21 Films to Watch With Family in Lockdown

Family movie night usually goes something a bit like this.

Someone in the family decides that they want to watch a movie tonight, knowing full well what movie they want to watch. They then have to pitch that movie to the family and quite often fail. Now everyone is in the mood for a film but has no idea what they want to watch.

Dad wants to watch something he remembers watching as a kid, mum wants to watch a comedy which is completely incompatible with child 1 who shrivels up at even the mention of cringe humour and child 2 wants to watch some weird indie wildcard film that honestly everyone is too tired to be bothered with at this point.

After scrolling Netflix for an hour they give up and decide to re-watch a bake-off episode from 10 years ago and nobody is happy.

Now we're in a situation where every other night can be movie night and the struggle to find something good to watch is harder than ever, especially for older kids who are now developing their own taste in films.

Hence this list.

I have compiled 21 films that are perfect to watch with families. I have tried to steer away from the usual picks. I'm assuming you've already seen Jurassic Park or The Incredibles about 20 times already along with the rest of Pixar's back catalogue and are looking for some different recommendations.

There's a good mix of modern films and classics on this list. I have kept them to a 12 rating or lower however there is one film that breaks into the 15 ratings (ergo, 21 films on the list) and I've focused on films that I believe all ages can get something enjoyable out of.

1. The Princess Bride (PG)

An absolute classic. Hilarious, witty and delightfully silly with just enough of a story and sword fighting to keep younger kiddies interested. I remember loving this film when my mum first persuaded me to watch it and there are iconic moments I will still unashamedly quote outloud to this day.

2. Fantastic Mr Fox (PG)

It's been a long time since I watched this one but I have very fond memories of watching it at the cinema and being completely sucked in to the world Wes Anderson has created. Roald Dahl's stories speak to generations of children and adults. Personally I regard this as the best Roald Dahl adaptation.

3. Spiderman Into the Spider-verse (PG)

This film is awesome. Even if superheroes aren't your thing and you are more than fed up with Marvel films at the moment, this one is so visually stunning and so brilliantly written that I guarantee you will not get bored.

4. Eddie the Eagle (12)

Based on the true story of British ski jumper Eddie the Eagle Edwards, this film has remained in my personal top ten ever since I first saw it. Funny without being mean-spirited and maintaining an upbeat and exciting atmosphere throughout, I couldn't stop smiling from beginning to end.

5. The Iron Giant (PG)

You know that guy who wrote the incredibles? Well he also wrote this and for some reason when it first came out it slipped under the radar. It's only now that The Iron Giant is finally getting recognition for the brilliant and charming film that it is.

6. Fighting with my Family (12)

Another true story this time about a family of wrestlers with dreams to get into the WWE. Another one for the feel-good list while this film isn't all sunshine and roses it's still a highly enjoyable watch and The Rock is in it... what more could you want really?

7. Men In Black (12)

Between the needless sequels it can be hard to remember how funny and well done the original Men in Black is. While the swear count is certainly higher than most superhero films these days, watching Men in Black feels like a right of passage for comic book fans.

8. Five Children and It (2004) (U)

Ok, bit of a weird one but I have very vivid and fond memories of this film for some reason. I always think the best kids films are the ones that scare you and this one did wig me out quite a bit. How available this film is to watch these days I have no idea but it might be worth a look!

9. Hellboy (2004) (12)

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT watch the 2019 trainwreck reboot of this film. Don't do that to yourself. Instead take a look at what I consider to be one of the best superhero movies ever made. Kids will love the comic book action, adults will love the humour and incredible production design by Guelimorro Del Toro.

10. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (12)

I feel like this must be my most talked about film on this blog. Hunt for the Wilderpeople deals with more adult themes than most other films on this list but for older kids looking for something different this is the perfect transition film into the world of non-studio films.

11. Monty Python and The Holy Grail (PG)

No-matter how many times I watch this film I still find it funny. As I get older I just keep finding more things that are funny about it. One of my fondest movie watching experiences is watching it for the first time with my family and having us all in stitches.

12. Spirited Away (PG)

I'm not going to sugar-coat it. This film is freaking weird. There are some proper strange and sometimes disturbing imagery in this film but the best children's films are the ones that scar you for life. One thing is for sure, this is a film you will not forget. Also once you've watched it people can stop telling you to watch it.

13. Rango (PG)

You know those films that Dad wants to watch that he used to love as a kid. Well this is one of those that will also entertain people not wearing nostalgia goggles. Essentially a western but animated with some comedy added in for good measure. The references to the cowboy flicks of old will delight those who get them but the rest of us can be pleasantly entertained watching a lizard scramble around a miniature village.

14. The Water Horse (PG)

One of my absolute favourites as a kid and still retains fond memories for me now. Superbly acted and with special fx that still hold up even though the film is over ten years old. The Water Horse is one of those perfect children's movies that still has an element of threat that can be felt by adults.

15. Coraline (PG)

Usually this film tops most people's halloween lists. It is, in essence a horror movie for kids. Sinister, disturbing with a genuine sense of threat and no songs. This is the perfect film for families fed up of watching Disney films all the time and want to watch something a little more challenging. While I would avoid showing this one to very young children I think all ages can get something out of this spine chilling tale.

16. The Muppets (2011) (PG)

The Muppets are known for their unwavering ability to delight audiences of all ages. The 2011 musical film is no exception as the muppets are re-booted for a new generation. Hilariously self aware but still holding on to that Muppet magic that made us fall for them in the first place.

17. Jaws (PG)

That's right, Jaws is now a PG. While I still consider it a classic and the build up around the shark is still expertly done, the appearance of the shark itself leaves little to be desired today. Still an awesome movie well worth a re-watch with the fam.

18. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (12)

It's a popcorn movie. There's really not much else to say about this one. If the kids are in the mood for a blockbuster but you're sick to death of superheroes this film is a nice substitute with plenty of good humour and entertaining action sequences.

19. Billy Elliot (15)

This is my only 15 rated pick. Billy Elliot is one of my all-time favourites and I think says something important to all generations. While the older certificate is warranted for some of the films more hard-hitting scenes, I couldn't in good conscience not recommend it. If the kids are old enough to handle it then it's a more than worthy addition to this list.

20. The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

Continuing the list of films that traumatised me as a kid, this one is definitely up there. Again not one for very little kids (I think I was 6 when I watched it) Spiderwick is a brilliant fantasy film with great dark imagery and a little more substance for adults.

21. I Kill Giants (12)

Another film that seemed to slip under the radar. I Kill Giants is a brilliant film for fantasy and drama lovers. In terms of something to watch with older kids, I Kill Giants is probably my top pick. It's shot beautifully and has a big heart while not ignoring its graphic novel roots.

Conclusion

I hope this list has offered a little guidance to those running out of shared interests. Now more than ever we're looking to films to provide some much needed escapism and while not every film on this list is happy I do believe they are some of the most immersive watches. Please post your own recommendations on Facebook.

Enjoy!

If you want to see my full reviews of some of these films go to https://owlglass.wixsite.com/coffeeandfilm/blog-1

Thanks for reading!