Everyone loves to watch a movie together with their family, but it can be tricky to find a movie that everyone will enjoy. If you’re looking for movies that are fun for the whole family, look no further than this list of 30 of the best G-rated movies.
From classic Disney films to heartwarming live action features, these movies all provide entertainment without any explicit content making them perfect to watch with your loved ones. Enjoy a pleasant night in with one of these top-rated family films!
The Black Stallion (1979)
The Black Stallion combines the ever-popular lost-kid and beloved-pet movie sub-genres for one of the most winning and visually stunning and best G-rated family movies on this list. We know there have been subsequent reboots of this movie, but we are fond of the original and think your family will be too!
The Lion King (1994)
The Lion King is considered one of the best animated films for an entire generation. The movie has amazing music, lovable characters, and a heartfelt story that will make you feel like a child again. Let your kids discover the magic of this Disney movie with you!
Ferngully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
A movie that made you eco-conscious at a very young age, Ferngully probably inspired you to save a rainforest. Who could forget Robin Williams‘ work in this film as a short-circuiting bat? Sadly, the issues the film raised so many years ago are still present today. Use this film as a teachable one to inform your kids about climate change.
A Little Princess (1995)
Are you a parent of a little princess? Alfonso Cuarón artfully directs one of the best family movies of all time in A Little Princess. This film has magic, mystery, thrills, and is full of beauty. If you have not seen this one since you were a kid, revisit it and you will not be disappointed.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The Wizard of Oz is the gold standard as far as movie musicals go. The film stars Judy Garland as Dorothy a young girl who is transported from her Kansas home to the magical Land of Oz. She teams with a ragtag group to confront the Wizard and ask to return her home. It’s one of the best family movies to watch if you’re craving escapism and fantasy.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Three pets are left behind while their owners go on vacation. Thinking they have been abandoned, the pets embark on a journey to California to be reunited with them. Do you think a movie like Homeward Bound would be made today? The talking animal genre was all the rage and we just don’t see this happening for a live-action feature. Treat your animal-loving family to one of the best family movies that young kids will love!
The Sound of Music (1965)
We could just write “Julie Andrews” and be done with it, but The Sound of Music is a landmark musical movie that deserves further praise. The film follows a nun who gets a job as a nanny for a wealthy, widowed, Naval officer. Her quirky antics endear her to the children in her care and garner reluctant attraction from her employer. The music and scenery are lush and Andrews is dynamite.
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
“Super sleuth Basil of Baker Street embarks on the greatest case of his career when London’s master toymaker is mysteriously kidnapped and the ingenious detective smells a rat named Ratigan as the perpetrator,” the description reads.
Toy Story That Time Forgot (2014)
It’s a post-Christmas play-date and the toys have to go up against the fearsome and aggressive new dino toys. Familiar characters will be a delight to share with your little one who already loves the Toy Story universe.
The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking (1988)
Pippi Longstocking is a property that’s been remade in many different ways, many different times. There have been live-action movies (starting in 1948), animated movies, TV shows, etc. We’d love to see another live-action version of Pippi’s story helmed by a female director and scribe. The original series of books was written by Astrid Lindgren back in 1945.
Fantasia (1940)
A triumph for music-lovers both old and young. Fantasia is a fantastic journey through various worlds set to some of the most iconic music ever recorded. At the time of Fantasia’s release in the early 1940s, the film was seen as a masterpiece. For us, we’re not sure Disney has put out anything of its caliber since.
The Rescuers (1977)
The Rescuers was followed by an update The Rescuers Down Under in 1990, it’s been a couple of decades and we still think the world can fall in love with Bernard and Bianca. Those cute little mice are so brave and we absolutely loved them as children.
The Black Cauldron (1985)
At the time of its release in 1985, The Black Cauldron was a giant flop for Disney. Chances are that you could have missed this one. It’s an animated fantasy film based on The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, a series of five novels that are, in turn, based on Welsh mythology. If your kids are into knights and the like, share this one with them.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
Angela Lansbury is absolutely perfect as Miss Price in Bedknobs and Broomsticks. No one could ever replace her! For whatever reason, this very fun children’s movie has never received the same love as other films in the Disney canon. The special effects won this film an Oscar in 1972 and the blend of live action and animation still delights today.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
Dick Van Dyke was such a joy to watch in this delightful movie musical from the late sixties. Just thinking about this film will get the title song stuck in your head. Now, it’s time to pass it along to the next generation.
The Land Before Time (1988)
One of the G-rated dinosaur movies for kids you likely watched as a child, The Land Before Time tells the story of an orphaned dino named Littlefoot. Littlefoot teams up with his friends on a journey to be reunited with other herbivores.
The Absent Minded Professor (1961)
Okay, so Disney tried to do an update to this one with the VERY unfortunate Flubber. It’s so bad we’d like to pretend it did not happen. This family-friendly classic about an absent-minded academic who invents an anti-gravity substance is perfect all these years later.
Oliver! (1968)
We know there is a cartoon dog version out there, but we’re interested in this award-winning movie musical telling the story of an orphaned human. We know we’re heavy on retro films right now but this one is a great one and a true classic.
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Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
A superb film about making films, Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds sing and dance their way through one of the most celebrated movie musicals of all time. Share this one with your kids and they will surely get a kick out of those smooth dance movies and the timeless, catchy tunes.
WALL·E (2008)
We return to a more modern film after surveying so many classics to highlight Disney/Pixar’s WALL·E. This touching G-rated movie about a robot in the distant future who embarks on a space journey is sure to delight both young and older audience members alike. Prepare to have the tissues at the ready as this one always makes us cry.
Toy Story (1995)
One of the most celebrated G-rated movies of all time, Toy Story features a cast of superstars anchored by Tim Allen and Tom Hanks who voice the lovable toy characters in this movie. This one is as heartfelt as it is funny. If you have not watched in several years, give it a revisit. You won’t believe how well it holds up.
Ratatouille (2007)
An unlikely delight about a rat who dreams of becoming a gourmet chef is one of the best movies about achieving one’s dreams through adversity. The protagonist, Remy, is one of our all-time favorite characters from any G-rated movie.
Finding Nemo (2003)
After his son is swept away in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish sets out on a journey to bring him home. This classic G-rated movie is beloved by audiences young and old and is seen as a true Disney/Pixar classic.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Only knowing that you’re in the good hands of legends Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke is pretty much all one needs to get behind this classic family film. This movie has been beloved by audiences for decades as they connect with the nanny Mary Poppins, the great music, fantastic sets, and energetic dance numbers.
Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Young genius Lewis goes on a time-traveling adventure with a mysterious figure from the future, Wilbur, where they encounter everything from flying saucers to a T-Rex dinosaur. It’s one of the most thrilling animated dinosaur movies for kids on the list.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Before the remake of this Disney gem is released you owe it to your family to watch this electric classic. When you ask folks what their favorite aspect is of The Little Mermaid, many will agree the fantastic music. “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Under the Sea” are all a triumph. Prime your kids for what to expect in the new imagining by viewing this delight.
The Muppet Movie (1979)
The Muppet Movie is a classic American musical comedy film that was released in 1979. It was directed by James Frawley and features the genius puppetry work of Jim Henson.The film tells the story of Kermit the Frog and his friends as they travel across the United States to achieve their dreams of becoming famous. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles that they must overcome while also being pursued by a villainous businessman who wants to exploit Kermit’s talent.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Beauty and the Beast is a beloved classic Disney animated film that was released in 1991. The movie follows the story of Belle, a young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in an enchanted castle. Though initially terrified of her captor, Belle eventually discovers that his gruff exterior hides a kind soul, leading her to fall in love with him and break the dark curse set upon him and all of the other inhabitants of the castle. With music composed by Alan Mencken and lyrics by Howard Ashman (who also did the music for The Little Mermaid), the movie quickly became one of Disney’s most successful films and has since gained worldwide recognition as a timeless classic.
Aladdin (1992)
Aladdin is an animated Disney film released in 1992. It follows the story of Aladdin, a street urchin from the city of Agrabah. After discovering a magical lamp containing a Genie, he embarks on an adventure with Princess Jasmine to save her kingdom from the scheming vizier Jafar. Filled with catchy songs and amazing animation, “Aladdin” is beloved by both children and adults alike. Along with iconic characters such as Genie, Abu and the infamous villain Jafar, this movie has become one of Disney’s most popular G-rated films and continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.
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Mulan (1998)
Mulan is a beloved animated Disney movie from 1998. It follows the story of Mulan, a young woman who must disguise herself as a man and join the Chinese army in order to protect her elderly father. Along the way, she finds strength and courage she never knew she had, eventually emerging victorious and proving that beauty can come from within. With music composed by Jerry Goldsmith and Matthew Wilder, along with lyrics by David Zippel, this movie has become an iconic part of Disney’s esteemed history.
There you go! From old to new, these are our picks for the best G-rated movies that your whole family can sit back and enjoy. From classics that were released before you were born to newer offerings, we hope we found some options that will please a crowd. Now, go pop some popcorn and enjoy!