Excuse me, but seriously, how much more can you take? I look at you and I understand: you, like me, probably perform that remote-control dance every Friday. You scroll through streaming services… And what happens? “Nothing to watch” again. It’s a classic scenario! Especially when you need something that will keep the kids engaged and stop the adults from checking email five minutes in. Sound familiar? It does to me.
Listen, a family movie night is an event, it’s our time, our shared emotions. It’s not just some random “feature film”; it’s the foundation for our collective, real memories. And this is precisely why I decided: something had to be done. I had to compile this list, otherwise, we’ll all drown in an endless loop of “what should we watch?”. Here are 40 options, no exceptions. There’s fantasy, adventure, a bit of serious drama (we need to think sometimes, right?), and, of course, comedies to finally help us relax. I guarantee you’ll find your treasure here. Shall we get started, then?
The Newest Arrivals: Must-See Cinema (2025–2022)
I always start with new releases. It’s interesting to see what’s been filmed, after all. Maybe you missed some of these, by the way? That would be a shame, I think:
The Magician’s Raincoat
2025. Adventure, Fantasy, Family. (USA, IMDb – 5.0). Cast: Ashton Lee, Laura Shatkus, Taylor Bedford, Lisa Fenimore, Cory Phillips. Yes, a 5.0 rating, something like that… Not perfect, but it’s pure fantasy. Maybe we should give it a chance? You never know.
Inside Out 2
2024. Comedy, Family. (USA, Japan, IMDb – 7.7). Voices: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale. Wow! The first part was simply brilliant, I believe. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with those emotions this time.
The Little Mermaid
2023. Fantasy, Adventure, Romance. (USA, IMDb – 7.2). Cast: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy. A reimagining of the classic. I wonder what they actually changed. It’s worth checking out.
Mavka: The Forest Song
2023. Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure. (Ukraine, IMDb – 8.1). Voices: Artem Pyvovarov, Olena Kravets, Yulia Sanina. This is our treasure! And look at the rating, 8.1! You must support it if you haven’t seen it yet.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
2022. Drama, Fantasy. (USA, Mexico, France, IMDb – 8.1). Cast: Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, Ron Perlman. Del Toro! It’s always something deep and a little strange. I love that kind of thing. It’s a drama, but what a drama!
The School for Good and Evil
2022. Drama, Comedy, Fantasy. (USA, IMDb – 5.9). Cast: Sophia Anne Caruso, Sofia Wylie, Laurence Fishburne. The idea is strong, yeah. A school for future heroes/villains. Maybe not everything is perfect, but the plot is intriguing.
Rescued by Ruby
2022. Drama, Family, Biography. (USA, IMDb – 7.1). Cast: Grant Gustin, Scott Wolf, Kaylah Zander. Films about real-life animal heroes. I’m already stocking up on tissues. Well, it’s just too cute.
Slumberland
2022. Sci-Fi, Adventure. (USA, IMDb – 6.7). Cast: Marlow Barkley, Jason Momoa, Chris O’Dowd. Momoa! Honestly, that’s already a compelling reason to watch. A fantastical adventure in the world of dreams.
Recent and Tested: 2021–2019
Oh, this is the category where a movie feels like it was “just yesterday,” but it’s already become such a… well, a classic. Should we rewatch them, perhaps?
Three Wishes for Cinderella
2021. Fantasy. (Norway, Lithuania, IMDb – 5.7). Cast: Astrid Smeplass, Cengiz Al, Kristofer Hivju. European fairy tales are always so calm, so special. Not Hollywood, and that’s a good thing.
Alita: Battle Angel
2019. Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure. (USA, IMDb – 7.3). Cast: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly. What stunning visuals! If you love the cyberpunk theme, this is for you.
A Dog’s Journey
2019. Drama, Family. (USA, China, IMDb – 7.4). Cast: Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Kathryn Prescott. I told you, it’s a tear-jerker, but such a wonderful film about the reincarnation of a dog. Well, how can you not love it?
Togo
2019. Adventure, Biography. (USA, IMDb – 8.1). Cast: Willem Dafoe, Julianne Nicholson. A true story about those sled dog races. 8.1 is very serious. Must watch, no question.
Aladdin
2019. Fantasy, Musical, Adventure. (USA, IMDb – 7.0). Cast: Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Will Smith. Will Smith’s Genie is a pure fireworks show. You’ll be humming the songs all week, I promise.
A Dog’s Way Home
2019. Drama, Adventure. (USA, China, IMDb – 6.7). Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Ashley Judd. A dog returning home… Why did I even start watching movies about animals? It’s always so emotional.
Storm Boy
2019. Drama, Family. (Australia, IMDb – 6.9). Cast: Finn Little, Geoffrey Rush, Jai Courtney. The friendship between a boy and a pelican. Quiet, beautiful, moving. The Australian landscapes add to the charm.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
2019. Fantasy, Adventure. (USA, UK, IMDb – 6.6). Cast: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Harris Dickinson. Jolie is simply a goddess in this role. It must be seen; she carries the whole film.
Dumbo
2019. Fantasy, Adventure, Family. (USA, UK, Australia, IMDb – 6.3). Cast: Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito. Director Tim Burton—that says it all. A little dark, but full of soul.
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
2019. Fantasy, Adventure. (USA, Japan, IMDb – 6.6). Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith. Oh my God, Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu! Did you hear that? It’s a comedy hit. For kids and nostalgic adults alike.
The Ash Lad: In Soria Moria Castle (Askeladden – I Soria Moria slott)
2019. Fantasy, Adventure. (Norway, IMDb – 6.3). Cast: Vebjørn Enger, Eili Harboe. Norway again. I said it, European fairy tales are a special genre. Less spectacle, more nature.
Descendants 3
2019. Fantasy, Adventure. (USA, IMDb – 6.7). Cast: Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson. If you have teenagers, this is their pick, 100%. Bright, musical, about the children of famous villains.
Let’s Dance
2019. Drama, Comedy, Dance. (France, Belgium, IMDb – 5.9). Cast: Rayane Bensetti, Alexia Giordano. French cinema. Dance. Plot. Maybe not “Oscar” material, but a very pleasant film.
Lady and the Tramp
2019. Fantasy, Romance, Family. (USA, IMDb – 6.3). Cast: Tessa Thompson, Justin Theroux. A classic tale of canine love. A remake, but remember that spaghetti scene? Timeless!
Noelle
2019. Comedy, Family, Fantasy. (USA, IMDb – 6.2). Cast: Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader. Christmas in the middle of the year? Why not? It’s Anna Kendrick; she’s always fun.
Dora and the Lost City of Gold
2019. Adventure, Family. (USA, Mexico, Australia, IMDb – 6.0). Cast: Isabela Merced, Eugenio Derbez, Michael Peña. A light, adventurous film. Just to not strain yourself. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby
2019. Family, Romance. (USA, IMDb – 5.3). Cast: Rose McIver, Ben Lamb. Okay, this is for those who love maximally cheesy Christmas stories. But someone out there does!
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase
2019. Adventure, Family. (USA, IMDb – 5.7). Cast: Sophia Lillis, Sam Trammell, Andrea Anders, Laura Wiggins, Linda Lavin, Mackenzie Graham. A classic detective story for family viewing. Always relevant.
The Golden Vault: 2018 to 1997
And this, my friends, is already tried and tested over the years. You can always return here. Like a favorite sweater—it never lets you down.
Christopher Robin
2018. Comedy, Adventure. (USA, IMDb – 7.2). Cast: Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, Mark Gatiss, Oliver Ford Davies. Winnie-the-Pooh and adult life… This just touched my heart. A reminder to slow down.
Liliane Susewind – Ein tierisches Abenteuer (Little Miss Dolittle)
2018. Fantasy, Adventure. (Germany, IMDb – 4.9). Cast: Malu Leicher, Aaron Kissiov. A film about a girl who communicates with animals. Truly charming. Don’t let the low rating deter you.
Peter Rabbit 1, 2
2018, 2021. Comedy, Adventure. (Australia, UK, USA, IMDb – 6.6). Cast: James Corden, Fayssal Bazzi, Domhnall Gleeson. This rabbit is walking chaos! Very funny, to be honest. Both parts are worth watching.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls
2018. Fantasy, Adventure. (USA, Canada, IMDb – 6.2). Cast: Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Owen Vaccaro. Black and Blanchett! What more do you need? A Tim Burton-lite, but quite intriguing.
Beauty and the Beast
2017. Fantasy, Musical, Romance. (USA, UK, IMDb – 7.1). Cast: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans. A marvelous musical. Emma Watson was simply born for this role. The songs are killer.
The BFG
2016. Comedy. (UK, Canada, USA, IMDb – 6.3). Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jemaine Clement. Spielberg and Dahl! There’s nothing to even discuss here; it’s a quality, heartwarming fairy tale.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
2016. Fantasy, Thriller. (USA, UK, IMDb – 6.7). Cast: Eva Green, Samuel L. Jackson, Asa Butterfield, Judi Dench, Kim Dickens, Allison Janney, Ella Purnell. Burton again! Very visual, very “peculiar,” but in a good way.
Cinderella
2015. Fantasy, Romance. (USA, UK, IMDb – 6.9). Cast: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter, Nonso Anozie, Stellan Skarsgård, Sophie McShera. A very worthy remake. Cate Blanchett is a true Evil Stepmother. Excellent.
Paddington
2014, 2017. Comedy, Adventure. (UK, France, IMDb – 7.3). Cast: Ben Whishaw, Nicole Kidman, Sally Hawkins. I adore him. Simply the best bear in the world. Watch both parts; they are both absolutely wonderful. Seriously.
Hugo
2011. Adventure, Drama, Fantasy. (USA, IMDb – 7.2). Cast: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helen McCrory, Michael Stuhlbarg, Christopher Lee. A film about cinema by Scorsese, my goodness! It’s very, very beautiful and moving.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
2005. Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy. (USA, IMDb – 6.7). Cast: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore. Depp. Burton. Chocolate. Come on, it’s perfect! A little quirky, but very bright.
Night at the Museum
2006. Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy. (USA, UK, IMDb – 7.2). Cast: Ben Stiller, Jake Cherry, Carla Gugino, Robin Williams, Steve Coogan, Owen Wilson, Dick Van Dyke. A light-hearted film, but with Robin Williams. Nostalgia! All those reanimated exhibits—it’s just plain fun.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
2001. Fantasy, Adventure. (UK, USA, IMDb – 7.2). Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson. Potter. The Philosopher’s Stone. That’s it, period. It’s the beginning of an entire saga! It should be watched every year.
MouseHunt
1997. Comedy. (USA, IMDb – 6.4). Cast: Nathan Lane, Lee Evans, Vicki Lewis, Maury Chaykin, Eric Christmas, Michael Jeter, Christopher Walken. A good old comedy. A war with a house-destroying mouse. What a hilarious movie that was!
Alright, I’m taking a breath. I did it! 40 movies, 40 ideas for your evening. Now you definitely know what to do. Stop scrolling and just press play.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Which film in this selection has the highest IMDb rating?
Oh! That’s a great question. The highest rating, a full 8.1 on IMDb, belongs to three films simultaneously: our pride and joy “Mavka: The Forest Song” (2023), the animated masterpiece “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (2022), and the adventure biography “Togo” (2019).
Is there anything from Ukrainian filmmakers here?
Absolutely! We don’t forget about our own. The list includes the wonderful, highly-rated animated film “Mavka: The Forest Song” (2023).
What is the oldest film in this selection?
Speaking of classics, the oldest film on the list is the late 90s comedy—“MouseHunt” (1997). I recommend it if you haven’t seen it!
“A film can heal you, if it’s a good film, just like a book. And sometimes a bad film can make you want to run away and never come back.”
— Martin Scorsese, renowned director and producer, including “Hugo” (2011). Quote from an interview with The Independent, 2013.
So, will you choose “Mavka” tonight or maybe “Harry Potter”? Don’t be silent—write in the comments what you plan to watch! And please, share this collection with those who are also constantly looking for “something to watch.” Let’s help people out!
Author — ReelPoint
Think… Watch… Feel.
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