Family movie and TV show recommendations: What to watch tonight

Our favourite all-time family movie would have to be ‘The Neverending Story’.

As a family of three children, each three years apart, and myself, it can be challenging to find a movie that ticks the box for everyone. ‘The Neverending Story’ holds the nostalgia of 80s movies for me, having grown up with it on repeat for years as a child.

It has interesting, memorable characters for Mr. 5 who is able to track the events with each distinct character.

For Miss 8, she loves the fantasy and magic.

Miss 11 gets engrossed in the values and the emotions of the characters.

I feel that ‘The Neverending Story’ is a timeless film that really does have something for everyone.

Avatar: The Last Airbender remains my go-to family viewing choice. I initially discovered this animated series thinking it was just another kids’ show, but I quickly realized it offers sophisticated storytelling that rivals any adult drama. The show handles complex themes like war, redemption, and personal growth with remarkable maturity. My teenagers love the martial arts sequences and character development, especially Zuko’s transformation from villain to hero. Younger family members enjoy the humor from characters like Sokka and the adorable flying bison Appa. What impresses me most is how the series respects its audience’s intelligence. It doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like genocide or moral ambiguity, yet presents them in ways that spark meaningful family discussions. The animation is stunning, the voice acting is exceptional, and each episode builds toward a satisfying conclusion. We’ve rewatched the entire series multiple times, and it never loses its impact.

Paddington 2 is our favorite. It strikes a rare balance; kids love the slapstick humor and the gentle chaos Paddington finds himself in, while adults catch the clever wordplay, visual gags and the deeper themes around kindness and belonging. The pacing keeps younger viewers engaged, but it also has heart and nuance that older audiences appreciate.

What makes it work for all ages is its sincerity. There’s no cynical edge; the film is warm without being saccharine, funny without being crude, and thoughtful without being heavy-handed.

It sparks conversations with kids about empathy and acceptance, yet still feels like pure entertainment for parents who just want to relax. It’s one of those movies where nobody in the room feels like they’re “taking one for the team.”

“Finding Nemo” is my go-to family movie because it has something for everyone of every age: humor, adventure, and heart. I have witnessed young children captivated for 2 hours straight when most children will be distracted in 30 minutes. The colors entertain the kids while the theme of perseverance and responsibility resonates with adults who are familiar with these themes. What I appreciate the most is how the conversations continue after the movie is over, with the kids asking about courage, trust, and the idea of never giving up. A movie that entertains in the moment but also continues in dialogue afterwards is what really unites families. The stories that endure become the lessons at home.

My favorite film is The Incredibles, as it is able to serve as both a super-hero adventure film for children and a mid-life crisis story for adults. The film deals with authentic family dynamics and realistic frustrations with work, while also containing thrilling action sequences to keep younger audiences engaged through the entirety of the movie.

The universality of the film relates to the fact that each family member embodies a different stage in life and many of the struggles are relatable. For younger children, they can connect to Dash wanting to use his super speed and Violet dealing with insecurity as a teenager. Adults are able to relate to Bob feeling underappreciated at work, and Helen in managing the chaos of the family.

The film succeeds because it never talks down to children or overly trivializes the struggles of adult problems. The motivations of the villain stem from real childhood trauma and rejection, which makes the antagonist complex in a way that adults can relate to, and children view him simply as a villain who has exciting gadgets.

As a physician focused on preventive care, I actually see family shows like *Bluey* as more than entertainment—they’re a subtle way to model healthy relationships. I used to overthink how to explain concepts like empathy or communication to younger kids until I realized *Bluey* handles the heavy lifting. It hit me one evening when my family laughed at the parents in the show trying to solve a silly problem, and my children later mirrored that same teamwork at play. What makes it work is how the humor engages adults while the creativity resonates with kids. If you’re looking for something age-proof, this show sparks real conversations without feeling forced.

Our go-to movie is Home Alone (the original). It might be the obvious choice, but there is no other movie, family-friendly or otherwise, that combines so many universally relatable concepts.

For children, it is the ultimate fantasy, having the house all to yourself, being your own boss, and getting one-up on adults. For us (adults), it’s mostly the nostalgia that gets us, reminding us of a simpler time where we did not have to worry about the bills or what’s for dinner.

It has something for every generation, tying comedy with a deeper emotional connection of family, love, and what the holidays should be about. I know it’s a staple for the holidays, but sneaking in a viewing or two throughout the year is great to remember that there is so much more to life than climbing the corporate ladder.

I have always found enjoyment in October Sky. It may not be the traditional “family movie” choice, but it is one of those stories that can resonate with people of any age. On the surface, it is a story about kids launching rockets, but underneath it is a story about resilience, curiosity, and believing you can find a way forward – even if the odds are stacked against you. That is something that is easily relatable to a younger audience as an aspiration, while adults recognize the underlying themes of risk, sacrifice, and determination.

What enjoys young and old alike is that it doesn’t patronize a younger audience; it challenges them, and you encounter deeper discovery while still being able to follow the story. In my own experience, those are the films that provide the opportunity for discussions afterwards, and what stays with you long after the credits have finished rolling.

The best “family-friendly” movies aren’t just devoid of bad things happening to characters – they allow for deeper exploration, so that every generation watching finds something to identify with from their own perspective in the film.

We watch The Great British Baking Show together because it offers competition free from the manufactured drama that permeates American reality TV. The show crosses generational lines in my family as younger members are enthralled by ingredients magically becoming beautiful creations, while the adults admire the technique and pedigree of the contestants and the genuine respect they have for each other even amidst pressure.

The absence of eliminations in the shape of personal failures makes for an environment that teaches tolerance without being preachy or forced. Rather than being solely about winning, the format initiates a true discussion about effort and improvement, thus making it one of the few shows that actually brings people together rather than merely providing background noise for family gatherings.

Encanto is the film that my family and I always love to watch together. Just the music alone is what makes it special because every song has energy that has everyone singing, from the youngest to the adults. The colors, the animation, and the way every scene is built to keep the kids engaged, while the story itself has dimensions that connect with parents and grandparents in unique ways.

It is enjoyable to all ages because it combines humor, emotion, and culture into a story that everyone can personally relate to. The characters have a lot of funny moments for kids to laugh, and the adults are able to see deeper meaning in themes of family pressure & acceptance. I distinctly remember my nephew could not stop laughing at Antonio’s scenes with the animals, while the adults in the room were so caught up in Mirabel’s story. It is this balance why every member of our family loves it. Basically, you learn so much and have fun at the same time.

I continue to return to “The Princess Bride” with my family at intervals, every few months. There is magic about the way it can be enjoyed on several levels without having to address anyone in a patronizing way.

The children become totally engaged in the fantasy tale, the duels with swords, and the vengeance that Inigo Montoya carries out. My wife and I meanwhile see all the clever wordplay and all the subtle humor that the younger viewers skim right past. “As you wish”- when Westley utters these words, the romance strikes you in various ways depending on your age and experience.

The only thing that really sells me on it is the use of the framing device of the grandfather reading to the ill grandson, which reflects well a part of our family movie nights. The child in the film will initially be doubtful about this “kissing book” but will then be sucked into the plot as we did when we first watched it.

Probably, 20-plus years in lending have made me understand that the situations in which all parties leave the table satisfied are the best deals. That is precisely what families have with this movie. With many other films, everybody seems to feel like they are being taken advantage of and forced to watch something just to please another human being.

Our family language has incorporated the quotable lines. “Inconceivable!” is bandied about our dinner table at least once a week. Our teenage daughter, who normally sticks her tongue out at family movie night, will still recite Miracle Max’s speech on being “mostly dead.”

No, it is sincerely funny without being vulgar, adventurous without becoming too frightening, and romantic without being corny.

Taskmaster is hands down my favourite family-friendly show to watch together. It is a UK show, but available worldwide with over a dozen international variations.

The format is brilliantly simple: comedians complete absurd, creative tasks while The Taskmaster and his loyal assistant judge their attempts with equal parts deadpan and chaos. It’s a rare mix of cleverness, silliness, and pure joy that appeals to all ages.

There’s no plot to follow, no questionable content to skip past, just unscripted, unpredictable problem-solving that makes everyone laugh. The show manages to be endlessly inventive without ever taking itself too seriously.

It’s one of those programmes where kids can enjoy the slapstick, adults can enjoy the wit, and everyone has an opinion on how they would have done it differently. It’s a rare show that gets people watching, laughing and talking – often at the same time!

For me, one of the best family-friendly shows to watch together is *Blue Planet II*. Funny story: the first time I watched it with my nieces, their curiosity about sea creatures sparked endless questions, turning our living room into a mini marine biology class. The real joy is how it balances breathtaking visuals with storytelling that fascinates adults while being gentle enough for kids, making it a bridge across generations.

I recommend Queen of Katwe for family movie night. It tells the true story of a girl from Uganda who learns chess and transforms her life. People of all ages can enjoy it because it’s an inspiring story of beating the odds, with themes of strength, creativity, and the backing of family. Kids will find it relatable as they watch a young person gain confidence by learning a game. Grown-ups will see deeper themes about opportunity, guidance, and community. As a chess teacher and a parent, I appreciate how the movie can start conversations about never giving up, learning new things, and self-belief. Plus, it’s a heartwarming and funny movie that everyone can watch together.

Our whole family, both the youngsters and us older ones, just loves watching the original Tom Thumb from 1958 every December holidays.

It was actually one of the first films to blend live-action with stop-motion animation (not CGI, but just groundbreaking puppetry and special effects for its time), and having Peter Sellers in it is such a delightful bonus. There’s something really magical about this film.

I can’t put my finger on it. I think it’s the combination of the music, the puppets, the actors/actresses, just so good. It’s also very sentimental, but also intellectual, and it captures all those classic fairy tale tropes.

After all these years, it still feels so fresh and enchanting. (I must have watched it around 30 times now, lol), but what can you do? When it works, it works, and this film just works on every level.

One of my family’s favorites to watch together is the *Chef’s Table* series on Netflix. The stories of chefs from around the world resonated with me because they show how dedication to a craft can create meaning for families and communities. My kids enjoy the visuals and unique traditions, while I find myself taking notes on the discipline and consistency behind their success. I’ll put it this way: seeing someone pour so much passion into their work always motivates me to bring that same care into my business. It creates a shared experience where everyone, regardless of age, gets something valuable from the show.

We love Wipeout — the ridiculous obstacle course show where people get launched into water by giant padded contraptions.

It works because little kids laugh at the goofy falls, teens love the over-the-top commentary, and adults secretly enjoy watching grown people eat humble pie in helmets and life vests. There’s no complicated plot, no edgy content to explain, and no one’s glued to their phone because every round is a fresh surprise.

It’s the rare show where everyone in the room reacts out loud at the same time.

My favorite family-friendly movie is Harry Potter. We watch it every year in my family, and it really brings us together. We’ve all watched it since I was a kid, and today we still all watch it, both adults and the “younger ones”. We started watching it in Danish back then, which is my mother tongue, but today we watch it in English.

It’s just a timeless movie series that always creates a cozy environment where we can all just relax and watch something we know everyone enjoys. We usually start watching the movies in November, so we finish them just before Christmas.

There are only a couple of weeks left now until we start, and we’ve already started talking about it. I can’t wait.

One of my favorite family-friendly shows to watch together is Storage Wars. It’s entertaining for all ages because it’s lighthearted, fast-paced, and full of surprises without needing anything inappropriate or overly dramatic. The concept is that bidders compete to win storage units that have been abandoned, hoping to find valuable items inside. For families, it sparks curiosity and even teaches a bit about risk, reward, and budgeting.

What makes it especially enjoyable is the mix of personalities. Each bidder has their own style, and watching their different strategies play out keeps it engaging episode after episode. Kids love guessing what treasures might be hiding under the tarps, and adults get a kick out of the wheeling and dealing. It’s the kind of show where everyone can join in the fun without needing to worry about the content, and it’s a great way to turn a quiet evening into a shared conversation.