If you have gone through and introduced your kids to all the classic movies of your younger days and want to find new family movies to stream, you’ve come to the right place. Right now, you can go to any of the best streaming services and find a massive collection of movies from 2023 and 2024 that will certainly entertain audiences of all ages. But sometimes, sifting through hundreds, if not thousands of streaming titles can take so long your kids have lost interest in watching something together.
Well, worry not, because we’re about to break down 18 new family movies to stream on platforms like Netflix, Peacock, and Paramount+ that you don’t want to miss.
IF (2024)
Written and directed by John Krasinski, IF is one of those movies that will leave the kids in the audience laughing hysterically while also causing their parents to cry their eyes out. There is just something special about this 2024 fantasy film about a young girl (played by Cailey Fleming) meeting and befriending imaginary friends who have long been forgotten which makes it impossible not to get emotional. And I mean that in the best possible way.
An exploration of grief, imagination, and the pains of growing up, this transfixing coming-of-age story is one for the ages. But, again, be warned, this one will make you cry. Not just a tear or two, but full-on ugly crying.
The Boy And The Heron (2023)
Nearly a year after debuting in theaters, The Boy and the Heron finally made its way to home video in June 2024 and allowed just about everyone to dive into the latest and magnificent Hayao Miyazaki film. Like a lot of the older and more iconic Studio Ghibli films, this star-studded animated movie is full of painstakingly drawn animation, a fulfilling and poignant story, and incredibly relatable characters.
The movie says a lot about grief and loss, but it also has a rather uplifting message, one that isn’t lost on younger audiences, even if they are distracted by the eye-popping visuals. We’re not sure yet how it ranks with My Neighbor Totoro or Spirited Away, but it’s one of Miyazaki’s best in years.
Stream The Boy and the Heron on Max starting September 6, 2024.
Rent/Buy The Boy and the Heron on Amazon.
Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie (2024)
SpongeBob SquarePants has been around for the past 25 years, and during that time, the franchise has launched multiple theatrical and streaming feature films. While the latest addition to that collection, Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, does feature the titular sea-dwelling character, it’s more focused on the titular squirrel than anything else.
Released in August 2024 as a Netflix original, Saving Bikini Bottom follows Sandy Cheeks as she and other iconic characters like Patrick, Squidward, and Mr. Krabs attempt to find out why their underwater community has been lifted from the ocean and taken to dry land.
Stream Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie on Netflix.
Ultraman: Rising (2024)
The Ultraman franchise has been a part of Japanese culture for nearly as long as Godzilla, and over the years has released countless movies, TV shows, video games, and animated films that have consistently hit with audiences. This can be said about the latest addition to the franchise, Ultraman: Rising, which had a 100% score upon its release and became one of the most popular Netflix movies of 2024.
If you’ve never watched one of the previous titles in the series, Ultraman: Rising is a good place to start. It has all the hallmarks of the franchise with its titular hero coming in to save Tokyo from massive kaijus, as well as plenty of action, adventure, and a whole lot of heart.
Stream Ultraman: Rising on Netflix.
Thelma The Unicorn (2024)
If you are looking for a funny and uplifting animated film to watch with the whole family, look no further than Thelma the Unicorn. Released in 2024, this adorable movie follows a small pony with big dreams as she sets out to make something of herself and prove the world wrong. Becoming a unicorn with the help of some makeup and a carrot, this undersized farm animal with a heart of gold becomes an overnight sensation.
Fans of music, family-friendly humor, and some dazzling animation will find something to enjoy in this Netflix original.
Stream Thelma The Unicorn on Netflix.
Wonka (2023)
Looking for a movie that combines the whimsical nature of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the lovely charm of the Paddington movies, and Timothée Chalamet? Well, look no further than Paul King’s Wonka, a 2023 origin story of the world-famous chocolatier and candy maker. Set years before the events of Dahl’s beloved novel, this enchanting and imaginative family-friendly movie follows a young Willy Wonka (Chalamet) as he attempts to get his candy business off the ground and warm the world with his positive outlook on life.
With multiple songs, incredible performances by the cast, and some outstanding visuals, there’s a little something for everyone, even if they’re not fond of sweets.
Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
Though it’s not the best Kung Fu Panda movie, the most recent addition to the franchise is still a great way to spend a couple of hours with the family. In Kung Fu Panda 4, Po (Jack Black) goes to war with the Chameleon (Viola Davis), a powerful shape-shifting villain who’ll stop at nothing to take the Staff of Wisdom. With a new sidekick, Zhen (Awkwafina), the giant panda goes to great lengths to save the Valley of Peace from complete destruction.
As was the case with previous movies in the franchise, this DreamWorks Animation film is full of great humor, tremendous action, and a whole lot of heart that will surely keep everyone entertained.
Stream Kung Fu Panda on Peacock.
Trolls Band Together (2023)
Trolls Band Together, the third and possibly best Trolls movie, has something for everyone in the family from those who’re obsessed with an *NSYNC reunion, to those who just can’t get enough of jukebox musicals. This time around, the movie follows Poppy (Anna Kendrick) as she helps Branch (Justin Timberlake) convince his brothers they need to set aside their differences to save one of their own from an evil duo.
This race against time has a great story, some awesome music choices, and a sense of fun and adventure that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Stream Trolls Band Together on Netflix.
Woody Woodpecker Goes To Camp (2023)
There is a long tradition of movies set at summer camp, and the latest entry in the Woody Woodpecker franchise is one of the latest additions to that list. Released on Netflix in April 2024, Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp is a live-action CGI hybrid that follows the iconic cartoon character as tries to save his new home, Camp Woo Hoo, from being closed down for good.
Sure, this movie is silly, juvenile, and a tad bit predictable, but just watch the looks on your kids' faces as they enjoy this over-the-top and zany slapstick comedy. Just be careful, as they may or may not start recreating Woody Woodpecker’s signature laugh.
Stream Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp on Netflix.
Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin (2024)
In addition to all the classic Charlie Brown holiday specials, an Apple TV+ subscription also gives you access to new movies, shows, and specials set in the world of the Peanuts. One of the most recent additions to the franchise is Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin, a new origin story about one of the most popular Peanuts characters as he first gets to know the gang.
Teaming up with Charlie Brown himself for the annual Soap Box Derby race, Franklin learns the true meaning of friendship and acceptance in a new place and with a new set of kids. In typical Peanuts fashion, Welcome Home, Franklin has equal amounts of humor and heart, with great messages found throughout.
Stream Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin on Apple TV+.
Orion And The Dark (2024)
Featuring the outstanding voice work of Jacob Tremblay and Paul Thomas Hauser, the 2024 Netflix original film, Orion and the Dark tells the story of a young boy who fears the dark and the embodiment of his fear as they embark upon an epic and eye-opening adventure. With some wild animation, an emotional story, and a sense of adventure like no other, this family-friendly film is a real gem.
Stream Orion and the Dark on Netflix.
Wish (2023)
One of the best animated movies of 2023, Disney’s Wish follows Asha (Ariana DeBose), a teenage girl who goes to great lengths to save her home from falling into complete darkness, a journey that will test her physically, mentally, and emotionally. Though a difficult task, it is made a little easier when Asha befriends Star, a powerful (and adorable) ball of energy who helps guide her along her way.
In standard Disney fashion, Wish is filled with great songs, talented voice actors, and a powerful message that will resonate with the adults in the room just as much as the kids.
Migration (2023)
With its Despicable Me franchise, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and several other successful properties, Illumination has been holding it down when it comes to big animated movies for the past decade-and-a-half. The studio added to its collection in late 2023 with the release of Migration, a movie about a family of ducks who finally decide to fly south for the winter, only to face some difficult obstacles along their way.
If you’re a fan of family road trip films, stories about characters overcoming their fears, and Illumination’s signature animation style, then this movie is going to do the trick.
The Velveteen Rabbit (2023)
One year after turning The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse into an Oscar-winning animated short film, Apple TV+ gave the world The Velveteen Rabbit. Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, this live-action CGI hybrid follows a young boy as he is given a toy rabbit that brings joy to his heart and major changes to his outlook on life.
Daring, charming, and sentimental, The Velveteen Rabbit will have you feeling like a kid again thanks to its magical and emotional story about friendship.
Stream The Velveteen Rabbit on Apple TV+.
Tiger (2024)
This falls more on the documentary side, but Tiger, the latest addition to the Disney Nature franchise, is something that you should definitely watch with the family as soon as possible. Released to Disney+ subscribers in 2024, it follows a tigress as she raises her cubs in India and tries to keep them safe, a feat easier said than done.
Guiding you through this powerful nature documentary is the narration of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who explains the love and danger experienced by the young mother and her curious and clumsy cubs over 1,500 days.
Leo (2023)
If you’re a fan of animated musicals, classic Adam Sandler bits, and the perfect combination of heart and sarcasm, Leo is going to be a movie you won’t want to miss. Released in the final weeks of 2023, this surprisingly great family-friendly comedy follows Leo (Sandler), a 74-year-old lizard who tries to escape an elementary school and spend his final days in the wild after living the majority of his life as a class pet. However, when he strikes a bond with the fifth-graders, Leo finds a new purpose.
There’s no shortage of songs, laughs, and impactful lessons throughout this movie that also features Saturday Night Live alum like Cecily Strong, Rob Schneider, and Robert Smigel, who served as the co-writer and co-director.
Family Switch (2023)
Everyone loves body swap movies, right? Well, if you’re fond of comedies like Freaky Friday, The Shaggy Dog, and The Change-Up, you’re going to get a kick out of Family Switch. This 2023 Netflix movie starring Ed Helms and Jennifer Garner follows the Walker family as they magically switch places, causing all kinds of chaos. A mom becomes a daughter, a son becomes a father, and a baby and family pet even switch places.
Like other family-friendly movies of this variety, the Walkers must overcome all kinds of obstacles before they can get everything back in order, which means you’re going to learn some great lessons before the credits roll.
Stream Family Switch on Netflix.
Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget (2023)
If you’re looking for another excellent stop-motion animated movie, then Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is going to be something you want to watch during your next family movie night. A sequel to 2000’s Chicken Run, this movie features an incredible voice cast that is filled with returning actors and new additions, has a tremendous story about parents trying to save their daughter, and top-notch animation.
Don’t be surprised if you find your kids watching this one over and over again. And, who knows, maybe this could serve as an introduction to the world of Aardman Animations.
Stream Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget on Netflix.
Each of these movies appeals to both the young and young at heart, and will surely make for perfect options at your next family movie night. Make sure to check back in the future, because there are tons of other great movies that will soon be coming to a streaming platform near you, especially with the busy 2024 movie schedule and all those upcoming 2025 movies coming out before you know it.
