This is a list of movies that I have personally watched growing up and I feel is wholesome and family friendly.
Sections
5
Family Movies
Christmas Movies
Action & Adventure
Sci-Fi
Western
Family Movies
A charming, feel-good family movie filled with adventure, humor, heart, and unforgettable life lessons. Secondhand Lions is perfect for anyone who loves stories about unlikely family bonds, tall tales, and finding courage in unexpected places.
Secondhand Lions (2003)
If you love loyal-dog movies with plenty of heart, Max is a must-watch. This emotional family adventure follows a courageous military dog as he comes home to live with his late handler’s family and forms a powerful friendship with the handler’s young...
Max (2015)
A cozy, old-fashioned family adventure for anyone who dreams of cabin living, mountain views, and a simpler life close to nature. The Wilderness Family follows the Robinsons as they leave Los Angeles for the Rocky Mountains, build their own home in t...
Note: Although it is rated G, it includes some intense scenes involving wild animals and natural dangers that may be scary for very young or sensitive viewers.
The Adventures of the Wilderness Family (1975)
Return to the mountains with the Robinson family in this exciting 1978 sequel to The Wilderness Family. After choosing a peaceful, simple life in a Rocky Mountain cabin, the family faces its greatest challenges yet: harsh winter weather, an avalanche...
Content note: The movie is generally family-oriented and rated G, but its wolf attacks, winter danger, avalanche, and survival scenes may feel intense for younger or sensitive viewers.
The Further Adventures of the Wilderness Family (1978)
A beautiful, old-school family adventure for anyone who loves dogs, wolves, Alaska, and survival stories. White Fang follows Jack, a young man traveling through the rugged Yukon in search of his father’s gold mine, where he meets a powerful wolf-dog ...
Content note: This PG film includes wilderness peril, a bear encounter, animal cruelty, and dog-fighting scenes that may be upsetting for young or sensitive viewers.
White Fang (1991)
A lively, colorful classic musical packed with toe-tapping songs, frontier charm, romance, and some of the most unforgettable dance scenes in old Hollywood. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers follows Milly as she brings kindness, confidence, and much-ne...
Content note: The story includes a major plotline in which the brothers abduct six young women, a premise drawn from the ancient Roman “Sabine women” story. It is presented as broad 1950s musical comedy, but may feel dated or uncomfortable to modern ...
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)
A total classic for family movie night and anyone who still dreams of finding buried treasure. The Goonies follows Mikey, Data, Mouth, Chunk, and the rest of their misfit friend group as they chase the legend of pirate One-Eyed Willy—and possibly the...
Content note: The film is rated PG and includes peril, criminals, weapons, mild profanity, scary underground sequences, and some intense scenes that may be too much for younger or sensitive viewers.
The Goonies (1985)
A timeless, laugh-out-loud adventure that is equal parts romance, comedy, and fantasy. The Princess Bride follows farm boy Westley as he faces impossible odds to reunite with Buttercup, the woman he loves. Along the way, he crosses paths with unforge...
With iconic quotes, swordplay, a fire swamp, a kidnapping, true love, and a storybook ending, this is one of those rare movies that feels just as magical for adults as it does for kids. Perfect for family movie night, nostalgic rewatches, and anyone ...
Content note: Rated PG; includes fantasy violence, sword fights, peril, a frightening shrieking eel sequence, threats, and some mildly scary moments for younger viewers.
The Princess Bride (1987)
A heartfelt, edge-of-your-seat family adventure for anyone who loves dogs, winter scenery, underdog stories, and movies about never giving up. Iron Will follows Will Stoneman as he takes on an incredible cross-country dog-sled race after tragedy turn...
Inspired by the 1917 Winnipeg-to-St. Paul dog-sled race, this is a nostalgic Disney classic full of perseverance, loyalty, family love, and breathtaking snowy wilderness.
Content note: Rated PG; includes a parent’s death, harsh weather survival, dog-race danger, animal distress, threats, injuries, and intense scenes that may be upsetting for younger or sensitive viewers.
Iron Will (1994)
A deliciously strange, imaginative classic for kids and adults who still believe in a little magic. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory follows Charlie Bucket, a poor but hopeful boy whose life changes when he discovers a Golden Ticket inside a W...
With Gene Wilder’s unforgettable performance, catchy songs like “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination,” and a beautiful message about kindness and integrity, this is a nostalgic family-movie favorite that never loses its charm.
Content note: Although it is rated G, the movie has some darker and potentially scary scenes, including the eerie boat-tunnel sequence and children facing exaggerated consequences after bad choices.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
A charming, whimsical Disney classic for anyone who loves witches, magical adventures, vintage musicals, and cozy family movies. Bedknobs and Broomsticks follows Miss Price, an apprentice witch played by Angela Lansbury, as she teams up with three cl...
Their magical bed carries them from London streets to the animated Isle of Naboombu, where talking animals, an unforgettable soccer match, and plenty of enchantment await. With memorable songs, flying broomsticks, magical spells, and a wonderful mix ...
Content note: Rated G, but it includes wartime settings, invading soldiers, some mild peril, frightening moments, and animated armor fighting—scenes that may be tense for very young or sensitive viewers.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
A beautiful, nostalgic family movie about friendship, kindness, and the lasting impact of loving someone well. Charlotte’s Web follows Wilbur the pig after he arrives at Zuckerman’s farm and discovers he is in danger of becoming dinner. His new frien...
With charming barnyard characters, gentle songs, sweet humor, and a message that stays with you long after the credits, this classic is perfect for families, animal lovers, and anyone who appreciates a heartfelt story.
Content note: Rated G, but the plot includes the possibility of Wilbur being slaughtered, plus Charlotte’s death near the end. The ending is meaningful but may be sad or difficult for young or sensitive viewers.
Charlotte's Web (1973)
A nostalgic Disney classic full of adventure, humor, romance, and the unforgettable song “Oo-De-Lally.” Robin Hood follows the heroic fox Robin Hood and his loyal bear friend Little John as they rob from greedy Prince John and give back to the poor v...
With its cozy medieval setting, lovable characters like Friar Tuck, Alan-a-Dale, Sir Hiss, and Lady Kluck, plus plenty of laughter and heart, this is the perfect family movie for anyone who loves classic Disney animation and feel-good adventure stori...
Content note: Rated G; includes cartoon peril, arrows and swordplay, threats of imprisonment and execution, a fire, and a few scenes that may feel tense for very young children.
Robin Hood (1973)
A warm and wonderful movie for little ones, nostalgic adults, and anyone who needs a comforting dose of childhood magic. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh brings together classic stories about Pooh’s never-ending search for “hunny,” a blustery d...
With lovable characters, gentle humor, memorable songs, and simple lessons about friendship and being there for one another, this is the perfect pick for a quiet family movie night, a rainy afternoon, or a cozy Disney marathon. It is one of those tim...
Content note: Rated G and very family-friendly, though buzzing bees, stormy weather, flooding, and a few moments where characters are lost or stuck may be mildly tense for very young viewers.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
A classic Disney adventure full of bravery, friendship, and the reminder that even the smallest heroes can make a big difference. The Rescuers follows nervous but kind-hearted Bernard and confident Miss Bianca as they answer Penny’s plea for help and...
There, they discover that Penny has been kidnapped by the dramatic, diamond-obsessed Madame Medusa, who is forcing her to search for the priceless Devil’s Eye gem. With the help of swamp friends, Bernard and Bianca risk everything to bring Penny home...
Content note: Rated G, but the story involves a child abduction, emotional scenes about Penny’s loneliness, threatening villains, dangerous alligators, a dark cave, and moments of peril that could be intense for very young or sensitive viewers.
The Rescuers (1977)
A sweet, funny, and deeply moving Disney movie about friendship, growing up, and finding kindness even when life gets complicated. The Fox and the Hound follows Tod, an orphaned fox raised by Widow Tweed, and Copper, the lovable hound next door. As p...
With beautiful woodland animation, memorable characters, playful moments, and an emotional message about empathy and loyalty, this nostalgic favorite is perfect for animal lovers and families who enjoy meaningful classic Disney movies.
Content note: Rated G, but it includes hunting, chase scenes, a fox’s mother being killed, a dog injury, a frightening bear attack, and a sad separation between friends. Sensitive younger viewers may find parts of it upsetting.
The Fox and the Hound (1981)
A dreamy, nostalgic fantasy classic for anyone who loves magical worlds, brave heroes, unforgettable creatures, and stories that make you believe in imagination. The NeverEnding Story follows Bastian, a lonely boy who escapes into a mysterious book a...
As Atreyu journeys through Fantasia to save the Childlike Empress, he encounters the luckdragon Falkor, the ancient Morla, Rockbiter, and many more unforgettable characters. With breathtaking practical effects, a sweeping adventure, and a powerful me...
Content note: Rated PG, but it includes intense fantasy danger, a frightening wolf-like creature, scenes of sadness and despair, bullying, and the famously emotional loss of Atreyu’s horse, Artax, in the Swamp of Sadness. Sensitive viewers may find p...
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
A colorful throwback for anyone who grew up with Care Bears, rainbows, belly badges, and the magical world of Care-a-Lot. The Care Bears Movie follows Tenderheart Bear, Cheer Bear, Friend Bear, Love-a-Lot Bear, and their friends as they help Kim and ...
But their biggest challenge is Nicholas, a young magician’s assistant who falls under the influence of a dark spirit trapped inside a mysterious spell book. With help from the Care Bear Cousins and the power of friendship, the Care Bears must stop th...
Content note: Rated G, but the Evil Spirit, dark magical book, scary cloud-quake imagery, fights, and moments of danger may be frightening for preschoolers or sensitive children.
The Care Bears Movie (1985)
A nostalgic animated classic filled with courage, hope, family love, and the unforgettable song “Somewhere Out There.” An American Tail follows Fievel Mousekewitz and his family as they leave Russia searching for a safer, better life in America. But ...
With the help of street-smart Tony, kind-hearted Bridget, and the lovable cat Tiger, Fievel discovers that America is not quite the perfect place his family imagined—but friendship, determination, and hope can help him find his way home. This emotion...
Content note: Rated G, but it includes a frightening storm and separation from family, cats threatening mice, a sweatshop sequence, poverty, fire, danger, and emotional scenes that may be intense for younger or sensitive children.
An American Tail (1986)
A timeless dinosaur adventure full of friendship, courage, and heart. The Land Before Time follows Littlefoot as he journeys across a dangerous prehistoric world in search of the Great Valley—a peaceful place where he hopes to reunite with his grandp...
With memorable characters like stubborn Cera, cheerful Ducky, nervous Petrie, and quiet Spike, this classic teaches beautiful lessons about teamwork, grief, bravery, and finding family in unexpected places. It is perfect for dinosaur-loving kids and ...
Content note: Rated G, but it includes Littlefoot’s mother dying, grief and separation, an earthquake, hunger, dangerous journeys, and repeated attacks by the predatory Sharptooth. It can be sad and intense for younger or sensitive viewers.
The Land Before Time (1988)
.A fun, music-filled Disney throwback for animal lovers and anyone who loves a big-city adventure with heart. Oliver & Company follows Oliver, a little kitten left alone on the streets of New York, after he meets the smooth-talking Dodger and joi...
Featuring catchy songs by Billy Joel, Huey Lewis, and Bette Midler, plus the unforgettable “Why Should I Worry?,” this nostalgic favorite is funny, heartfelt, and full of 1980s New York style. It is a wonderful family movie about belonging, friendshi...
Content note: Rated G, but it includes an abandoned kitten, petty theft, a kidnapping plot, threatening villains and dogs, car chases, danger on subway tracks, and some tense scenes that may be scary for young or sensitive viewers
Oliver & Company (1988)
A magical Disney classic filled with unforgettable songs, ocean adventure, romance, and the reminder to follow your dreams. The Little Mermaid follows Ariel as she longs to discover the world above the sea and falls in love with the human prince she ...
From “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea” to the thrilling final battle with Ursula, this movie is full of beautiful animation, lovable characters, and pure Disney magic. It is perfect for family movie night, nostalgic rewatches, and anyone who l...
Content note: Rated G, but it includes a shipwreck, shark chase, threats, frightening eel creatures, Ariel losing her voice, and an intense final battle with the sea witch Ursula that may be scary for very young or sensitive viewers
The Little Mermaid (1989)
A nostalgic, funny, and surprisingly emotional animated adventure for animal lovers and fans of classic ’80s cartoons. All Dogs Go to Heaven follows smooth-talking Charlie B. Barkin and his loyal dachshund friend Itchy as they return to 1930s New Orl...
With jazzy songs, colorful animation, big-hearted friendship, and a powerful message about kindness and redemption, this is a memorable movie that mixes humor, adventure, and real emotion.
Content note: Rated G, but it includes death, an orphaned child, gambling and criminal themes, threats, kidnapping, frightening dream imagery involving Hell, weapons, an alligator attack, illness, and a very emotional ending. It may be too intense fo...
All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)
A fast-paced Disney adventure with breathtaking Outback scenery, daring rescues, lovable animal characters, and plenty of heart. The Rescuers Down Under reunites shy-but-brave Bernard and elegant Miss Bianca as they travel to Australia with Wilbur th...
With help from the adventurous kangaroo rat Jake, they must outsmart the dangerous poacher Percival C. McLeach before he captures Marahute and harms her eggs. This beautiful sequel is perfect for animal lovers, fans of The Rescuers, and families who ...
Content note: Rated G, but it includes a child kidnapping, poaching, trapped and threatened animals, a villain’s threats, cliff and waterfall danger, crocodiles, and intense chase sequences that may be scary for younger or sensitive viewers.
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
A timeless Disney classic filled with romance, unforgettable music, magical characters, and a beautiful reminder that true beauty comes from the heart. Beauty and the Beast follows brave, independent Belle as she leaves her quiet provincial village a...
With help from Lumière, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip, and the rest of the castle, Belle and the Beast begin to see one another differently. But the arrogant Gaston has dangerous plans of his own. Featuring beloved songs like “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” a...
Content note: Rated G, but it includes a threatening villain, wolves, imprisonment, a mob attack on the castle, sword fighting, fire, and a dramatic final battle that may be intense for younger or sensitive viewers.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
A nostalgic, big-hearted fantasy adventure about remembering the magic of childhood. Hook follows Peter Banning, a work-obsessed lawyer who has grown up, forgotten Neverland, and lost touch with the playful spirit he once had. But when Captain Hook s...
With help from the Lost Boys, the unforgettable Rufio, Smee, and a little pixie dust, Peter learns that being a parent, a friend, and a hero starts with believing in himself again. Featuring Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins,...
Content note: Rated PG; includes a child kidnapping, pirate threats, sword fights, weapons, bullying, peril, a character death, and a few intense fantasy scenes that may be frightening for younger or sensitive viewers.
Hook (1991)
A dazzling Disney classic filled with adventure, romance, laugh-out-loud humor, unforgettable music, and pure magic. Aladdin follows a clever street rat with a good heart as he discovers the Cave of Wonders, befriends a hilarious Genie, and tries to ...
With Abu the mischievous monkey, the magic carpet, Iago the sarcastic parrot, and one of Disney’s most memorable villains in Jafar, this movie is packed with iconic moments. From “Friend Like Me” to “A Whole New World,” Aladdin is the perfect family ...
Content note: Rated G, but it includes peril, sword fights, threats, imprisonment, a frightening Cave of Wonders, a villainous sorcerer, and an intense final confrontation that may be scary for very young or sensitive viewers.
Aladdin (1992)
A classic underdog sports movie full of heart, laughs, and 1990s nostalgia. The Mighty Ducks follows Gordon Bombay as he reluctantly takes over a ragtag youth hockey team that cannot skate, cannot score, and has never won a game. At first, he only ca...
With memorable players like Charlie, Fulton, Goldberg, Connie, and Averman, plus iconic moments like the Flying V and “Quack, quack, quack!”, this movie is perfect for family movie night, sports fans, and anyone who loves a story about misfits becomi...
Content note: Rated PG. The movie includes bullying, competitive sports pressure, mild language, an adult DUI arrest, and hockey injuries or rough play, but the overall tone is uplifting and family-friendly.
The Mighty Ducks (1992)
A must-watch for animal lovers, family movie nights, and anyone who enjoys a good cry with a happy ending. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey follows Chance, Shadow, and Sassy after they are left at a friend’s ranch while their family temporarily...
With Chance’s goofy humor, Sassy’s sass, and Shadow’s quiet loyalty, this movie is full of adventure, friendship, courage, and the unbreakable bond between pets and the people who love them. It is an unforgettable 1990s classic that proves home is no...
Content note: Rated G, but it includes potentially scary animal encounters, a river-and-waterfall sequence, injuries, separation, wilderness peril, and emotional scenes involving the pets’ safety. Some moments may feel intense or sad for younger or s...
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
A perfect summer movie full of baseball, best friends, hilarious trouble, and pure childhood nostalgia. The Sandlot follows Scotty Smalls as he joins Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez and a rowdy group of neighborhood kids for a season of pickup games, pool ...
But when Scotty accidentally hits his stepdad’s prized Babe Ruth–signed baseball over the fence, the kids must face the terrifying legend of “The Beast”—the enormous dog rumored to live next door. With iconic quotes, big laughs, a sweet message about...
Content note: Rated PG; includes mild language and insults, tobacco chewing and vomiting, a brief kiss, a frightening dog chase, and some mild peril. Most of the movie is lighthearted, but a few scenes may be gross or intense for younger viewers.
The Sandlot (1993)
A gentle, enchanting movie for anyone who loves gardens, old manor houses, cozy period stories, and movies with a little bit of everyday magic. The Secret Garden follows Mary Lennox, a lonely and strong-willed girl who is sent from India to her uncle...
With help from animal-loving Dickon and her hidden, bedridden cousin Colin, Mary brings the secret garden back to life—and in the process helps each of them become happier, healthier, and more hopeful. With breathtaking scenery, a tender story, and a...
Content note: Rated G, but it includes the death of Mary’s parents in an earthquake, grief, loneliness, references to illness and death, a strict housekeeper, and emotional scenes that may be heavy for younger or sensitive viewers.
The Secret Garden (1993)
A breathtaking Disney classic filled with unforgettable music, humor, adventure, and one of the most powerful coming-of-age stories ever animated. The Lion King follows Simba as he grows from a playful cub who “just can’t wait to be king” into a youn...
Far from home, Simba finds laughter and friendship with Timon and Pumbaa, who teach him the carefree philosophy of “Hakuna Matata.” But when childhood friend Nala finds him, Simba must decide whether to keep running or return to the Pride Lands and b...
Content note: Rated G, but it includes a character’s death, grief, betrayal, a frightening wildebeest stampede, hyena attacks, threats, fire, and an intense final battle. Some scenes can be emotional or scary for young or sensitive viewers.
The Lion King (1994)
Christmas Movies
A must-watch for anyone who loves vintage Christmas movies, nostalgic stop-motion animation, and classic holiday songs. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town follows Kris Kringle as he tries to bring toys and happiness to the children of Sombertown—even thou...
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (TV Movie 1970)
A timeless holiday favorite full of Christmas magic, friendship, and the classic song everyone knows by heart. Frosty the Snowman follows Frosty—a jolly snowman with a corncob pipe and button nose—after a magical hat brings him to life on Christmas E...
Content note: This is a gentle, family-friendly 25-minute special, though Frosty’s melting and Professor Hinkle’s behavior may feel a little sad or tense for very young children.
Frosty the Snowman (TV Short 1969)
A magical holiday classic with a message that never gets old: the things that make us different can become our greatest strengths. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer follows Rudolph as he leaves the North Pole after being teased for his bright red nose a...
Content note: While family-friendly, the special includes scenes of bullying, an Abominable Snow Monster, and moments of mild peril that may be a little scary or sad for sensitive young children.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (TV Movie 1964)
A feel-good movie that will make you want to book a trip, order the fancy meal, and stop saving your dreams for “someday.” In Last Holiday, Queen Latifah shines as Georgia Byrd, a quiet woman who trades her cautious routine for a glamorous European r...
Content note: This PG-13 film centers on a serious medical diagnosis and includes some adult language, drinking, romantic situations, and mature humor.
Last Holiday (2006)
A must-watch holiday classic packed with laughter, Christmas magic, and one of the most unforgettable kid-versus-burglars showdowns ever. Home Alone follows Kevin McCallister as he learns to cook, shop, decorate, and fend for himself after his family...
With Macaulay Culkin’s iconic performance, hilarious slapstick, cozy Christmas scenery, and a sweet story about appreciating family, this is a movie-night tradition that never gets old. Perfect for holiday marathons, nostalgic rewatches, and families...
Content note: Rated PG. While the violence is played for comedy, the movie includes burglars, threats, a gunshot sound, and frequent slapstick injuries involving falls, fire, tools, ice, and traps that may be intense for very young or sensitive viewe...
Home Alone (1990)
A cozy holiday comedy filled with North Pole magic, family heart, and plenty of Christmas cheer. The Santa Clause follows Scott Calvin, a practical dad who does not believe in Santa—until a strange Christmas Eve accident sends him on a sleigh ride ar...
With lovable elves, reindeer, magical snow globes, and a sweet father-and-son story, this is a must-watch Christmas movie for the whole family. It is funny, nostalgic, and a perfect pick for decorating the tree, baking cookies, or starting a holiday ...
Content note: Rated PG; the opening includes Santa falling from a roof and disappearing, which may be confusing or upsetting for some young children. The movie also includes family conflict, a brief arrest, mild language, potty humor, and a few tense...
The Santa Clause (1994)
Action & Adventure
A medieval movie with modern attitude, rock music, romance, humor, and thrilling jousting action. A Knight’s Tale follows William Thatcher, a determined young man who dares to “change his stars” by posing as a knight and entering high-stakes tourname...
Content note: This PG-13 film includes jousting injuries and violence, some sexual humor, drinking, suggestive content, and language.
A Knight's Tale (2001)
A full-throttle action movie for anyone who loves fast cars, big stunts, heist crews, and early-2000s nostalgia. Gone in 60 Seconds follows retired car thief Memphis Raines as he races against the clock to steal 50 exotic vehicles—including the legen...
Content note: This PG-13 movie contains criminal activity, car theft, intense chases and crashes, weapons, violence, threats, some language, and adult themes.
Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
Sci-Fi
A unique blend of dystopian sci-fi, romance, suspense, and survival. The Host takes place in a world where most humans have been replaced by peaceful but controlling alien Souls, leaving only small groups of free people in hiding. When Melanie’s body...
Content note: This PG-13 film includes a dystopian alien takeover, threats, gun violence, chases, injuries, and mature romantic themes.
The Host (2013)
A must-watch for fans of found-family crews, space adventures, western-style action, and smart sci-fi with heart. Serenity follows Captain Mal Reynolds and his loyal band of outlaws as they travel the outer edges of a future star system, taking risky...
Content note: This PG-13 film contains intense sci-fi violence, frightening Reaver attacks, deaths, weapons, disturbing imagery, and some language. It is much more intense than a typical lighthearted space adventure
Serenity (2005)
If you love dragons, epic fantasy worlds, chosen-one stories, and brave underdogs, Eragon is a fun adventure to add to movie night. Eragon’s ordinary life changes forever when the blue dragon Saphira hatches from an egg he finds in the forest. Guided...
With flying dragons, enchanted lands, secret destinies, daring rescues, and a battle against an evil king, Eragon is a nostalgic fantasy pick for fans of magical quests and stories where an unlikely hero discovers their true purpose.
Content note: Rated PG; includes fantasy violence, battle scenes, frightening creatures, peril, an uncle’s death, and some intense action that may be scary for younger or sensitive viewers.
Eragon (film)
Western
A must-watch for fans of classic Westerns, cowboy life, and stories about standing up for what is right. Open Range follows Boss Spearman and former gunslinger Charley Waite as they drive cattle across the open frontier, living by a simple code of fr...
Content note: This film is rated R and includes strong Western violence, shootings, deaths, threats, and some language. The final gunfight is especially intense.