It’s Saturday night, you’re all settled in and comfy on the couch with the kids scattered around you, the dinner wash up is done and you just want to relax with a few sweets and watch a good movie.
And that’s when the problems start.
The younger ones start yelling for the Disney movie they’ve already seen three times this week while the older ones moan about not wanting to watch a ‘baby movie’ and you and your husband just want five seconds of peace to enjoy your Maltesers.
Well fear not. We’ve got a Netflix movie night sorted with our masterlist of family friendly movies that everyone will enjoy – movies with a little adventure, wholesome family stories, humour for the kids and clever writing for the adults – so there’s something for everyone! Have a browse below to save yourself the arguments this evening!
Hook
Peter Pan, now grown up and a workaholic, must return to Neverland to save his children from the vengeful clutches of Captain Hook. Starring Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman and Julia Roberts, this star studded 90s movie is a different spin on a classic and is full of fun and heartwarming moments.
The Karate Kid
After moving to Beijing with his mother, Dre falls prey to a bully, so he takes lessons from a martial arts master in this remake of the 1984 classic. Starring Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan and Taraji P. Henson, this movie is a great one for boys and girls, mixing action sequences with a whole lot of heart.
Blue Miracle
To save their cash-strapped orphanage, a guardian and his kids partner with a washed-up boat captain for a chance to win a lucrative fishing competition. Wholesome, hilarious and cleverly written, this is one that parents will enjoy just as much as the kids.
The Secret Garden
This evocative adaptation of the beloved children’s novel recounts the tale of a strong willed English girl who is orphaned during an earthquake. When Mary moves into her uncles imposing house, she hears crying in the corridors at night and doors that cannot be unlocked. Will she solve the mystery that haunts the houses halls and find a way to overcome her parent’s deaths?
Free Willy
Ordered to clean up the graffiti he painted at a marine theme park, a troubled young boy unexpectedly bonds with a killer whale on exhibit. Another 90s classic, this one has stood the test of time for a reason. A great one for nature lovers, the story is full of triumphs and falls and standing up to adversity.
Jumanji
When two siblings discover an enchanted board game that’s a portal to a magical world, they meet a man who’s been trapped inside the game for years. A thrilling and compelling story that we all remember from childhood and another all star cast in Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst, this was another instant classic that you’ll want to share with your kids.
Evan Almighty
God summons narcissistic Evan to build an ark in preparation for a flood. Meanwhile, Evan’s family interpret his new hobby as a midlife crisis. You can’t go wrong with the comedic stylings of Steve Carrell and the combo with Morgan Freeman as God mean that this film is just as much for parents as it is for kids.
Johhny English
Bumbling spy Johnny English sharpens his skills at a Tibetan monastery and returns to service to protect the Chinese premiere from an assassin. Another comic genius, Rowan Atkinson’s performance is split your sides funny for both kids and adults, A real comedic gem for all the family.
Mr. Bean’s holiday
The hapless Mr. Bean takes vacation on the French Riviera where he becomes ensnared in an accidental kidnapping and a case of mistaken identity. The comedic stylings of Mr. Bean never go out of style and wholesome and hilarious watch will have the whole family in stitches.
Matilda
Cursed with a cruel school principal and parents, a little girl discovers her hidden powers – which she uses to stand up to the bullies in her life. Based on the kids novel by Roald Dahl, this classic will entertain and amaze kids while stellar performances by Ms. Trunchbull and Harry Wormwood will even have the adults sniggering along with these vivid characters.
Enola Holmes
While searching for her missing mother, intrepid teen, Enola Holmes, uses her sleuthing skills to outsmart big brother Sherlock and help a runaway lord. An adventurous romp for the whole family, Millie Bobby Brown charms in this role and the tale will keep parents as entertained as the kids.
