movie reviews for family

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Someone Like You

Karen Kingsbury’s bestselling novel weaves themes of love, faith and forgiveness into a story that’ll have you reaching for the tissues.

In Theaters

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Arthur the King

Streaming & dvd.

The Beautiful Game

Freud’s Last Session

Ordinary Angels

Ghostbusters II

Bob Marley: One Love

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Movie Monday: ‘Godzilla x Kong’ Is a Box-Office Beast

On the Radar: Temu, ‘Deinfluencing’ and Lemon8

Tech Trends Has Moved!

Episode 227: A Conversation With Karen Kingsbury. Plus Boundary Basics

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Testament: The Story of Moses

The Baxters

Davey & Jonesie’s Locker

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin

3 Body Problem

Apples Never Fall

Animal Control

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The Spiffing Brit

Nick DiGiovanni

Harry Pinero

Rocky Kanaka

Mike Winger

1989 (Taylor’s Version)

Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

Midnights (3am Edition)

We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)

Lose Control

Doctor (Work It Out)

Unicorn Overlord

Helldivers 2

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth

Penny’s Big Breakaway

A Little to the Left

Castle Reef 2: Bloodlines

Compass and Blade

Nothing Else But Miracles

Waverider (Amulet #9)

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Dune Messiah

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Find Family Movies, Movie Ratings and Movie Reviews

New movie releases.

Madu TV-PG Overall: A-

Disney+: This documentary follows Anthony Madu as the talented ballet dancer accepts a chance to study in the UK, requiring him to leave his home and family in Nigeria.

The Wages of Fear TV-MA Overall: D

Netflix: To prevent an explosion at an oil well, a team need to transport large amounts of nitroglycerin across the desert.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire PG-13 Overall: C

Theaters: A threat emerges from deep within the Earth, and only Godzilla and Kong combined can challenge it.

Late Night with the Devil R

Theaters: When a late night talk show host brings a demon-possessed girl on to the program, he has no idea how bad things are going to get.

The Beautiful Game PG-13 Overall: A-

Netflix: England's team tries to win the Homeless World Cup in Rome, but the players have their own challenges to conquer.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire PG-13 Overall: C

Theaters: When ghostly forces threaten to plunge the world into a new Ice Age, Ghostbusters both new and old must unite to protect their home and defeat an ancient evil.

Immaculate R Overall: C+

Theaters: A devout nun moves to an illustrious convent in the Italian countryside, but soon discovers that her new home is hiding sinister secrets.

Shirley PG-13 Overall: B

Netflix: After becoming the first Black woman elected to congress, Shirley Chisholm begins a trailblazing campaign for President of the United States.

Watch at Home

The Croods: A New Age PG Overall: A-

Digital on Demand: The Croods have found some new neighbors, a family called the Bettermans, who claim to be more highly evolved than the Croods. And you thought your neighbors were snooty.

Greenland PG-13 Overall: B+

Digital on Demand: A colossal comet is streaking towards Earth, and fragments are doing unspeakable damage across the globe. John, his wife Allison, and son Nathan now have to make a run for safety, while the sky falls around them and society collapses.

Toys of Terror R Overall: D

When kids find a box of toys in a creepy attic, there's no way they can be prepared for what those toys are going to do.

Love and Monsters PG-13 Overall: B

In Theaters: Although the rise of terrifying monsters and the apocalypse drove them apart, Joel was determined not to give up on Aimee. Now separated by an insurmountable 85 miles, every inch of which is crawling with dangerous monsters, Joel embarks on the journey of a lifetime for love.

News & Views

And the winner is….

2024 Oscars Nominees

Ten Clean Romantic Movies

Family friendly love stories for Valentine's Day

Best Movies of 2023

Our Top Ten

Oscar Nominated Movies 2023

Grading the films nominated for the Oscars

Period Romances

Tale as old as time...

Three Family Films for Black History Month

History without nightmares (we hope).

Best Films of 2022: Part 2

Films for families with teenagers

Best Films of 2022: Part 1

Film picks for families with children

Upcoming New Movies

Someone like you (2024), the first omen, upcoming blu-ray/streaming, i used to go here, the secret garden (2020), bill & ted face the music.

40 Family Movies That Won’t Have You Fighting over the Remote

From ’80s classics to Pixar favorites, find your next movie night pick on this list.

Whether mom and dad need a bit of quiet time, or your girl’s night is in dire need of a relaxing movie to decompress with, below is a list of the 30 best family movies to stream right now. From animated classics to new movies to some of the best kid’s movies we grew up with in the ‘90s and ‘00s , we’ve got you covered!

Cinderella (1997)

There are many Cinderella adaptations, but none have Brandy, Whitney Houston, and Bernadette Peters in the same movie, save the 1997 version featuring that exact cast. Cinderella, played by Brandy, toils under her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, until her fairy godmother, played by Whitney Houston, comes to the rescue. I’m sure you know the rest by now, but this is the definitive version of it… at least in my estimation!

Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted holds up better than most movies we all loved as kids. It stars Anne Hathaway as Ella of Frell, a young girl cursed to do whatever it is people ask of her. Taken advantage of by people her whole life, Ella fights back against the curse bestowed on her at birth, and goes on a journey to find her freedom once and for all. As an added bonus, she’s accompanied by the dashing Prince Charmont, who soon finds he’s in for more than he bargained for.

Encanto was just about all anyone could talk about when it was released in 2021. The Madrigal family lives in the mountains of Colombia in a magical place called the Encanto, which bestows the various children of the Madrigal family with special gifts. Mirabel, however, is the odd duck out, until she’s called to save Encanto when danger threatens to ruin her family’s paradise.

In the land of Andalasia, Giselle is a lovestruck woman set to wed her prince charming, Edward. On the day of their wedding, however, Prince Edward’s stepmother casts a curse on Giselle and banishes her to the real world, where there are “no happy ever afters.” Trapped in New York City, Giselle meets a grumpy divorce lawyer, and romantic shenanigans ensue.

Speaking of Cinderella adaptations, Ever After takes the classic formula and twists it, removing any fairytale elements and instead portraying it as a historical, Renaissance-era drama. Drew Barrymore plays Danielle de Barbarac, who lives in 16th century France and is worked to the bone by her evil stepsisters and stepmother after the death of her family. Despite the familiar elements, the real world setting makes for a fantastic feminist retelling of the tale.

Stanley Yelnats is wrongly accused of a crime he didn’t commit, and sent to a punishing summer camp where he’s forced to dig holes in the desert alongside other kids. They suspect there’s something sinister at work in the camp, and through a series of flashbacks and discoveries, Stanley learns the true nature of the work they do, and the unlucky fate that seems destined to befall his family.

Did you know Rihanna made an animated kids movie, and it also stars Jennifer Lopez? In Home , an alien race called the Boov conquer Earth and abduct all humans they manage to find, save a singular girl. Tip, played by Rihanna, meets a rogue Boov who defies his people, and together they form an unlikely alliance as they set out to find Tip’s mother.

Robin Williams gave the world so much, especially with Hook . In the clever twist on the classic Peter Pan story, the boy who never gets old is all grown up. When Captain Hook abducts his children to lure him back to Neverland, middle-aged Peter reunites with the Lost Boys and re-discovers his inner child (with a little help from his friends.)

Lilo & Stitch

Lilo is a young girl who lives in Hawaii with her older sister. One day, their peaceful lives are interrupted by an alien that crash lands on Earth, who Lilo names Stitch. Despite their extraterrestrial differences, Lilo fights to save Stitch from the intergalactic forces that hunt them, and together they learn the true meaning of “ohana.”

Luca is a touching tale of a sea monster with a human form, who bonds with the children of a seaside town on the Italian Riviera. They laugh, play, and explore without a worry in the world, until Luca’s identity threatens to overturn the carefree life he and his friends have built.

Headstrong Moana is determined to save her people when she discovers she’s been chosen by the goddess Te Fiti to go on a magical quest to save the goddess’ heart. Along the way, she seeks the trailer demigod Maui, who stole the island's heart in the first place, and together they must conquer various challenges before an evil blight claims her homeland for good.

Ponyo is another Hayao Miyazaki masterpiece about rising above our differences, and making friends in the unlikeliest places. Goldfish Princess Ponyo has been forbidden from seeing the surface world. Rebellious, she sneaks out and meets a new friend, the human child Sosuke. When her father hunts her down and brings her back, she defies him and in the process of escaping to the world above the ocean, unleashes a torrent of magic that threatens her new friend and his home.

Is there a movie more quotable than Shrek ? If I were to guess, probably not. Based on a picture of the same name, it follows the titular Shrek, an ogre who’s evicted from his beloved swamp by a host of fairy tale creatures. When he learns that the evil Lord Farquaad is to blame, he cuts a deal with the menace to save his future bride from a dragon, in exchange for the swamp. However, will Shrek save the future queen from the dragon, or Farquaad himself?

In this film definitely based on true events, Michael Jordan is recruited by the Looney Tunes to play a game of basketball against an evil alien theme park owner who they challenged to a match. Bonkers premise aside, the film is a classic for a reason, despite its somewhat questionable reboot in 2021.

Spirited Away

Spirited Away is a classic coming of age tale by legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. 10-year-old Chihiro visits an abandoned amusement park with her parents, where they are taken from her as she’s whisked away to a world that’s both familiar and totally alien. Fiercely independent, Chihiro fights to free her family from the clutches of the with Yubaba, meeting various friends and spirits through her time on the other side.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

The latest iteration of these beloved pizza-obsessed crime fighting turtles is perhaps​​ the best yet, specifically because so much of the dialogue was improvised and written by the kids playing the turtles. After years of hiding underground, the crime fighting Ninja Turtles surface in New York City, where they set out to be accepted by their peers while fighting a mysterious crime organization. Funny, funky, and unlike any other animated movie out there, Mutant Mayhem is a comedy masterpiece.

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid has never looked better than in the live-action remake of the classic animated story. Ariel, the youngest of King Triton’s mermaid daughters, longs to see the human world. When the undersea witch Ursula offers her a chance at life on land in exchange for her singing voice, she learns that sometimes a dream takes sacrifice, and wishes are not always so simple.

The Parent Trap

Every millennial knows The Parent Trap by heart. Now, those same millennials are having kids, and it's high time to pass on the tradition of endless rewatches of the iconic Lindsay Lohan vehicle. Twins Annie and Hallie are long separated, until they are reunited by fate at summer camp, where they concoct an identity swap to meet the parent they never knew growing up, and maybe, reunite the family they never had.

The Princess Bride

In the kingdom of Florin, Buttercup is smitten with the farmhand Westley, until he seemingly dies at sea when he goes off to seek fame and fortune. Years later, she’s wed to the crown prince, Humperdinck, only to be captured by bandits with their own motives in stealing away the future ruler of the kingdom. Pursued by a mysterious masked man and her betrothed, what will come of Buttercup indeed?

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Funny enough, The Super Mario Bros. Movie could be considered a remake of the original Super Mario Bros. movie, as brothers Mario and Luigi are plumbers in Brooklyn transported to a magical world of talking turtles, princesses, and anthropomorphic mushroom people. There, Mario is recruited by the fiery Princess Peach to defeat the evil Bowser and save his brother from the Koopa king’s clutches, with a little help from some allies they meet along the way.

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‘family’ review: ruth wilson and ben chaplin in an artful horror film about fear and grief.

Benjamin Finkel's childhood inspired his emotionally painful story of a young girl whose father is dying. 

By Caryn James

Caryn James

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The terror beneath the evil spirits and unexplained phenomena in Family is based on a cruel reality: a young girl’s well-founded dread of her father dying. In his self-assured first film, writer and director Benjamin Finkel wraps this fear in horror tropes, taking us inside the mind of a child imagining the worst. The film becomes increasingly tense and emotionally wrenching, even as Finkel ramps up genre touches that come to feel superfluous.

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She has a small birdhouse — blue, egg-shaped, painted with gold stars — that she superstitiously thinks she can use to conjure good spirits to save her dad, only to feel as he gets worse that she has called in evil instead. Among her other reactions to his illness, she blames both her parents at various times, imagining they are trying to harm her. And she almost exists out of time. She uses a camcorder for videos, not a phone, yet a time period is never specified, enhancing the unreal feeling.

The film has an affinity with Ari Aster’s Hereditary , using horror as a metaphor for dark family dynamics, as the blunt title Family suggests. But it is so obvious early on that the terrifying apparitions and her parents’ evil behavior come from Johanna’s mind that the jump scares are less jump-y than they might have been. Finkel directs the actors and camera with impressive precision, though, and the horror scenes are beautifully crafted, even when they are standard tropes: lights shining eerily from the isolated family house, surrounded by dark woods; a tracking shot down a narrow, empty hallway toward a glowing room; Harry as Johanna imagines him, crawling down the stairs to the basement. Throughout, Gray convincingly displays Johanna’s pain.

Elisha Christian’s cinematography deftly signals the difference between the clarity of real life and the darker tones of Johanna’s imagined scenes. And Olivia Peebles’ production design enhances the unnerving tone, in a perfectly comfortable large old house that can suddenly turn ominous. Even the props are just right, that odd little blue birdhouse looking claustrophobic enough to be unsettling. Finkel’s screenplay is minimalist, as he wisely relies on images. It is a little too neat, though, that the child displaced from her old home is reading The Wizard of Oz and has named her dog Toto.

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Best Kids & Family Movies 2021

Studio adaptations of beloved children’s IP primarily make up this list: Tom & Jerry , Clifford: The Big Red Dog , Flora & Ulysses , and Space Jam . But it’s the true story of Dream Horse, starring Toni Collette, that is tops. Dream Horse dramatizes the triumph of an unlikely racehorse and her human family who, with little money or experience but a whole lot of heart and determination, make their way into the nation’s top competitions.

The order reflects Tomatometer scores (as of December 31, 2021) after adjustment from our ranking formula, which compensates for variation in the number of reviews when comparing movies or TV shows.

Dream Horse (2020) 88%

The Water Man (2020) 77%

Flora and Ulysses (2020) 72%

Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (2021) 67%

Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021) 58%

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The 83 Best Family Movies of All Time

Pass the popcorn.

Snuggling up together on the couch with your kids, an entertaining family movie and a giant bowl of popcorn is hands down one of the best ways to enjoy some quality family time . But deciding on a film that everybody wants to watch isn’t easy (cue the sibling bickering ).

Whether you’re looking for a classic flick (like The Goonies or The Karate Kid ) or an upbeat film (like The Greatest Showman or Coco ), there’s something for everyone on this list. And if you prefer to keep your movie night short and sweet, we've got run times, in addition to casting details and where to watch (like Netflix , Prime Video and more). From Moana to Toy Story , here are 83 family movies that all generations will love, including plenty of throwbacks from your own childhood. Dim the lights, prepare your snacks and enjoy.

The 57 Best Teen Movies of All Time

1. The Goonies (1985)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 10+
• Who's in it: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman
• Run time: 114 minutes

This coming-of-age ’80s classic has got it all: hidden treasure, everlasting friendship, edge-of-your-seat thrills and a young Josh Brolin. The bad guys (the thieving Fratellis) are a little scary, which is why we recommend saving this one for kiddies ten years and up.

2. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022)

• Suitable for:  Kids ages 8
• Who's in it : Shawn Mendes, Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Winslow Fegley
• Run time:  106 minutes

Meet Josh, a young boy who’s struggling to fit in after moving to New York City. Everything changes when he befriends a singing crocodile named Lyle.

3. The Greatest Showman (2017)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 8+
• Who's in it : Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya
• Run time: 105 minutes

Get into your comfy clothes and bring out the popcorn because this family-friendly musical will keep everyone entertained—for at least an hour and 45 minutes. Hugh Jackman plays legendary Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus showman P.T. Barnum, in this film that follows his rise into showbiz and worldwide fame. Did we mention Zac Efron also stars?

4. Moana (2016)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 5+
• Who's in it : Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison
• Run time: 103 minutes

The first of many Disney flicks on our list, this musical adventure earns extra points for its killer soundtrack (courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda) and total badass heroine (no prince swooping in to rescue her). Follow brave Moana as she sets out to explore the Polynesian seas with the help of demigod sidekick Maui in order to save her island. #girlpower (Note: There’s a scary-ish scene at the end with a sputtering volcano that you may want to fast forward for younger viewers.)

5. Annie (2014)

• Who's in it : Quvenzhané Wallis, Jamie Foxx, Rose Byrne
• Run time: 118 minutes

If your kids like to complain about doing their chores, wait until they see what Annie has to put up with. There have been a few versions of this musical rags-to-riches story, but we think this 2014 rendition, with its unforgettable characters and catchy tunes, is the best.

6. The Lego Movie (2014)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 6+
• Who's in it : Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett
• Run time: 100 minutes

Everything is awesome in this animated movie inspired by the popular toys, especially the stellar cast. Will ordinary construction worker Emmet Brickowski be able to defeat the evil Lord Business from Kragling (i.e., gluing) the Lego universe? Watch to find out.

7. Princess and the Frog (2009)

• Who's in it : Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Michael-Leon Wooley
• Run time: 97 minutes

Tiana’s dream of opening a restaurant is put on hold when she meets Prince Naveen, who was turned into a frog by the evil villain, Dr. Facilier.

8. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

• Rating: PG-13
• Who's in it : Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote
• Run time: 115 minutes

Steven Spielberg's classic sci-fi story of an extraterrestrial stranded on planet Earth is pure movie magic. Parents will love the nostalgia throwback (baby-faced Barrymore) and little ones will love the adorable E.T. and his friendship with his earthling family (although keep in mind that there is some light swearing and a few sad moments). Oh, and Reese’s Pieces are a must while watching.

9. The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 13+
• Who's in it : Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys

In an attempt to learn more about her late mother, Lily Owens travels to a small South Carolina town. While there, she meets the Boatwright sisters (Latifah, Keys and Okonedo), who take her in and teach her about beekeeping.

10. Hugo (2011)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 9+
• Who's in it : Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield
• Run time: 127 minutes

Your kids may be too young for Goodfellas , but this kid-friendly Martin Scorsese flick is just as entertaining. The ode to cinema is set in a romantic Parisian atmosphere that has enough adventure, mystery and laughs to keep kids of all ages enthralled.

11. Daddy Day Care (2003)

• Who's in it : Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn, Regina King
• Run time: 92 minutes

When Charlie and his friend lose their jobs, they make the drastic decision of turning Charlie's home into a daycare center. Chaos ensues, however, when a rival daycare tries to shut them down.

12. Stand By Me (1986)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 12+
• Who's in it : Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman
• Run time: 89 minutes

This coming-of-age story about four 12-year-old boys in 1950s Oregon is an inspiring tale of friendship, growing up and doing the right thing. Featuring some darker themes (making this film best for teens and up), this moving film strikes the right balance of childhood adventure, grown-up drama and a cute Jerry O’Connell.

13. Toy Story (1995)

• Who's in it : Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney
• Run time: 81 minutes

With enough inside jokes for adults, this animated film of toys coming to life is perfect for family movie night. It’s so good, it spawned three sequels and numerous spin-offs, setting you up for the next couple of weekends.

14. The Karate Kid (1984)

• Who's in it : Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, Elisabeth Shue
• Run time: 126 minutes

Daniel is the new kid in school. In an attempt to defend himself from bullies, he enlists Mr. Miyagi, a repairman who just so happens to be a martial arts master.

15. Aladdin (1992)

• Who's in it : Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin
• Run time: 90 minutes

Another Disney classic. Who doesn’t love this Arabian nights musical featuring Robin Williams in one of the most iconic roles of his career? Clear your living room carpet and have a family sing-along to “A Whole New World.”

16. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

• Who's in it : America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel
• Run time: 119 minutes

A group of best friends are preparing to spend their first summer apart. In an attempt to stay connected, they create a custody schedule…for a pair of jeans.

17. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

• Who's in it : Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara
• Run time: 101 minutes

Exploring themes of loneliness and insecurity, director Spike Jonze revisits the classic children’s story in a dreamlike atmosphere. Read the book to your 5-year-old, but save the film for your tween.

18. Enchanted (2007)

• Who's in it : Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall
• Run time: 107 minutes

Amy Adams shines in this sweet musical comedy in which she plays a fairy-tale princess trying to live happily ever after in Andalasia. That is, until her evil mother-in-law banishes her to real-life New York City. She sings, she dances—is there anything Adams can’t do?

19. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

• Who's in it : Michael J. Fox, Don Ameche, Sally Field
• Run time: 84 minutes

Make room on the couch and let your furry friends watch this uplifting adventure film with you as lovable pups Shadow and Chance and kitty cat Sassy journey across the country to be reunited with their humans.

20. The Hunger Games (2012)

• Who's in it : Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
• Run time: 144 minutes

In this film based on the hugely popular YA series, plucky Katniss Everdeen (played by the brilliant Lawrence) is the perfect role model for teenage girls, as she bravely fights against the evil Panem nation.

21. Finding Nemo (2003)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 4+
• Who's in it : Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould

Dive into this adorable underwater flick that’s got plenty of giggles and morals for younger viewers (and adults) including the importance of teamwork, embracing what makes you unique and how a little bit of determination goes a long way. Don't miss the equally sweet follow-up, Finding Dory .

22. Inside Out (2015)

• Who's in it : Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black
• Run time: 102 minutes

In this feel-good Pixar flick, we follow young Riley as she’s uprooted from her childhood home and forced to move to a new city. Her emotions (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust) try to guide her through this difficult transition but it’s not easy being an 11-year-old girl in a new place.

23. All The Harry Potter Films (2001 - 2010)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 7+
• Who's in it : Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

Revisiting J.K. Rowling’s magical story of a young wizard fighting against evil Voldemort is one of the best parts of having children. Just kidding (sort of). Read the books first, then snuggle up for multiple weekends of world-class entertainment (there are eight films, plus numerous spin-offs in the works).

24. Remember the Titans (2000)

• Who's in it : Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris
• Run time: 113 minutes

The ultimate sports movie (inspired by a true story) about a newly integrated high school football team in 1971 Alexandria, Virginia. Full of ups and downs, this all-star flick (yep, that’s a young Ryan Gosling singing in the changing room) gives parents an opportunity to talk to kids about race and prejudice. Teachable moments, people.

25. Home Alone (1990)

• Who's in it : Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern

While the thought of going on vacation and leaving your eight-year-old child behind is totally inconceivable, you’ll be happy the McAllisters accidentally did. This holiday classic (that makes for great viewing all year round) has got plenty of hilarious hijinks to keep the whole family entertained.

26. Matilda (1996)

• Who's in it : Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Mara Wilson, Embeth Davidtz
• Run time: 98 minutes

Based on the Roald Dahl book of the same title, this story of a telekinetic young girl will teach your kids that with a little encouragement (and a lot of reading), they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to. And who doesn’t want to teach their kids that?

27. The Red Balloon (1956)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 2+
• Rating: TV-G
• Who's in it : Pascal Lamorisse
• Run time: 34 minutes

Inspire your child’s inner cinephile with this 34-minute French film from 1956 about a young child named Pascal who traipses around Paris with, yep, a red balloon. Très cute.

28. Spirited Away (2001)

• Who's in it : Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki
• Run time: 125 minutes

Studio Ghibli’s beautiful and surreal animation about a young girl trying to save her family after they’ve all been turned into pigs by an evil witch will captivate young audiences (you might even enjoy it more than your kids).

29. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

• Who's in it : Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer
• Run time: 112 minutes

This movie is super c-u-t-e and chock-full of important lessons for kids, including how to stand up to peer pressure and how to work hard to achieve your goals. (Not to mention how much it’ll help them with their spelling.)

30. Frozen (2013)

• Who's in it : Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff

Fact: Every child loves this movie. And the sweet story of two sisters living in a perpetual winter (plus the ridiculously catchy songs) will warm your grown-up heart, too.

31. The Princess Bride (1987)

• Who's in it : Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon

Before she ruled on Capitol Hill, Robin Wright starred in this fantasy adventure comedy about a farm girl (Buttercup), her one true love (Westley) and their quest to be together. It’s inconceivable that your family won’t totally love it. (See what we did there?)

32. Coco (2017)

• Who's in it : Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach

This Oscar-winning film follows Miguel on his quest to become an accomplished musician, despite his family’s ban on music. Through a series of unfortunate events, he finds himself in the Land of the Dead where he meets some interesting characters and learns about his family's mysterious past. A thoughtful film that tackles a difficult subject matter beautifully.

33. Paddington (2015)

• Who's in it : Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent
• Run time: 95 minutes

Follow this adventurous (and not to mention, totally adorable) Peruvian bear as he travels to London in search of a home. After finding himself lost in Paddington Station, his luck begins to change when he meets the kind Brown family. For a fun-filled weekend, watch the first movie on Friday night and then enjoy the just-as-good sequel on Saturday . Don't forget the popcorn.

34. Wreck-it Ralph (2012)

• Who's in it : John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer
• Run time: 108 minutes

Youngsters who can’t get enough of video games will love this sci-fi comedy about an arcade game villain who decides to rebel against his role and fulfill his lifelong dream of being a hero instead. But things don’t go quite according to plan, and Ralph has to save the arcade world from his own mess. Hilarity ensues, of course.

35. The Land Before Time (1989)

• Who's in it : Gabriel Damon, Candace Hutson, Judith Barsi
• Run time: 69 minutes

Bring out the tissues for this sweet flick that follows orphaned Brontosaurus Littlefoot (sob!) and his dino pals as they journey to the Great Valley to reunite with their families. (No really, you will need tissues.)

36. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

• Who's in it : Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart

From the creators of Despicable Me, this adorable family film gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at exactly what pets do when their owners aren’t home. (Ahem, eat all of your food and get totally lost roaming around the city.)

37. Jurassic Park (1993)

• Who's in it : Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum

You probably remember the story of a remote island where real dinosaurs come to life thanks to dormant DNA, but you’ll be surprised at how the special effects and suspense still hold up. Watch on a Friday night, then watch Jurassic World on Saturday (do yourself a favor and skip films two and three).

38. Jumanji (1995)

• Who's in it : Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, David Alan Grier
• Run time: 104 minutes

Forget the reboot , the original movie is guaranteed fun for the whole family. When two youngsters find a magical board game, they release a world full of excitement (including Alan Parrish, who’s been trapped inside the game for decades) and dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.

39. The Incredibles (2004)

• Who's in it : Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox

In this 2004 animated film, the Parrs are just trying to live a normal, quiet suburban life. But that’s not exactly easy when you’re a family of undercover superheroes. Kids of all ages will love watching to find out if these guys manage to save the world from a superhero wannabe.

40. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

• Who's in it : Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei

Featuring an A-list voiceover cast and seriously impressive animation, this action-adventure follows a young boy, Kubo, as he sets out to locate a magical suit of armor that once belonged to his father. With some dark and scary themes, this one's better to watch with older kids.

41. The Kissing Booth (2018)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 14+
• Rating: TV-14
• Who's in it : Joey King, Jacob Elordi, Joel Courtney

Elle and Lee created a list of friendship rules when they were kids, and they still abide by them today. However, when Elle goes behind Lee’s back to pursue a romantic relationship with his off-limits older brother, Noah, Elle is forced to choose between friendship and love.

42. A Bug's Life (1998)

• Who's in it : Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Flik’s inventions are always causing problems for his ant colony. When he accidentally destroys their hard-earned food storage, they’re forced to distract Hopper while they fix the problem.

43. The Addams Family (1991)

• Who's in it Who's in it: Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd
• Run time: 99 minutes

The Addams Family is thrilled when Gomez’s missing brother, Fester suddenly reappears. That is, until Morticia realizes that something is off. (Bonus points: Huston’s role received not one, but two Golden Globe nominations.)

44. Brave (2012)

• Who's in it : Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters
• Run time: 93 minutes

Meet Merida, the daughter of Scottish King Fergus and Queen Elinor. When she receives an ill-fated wish from a witch (voiced by the brilliant Julie Walters), she must undo the curse before it’s too late.

45. Over the Moon (2020)

• Who's in it : Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong, John Cho

This is the story of a young dreamer named Fei Fei , who is mesmerized by the legend of the moon goddess, Chang’e. Fun fact: It only took one week for Over the Moon to become Netflix’s most-watched movie .

46. Maleficent (2014)

• Who's in it : Angelina Jolie, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley

Maleficent is shocked when an invading army threatens her idyllic life. After engaging in an epic battle, Maleficent places a curse on the king’s newborn daughter only to realize it was a mistake.

47. The Willoughbys (2020)

• Who's in it : Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara, Terry Crews

Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby used to be an adventurous couple, but they’re too caught up in everyday life to spend time with their four children. This prompts the neglected kids to take their nanny on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the modern world.

48. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 8+;
• Who's in it : Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline
• Run time: 139 minutes

In this live-action version of the Disney classic, Belle switches places with her father, who was locked up in a dungeon by an arrogant prince. With the help of the mansion’s enchanted servants, Belle discovers the Beast isn’t as tough as he seems.

49. Despicable Me (2010)

• Who's in it : Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove, Kristen Wiig

Gru (voiced by Carell) is on a mission to steal the moon, so he adopts three orphan girls as a means of furthering his plan. When he starts to feel parental love for his adopted brood, he soon realizes family isn’t so bad after all.

50. Minions (2015)

• Who's in it : Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Taraji P. Henson, Lucy Lawless
• Run time: 91 minutes

How did the Minions originate? Where did they come from? And how did they first cross paths with Gru? This movie has loads of answers. (Think of it as the prequel to Despicable Me .)

51. Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

• Suitable for:  Kids ages 8+
• Run time:  87 minutes

Minions: The Rise of Gru (also known as  Minions 2 ) takes place in the ’70s, when Gru is considering joining the Vicious 6 supervillains. Of course, things don’t go according to plan.

52. Soul (2020)

• Who's in it : Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House

We’re total suckers for a good Disney-Pixar movie, but this flick is especially good. Soul tells the story of a musician who has lost his passion for music. When he’s transported out of his body, he must find his way back with the help of an infant soul. (Bonus points: The characters are voiced by Fey and Foxx.)

53. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

• Who's in it : Paul Briggs, Don Hall, Adele Lim, Carlos López Estrada
• Run time: 117 minutes

This animated film introduces viewers to a warrior named Raya, who tries to find the last dragon in an ancient civilization. To top it off, the magical creature is voiced by Crazy Rich Asians star Awkwafina.

54. Mulan (2020)

• Who's in it : Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee

This live-action version features Yifei Liu as a brave girl named Mulan, who disguises herself as a man, so she can serve in the Imperial Army.

55. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

• Who's in it : Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart, Madeleine Arthur, Emilija Baranac

Lara Jean is content with her life as a nearly invisible high school junior. Everything changes when five of her secret love letters accidentally get mailed out to their recipients—including her friend Josh, who happens to be dating her older sister, Margot. In an attempt to convince him it meant nothing, she quickly enlists the help of Peter Kavinsky to fake a romance.

56. Upside-Down Magic (2020)

• Rating: TV-PG
• Who's in it : Izabela Rose, Siena Agudong
• Run time: 96 minutes

When two best friends enroll in Sage Academy (a prestigious magic school), they must learn to utilize their special powers against the forces of evil. If the title sounds familiar, it's probably because the movie is based on the fantasy book series by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins.

57. Secret Magic Control Agency (2021)

• Who's in it : Nicholas Corda, Sylvana Joyce, Alyson Rosenfeld

Remember Hansel and Gretel? Well, they’re now acting as secret agents in this family-friendly film. The animated flick documents the duo as they use their magic to find a missing king, demonstrating teamwork along the way.

58. We Can Be Heroes (2020)

• Who's in it : YaYa Gosselin, Lyon Daniels, Andy Walken, Hala Finley
• Run time: 110 minutes

When Earth’s superheroes are kidnapped by alien invaders, the government takes in all their children to protect them against evil forces. Everything changes when Missy Moreno devises a plan to use all of the kids’ powers to escape the safe house and save their parents.

59. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

• Who's in it : Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith

When Chris is evicted from his apartment, he and his young son embark on a life-changing journey. Not only is this flick bound to make you smile, but it may also make you reach for the tissue box.

60. Little (2019)

• Who's in it : Regina Hall, Issa Rae, Marsai Martin

Regina Hall stars as Jordan, a woman whose life gets flip-turned upside-down when she magically turns into her younger self. Luckily, her faithful assistant April is more than happy to step up in her absence.

61. Queen of Katwe (2016)

• Who's in it : David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, Madina Nalwanga
• Run time: 124 minutes

This feel-good flick is based on a true story and is sure to inspire some interesting family discussions after viewing. Katwe (pronounced Kah-tway) is from one of Uganda's poorest slums but manages to overcome impossible hurdles to become a teenage chess champion. (And don’t worry—this film is in English and no knowledge of chess is required.)

62. Mary Poppins (1964)

• Who's in it : Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson

The songs, the dancing, the formidable cast... there’s a reason why this fantastical technicolor movie is a classic. We’d even go as far as to say that this story of a magical nanny who sweeps into the Banks home to take charge of the children is “practically perfect in every way.”

63. Elf (2003)

• Who's in it : James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Edward Asner

Is Elf the best Christmas movie of all time? Quite possibly. Meet Buddy, a man who was raised as an elf in Santa’s workshop. When he ventures away from the North Pole and down to New York City in search of his real father, he’s soon confronted with a harsh reality: His dad is on the naughty list. Stream this flick with your brood this holiday season and get ready for a whole lot of laughter.

64. Hidden Figures (2016)

• Who's in it : Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner

This Academy Award-nominated film tells the story of the unsung heroes of NASA’s early days: three brilliant African American women who played pivotal roles in launching the manned spaceflight program. Based on an inspiring true story, this family film will teach young minds about perseverance and teamwork, as well as give them an important look at the racial tensions of the Civil Rights era.

65. Luca (2021)

• Who's in it : Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Saverio Raimondo

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, this recently-released Disney and Pixar flick tells the story of a young boy, Luca, who is having the best summer of his life eating gelato and riding on a scooter with his new best friend, Alberto. There’s just one problem...the duo are sea monsters from another world below water.

66. Encanto (2021)

• Who's in it : Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo
• Run time: 109 minutes

Meet Mirabel Madrigal, a Colombian girl who’s dealing with the fact that she’s the only one in her family who was born without powers. But when her magical home comes under threat, she discovers that she could be the key to saving it.

67. The Adam Project (2022)

• Who's in it : Ryan Reynolds, Walker Scobell, Addison Tusing, Mark Ruffalo
• Run time: 106 minutes

The story follows Adam as he travels back in time to reunite with his younger self. Together, they must eliminate time travel…before it’s too late.

68. Sing (2016)

• Who's in it : Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane

Prepare to sing along as this talented group of animal performers rehearse for their next musical extravaganza. The question is: Can Buster Moon convince a busy rock star to join the cast?

69. Shrek (2001)

• Who's in it : Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz

Shrek’s isolated lifestyle is turned upside-down thanks to Lord Farquaad. When the ogre cuts a deal with the dictator, he’s tasked with rescuing Princess Fiona. The problem? She’s hiding a deep, dark secret.

70. Vivo (2021)

• Who's in it : Zoe Saldana, Juan de Marcos, Brian Tyree Henry

The movie highlights a musically gifted duo: Andrés Hernández and his kinkajou—a tropical rainforest mammal—named Vivo. After a tragic event, Vivo embarks on a dangerous journey to fulfill Andrés’s last wishes.

71. Turning Red (2022)

• Who's in it : Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse

Meet Mei Lee, a confident 13-year-old who struggles to balance school and adolescence with her overbearing mom. And not only that, but whenever she gets a little too excited, she morphs into a giant red panda.

72. Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997)

• Who's in it : Brandy Norwood, Whitney Houston, Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg
• Run time: 85 minutes

From Whitney Houston’s dazzling golden ensemble to Brandy Norwood’s catchy musical numbers, this fairytale remake still stands as one of the best (and most diverse) adaptations ever made. Grab this one for your next family movie night.

73. Good Burger (1997)

• Who's in it : Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Abe Vigod

Who knew that a simple comedy sketch from All That could inspire this timeless cult classic? In Good Burger , Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell steal the show as two employees who go out of their way to save the popular fast-food joint from crumbling.

74. Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)

• Who's in it : Jack Whitehall, Darby Camp, Tony Hale, Sienna Guillory

We love a feel-good film that takes us back to our childhood. Inspired by Norman Bridwell’s classic book series, this adaptation is about a young girl who receives a tiny red puppy. But little does she know that her furry friend will turn into a giant ten-foot dog.

75. Up (2009)

• Who's in it : Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai

Carl Fredricksen is a 78-year-old widower who has always dreamed of traveling to South America and finding the mysterious Paradise Falls. To fulfill his promise to his late wife, he attaches thousands of balloons to his house and embarks on his biggest adventure, along with his new friend and young Boy Scout, Russell.

76. Anastasia (1997)

• Suitable for: Kids ages 3+
• Who's in it : Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer
• Run time: 94 minutes

Anastasia is the last surviving member of the Russian royal family—but she doesn't know it. Determined to learn more about her history, she teams up with two mischievous con men and heads back to Paris, while the evil Rasputin sets out to destroy her.

77. The Parent Trap (1998)

• Who's in it : Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson, Lindsay Lohan
• Run time: 128 minutes

After being separated at birth and raised by just one of their parents, siblings Annie and Hallie wind up attending the same summer camp and are stunned to find out that they're identical twins. Before heading back home, the sisters hatch a plan to switch places so they can get their parents back together. But unfortunately, there's something standing in their way: their father's new gold-digging girlfriend.

78. Alvin & The Chipmunks (2007)

• Who's in it : Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson

The movie follows a businessman and aspiring composer who becomes fast friends with three talented chipmunks and then adopts them as his own. These lovable furry creatures will totally appeal to kids and adults alike.

79. Dr. Dolittle (1998)

• Who's in it : Eddie Murphy, Ossie Davis, Oliver Platt

Meet Dr. John Dolittle, an eccentric veterinarian who can communicate with a variety of exotic animals. His ability, however, causes his wife to suspect that he's going insane, landing him in a mental institution. Can his animal friends rescue him?

80. Bend It Like Beckham (2003)

• Who's in it : Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Jess is extremely passionate about football (soccer to us Americans). Unfortunately, her strict conservative family refuses to let her play because of her gender. So, Jess steps out of her comfort zone and secretly joins the local women’s football team.

81. Elemental (2023)

• Who's in it : Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi
• Run time:  103 minutes

The film is set in a world where elements of nature—fire, water, land and air—coexist as one community. Everything changes when Ember Lumen, a fire element, befriends Wade Ripple, a water element, and discovers their commonalities.

82. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

• Who's in it : Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black
• Run time:  92 minutes

If you love the classic video game, you need to tune in to this nostalgic film that follows Mario and his friends as they battle the one and only Bowser. It features an all-star voiceover cast, including Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen and more.

83. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

• Who's in it: Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Tim Daly
• Run time: 86 minutes

Miyazaki’s breakthrough film has stood the test of time—namely because of the incredibly beautiful animation and the low-key storyline, which brings the emotions of children to light in the most magical way and boasts positive messages about siblings and friendship. This poignant fantasy is sure to stir the hearts and minds of viewers of all ages.

The 20 Best Family Movies on Netflix

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'Family' Review: This Horror Film Takes “Home Sweet Hell” to Heart | SXSW 2024

How well do you really know your family?

The Big Picture

• Benjamin Finkel’s debut announces the arrival of a new horror filmmaker you’ll want to keep your eye on.
• Family falls in line with contemporary “arthouse horror” films, but never feels repetitive or like a copycat.
• Don’t think that means scares are shoved to the background — you’re going to yelp and squirm around plenty.

We love a feature debut like Benjamin Finkel’s haunting chiller Family that immediately announces a powerful filmmaking voice . It’s not just creepy, it’s downright scary in a way that harkens back to Ari Aster ’s Hereditary or Remi Weekes ’ His House . My notes are littered with comparison points like Baskin , Gretel & Hansel , The Babadook , and A Dark Song that make up the film’s sobering entrapment based on the looming specter of immeasurable loss. Finkel writes and directs a visually arresting albeit cosmically untelling tale of familial despair, in which there is no such phrase as “Home Sweet Home,” and trusted relations become the monsters among us.

What Is 'Family' About?

The film starts with a dream : an 11-year-old only child named Johanna ( Cameron Dawson Gray ) screams for mercy right before Ruth Wilson ’s mother figure (Naomi) brutally murders her daughter. When she awakens, reality sets back in. Johanna is adjusting after an emergency relocation because her sickly father, Harry ( Ben Chaplin ), needs top medical attention as his life-threatening condition rapidly worsens. Harry can no longer chase his child outdoors without feeling like he’ll collapse or make it through dinner without a phlegmy coughing fit. Johanna clutches onto the hope that an oval, Robin egg blue birdhouse with gold patterns can save her father, which she hangs outside and utters an invitation for healing spirits who can enter the wooden fixture. The “spirit call” works, but as you might assume — since Family is a capital-H horror film — her birdhouse welcomes an entity that starts terrorizing Johanna and relentlessly tearing her world apart .

Finkel sets himself the immediate challenge of hinging his traumatizing story on the performance of an adolescent protagonist . Bluntly, not all child actors can carry movies like lil’ Lucinda Lee Dawson Gray. All the performances are incredibly strong — Ben Chaplin as the bony, radiation-riddled man in a losing battle, Ruth Wilson as the overwhelmed woman under pressure trying to hold everything together — but Gray is the “hero” of Family , and she’s mature beyond her years as a performer. Family is so frightening in parts thanks to Gray’s frantic pleas as the malevolent force manipulates what we see versus what characters see, linking to childhood horrors of going unheard or being left entirely alone. Gray nails the complexities behind Johanna’s grief and how she processes the slow, agonizing demise of her dearest dad, as well as the bone-chilling haunts that slither forward when she’s left without a babysitter.

Every A24 Horror Movie Ranked From Worst to Best

Family feels in line with contemporary arthouse horror fare, some of which I’ve already mentioned, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on scares. Finkel shows a tremendous command over sound design matched to disturbing imagery , including anything from ghoulish body horror where skeletons crunch while bent inhumanly, or nightmarish figures attentively postured upright at the end of a hallway (shout out to Toto the Dog). Fearful highlights deal with the uncanny and extreme manipulation since Johanna believes she’s hearing either mom or pop from afar, only to find something with elongated, blackened fingernails stretching from inside the oblong birdhouse. Finkel hits on those imaginative early-years fears that’d send us racing up basement steps once we flick off lights, but worse, he goes to great lengths when eviscerating the safeguards of family relationships to ensure every second post-demonic invasion is heavy with tension.

'Family' Lives and Dies By Its Ending

It’s in the third act where Family will either win or lose audiences , which is, at the very least, the mark of something interesting. That’s where the “cosmic” comes in, and Finkel feels Darren Aronofsky ’s instincts flow through his body. The “art” portion of arthouse slams into viewers full force, favoring a cerebral assault that might provoke more questions than answers and heaps style atop substance, but I’d rather a gamble than something rote or mundane. Finkel has no problem meeting the intensity of Johanna’s physically and mentally grueling journey, unlocking a third gear that some films can only dream about. Allan Corduner’s grandfather, a local rabbi, attempts to diffuse Johanna’s strife and provide guidance. Still, everything in the back half seems to become a beast of its own making that is more enamored with visuals than definitive outlines. There are clear shades of Toni Collette ’s breakdown in Hereditary present as Wilson’s matriarch loses control (sublimely carried out as a horror antagonist), but also a very Guillermo del Toro quality about Johanna’s final confrontation. How it all comes together may be up in the air — but there’s an undeniably thrilling puzzlement factor.

Finkel’s behind-the-camera control sells the at-times unwieldy back half, some parts feeling like Mother! , others a religious unraveling meets deviant fairy tale. Family is capably shot and visually compelling , even considering the barebones nature of a newly purchased house that’s yet to be decorated or feels lived-in. That only adds to the surrealness as Johanna fights back against a spirit that clearly desires to cause harm, which contrasts with vast whimsy as she peers into the peephole of her birdhouse, and views a galaxy’s worth of celestial twinkles. You don’t usually see first-timers swing this big or connect so frequently, which makes Finkel's debut so exciting. Whatever he does next deservingly earns all eyes and attention.

Family is an exuberant and confident first feature that disturbs, allures, and strikes terror . Finkel is instantly a filmmaker to watch, considering what he’s able to accomplish with an independent production. There’s such a tightness and composure whether you’re talking about tremendous performances or gorgeously sinister visuals. Complaints about payoffs are valid and understood, but it's not enough to sink everything else Finkel accomplishes. Any horror film that gets me to squirm in my seat these days immediately snags my attention, and Family did that multiple times. What an announcement this is for the arrival of Benjamin Finkel.

Family (2024)

Family goes for big swings in the back half, but takes the phrase “Home Sweet Hell” to heart and delivers something uniquely unsettling and never concedes its ideas to appease the masses.

• Finkel shows impressive command over Family.
• It?s a downright scary haunted house riff.
• All of the performances are spot-on, especially Lucinda Lee Dawson Gray.
• The film's ambitions can be hard to swallow toward the end.
• The film would benefit from more showing and not as much telling.

Family had its World Premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival.

Movie Reviews

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Life is tough in the Witness Protection Program. Life is pretty cushy, too, especially if you're the Manzoni family in Luc Besson 's " The Family ": you get to live in a quaint house in a tiny village in Normandy, you eat well, you have FBI guys stationed across the street 24/7, and you have a personal handler who makes sure that you and your loved ones are safe. The point of being in Normandy for the Manzonis is to somehow "pass" as regular Americans on holiday or sabbatical, and the Manzonis fail to manage this from the start, mainly because they are all raging maniacs. 

"The Family" is a pretty uneven film, lurching from comedy to violence to sentiment, but it's best when it sticks in the realm of flat-out farce. The pleasure comes in watching the actors ( Michelle Pfeiffer , in particular) submitting wholeheartedly to ridiculous situations. The film has a mix of influences and genres, obviously, and Besson plays with these and references them openly, but the farcical elements rest uneasily beside the violence, leaving the unmistakeable feeling that this is a film slightly at war with itself. 

When dealing with the family's adjustment (or lack thereof) to small-town French life, it is on sure (and often hilarious) footing. Giovanni Manzoni ( Robert De Niro ) snitched on his Mafia friends back in the States, and because of that there is now a $20 million price on his head. In exchange for his testimony, he and his family (wife and two teenage kids, Belle and Warren) are placed in the Witness Protection Program, under the control of FBI agent Robert Stansfield ( Tommy Lee Jones ). Maggie Manzoni (Pfeiffer) is already sick of the life in hiding, and has a tiny habit of blowing stuff up when she gets upset. Of course placing a well-known Mob boss into a tiny village in France doesn't seem like the best strategy for the FBI, because the witness will stick out even more there, but you really can't ask those questions when you watch "The Family." The answers will not hold up under interrogation.

The film opens with the family (Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianna Agron , and John D’Leo) driving through the French countryside to yet another hideout since their cover was blown in the Riviera. The two kids loll bored in the back seat, Giovanni tries to tell everyone the new place will be fine, everything will be okay, the dog gets blamed for the bad smell in the car (when actually it is the stink of a dead corpse in the trunk, hidden there by Giovanni on his way out of Nice). This opening scene contains everything that is good and pleasurable about the film: watching Pfeiffer and De Niro act with one another, the weird juxtaposition of violence and everyday family matters, the family's anxiety at being in France when they'd rather be in Brooklyn. You are lulled into a false sense that you understand what is going on here—that the father, Giovanni Manzoni (Robert De Niro) is the "wise guy," and his family is just along for the ride. But the next couple of scenes explode that sense of safety (literally) as you realize that all of them, all four of them, are out of their minds.

Belle and Warren size up their new small-town school and promptly begin to wreak havoc among their peer group. In a matter of days, Warren has taken over 50% of the blackmarket cigarette business, as well as the prescription pill business, and when he is told by a teacher that his conduct has been poor, he says he wants a lawyer. On her first day, Belle accepts a ride home with four French guys who tell her they want to "practice their English," and when she realizes that maybe they want more from her, she beats one of the guys to a pulp with a tennis racket. Played by "Glee"'s Dianna Argon, Belle is a creepy character, gorgeous and innocent, but when she falls in love with her math tutor, you can't get the image of her smashing the tennis racket into another human being's face out of your mind. Meanwhile, Warren and Belle's parents are oblivious to what's happening in their children's lives. Giovanni thinks he might try his hand at a memoir, not a smart move for someone who is supposed to be in hiding. Maggie visits a local church, trying to re-connect to her faith.  Tommy Lee Jones shows up now and then to say it's hard to protect them if they insist on breaking the plumber's legs because he can't fix the pipes.

De Niro could play this role in his sleep, but he's fun to watch, especially in the scenes with Pfeiffer, and when his power is demeaned by his family's shenanigans. In one awesome sequence, the curator of a local film group calls up Giovanni and asks if he wouldn't come to their next meeting to have a nice debate on a great American film, Vincente Minnelli's "Some Came Running" (starring Frank Sinatra as an aspiring writer with a tormented past). Against the advice of Stansfield, Giovanni accepts. The head of the film society tells him they were sent " Goodfellas " by mistake, so maybe the visiting American would have something to say about that? Boy, does he ever. It's a giant wink to the audience, an inside joke, as we are treated to the bizarre vision of Robert De Niro as Giovanni Manzoni watching Robert De Niro as Jimmy in "Goodfellas."

Pfeiffer's performance is the reason to see the film, though. Calling back her show-stopping turn in " Married to the Mob ," her Maggie is both supportive and bored out of her mind, yearning towards her old Catholic faith but unrepentant about blowing stuff up. She cooks at the stove, her hair in gigantic curlers. She kneels in church, praying to Jesus with earnest eyes. Pfeiffer has been very good in dramatic material, but she might be a comedienne at heart. There's one scene near the end of "The Family" where events are coming to a boil, buildings are exploding, and she crawls across the floor as quickly as she can clutching a gigantic kitchen knife. Her eyes are manic, wild, and yet also focused, like an assassin's. 

Luc Besson has built a career on stylish and thrilling action films, and "The Family" is a mess compared to such earlier efforts as "Le Femme Nikita" and "Léon: The Professional." But for what it is, it works, while reminding us and again to not take it too seriously.

Sheila O'Malley

Sheila O'Malley received a BFA in Theatre from the University of Rhode Island and a Master's in Acting from the Actors Studio MFA Program. Read her answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here .

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The 5 Best Family Movies Of 2024 So Far

At their best, films aimed at young kids can be enjoyed by adults as well  and truly earn the "family movie" title. 2023 brought plenty of titles that fit the bill, from box office hits like "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" and "Migration" to streaming treats like "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget" and "Leo."

Now it's 2024's turn to show us what it's got, and while the early months of the year tend to be pretty dry when it comes to family movies, as studios are holding them back for school vacations and long summer days, there are some fresh, funny, and heartwarming new releases on offer. From a new "Peanuts" special to a fantasy movie filled with dragon-related perils to the latest high-flying antics of "Kung Fu Panda," here are the best family movies of 2024 so far.

The Casagrandes Movie

As you might be able to guess from the name, "The Casagrandes Movie" is connected to a TV show ("The Casagrandes"), which itself is a spin-off of another TV show ("The Loud House"). But school's out for the summer — in the movie, at least — which means there's no homework required and you can just dive right in. Despite the large ensemble of Casagrandes family members featured, "The Casagrandes Movie" is really a tale in the spirit of "A Goofy Movie," with a central focus on the strained relationship between a parent keen to get in some bonding time with their kid, and a kid who's old enough to want to go off and do their own thing.

Actually, it's a two-fer. The movie opens with Punguari (Paulina Chávez), demigoddess of the moon, feeling frustrated that her parents don't recognize that she's 12,000 years old and ready to become a full god. Punguari decides to take matters into her own hands, with earth-splitting results. 800 years later we meet Ronnie Anne Santiago (Izabella Alvarez), who feels frustrated that her mother doesn't recognize that she's 12 years old and ready to spend the summer acquiring cool and gruesome injuries at Xtreme Eddie's Sick and Twisted 12 and Over Skatepark. Instead, Ronnie Anne gets whisked off in a cramped minivan to go and visit her great-grandmother in Mexico and learn about her heritage. With a little help from a magic necklace, that heritage is brought to life in a very village-destroying way.

The animation is bold and fun, the fantasy elements add a cool spin to a family-vacation plot that could have otherwise been boring, and there's a joke about the mysterious relationship between miles and kilometers that made me laugh out loud. (Hannah Shaw-Williams)

Director: Miguel Puga

Cast:  Izabella Alvarez, Paulina Chávez, Sumalee Montano

Rating: TV-Y7

With a well-earned PG-13 rating, Netflix fantasy adventure "Damsel" is probably best reserved for older and/or braver kids. Aside from the strong peril that Millie Bobby Brown's Elodie finds herself in, there are also some gross deaths at the claws of the dragon (voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo), including numerous incinerations and one unfortunate knight getting splatted underneath a dragon claw. But hey, '80s kids watched Artax sinking into the Swamp of Sadness in "The Neverending Story," and that was far more traumatizing than any number of bloody dragon deaths.

"Damsel" upends the old-fashioned fairy tale of a handsome prince rescuing a princess from a vicious dragon by having the handsome prince yeet the princess into the dragon's lair and run away. You see, the royal family of this particular kingdom have an uneasy peace treaty that involves sacrificing three princesses to the dragon in each generation. Elodie is the latest sacrifice, but fortunately she's been getting in some great upper body workouts chopping wood back home, and she also has the benefit of all the clues scrawled on the walls by previous princesses. And if she can just survive the dragon, she wants to have a chat with that handsome prince about why you shouldn't throw girls down holes. (Hannah Shaw-Williams)

Director: Dan Mazeau

Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Ray Winstone, Shohreh Aghdashloo

Rating: PG-13

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 56%

Kung Fu Panda 4

After nearly a decade away from the big screen, Jack Black is back as the unlikely Dragon Warrior in "Kung Fu Panda 4." Though the latest sequel in the DreamWorks Animation franchise doesn't quite measure up to the greatness of the original trilogy , there's still a good adventure here that's bolstered by spectacular animation, slick action, and the always hilarious presence of Jack Black as Po. This time he's paired with a stealthy fox named Zhen (voiced by Awkwafina), and the two have an amusing buddy cop dynamic that adds some new flavor to the franchise.

Standout moments include a chase through a bustling city set to an orchestral version of Ozzy Osborne's "Crazy Train" and the final fight sequence where the villain known as The Chameleon (Viola Davis) transforms into each of Po's most formidable foes, as well as Po himself, before meshing all the power of all the kung fu masters together into a fearsome beast. Plus, stick around for a fun credits sequence featuring a lively cover of Britney Spears' trademark tune "Baby One More Time" performed by Tenacious D. In fact, the music throughout the movie, composed by Hans Zimmer and Steve Mazzaro, is a top notch score, even if the movie can't reach those same heights. Despite not being as fantastic as the previous installments, it's still better than 90% of the family entertainment out there, so you can't go wrong. (Ethan Anderton)

Director: Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Stine

Cast: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%  

Orion and the Dark

Whether it's the mysterious, murky depths of the ocean, the possibility of an infected mosquito bite rotting your arm off, or something as simple as the dark, everyone has things they're afraid of. In Frank Herbert's "Dune," some characters are able to rise above their fears thanks to a little mantra: "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration..."

Sean Charmatz's animated fantasy adventure "Orion and the Dark" starts out as a lesson in overcoming your fears and not being afraid any more, but admits early on that grown-ups are in no position to teach that lesson. After all, we're afraid of things too. It's not easy for parents to admit to kids that they don't have all the answers, but that's exactly what Orion (voiced by Jacob Tremblay as a kid, and Colin Hanks as an adult) has to admit to his own daughter, Hypatia (Mia Akemi Brown) in the film's "Princess Bride"-esque bedtime story framing device.

To help Orion cope with his fear of the Dark, the Dark itself (Paul Walter Hauser) offers to take him on a 24-hour adventure through nighttime around the world, meeting other entities such as Sleep (Natasia Demetriou), Dream (Angela Bassett), and Unexplained Noises (Golda Rosheuvel). Yes, the ultimate message of "feel the fear and do it anyway" might literally be the title of a self-help book, but here it's delivered in a package that's considerably more engaging for kids. (Hannah Shaw-Williams)

Director: Sean Charmatz

Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin

With a 39-minute runtime, Apple TV+'s "Peanuts" special "Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home Franklin" might be pushing the definition of 'movie' a bit ... but hey, kids have short attention spans. This is an origin story of sorts for Franklin (Caleb Bellavance), adapting the 1968 comic strip storyline in which he was introduced . A military brat who has already grown used to moving from town to town and never having the same set of friends for long, Franklin relies on advice from his grandpa to fast-track his way to new friendships as quickly as possible. However, his grandpa's tips about opening conversations with a joke and peppering people with compliments fail him in his weird new neighborhood, where there's a kid who worships a giant pumpkin and another one who has set up her own psychiatric practice despite questionable qualifications.

Fortunately, this town also contains another anxious and lonely kid, who goes by the name Charlie Brown (Etienne Kellici). Franklin and Charlie are both left without partners for the big soap box derby that's coming up, so they decide to team up and do their best to win — a goal that soon threatens to drive a wedge between their freshly-forged friendship. It's a sweet story, made more entertaining by seeing a newcomer's reactions to the idiosyncrasies of the "Peanuts" world. (Hannah Shaw-Williams)

Director: Raymond S. Persi

Cast:  Caleb Bellavance, Etienne Kellici

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

• Cast & crew

Unsung Hero

The movie also follows the family's mother, Helen Smallbone, as she uses her faith to hold the family of nine together by turning struggles into an adventure for her children. The movie also follows the family's mother, Helen Smallbone, as she uses her faith to hold the family of nine together by turning struggles into an adventure for her children. The movie also follows the family's mother, Helen Smallbone, as she uses her faith to hold the family of nine together by turning struggles into an adventure for her children.

• Richard L. Ramsey
• Joel Smallbone
• Daisy Betts
• Kirrilee Berger

• Helen Smallbone

• David Smallbone

• Rebecca Smallbone

• Eddie Degarmo

• Jed Albright

• Kay Albright

• Daniel Smallbone

• Luke Smallbone

• Ben Smallbone

• Josh Smallbone

• Luanne Meece

• Art Meriweather

• Nana Smallbone

• Grandpa James

• All cast & crew
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• Trivia Joel Smallbone 's screenwriting and directorial debut.
• April 26, 2024 (United States)
• United States
• Candy Rock Entertainment
• Kingdom Story Company
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

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• Runtime 1 hour 52 minutes

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Family Switch Reviews

The very familiar premise of body swapping is written until the wheels fall off. Is it a fun trip... sure. Does it go anywhere... no.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 27, 2023

One of the worst films of 2023

Full Review | Dec 25, 2023

A very entertaining, if predictable jaunt...a ball of fun, with the best scenes involving the swap between the family’s baby and its pet pooch.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 14, 2023

With only a tenuous link to the holiday season, the movie fails simply as an over-plotted, underwhelming body-swap farce marked by an irritatingly frenzied desire to please. Switch it off, please.

Full Review | Original Score: D | Dec 8, 2023

The few astute observations about the generation gap between middle-aged adults and adolescents get lost in a whirlwind of corny dialogue, unoriginal sight gags and an excess of humour based on bodily functions.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 7, 2023

The most positive thing I can say about Family Switch is that it at least doesn’t overstay its welcome by half an hour like most Netflix originals, but it is still not very good at all.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/10 | Dec 7, 2023

“Family Switch” is a Dad Joke of a movie, genially corny but enjoying its corniness so much that it invites us to enjoy it, too.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 6, 2023

Unfortunately, there are too many things going on for too many characters and it is difficult to believe that this experience really would have helped this family in the long run in any way other than having a bizarre shared experience.

Full Review | Dec 5, 2023

Family Switch isn't going to be that special holiday movie you put on every year, but it's fun enough to be enjoyed in the moment.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Dec 5, 2023

…it would be churlish to mark down such amiable, upbeat fare; Family Switch cannily re-gifts us Freaky Friday but for the whole family, and there have been worse starts to the festive season than this…

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 4, 2023

It’s harmless, but “Family Switch” is about a half-hour too long to sustain its frothy spirit.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 2, 2023

...an often astonishingly bland endeavor that’s been suffused with a progressively intolerable slick and generic feel...

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Dec 2, 2023

“Family Switch” has bits and pieces of amusement, but mostly you want to swap it for a better movie.

Full Review | Dec 2, 2023

The switcheroos befall an entire dysfunctional family, rather than just an at-odds mother and daughter, setting up four actors to deliver comically outsized dual performances of adolescence and middle age.

Full Review | Dec 1, 2023

Not great, but cast, including Emma Myers of "Wednesday" fame, makes it fun.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Dec 1, 2023

Netflix’s Family Switch is far from flawless, but it’s a well-written, hilarious treat featuring a team of actors who undoubtedly had a blast together, which translates onto the screen with sparkling ease.

The cast gamely slogs through the material, and works so hard to sell hokey contrivances in a plot so overstuffed, there’s no room to find or cultivate any comedy, or indulge anything more than shopworn character tropes.

Guess what? It works, even offering some LOL moments along the way in a movie that isn’t trying to reinvent anything here, just finding a new angle to squeeze some more life out of it.

Full Review | Nov 30, 2023

I liked it just enough to get me through the end credits...

“Not very good,” but “Too cute to hate” will have to do.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Nov 30, 2023

Liam Neeson Plays an Irish Assassin in a Movie You’ll Probably Watch on a Plane

PARTICULAR SKILLS

The veteran actor gets to flex his Irishness in a reasonably watchable (if politically dubious) hitman thriller “In the Land of Saints and Sinners.”

Siddhant Adlakha

RagBag Features

In the Land of Saints and Sinners opens on a busy pub, but its introductory text spells trouble: “Northern Ireland, 1974.” A bombing attempt goes awry, sending its IRA perpetrators—led by the ruthless liberationist Doireann McCann ( Kerry Condon )—on the run from Belfast to a coastal town in Donegal, just south of the border. They decide to lay low, but this quaint village in the Republic of Ireland happens to be the home of hitman Finbar Murphy ( Liam Neeson ), whose path they eventually cross, resulting in a consistently watchable (if politically disengaged) drama about regret.

The film is an Irish production, but American filmmaker Robert Lorenz imbues it with a distinctly Western vibe. The opening notes of its score by siblings Diego, Nora, and Lionel Baldenweg sound distinctly inspired by Ennio Morricone, albeit with the occasional use of Irish folk instruments. These settings may not mix on the surface, but Lorenz’s Wild West approach to Troubles Ireland is less about flash and more about introspective mood.

It also feels inspired by Lorenz’s longtime collaborator, Clint Eastwood . Despite its use of echoing, Morricone-esque flutes and harmonicas in its score—reminiscent of Sergio Leone’s The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly , which starred Eastwood—the movie takes more after Unforgiven , a deconstructive neo-Western. Like Paul Munny, Eastwood’s character in that movie, Neeson’s Finbar is a widowered former assassin. Unlike Munny, his bounty-hunting days aren’t quite so far in his rearview.

In an amusing coincidence, Finbar—who moonlights as a book salesman—happens to retire from his life of crime the very same day that Doireann and her crew arrive. With Neeson in the role, it’s a pleasure to see his cold-hearted determination slip and transform into remorse in real time. His raspy delivery of “I have a very particular set of skills” in Taken is iconic, but the way he stews and reflects in silence is infinitely more powerful. (See also: Joe Carnahan’s survivalist thriller The Grey . ) Lorenz knows exactly how to deploy Neeson’s gifts; his dialogue, especially his chummy bickering with cop friend Vinnie (Ciarán Hinds), is a pleasant front to conceal lurid secrets.

For all the moral murkiness of its backdrop, In the Land of Saints and Sinners is surprisingly straightforward in that department. Finbar’s life as a button man may weigh heavy on his heart, but he rarely actually reckons with his actions. The film practically establishes up front that killing people who have it coming, in some fashion, is a-okay. Finbar is a murderer with a heart of gold, who shows kindness to a neighborhood girl just trying to bring groceries home to her family. So when he discovers that one of the IRA bombers has been hurting the young lass, well, the solution isn’t complicated.

A cat and mouse game ensues, as Finbar plays mentor to Kevin, an overbearing novice hitman played with delightful flair by Game of Thrones ’ Jack Gleeson. Only there’s an ideological void where the movie’s subtext ought to be. In the Land of Saints and Sinners may be set during the Troubles, and some of its dialogue may gesture towards political metaphor—Finbar refers to being locked in a cycle of vengeance with Doireann, though it seldom feels that way—but the film is completely disengaged from any political perspective, beyond presenting its IRA quartet as ruthless, two-dimensional killers.

At least the leads are consistently captivating. The film may have dispiritingly little to say about Doireann, but Condon makes a meal out of these scant ingredients. She’s utterly terrifying at times. Meanwhile, Neeson—whose career pivoted to these sort of burdened roles after a family tragedy in 2009—proves yet again that his face is the perfect canvas for anyone hoping to paint the tale of a man afflicted by death. (He also plays a widowed assassin in Lorenz’s The Marksman ).

The filmmaking is largely unobtrusive, with the kind of broad, straightforward blocking and dramatic presentation that allows the actors to do all the talking. Except for a key scene that ramps up the tension near the end, the camera rarely enhances any of the performances, but it also rarely needs to. Lorenz knows just when to get out of the way, and in the process, he crafts an enjoyable airplane movie. That may seem like a backhanded compliment—the film has plenty of flaws when it comes to political optics—but when a “turn your brain off” movie works, it works like a charm.

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Godzilla x kong: the new empire, common sense media reviewers.

Giant monster battles fun, humans meh in mega fight-fest.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Amid the somewhat convoluted story is a theme of t

While the humans must chip in and offer their pers

The human characters are diverse on the surface le

Danger/peril and giant monster fights, with slammi

Infrequent uses of "s--t," "ass," "hell," "damn,"

Partially obscured bags of Cheetos shown.

Parents need to know that Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is the fifth film in Warner Bros.' MonsterVerse series. Violence, as expected, is the main issue. Expect lots of giant monster fights, with slamming, punching, and choking. Kong rips open a hyena-type monster corpse and showers green guts all over…

Positive Messages

Amid the somewhat convoluted story is a theme of teamwork, as the monsters must learn to trust one another and work together to defeat a greater evil. The story also shows the importance of stepping up and offering your personal skills and services when needed.

Positive Role Models

While the humans must chip in and offer their personal skills and services they're needed, characters are pretty shallow and tend to contradict themselves. For example, Dr. Andrews at first wonders about the possibilities of the new subterranean world but at other times believes things are "impossible." And Bernie flips back and forth between being curious and excited about scientific possibility and behaving like a third-rate comical coward.

Diverse Representations

The human characters are diverse on the surface level, though none are particularly well developed. The main human character is a female doctor (Rebecca Hall). Co-star Kaylee Hottle comes from an all-deaf family, and her character, Jia, communicates with her adoptive mother via American Sign Language (ASL). Podcaster Bernie Hayes is played by Black actor Brian Tyree Henry, and Chinese-born Fala Chen plays the Iwi Queen. Rachel House, who comes from the Māori people of New Zealand, plays an important member of Dr. Andrews' team, Asian-Australian actor Ron Smyck plays a member of the Hollow Earth outpost, and Black actor Kevin Copeland plays a submarine commander. Many more characters of color and women in smaller/background roles.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Danger/peril and giant monster fights, with slamming, punching, choking, etc. Godzilla blows up a crab-type monster and showers yellow goo everywhere. Kong eats chunks of the creatures he's killed in battle, slurping stringy innards like spaghetti. He also rips open a hyena-type monster corpse and showers green guts all over himself. Bloody claw prints Human attacked and eaten by sentient tree roots. Outpost attacked, with a dead body seen underneath wreckage. Kong takes a young ape by the foot and swings it around for use as a weapon in a fight. Kong's paw is sliced open by sharp blade, as well as frozen and injured by frostbite. Ape heads displayed on poles. Character has a brief, angry rant about internet trolls.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Infrequent uses of "s--t," "ass," "hell," "damn," "God/oh my God." Character calls an internet troll a "trash bag."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Parents need to know.

Parents need to know that Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is the fifth film in Warner Bros.' MonsterVerse series. Violence, as expected, is the main issue. Expect lots of giant monster fights, with slamming, punching, and choking. Kong rips open a hyena-type monster corpse and showers green guts all over himself, as well as slurping up the innards of the creatures he's killed in battle. And Godzilla blows up a crab-type monster and showers yellow goo everywhere. Kong also takes a young ape by the foot and swings it around for use as a weapon in a fight. A sharp blade slices open Kong's paw, and a human is attacked and eaten by sentient tree roots. A dead body is seen underneath wreckage. Language includes infrequent uses of "s--t," "ass," "hell," "damn," and "God/oh my God." There's no sex or substance use of note. As usual, the monsters have more personality than the humans, and the story is too convoluted, but the big, boomy battles are fun. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (2)
• Kids say (5)

Based on 2 parent reviews

Lots of fun, strong child lead

Strong child role model and teamwork, what's the story.

In GODZILLA x KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE, peace has been established, with Kong living in the subterranean realm of Hollow Earth and Godzilla roaming the surface world. Dr. Ilene Andrews ( Rebecca Hall ) keeps tabs on them both while raising young Jia (Kaylee Hottle), the last surviving Iwi from Skull Island. Suddenly, Kong returns to the surface with a toothache, and Dr. Andrews calls in veterinarian Trapper ( Dan Stevens ) to help. Meanwhile, Godzilla stirs and starts traveling the world, absorbing enormous amounts of power. Dr. Andrews, Jia, Trapper, monster podcaster Bernie Hayes ( Brian Tyree Henry ), and pilot Mikael ( Alex Ferns ) accompany Kong back to Hollow Earth. There, Kong finally discovers a tribe of apes like himself, while the humans stumble upon evidence of an ancient civilization of Iwi. Everything leads up to a major showdown against an evil ape leader; to defeat him, Godzilla and Kong must bury the hatchet and work together.

Is It Any Good?

Par for the course for the MonsterVerse series, the monsters have more personality than the humans, but at least watching them battle and smash things has some visceral entertainment value. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has to find some way to get the two big guys to join forces, and it's a convoluted process, with so many steps -- including a "chosen one" and a prophecy -- that the humans are mostly just there as exposition machines who must keep explaining the plot every time the camera points at them. As a result, they're reduced to familiar cardboard cutout types. Brian Tyree Henry has the hardest job, whipping back and forth between being a nerd who's both excited about discovering all this monster stuff and a whimpering coward, like something right out of an old Abbott & Costello movie.

That said, the Hollow Earth design is truly gorgeous, and the monster fights (which include some new guest stars) land with a concrete impact. Truthfully, the computer-generated characters are so much better at telling the story, with their wordless gestures and expressions, that Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire might have been better without any humans in it at all. But its biggest challenge may be that it's being released just months after the Oscar-winning Godzilla: Minus One , which was made for around a tenth of the cost of this one and is certainly 10 times better. There's more to monster movies than smashing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire 's violence . How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?

How does the movie convey the importance of empathy , courage and teamwork ? Why are those important character strengths ?

Some of the characters use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. What makes that a form of positive representation ?

The first Japanese Godzilla filmmakers used monster suits and miniatures to create their special effects, not CGI. If you've seen the 1954 original (or its imitators), which do you prefer: low-tech practical effects, or something more realistic and high-tech? Which usually works better in movies?

Why do you think Godzilla has been remade so many times? What do you think filmmakers hope to achieve by remaking a classic?

Movie Details

• In theaters : March 29, 2024
• Cast : Rebecca Hall , Brian Tyree Henry , Dan Stevens
• Director : Adam Wingard
• Inclusion Information : Female actors, Black actors
• Studio : Warner Bros. Pictures
• Genre : Science Fiction
• Topics : Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
• Run time : 115 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG-13
• MPAA explanation : creature violence and action
• Last updated : April 1, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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