a remake of the 1950 film of the same name – is nothing but good, clean, fun for all.
As the name suggests, there are more than a dozen characters at the center of Shawn Levy’s 2003 comedy, but don’t worry, as each is funny in its own way and never gets lost in the shuffle in this family about a family facing a life-changing decision.
Stream Cheaper by the Dozen on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Cheaper by the Dozen on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
13 Going On 30 (2004)
If you’re looking for a great way to introduce your kids to the world of romantic comedies, then 13 Going on 30 is going to be a great entry point. Light and funny enough to keep their attention, and filled with great characters (on both sides of the time jump), Gary Winick’s 2004 comedy has a lot going for it. And watching Jennifer Garner play a 13-year-old trapped in a 30-year-old’s body is just so dang charming. Like, seriously, she is so good in this.
Even if you already watched this movie with your kids when they were younger, you can still give one of the best romantic comedies of all time another shot to see how they react now that they’re a few years older.
Rent/Buy 13 Going on 30 on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
Inside Out (2015)
With Inside Out 2 coming to Disney+ at some point in the future, now would be a good time to go back and revisit its predecessor for old-time’s sake. One of the best Pixar movies, this 2015 animated comedy pretty much feels like you took the best of the world of cartoons and great lessons from a child psychologist and put them together, and we still have a lot to learn from it.
But don’t let this make you think that Inside Out is an overly preachy or heady movie, as it is also full of charm, comedy, and some of the best characters in Pixar’s history, including Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), and Bing Bong (Richard Kind).
Stream Inside Out on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Inside Out on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
Big (1988)
There’s so much that makes Penny Marshall’s Big one of the best options for a family movie night, including its great sense of humor. Sure, the story of 12-year-old Josh Baskin transforming into a grown man (played by Tom Hanks) overnight has some dramatic moments, but the comedic timing of its star, especially when put in situations like the giant piano or focus group meeting, is just so grand.
I’ve watched Big too many times to count over the years, including a handful of times of my kids. I feel like they enjoy it more each time we revisit it, which makes this longtime fan even more excited to check it out from time to time.
Stream Big on Paramount+.
Rent/Buy Big on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
The Addams Family (1991)
Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, The Addams Family is a movie that finds the perfect blend of horror, heart, and humor to create something that both pays homage to the source material and charts a new path forward. Some of the jokes may prove to be a little too bloody or macabre for some, but it’s all in the name of fun. There’s no maliciousness or animosity from the titular family in this romp of a good time.
Raul Julia and Christopher Lloyd, who play Gomez and Fester Adams, respectively, are especially funny in their portrayals of two long-lost brothers trying to reconnect after a number of years (and a bout of amnesia). But they aren’t the only funny members of this all-time great cast.
Rent/Buy The Addams Family on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
Freaky Friday (1976, 2003)
There are two versions of Freaky Friday, adaptations of Mary Rodgers’ 1972 novel of the same name, that are worth checking out, if you have the time. Both the 1976 and 2003 adaptations have the same story that follows a mother and daughter who switch places and are forced to live each others’ lives and walk a mile in one another's shoes, and hilarious moments are bountiful.
With the Freakier Friday sequel (to the 2003 version) in the works, now would be a perfect time to revisit one of the most cherished and meaningful stories in Disney history.
Stream Freaky Friday (1976) on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Freaky Friday (1976) on Amazon.
Stream Freaky Friday (2003) on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Freaky Friday (2003) on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Rango (2011)
Gore Verbinski’s Rango feels like you took the premise of an all-time great Western and replaced all the cowboys, bandits, and innocent townsfolk with various creatures from the animal kingdom, which honestly makes it even funnier to watch. Johnny Depp’s titular chameleon becoming the last line of defense for a dying and drying up town in the middle of the desert is a fun premise, and offers up some drama and loads of comedy.
Though not the most appropriate children's movie out there, a lot of the jokes will probably go over the heads of younger viewers, if you’re worried about that kind of thing. But if you’re looking for fun in the sun, this is going to be a hit.
Rent/Buy Rango on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride, with all its hilarious and classic lines, is something that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and it’s been that way ever since the release of Rob Reiner’s 1987 classic. This play on fairy tale tropes has action, adventure, romance, and most of all, comedy. Tthis story about two lovers going to great lengths to reunite just never gets old, no matter how many times you watch it.
Stream The Princess Bride on Disney+.
Rent/Buy The Princess Bride on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Leo (2023)
If you are a parent who grew up watching classic Adam Sandler movies like Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, then the 2023 Netflix animated musical, Leo, is going to be a perfect option for a side-splitting family movie night. With a great story about a class pet coming to terms with his mortality before making a great change in the lives of several fifth-graders, some catchy songs, and a whole lot of heart, this was a surprisingly enjoyable experience.
Beethoven (1992)
When it comes to family comedies from the early 1990s, few movies, if any, come close to capturing the heart, soul, and humor of Beethoven. Though the various sequels released over the years aren’t all that great, the 1992 original about a family finding a new lease on life after an adorable (and destructive) dog waltzes into their lives is the stuff of legend. And while the movie was a treat to watch as a kid, revisiting it as an adult is oddly an even more enjoyable and relatable experience.
Rent/Buy Beethoven on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
One of the best comedies of the ‘80s, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is a laugh-a-minute type affair with several jokes (the basement at the Alamo) becoming a part of everyday life for a lot of us. It’s wild, it’s wonky, and oddly, it has a lot of heart. Watching as Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Rubens) goes off on a grand adventure to find his missing bike is an adventure like no other, and one that just gets better with time.
Rent/Buy Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure on Amazon.
Get it on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.
Home Alone (1990)
Though it’s technically a Christmas movie, nothing is stopping you from watching Home Alone throughout the entire year. Written by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus, this iconic 1990 comedy film continues to bring families together (even jerk uncles) nearly 35 years after its theatrical debut. Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister is a legendary movie character and is responsible for some of the funniest moments in cinematic history. And don’t get me started on the comedy greats like Catherine O’Hara, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, and John Candy.
Stream Home Alone on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Home Alone on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
The Goonies (1985)
If you’re looking for a movie that has a slightly harder edge than most kids movies, The Goonies is going to be a great option for family movie night. From director Richard Donner, screenwriter Chris Columbus, and Steven Spielberg, who came up with the story, this 1985 comedy is more than worthy of its reputation. The sense of adventure overwhelms the audience as the Goonies try to find One-Eyed Willy’s lost treasure in hopes of saving their community from greedy developers, and great jokes are present throughout as well. No wonder we keep revisiting this gem of a movie nearly 40 years later.
Rent/Buy The Goonies on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
The Lego Movie (2014)
“Everything is awesome” when it comes to The Lego Movie, especially the 2014 animated film’s sense of humor. In addition to conquering the task of turning a toy with no story into a grand adventure film, sneaking in all kinds of references, and getting the most out of the film’s massive voice cast, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller also managed to create a uniquely funny experience. There’s a little something for everyone here.
Rent/Buy The Lego Movie on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989)
Undoubtedly the best entry in the franchise, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids entertains the concept of what happens when a scientist’s latest invention goes haywire and shrinks his kids (and his neighbors' children) to smaller than the size of ants. Directed by Joe Johnston, this classic ‘80s movie is full of great laughs thanks to the chaotic energies of Rick Moranis and Matt Frewer’s characters, in addition to some incredible special and visual effects.
Stream Honey, I Shrunk the Kids on Disney+.
Rent/buy Honey, I Shrunk the Kids on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
The Muppet Movie (1979)
With an iconic movie song, wonderful creations by Jim Henson, and an all-time great road trip story, James Frawley’s The Muppet Movie has a little bit of something for everyone. Like the countless other Muppets movies that would follow, this 1979 classic sees Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and the various other beloved characters getting in all kinds of mischief and chaos as the green protagonist sets out to become a movie star in Hollywood, if a vindictive businessman doesn’t stop him first.
Stream The Muppet Movie on Disney+.
Rent/buy The Muppet Movie on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Toy Story (1995)
One of the best Pixar movies also happens to be one of the funniest the studio has ever produced. Thanks to the performances by the likes of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, the late Don Rickles, and multiple other hilarious stars, Toy Story has as much humor as it does heart, if not more. While the movie is throwing life lessons and ahead-of-its-time animation at you, it gives you joke after joke that’ll leave the whole family in hysterics.
Stream Toy Story on Disney+.
Rent/buy Toy Story on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Shrek (2001)
Meta, gallows, fantasy, and just about every variation of humor are on full display in the 2001 animated adventure film, Shrek. More than 20 years after the franchise’s debut, the jokes in this early 2000s classic just hit, and hit well. This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the movie follows an ogre played by Mike Myers and a talking donkey voiced by Eddie Murphy as they save a princess from a manchild of a villain.
Rent/buy Shrek on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
The Sandlot (1993)
There were a lot of iconic 1993 films, and one that is quoted more than just about everything else is the beloved family-friendly baseball comedy, The Sandlot. The lines (“You’re killing me, Smalls”), the antics like the pool scene and the carnival barf-o-rama, and the cast of child actors who brought it all to life, make this not only one of the best sports movies of all time, but one of the funniest movies of the decade.
Stream The Sandlot on Disney+.
Rent/buy The Sandlot on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
The Parent Trap (1961; 1998)
Whether you’re checking out Nancy Meyers’ 1998 remake or the 1961 Disney classic, there’s no wrong way to watch The Parent Trap. The premise alone – two identical twins separated at birth swap places after meeting at summer camp – leads to some outrageous situations that make comedy look easy.
Stream The Parent Trap (1961) on Disney+.
Stream The Parent Trap (1998) on Disney+.
Rent/buy The Parent Trap (1961) on Amazon.
Rent/buy The Parent Trap (1998) on Amazon.
Night At The Museum (2006)
Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, and the rest of the Night at the Museum cast make this 2006 family-friendly movie a hilarious and fantastical experience. At night, the exhibits at New York’s Natural History Museum come to life and make inventor-turned-guard Larry Daley’s (Stiller) job all the more difficult, yet all the more hilarious for those watching at home.
Stream Night at the Museum on Disney+.
Rent/buy Night at the Museum on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Elf (2003)
This one may be better suited for the holiday months, but considering it’s the funniest Will Ferrell movie, and an all-time Christmas classic, we just can’t leave Elf off this list. Twenty years after its initial release, Jon Favreau’s movie about an elf who leaves the North Pole to find his long-lost father in New York City still hits in all the right ways. Hysterical laughter, moving family drama, and a touch of the fantastical means this is never leaving the rotation.
Rent/buy Elf on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Paddington 2 (2017)
As the first Paddington 2 trailer teased, the adorable 2017 sequel was full of mishaps, mayhem, and jars and jars of delicious marmalade. Equal parts charming and hilarious, Paul King’s adaptation of Michael Bond’s iconic book series can and should be enjoyed by all. Even if you take out the surprisingly wholesome prison segments, Ben Whishaw, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville, and Hugh Grant are to die for here.
Rent/buy Paddington 2 on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.
School Of Rock (2003)
Though it’s hard to imagine, it has already been 20 years since Jack Black introduced us to Dewey Finn, a guitarist who poses as a substitute teacher and changes the lives of his students (and his own) in School of Rock. Child actors, awesome rock-and-roll sequences, and Black firing on all cylinders makes this 2003 classic a must for music lovers of all ages.
Stream School of Rock on Peacock.
Rent/buy School of Rock on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
Daddy Day Care (2003)
Much like he did in Dr. Dolittle five years earlier, Eddie Murphy proved he could still be just as funny without all the cussing in Daddy Day Care, though his over-the-top mannerisms and outbursts were still on full display. Kids, parents, and even grandparents should find some humor in this 2003 comedy about a dad who starts a childcare business in his home.
Rent/buy Daddy Day Care on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.
These funny family films should be more than enough to do the trick the next time you turn your living room into a home theater. But, if you want to know about all the titles that will soon be on the big screen, check out our 2024 movie schedule.
