The 35 Best Family Movies Of 2023 Ranked (& Where To Watch Them)

Summary

• The best family movies of 2023 offer a diverse range of genres, from superheroes to fantasy to music-based dramas.
• Family-friendly movies in 2023 cater to a wide audience, including kids, teens, and parents looking for entertaining and thoughtful films.
• From reboots of classic franchises to adaptations of beloved novels, 2023 was a standout year for family films that everyone can enjoy.

The best family movies of 2023 include superhero films, graphic novel adaptations, and moving biopics to make for an acclaimed and diverse year. 2023 may have been one of the best years recently for family-friendly movies. There were new and bold superhero movies like Blue Beetle, adaptations of literary classics like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret., and several animated movies with incredible displays of artistry, like Wish. There was something for everyone, with even some mature movies that younger family members will still appreciate.

Family movies are not necessarily kids’ movies, nor are they necessarily movies about family, of which there are plenty of both that premiered in 2023. The best family movies are ones that everyone can enjoy. Some are meant for younger families with children, but they have more mature ideas parents will appreciate. Others are for teens and their parents and can be enjoyed by both age groups for the same reasons. These are movies that target a wide audience and the very best have everyone smiling when the credits roll.

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The best family movies of 2024 include remakes of old classics, animated projects, and coming-of-age dramas, and they’re all available to stream.

35 The Little Mermaid (May 26)

Disney’s Live-Action Adaptation Of The Animated Classic

The Little Mermaid (2023) PGMusicalFamilyFantasyAdventure Where to Watch

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The Little Mermaid is a live-action remake in the same vein as many of Disney’s others, like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. Halle Bailey stars as Ariel, a young mermaid who desperately wants to see the world above the ocean. However, her father, King Triton (Javier Bardem), refuses to let her. A pact with the sea witch, Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), will give her all that she desires, but at a price.

Director Rob Marshall Release Date May 26, 2023 Cast Halle Bailey , Jonah Hauer-King , Melissa McCarthy , Javier Bardem , Daveed Diggs , Jacob Tremblay , Awkwafina Runtime 135 Minutes Budget $200 million

Disney continues its live-action remake tradition with the 2023 adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Whether someone is new to the story or whether they’re intimately familiar with every song on the animated movie’s classic soundtrack, The Little Mermaid offers new twists and faithful callbacks for an enjoyable watch.

34 Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (June 30)

An Animated Underwater Teen Comedy

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken PGAnimationActionAdventure Where to Watch

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DreamWorks Animation presents Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, an animated action-adventure film that follows high-schooler Ruby Gillman as she tries to fit in at Oceanside High. When Ruby finally discovers that she’s directly descended from the protectors of the seas, the Krakens, she’ll have to dig deep to protect her school and the oceans themselves from the popular but dangerous mermaid, Chelsea.

Director Kirk DeMicco Release Date June 30, 2023 Cast Lana Condor , Toni Collette , Annie Murphy , Sam Richardson , Liza Koshy , Will Forte , Colman Domingo , Jaboukie Young-White Runtime 90 Minutes

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a teen comedy film that takes place underwater and follows the titular Kraken girl, voiced by Lana Condor, as she tries her best to fit in at Oceanside High School. Beyond its setting and character designs, it’s a fairly run-of-the-mill animated feature, but the energy and comedic sensibility make it a worthy choice for a family movie night.

33 The Super Mario Bros. Movie (April 5)

The Mushroom Kingdom On Film

The Super Mario Bros. Movie PGAnimationAdventureComedy Where to Watch

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Mario jumps to the big screen in The Super Mario Bros Movie, directed by Teen Titans Go! collaborators Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, and more appear in this animated comedy that pits the characters in an all-new adventure set in the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond. 

Director Aaron Horvath , Michael Jelenic Release Date April 5, 2023 Cast Chris Pratt , Charlie Day , Jack Black , Anya Taylor-Joy , Keegan Michael Key , Seth Rogen Runtime 92 Minutes Budget $100 Million

The Super Mario Bros. voice cast originally caught some flack for what audiences thought were poor cast choices, but the bouncy, well-animated, and faithful adaptation proved their worries were wrong. Set in the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are pulled into a battle between Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Bowser (Jack Black), and all their allies from the video game franchise.

32 Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny (June 23)

The Fifth Film In The Indy Franchise

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny PG-13ActionAdventure Where to Watch

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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is the fifth entry in the Indiana Jones franchise, directed by James Mangold and starring Harrison Ford in his final portrayal of the titular character. The film will see Jones in 1969 on an adventure with his goddaughter, Helena Shaw, as they find themselves in the middle of an uneasy space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, with the former enlisting the help of former Nazis with ulterior motives.

Director James Mangold Release Date June 30, 2023 Cast Boyd Holbrook , Thomas Kretschmann , Mads Mikkelsen , Harrison Ford , Phoebe Waller-Bridge , Shaunette Renée Wilson Runtime 2 hours and 2 minutes Budget 295 million

The fifth movie in the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, is set in 1969 and follows the aging adventurer (Harrison Ford) as he teams up with his estranged daughter, Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), to find a time-traveling artifact that could affect the outcome of World War II. A step up from the fourth movie, Dial of Destiny is a nostalgic, if occasionally plodding, return to form for the adventure franchise.

31 Flamin’ Hot (June 9)

The Invention Of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos

Flamin’ Hot PG-13BiographyDrama Where to Watch

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Flamin’ Hot is a biography/drama film based on the book A Boy, A Burrito and a Cookie: from Janitor to Executive by Richard Montanez. The film focuses on the unbelievable story of a Frito Lay Janitor who brought Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to the masses and permanently changed the food industry worldwide.

Director Eva Longoria Release Date June 9, 2023 Cast Jesse Garcia , Annie Gonzalez , Emilio Rivera , Dennis Haysbert , Matt Walsh , Tony Shalhoub Runtime 99 minutes

Eva Longoria’s feature directorial debut, Flamin’ Hot, tells the semi-true story about the creation of the “Flamin’ Hot Cheetos” snack food and the successful rise of its inventor, Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia). Like Unfrosted before the idea even came to Jerry Seinfeld, Flamin’ Hot is an inspiring, light, and funny story that everyone in the family can enjoy for a different reason.

30 Dreamin’ Wild (August 4)

Two Brothers’ Journey To Make An Album

Dreamin’ Wild PGBiographyDramaMusic Where to Watch

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Dreamin’ Wild is a music-focused biography film exploring the lives of Donnie and Joe Emerson, two brothers in the 1970s who built their family farm to produce an album. Thirty years after release, the record is rediscovered and explodes in popularity, sending the brothers into the career of their dreams later in life.

Director Bill Pohlad Release Date August 4, 2023 Cast Walton Goggins , Casey Affleck , Zooey Deschanel , Chris Messina , Noah Jupe , Jack Grazer Runtime 110 Minutes

Based on a true story, Dreamin’ Wild follows Donnie (Casey Affleck) and Joe Emerson (Walton Goggins), two brothers who struggled for years to create a successful album, only to suddenly be rediscovered decades later. Dreamin’ Wild is a sweet and poignant look at fame and dreams from the perspective of adults and children, making it the type of family movie that will affect viewers differently depending on their age.

29 Wish (November 22)

A Young Woman’s Wish Starts An Adventure

Wish PGAdventureComedyFantasy Where to Watch

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Wish is a Disney animated adventure/fantasy comedy that follows Asha, a young girl from the kingdom of Rosas who wants nothing more than to care for the people of her home. One night, Rosa takes a chance to wish upon a star – only to invite a bit of chaos when her prayers are somewhat answered by an energetic cosmic entity known as Star. Together with her goat and this new friend, they’ll set off to save the kingdom from an ambitious king.

Director Chris Buck , Fawn Veerasunthorn Release Date November 22, 2023 Cast Ariana DeBose , Chris Pine , Alan Tudyk , Dee Bradley Baker , Frank Welker Runtime 95 Mins

Disney’s Wish is in a long line of animated musical fantasies and though it may not be as enduring as Moana or Encanto, there is plenty for the whole family to love about the gorgeous animation and epic, sprawling story. Wish follows a 17-year-old girl named Asha (Ariana DeBose) who makes a desperate wish only for a falling star to come to life. Together, they journey to defeat the kingdom of Rosas’ nefarious ruler, the sorcerer Magnifico (Chris Pine).

28 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (May 5)

The Third Film In James Gunn’s Sci-Fi Superhero Franchise

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 PG-13Adventure Sci-FiActionSuperhero Where to Watch

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The conclusion to the trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, will see the Guardians on one final adventure together as they face off with the powerful Adam Warlock – one of the most significant threats the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever seen. To protect a friend and their world as they know it, Peter Quill and his allies will band together to save one of their own and the galaxy from certain doom.

Director James Gunn Release Date May 5, 2023 Cast Chris Pratt , Dave Bautista , Karen Gillan , Zoe Saldana , Bradley Cooper , Pom Klementieff , Vin Diesel , Elizabeth Debicki Runtime 116 Minutes Budget $250 Million

James Gunn’s third movie in his interstellar superhero franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, feels like an end cap on one of the most successful runs in the MCU and an exciting, hilarious, and charming film from start to finish. In Volume 3, Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) is mortally wounded, and the Guardians must race against time to save their friend from the workings of the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji).

27 Chevalier (April 21)

The Life Of The French-Caribbean Musician

Chevalier PG-13BiographyDramaHistory Where to Watch

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Chevalier (2023) explores the life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a French-Caribbean composer and violinist during the 18th century. Directed by Stephen Williams, the film stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the titular role. It delves into Bologne’s challenges and triumphs in a society entrenched in racial and social hierarchies, highlighting his contributions to classical music and his complex identity as a talented, yet oft-overlooked, historical figure.

Director Stephen Williams Release Date April 7, 2023 Cast Kelvin Harrison Jr. , Samara Weaving , Lucy Boynton , Ronke Adekoluejo , Marton Csokas , Minnie Driver Runtime 107 minutes

Chevalier is a biopic about the titular French-Caribbean composer and violinist, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), who overcomes the racial and socio-economic barriers of the 18th century to make his contributions to classical music. It’s a masterful performance from Harrison Jr. who elevates the film and makes for an inspiring tale about determination and integrity.

26 The Inventor (September 15)

A Stop-Motion Retelling Of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Experiments

The Inventor (2023) PGAnimationAdventureBiography

Based on the later life of famed inventor Leonardo da Vinci, The Inventor is an animated biographical adventure film by writer-director Jim Capobianco. The film loosely recounts Leonardo’s journey into the heart of life by leaving his home in Italy to join the French court to continue his inventions together with the aid of Princess Marguerite de Nevarre.

Director Jim Capobianco Release Date August 25, 2023 Cast Stephen Fry , Marion Cotillard , Daisy Ridley , Matt Berry Runtime 92 Minutes Budget $10 Million

The stop-motion movie, The Inventor, is a biographical film about the life of the Italian inventor, highlighting his successes, as well as some of his failures. A charming, sweet, and informative film, The Inventor should keep both young and older viewers engaged with its characters and jokes, as well as interesting lessons and tales about the genius’ life.

25 Love At First Sight (September 15)

Two Strangers Meet On A Plane

Love At First Sight PG-13ComedyRomance Where to Watch

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Love At First Sight is a 2023 romantic comedy by director Vanessa Caswill, based on the novel by Jennifer E. Smith. The film follows Hadley and Oliver, two strangers who meet via a flight to London and share a strong connection until unforeseen circumstances tear them apart. However, fortunately for them, love’s design has other plans.

Director Vanessa Caswill Release Date September 15, 2023 Cast Haley Lu Richardson , Ben Hardy , Jameela Jamil , Rob Delaney , Sally Phillips , Dexter Fletcher Runtime 91 Minutes

Love at First Sight follows Hadley Sullivan (Haley Lu Richardson) and Oliver Jones (Ben Hardy), a young pair of strangers who meet onboard a flight to London and have an immediate and strong connection. It’s a quirky and appealing romantic comedy that everyone in the family can enjoy without any awkward moments that may have teens running out of the room or parents checking their phones. The great chemistry between the leads and an interesting set-up make this a fresh-feeling rom-com.

24 Migration (December 22)

A Family Of Ducks’ First Migration

Migration PGAnimationAdventureComedy Where to Watch

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Migration is an animated adventure-comedy from Illumination and features an ensemble cast including Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key. The cast takes on the role of a family of mallards who has lived in the safety of their pond all their lives and decide to migrate for a vacation. However, when the family discovers they migrated the wrong way, they end up in New York City, forcing them to find a way out and down to the Caribbean.

Director Benjamin Renner Release Date December 22, 2023 Cast Kumail Nanjiani , Elizabeth Banks , Keegan-Michael Key , David Mitchell , Carol Kane , Danny DeVito , Casper Jennings , Tresi Gazal

Migration is an animated family film about a group of ducks led by patriarch Mack Mallard (Kumail Nanjiani), who leads his family to New York City on their first migration ever. With a talented voice cast and a sharp sense of humor, Migration stands out among other animated Illumination movies, particularly in regard to the strong emotional heart the film has.

23 Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game (March 17)

The True Story Of Pinball’s Savior

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For 35 years before 1976, pinball was banned in New York City. That was until GQ journalist and “pinball wizard” Roger Sharpe (Mike Faist) came on the scene to help overturn the city-wide ban. Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game is an extremely low-stakes film that all ages will be comfortable watching, and that’s part of its charm. It’s a breezy, funny, and optimistic film about a little-known story that’s worth looking into.

22 The Other Zoey (October 20)

A Classic College Love Triangle

The Other Zoey PG-13ComedyDramaRomance Where to Watch

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The Other Zoey is a romantic dramedy film directed by Sara Zandieh. The film follows computer science major Zoey Miller, who finds herself caught in a love triangle between a college athlete with amnesia named Zach and his cousin, Miles, after Zach belives that Zoey is his current girlfriend.

Director Sara Zandieh Release Date October 20, 2023 Cast Josephine Langford , Drew Starkey , Archie Renaux , Mallori Johnson , Patrick Fabian , Heather Graham , Andie MacDowell Runtime 91 Minutes

The Other Zoey features a college love triangle that occurs when Zoey Miller (Josephine Langford), a gifted computer science major, is mistaken for Zach MacLaren’s (Drew Starkey) girlfriend after the star soccer player gets amnesia from an injury. It’s a classic romantic comedy set in a gorgeous college location and does all the usual rom-com moves with competence, which makes it an overall winner.

21 Chupa (April 7)

The Legendary Chupacabra Becomes A Pet

Chupa Not Yet RatedAdventureActionDramaFamily Where to Watch

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*Availability in US Director Jonás Cuarón Release Date April 7, 2023 Cast Demián Bichir , Julio Cesar Cedillo , Evan Whitten , Alex Knight , Krystin Goodwin Runtime 95 minutes Expand

The mythical creature, the chupacabra, is turned into a cute pet in Chupa. In the Netflix movie, a young boy, Alex (Evan Whitten), finds a young chupacabra and must protect it from the government. It’s a classic family-friendly movie in the same vein as E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Chupa packs in a lot of heart and real enthusiasm in its short runtime.

20 Rally Road Racers (May 12)

Slow Lorises Race To Save Their Hometown

Rally Road Racers stars Zhi (Jimmy O. Yang), a Slow Loris who has always aspired to be a race car driver. While living at home in his Chinese village, a villainous racer and real-estate developer, Archie Vainglorious (John Cleese), plans to remodel the village unless someone can beat him in a rally race. A brightly-colored and exciting race film, kids will enjoy the jokes while older viewers will be impressed with the race animations.

19 Blue Beetle (August 18)

The First Live-Action Superhero Film With A Latino Lead

Blue Beetle PG-13ActionAdventureSci-FiSuperhero Where to Watch

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Blue Beetle is a superhero-action film that follows college graduate Jaime Reyes as he inherits the powers of a mysterious alien relic known as the Scarab, bestowing him with a powerful exosuit that gives him unearthly capabilities. Now an inheritor of a power he isn’t sure he deserves, Jaime will become a hero to protect the ones he loves.

Director Angel Manuel Soto Release Date August 18, 2023 Cast Xolo Mariduena , Susan Sarandon , Raoul Max Trujillo , Harvey Guillen , George Lopez , Elpidia Carrillo , Bruna Marquezine Runtime 127 Minutes

Blue Beetle is an adaptation of the DC Comics superhero, and it’s the first live-action superhero film to star a Latino actor. Jamie Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) is a college student who is unexpectedly bestowed with the magic powers from an alien artifact, the Scarab. Uniquely focused on the family elements of the story, Blue Beetle is as much a family comedy as it is a superhero movie, giving it a unique flavor within the crowded space.

18 PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (September 29)

The Second Movie In The PAW Patrol Series

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie PGAnimationActionAdventureFamily Where to Watch

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The family-friendly hero dogs are back in Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, a sequel to the 2021 action-adventure film. When a meteor crashes into Adventure City, the PAW Patrol find themselves given superpowers allowing them to be even greater heroes than before. However, when the evil Mayor Humdinger escapes, he concocts a plan to steal the meteor with the help of a new accomplice.

Director Cal Brunker Release Date September 29, 2023 Cast Mckenna Grace , Taraji P. Henson , Marsai Martin , Christian Convery , Kim Kardashian , North West , Saint West , James Marsden , Kristen Bell , Finn Lee-Epp

The second film in the PAW Patrol franchise, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, sees the PAW Patrol pups gain superpowers from a mysterious crystal that they use to stop Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo) and his new accomplice Victoria Vance (Taraji P. Henson) from exploiting Adventure City. Humorous and charming, young viewers will particularly like the movie, but there are enough winking jokes and fun set pieces to keep older viewers engaged.

17 Wonka (December 15)

The Prequel To Roald Dahl’s Classic Film

Wonka FamilyAdventureComedy Where to Watch

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Wonka is a prequel film to Roald Dahl’s classic novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and follows the origins of the legendary candy maker. From his first encounter with the Oompa Loompas to founding his deliciously magnificent headquarters, Wonka explores the character in a new light. Timothee Chalamet assumes the role of Willy Wonka himself.

Director Paul King Release Date December 15, 2023 Cast Sally Hawkins , Olivia Colman , Keegan-Michael Key , Rowan Atkinson , Timothée Chalamet , Jim Carter Budget $125 million

The prequel to the beloved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, Wonka stars Timothée Chalamet as the titular chocolatier as he grows his business and learns the finer points of candy making. It’s a delightfully old-fashioned film with some great new Wonka songs and a winning performance from an energetic Chalamet and a completely game Hugh Grant as an Oompa-Loompa.

16 Elemental (June 16)

Water And Fire Come Together For A Pixar Romantic Comedy

Elemental pgAnimationAdventureComedy Where to Watch

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Pixar’s Elemental focuses on the residents of Elemental City, who are all made of land, air, water, or fire.  Originally thinking that elements can’t mix thanks to her father, Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis) sets out on a journey with Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie) to see the world in a whole new light. Also starring is Catherine O’Hara as Brook Ripple, Wade’s mother, and Ronnie del Carmen as Bernie, Ember’s father.

Director Peter Sohn Release Date June 16, 2023 Cast Leah Lewis , Mamoudou Athie , Catherine O’Hara , Ronnie del Carmen , Wendi McLendon-Covey Runtime 93 Minutes

Pixar’s Elemental may not be the best film the vaunted studio has ever made, but it still is a beautifully animated and touchingly told story about how differences don’t define one another. In a world filled with four anthropomorphic elements who are generally separated by their prejudiced outlooks on one another, Ember (Leah Lewis), a fire element, and Wade (Mamoudou Athie), a water element, fall in love despite the different worlds they come from.

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Category: Entertainment