The 50 best animated films for family night (2024)

A visual stunner from the team behind Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse, The Mitchells takes its cues from the classic road-trip films of yesteryear. Parents trying to connect with their uninterested kids? Check. Pit stops at roadside attractions? Yup. A quest to free all of humanity from a machine apocalypse launched by a sentient iPhone and an army or robots? Okay, the Griswolds never dealt with that. But still, despite its kinetic action, this is very much a tender family film at its heart, one whose jokes hit with precision that speaks to parents and kids alike.Rated PG.

Don’t let the title scare you off from showing this Tim Burton classic to the wee ones. Sure, the stop-motion animation is a little oogie-boogie, but the story is far too sweet to cause many actual nightmares. Jack Skellington is the spindly Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, but he’s grown weary of frights. When he discovers the joy of another holiday called Christmas, it invigorates his passion for giving. But when you’ve spent your whole life scaring humans, making the transition to mirth and merriment isn’t smooth. Stream it on Disney+. Rated PG

Gru is awfully busy trying to steal the moon. However, his evil plan is uprooted when he becomes responsible for three orphan sisters. The wicked scientist doesn't seem to mind his new role as a father, but how will this affect his evil, other-worldly ordeals? Stream on Netflix.Rated PG

This Pixar classic, quite literally, takes the fun to new heights when balloon salesmanCarl Fredricksen has his way. The grouchy senior ties a bunch of balloons to his home and lifts off to South America, something he's been dying to do for ages. All is fine and dandy...until Carl realizes he has company in the form of an overly enthusiastic Boy Scout. Stream onDisney+.Rated PG

This lovely tale of a young witch coming of age in a new town is the perfect entrypoint to Japan’s magnificent Studio Ghibli, a film of breathtaking artistry and huge heart. There’s really no conflict here. Just the story of a young girl making friends, hanging out with her wisecracking cat and learning to be independent. That’s not to say there’s no excitement – the climax featuring an imperiled dirigible is a white-knuckle bit of braveau animation – but really, just watching the hero cruise the friendly skies on her broom is enough to keep even the most cynical viewer smiling.Rated G.

Is there a sister duo out there more popular than Anna and Elsa? The tworose to Disney fame in 2013 whenElsa's powers froze theentire kingdom. Anna sets out on an adventure to put a stop to the never-ending winter and free her big sis from seclusion. We're willing to be you've heard the flick's popular tune, "Let It Go," a few million times, right? Stream onDisney+. Rated PG

Ariel has had enough of her mermaid tail, and the youngsteryearns to seewhat life is like on land. The singing sensation of the sea gets a taste of this fantasy, courtesy of the wicked octopus, Ursula. However,the sea witchhasa plan. If the hunky prince Arielsets her sights on fails to kissher within three days, Ariel will lose everything. Stream on Disney+.Rated G

A bold, beautiful and (let's be honest) somewhat bleak film transforms a dystopian future into something delightful and laugh-out-loud funny.The year is 2700, anda robot named WALL-E that has a cube for a belly and binoculars for eyes is left to clean up the Earth. The only humans left live a sterile, bloated life in a cruise ship-like spaceship—it's robots like WALL-E, the lovely and graceful EVE and even the sinister autopilot named (what else?) Auto who have the vivid personalities. Stream on Disney+.Rated G

Shrek is an ogre who appreciates his seclusion from society, so you can imagine hisdiscontent when a bunch of fairytale creatures invade his swamp, and in turn cramp his style. They've all been banished from LordFarquaad's kingdom, so Shrek makes a deal with the pint-sized authoritarianto get his land back. All he has to do isretrievethe beautiful Princess Fiona—who's been locked away in a castle—so LordFarquaad can make her his bride. It seems simple, right?Matters become complicated when Shrek grows close to Fiona on their journey—and when Fiona reveals a deep-rooted secret. Stream on Amazon Prime.Rated PG

Mumble isn't as musically inclined as his fellow penguins. Considering a heart song is what it takes to attract a mate, this little bird is in need of a back-up plan. Good thing he's one heck of a tap dancer! Stream on Netflix.Rated PG

This super-hero family finds it hard to assume a "normal" life without fighting crime. Sincesaving the world hasbeen banned, they have no choice but to put their vigilante pursuits on hold. However, things change when Mr. Incredible must battle a robot on an island...and rely on his family for help when the mission goes awry! Stream on Disney+.Rated PG

The breakout star of 2014’s The LEGO Movie now gets his own action-packed, completelybatty superhero spinoff, The LEGO Batman Movie. The first LEGO film was a real surprise: What could have been a lazy cash-in turned out to be sweet, funny and fiendishly original in the way it acknowledged and celebrated its own artificiality. And one of the film’s highlights was its take on Batman: a self-involved millionaire playboy who dresses in black body armor to fight crime and chase chicks. The inept egomaniac is at the center of this ferociously paced, wildly silly pastiche ofthe comic-book blockbusters that dominate today. Stream on Hulu.Rated PG

A Halloween celebration for the books, the Peanuts' festive '60s flickcelebrates the best of the season as Linus waits patiently for a visit from the Great Pumpkin. Stream on Amazon.Not Rated

Lewis Carroll created quite a whacky world in his beloved novel, andthat quirkiness comes to life in Disney's animated take onAlice Wonderland.The young girlis in for an adventure when she falls down the rabbit hole, but the fun and games come to an end when she encounters the Queen of Hearts! Streaming on Disney+.Rated G

Cute cottontailJudy Hopps joins the police force in the city of Zootopia, which is inhabitated by any and every creature you could possibly imagine. She's determined to fit in and takes on a big mystery case, but the shrewd fox, Nick Wilde, gives Judy a run for her money. Stream on Disney+.Rated PG

Woody, a cowboy, is Andy's pride and joy...until the young boy is gifted with a new action figure, Buzz Lightyear. When these toys come to life, they go head-to-head to compete for the number one spot. Things go awry when Andy's family moves and the two toys must escape from the horrible neighbor, Sid Phillips. Stream on Disney+.Rated G

Based onNeil Gaiman's famous story, Coraline tells the story of a little girl who finds an alternate (and arguably better) universe behind a secret door. But what happens when no one has the intention of keeping Coraline in the real world? Stream on Apple TV.Rated PG

Hiccup is a young Viking who thinks he wants to hunt dragons...until he encounters one himself. Could it be that the mysterious creatures got a bad rap? Stream on Amazon Prime.Rated PG

Yikes! PoorEmmet was simply minding his business when hewas mistaken forthe Special, who has the power to save the world from evil. Will this calm, cool and collected LEGO be able to fulfill the task when an evil mastermind cooks up a wicked scheme? Stream on Hulu.Rated PG

When a prince is a bit toocavalier for his own good, he's transformed into a frightening beast. The only way to undo this curse is to find true love, a feat that doesn't seem terribly easy until he comes across a clockmaker's daughter, Belle. It'll take some assistance, but perhaps the beastwill be able toshow a softer side. Stream on Disney+.Rated G

Oh, how we adore the iconic puppy-spaghetti-slurping duo in Disney's canine romance. The two dogs are from seemingly different worlds, but will true love bring them together—before Lady's household turmoil tears them apart? Stream on Disney+.Rated G

Po is more like a sloth than a panda, yet the lazy and gawkish bear longs to become a kung fu champ. He'll have to make his dreams a reality when the evil-mindedsnow leopard Tai Lung threatens his village. Stream on Amazon Prime.Rated PG

Thismoving sequel to 2003’s Finding Nemo follows the adventures of Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), an adorably ditzy amnesiac blue tang fish, as she seeks the Californian family she suddenly remembers losing. Dory rediscovers her childhood home in a corner of the California Marine Life Institute, a place for ichthyological study, presided over by the disembodied, omniscient voice of Sigourney Weaver, playing herself—she brings a wonderfully surreal note to the film that will sail over the heads of younger viewers but that you will love. Stream on Disney+.Rated PG

Princess Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) is all hair: Her long, flowing crimson locks steal the show. She's also plucky, rebelliousand not down with the traditions sanctioned by her mother, Queen Elinor (voiced by Emma Thompson), that go with the regal lifestyle. Her Royal Highness isn't impressed by the princess’s radical notions. (Marry for love instead of having your hand won by a suitor?!? Ridiculous!) So is it any shock that when Merida finds herself in the presence of a wood-carving enchantress, she wishes the Queen into a, shall we say, bear of a predicament? The slapstick that follows takes us throughstunningly detailed Scottish locations. Stream on Disney+.Rated PG

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's beloved story gets an animated spin in this 2016 release. Journey alongsidean aviator who shows a girl a whole new world where she has a chance to relive her childhood and learn what really matters in life. Stream on Netflix.Rated PG

Thisclassic cartoon is one of the most iconic films in the Disney repertoire.Withdream-like visuals, a gorgeous classical score and Mickeyat the center of it all,the 40's flick will easily captivate viewers into its surreal world. Note thatsome visuals might bebetter suited for the older tots inyour crew.Stream on Disney+. Rated G

Chris Van Allsburg's picture book gets the animated treatment ina lovable holidayfilm that's destined to become a classic. When a young boy expresses doubts about those Christmas traditions, a train ride to the North Pole changes his opinions. Stream on Netflix.Rated G