Top 10 Family Films of All Time for Movie Night
Quick answer: our top family film of all time is Paddington 2, followed by Toy Story, The Wizard of Oz.
These are the ten films we would pick for a family movie night, the ones that keep everyone on the sofa from the opening scene to the credits. Each has a trailer link and a link to see where it is streaming in the UK right now. For what is new this week, see What to watch.
| # | Film | Year | BBFC | IMDb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paddington 2 | 2017 | PG | 7.8 |
| 2 | Toy Story | 1995 | PG | 8.3 |
| 3 | The Wizard of Oz | 1939 | U | 8.1 |
| 4 | E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | 1982 | U | 7.9 |
| 5 | Back to the Future | 1985 | PG | 8.5 |
| 6 | Spirited Away | 2001 | PG | 8.6 |
| 7 | The Lion King | 1994 | U | 8.5 |
| 8 | Mary Poppins | 1964 | PG | 7.8 |
| 9 | Finding Nemo | 2003 | U | 8.2 |
| 10 | Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit | 2005 | U | 7.5 |
#1 · 2017 · BBFC PG · IMDb 7.8Paddington 2
Kind, funny and beautifully made; adults enjoy it as much as kids.
#2 · 1995 · BBFC PG · IMDb 8.3Toy Story
Changed animation forever and still lands every joke.
#3 · 1939 · BBFC U · IMDb 8.1The Wizard of Oz
The original family fantasy, with songs everyone already knows.
#4 · 1982 · BBFC U · IMDb 7.9E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
A friendship story that works on every generation.
#5 · 1985 · BBFC PG · IMDb 8.5Back to the Future
Tightly plotted, very funny, and great for sparking 'what would you change?' chats.
#6 · 2001 · BBFC PG · IMDb 8.6Spirited Away
The best gateway into Studio Ghibli for curious kids.
#7 · 1994 · BBFC U · IMDb 8.5The Lion King
Big music, big feelings and a story kids will quote for years.
#8 · 1964 · BBFC PG · IMDb 7.8Mary Poppins
Pure sing-along joy with a very British setting.
#9 · 2003 · BBFC U · IMDb 8.2Finding Nemo
Parents feel it, kids love it, and it rewatches brilliantly.
#10 · 2005 · BBFC U · IMDb 7.5Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Homegrown British charm and just enough spooky fun.
Fill your MovieJam snack trays, dim the lights and press play. Can’t agree? Let the Movie Night Picker decide.
BBFC ratings were checked on the BBFC website in September 2026. Streaming availability changes often, so use the “Where to watch” links for today’s options.
Quick answers
What is the best family film of all time?
Our number one is Paddington 2 (2017). Kind, funny and beautifully made; adults enjoy it as much as kids.
How did you choose these films?
We picked films that work for the whole family: something for younger children, plenty for grown-ups, and a story that still holds up after many rewatches.
Are these films suitable for young children?
Most are rated U or PG, and the BBFC rating is shown for each. Please check the rating and advice suits everyone watching.
