Finding a funny family movie that will leave everyone laughing hysterically isn’t always the easiest of tasks. Watching a perfectly balanced film 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 when we’re talking about using some 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).
Ernest Goes To Camp (1987)
Ernest Goes to Camp has everything you’d want in a family-friendly comedy the whole clan can enjoy. It has laughs, it has heart, it has Jim Varney’s iconic character singing a sappy song to a turtle… you name it. Released in 1987, this iconic comedy follows Ernest P. Worrell as he and a group of juvenile delinquents become unlikely heroes as they set out to save Kamp Kikakee from a greedy mining corporation.
If you grew up watching the Ernest movies, this is the perfect way to get back into the franchise and introduce your kids to one of the great comedic characters of the ‘80s. And don’t worry, the turtle paratrooper scene is still just as funny in 2025 as it was in 1987.
Buy Ernest Goes to Camp on DVD on Amazon.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
When it comes to hilarious Robin Williams movies, Mrs. Doubtfire is near the top of the list. This iconic 1993 film about a recently divorced and out-of-work voice actor who comes up with an unorthodox yet hilarious way to spend time with his kids is still a hoot after all these years. Sure, some things about the movie haven’t aged well in the 32 years since its release, but the humor, heart, and lessons throughout make it a worthy addition to the family movie night list.
Whether it’s the scene where Williams’ Daniel Hillard gives a spot-on impression of a hot dog during an interview, the creation of the Mrs. Doubtfire character (as well as the other personas), or the epic dinner scene where he pulls double duty, there’s so much to enjoy here.
Stream Mrs. Doubtfire on Max.
Rent/Buy Mrs. Doubtfire on Amazon.
Babe (1995)
Written by George Miller (yes, the guy who made the Mad Max movies) and directed by Chris Noonan (he received an Oscar nomination for his work on this film), Babe is one of the funniest and most endearing family movies from the ‘90s. This triumphant story about a pig becoming a champion sheep dog is magical and masterful, and is a movie that’s impossible to watch without laughing or crying, or both.
Though the sequel, Babe: Pig in the City, is nothing to write home about, this 1995 comedy is the real deal. With beloved Hollywood pets, a wonderful and tender performance by James Cromwell, and an all-time great story, there’s a lot to love.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
One of the best Roald Dahl adaptations, Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox is a hilarious, unique, and exciting stop-motion animated movie about a semi-retired thief planning a massive heist before calling it quits for good. With a voice cast that includes George Clooney as the titular character, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, and some of Anderson’s most frequent collaborators, awesome music, and a certain charm, it’s baffling that this movie isn’t talked about enough.
It’s impossible to be in a bad mood while watching this 2009 animated gem, no matter if you’re an adult or a kid watching it for the first time. Seriously, give this a watch.
Stream Fantastic Mr. Fox on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Fantastic Mr. Fox on Amazon.
The Mitchells Vs. The Machines (2021)
Though it didn’t win the 2022 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film (that went to Encanto), The Mitchells vs. the Machines was one of the best from the world of animation in 2021. This Netflix original, which follows a dysfunctional family as they try to survive an attack from a rogue AI and its army of robots, is not only a lot of fun, but has a lot to say about a lot of things. Family, identity, the changing relationship between parents and children, and societal norms are all on the table in this Netflix original.
There’s a good chance you watched this when it first dropped a few years ago, but there’s never a bad time to revisit one of the best animated films of the decade.
Stream The Mitchells vs. the Machines on Netflix.
Rent/Buy The Mitchells vs. the Machines on Amazon.
The Great Outdoors (1988)
In the mood for a vacation movie where everything goes wrong? Well, look no further than The Great Outdoors. Starring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd as two brothers-in-law from different walks of life who spend a summer vacation together with their families in a remote Wisconsin cabin, this John Hughes-penned Howard Deutch comedy is hilarious from start to finish.
A staple of cable television throughout the ‘90s, there’s a good chance you’ve watched the iconic big bear scene, the old 96er sequence, and everything else this one has to offer countless times. But have your kids? If not, change that soon.
Stream The Great Outdoors on Prime Video.
Rent/Buy The Great Outdoors on Amazon.
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 1950s 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 of this film 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.
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 Disney+.
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.
Stream The Addams Family on Paramount+.
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.
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. This 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.
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. A 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.
Stream The Lego Movie on Prime Video.
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.
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.
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.
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 2025 movie schedule.
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