Whether you’re looking for a way to spend a Friday night with the kids, or trying to find something to do to kill a few hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon, there are few things that bring a family together better than a movie, especially the more comedy-centric options. Though it’s never been easier to find movies the whole family will love, there comes a time when you’ve made it through the list of classics and you want to start checking out new family movies.
You’ve come to the right place if you fall into that camp, as we have put together a list of 17 new family movies to stream right now. From box office juggernauts to pictures that may have slipped between the cracks, we’ve got a little something everyone will enjoy, even that 7-year-old who claims to have seen everything…
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.
Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023)
Have a Paw Patrol fanatic (or two) in your family? Well, you won’t want to miss Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, the second theatrical release starring the heroic pups from the popular animated series. When an asteroid crashes into Adventure City, the pups gain superpowers that are unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. But after Victoria “Vee” Vance (Taraji P. Henson) and the no-good Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo) team up and steal the powers for themselves, all kinds of danger awaits.
Watching the movie in a theater full of kids was a wild experience. Watching at home won’t compare to that spectacle, but you’ll be your kids’ hero if you check it out with them sometime soon.
Stream Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie on Paramount+.
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2023)
Comic book fans were treated to what could be the best Spider-Man movie in June 2023 with the release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse, an epic animated adventure with all kinds of dimensions, dangers, and friendly Web-Slingers. Kids, adults, comic readers, and general moviegoers will all find something in this highly-acclaimed sequel following Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) as he continues his hero’s journey, one that is filled with awesome twists, shocking turns, and an amazing ending that makes waiting for the upcoming Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse all the more difficult.
Stream Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Netflix.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Audiences were taken “under the sea” with Rob Marshall’s live-action remake of the animated gem that was The Little Mermaid in May 2023, where they followed Ariel (Halle Bailey) as her fascination with the human world leads to a journey of self-discovery and great sacrifice. With recreations of those beloved songs, an outstanding voice cast that includes everyone from Daveed Diggs as Sebastian to Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and eye-popping visuals, there’s a lot to love in this Disney+ live-action remake.
Stream The Little Mermaid on Disney+.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
Is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem the best Turtles movie ever? Well, there’s a strong case to be made for this claim, as the 2023 animated feature film has a lot going for it, even if you aren’t a lifelong fan of the “Heroes in a Half-Shell.” The Seth Rogen-produced movie looks and feels like something from the minds of a group of teenagers, as the story, which goes in a lot of different directions, centers on a group of aspiring heroes as they try to find themselves in the world; a world that isn’t all too receptive to mutant reptiles with a love of pizza and early ‘90s hip-hop.
Stream Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem on Paramount+.
Haunted Mansion (2023)
Though two underrated spooky Disney films are M.I.A., the studio’s most recent fright fest, Haunted Mansion, is alive and streaming on Disney+ only a few months after making its theatrical debut. Based on the legendary Disney park ride of the same name, this star-studded horror comedy has thrills, chills, laughs, and a whole lot of heart, with its expansive story touching on everything from grief to new beginnings. A lot is going on in this movie, but the heart and soul of the core cast of characters (as well as some of the more notable ghosts) keep this one grounded, and human.
Stream Haunted Mansion on Disney+.
Elemental (2023)
Like some of the other best Pixar movies, Elemental arrived in theaters in Summer 2023 and made everyone cry (but for different reasons) with its sophisticated story concerning two elements who meet and fall in love despite their various differences. The movie has something for everyone, no matter the age, shape, or element of each viewer. Kids will like the flashy animation and trademark humor while parents should take something from the rich narrative and symbolism.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023)
The 2023 DreamWorks Animation film, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a movie that will probably be best enjoyed by the pre-teen members of the family, but this isn’t to say that younger, or older, audiences won’t take something from it. Centered on the titular 16-year-old played by Lana Condor as she discovers why her mom has long kept her away from water, this coming-of-age comedy is full of laughs, heart, and soul. And though there weren’t as many mermaids as some would have wanted, maybe a sequel will dive into that more.
Stream Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken on Peacock.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
It has been a golden year for animation, and The Super Mario Bros. movie is a big reason for that. Co-produced by Illumination and Nintendo, this animated adventure follows Mario (Chris Pratt) as he’s sucked into a tunnel to the Mushroom Kingdom where he teams up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen) to defeat the evil Bowser (Jack Black). On top of that, the iconic Jumpman also has to save his brother, Luigi (Charlie Day), who’s being held captive in this movie filled with all kinds of references.
Stream The Super Mario Bros. Movie on Netflix.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Easily one of the best Marvel movies, James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is an extremely fun and emotional final chapter in the titular group’s nearly decade-long journey. An all-time great story about second chances and going to hell and back for your family, this wonderfully crafted comic book movie is an absolute blast with its focus on Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) and his backstory. Some scenes may be too much for the young kids in the family, but there’s enough light to balance the dark.
Stream Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on Disney+.
Nimona (2023)
One of the more popular 2023 Netflix movies, the animated graphic novel adaptation, Nimona is a thoughtful, complex, and daring adventure story revolving around a Knight named Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) as he teams up with a young shapeshifter (Chloë Grace Moretz) after being accused of murdering his queen. Filled with humor, heart, and action, this previously canceled Disney project packs quite a punch, one that audiences of all ages will find something to love in.
World's Best (2023)
There are a lot of great Disney+ original movies, and World’s Best is more than deserving of a spot on that list. Released over the summer, this charming musical comedy follows Prem Patel (Manny Magnus), a 12-year-old math prodigy who is visited by his dad’s ghost (Utkarsh Ambudkar) and decides to follow in his footsteps by becoming a young rapper. With his father’s spirit by his side, the introverted genius makes his mark on his school and the world at large.
Stream World’s Best on Disney+.
The Slumber Party (2023)
The 2023 Disney Channel original movie, The Slumber Party, is pretty much The Hangover, but in place of a bachelor party gone awry, this adolescent comedy deals with the fallout of an epic sleepover. After being hypnotized as a fun party trick, three teenagers – Megan (Darby Camp), Paige (Emmy Liu-Wang), and Veronica (Alex Cooper Cohen) – wake up with no recollection of the previous night or what happened to their friend, Anna Maria (Valentina Herrera). Seriously, if you’re looking for a toned-down Hangover, this is the way to go.
Stream The Slumber Party on Disney+.
The Monkey King (2023)
Inspired by the 16th-century Ming dynasty novel Journey to the West, the 2023 animated Netflix movie The Monkey King follows the titular primate (Jimmy O. Yang) as he teams with a young girl to embark upon a quest of immortality. The road to greatness isn’t an easy one to traverse, especially when the Dragon King (Bowen Yang) stands in our hero’s way. Outstanding animation, a wonderful story, and an all-star cast could make this a hit at movie night.
Stream The Monkey King on Netflix.
One-Of-A-Kind Marcie (2023)
If you’re looking for a short and sweet Peanuts special, then the Apple TV+ original, One-of-a-Kind Marcie, is going to do the trick. Instead of focusing on Charlie Brown or Snoopy (though they’re around), the short film follows the kind-hearted yet introverted Marcie (Arianna McDonald) as she lands in the one place she doesn’t want to be: the center of attention. By breaking out of her shell and helping those around her, Peppermint Patty’s best friend becomes a source of inspiration for all.
Stream One-Of-A-Kind Marcie on Apple TV+.
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 release calendar.
