For Amazon Prime Video subscribers looking for a fun night in with the family, there are a bunch of great movies on the platform that are appropriate for all ages. Made for a wider audience, a family movie should be easy for children to consume and also have value for adults. These films typically contain lovable characters, lighthearted humor, and a heartwarming or inspirational message at their core.
When it comes to finding good films, Prime Video subscribers have tons of solid options spanning a range of different genres — though there are plenty of duds to sift through. From modern live-action and animation to older classics, great family films have provided thoughtful entertainment for decades. To make the next household movie night a winner, there are plenty of movies streaming on Prime Video for everyone to enjoy.
10 The Addams Family (2019)
The Addams Family has had a number of iterations, with the 2019 animated version being Prime Video’s best option for families. Particularly for spooky season, the comedy/monster mash-up makes a perfect choice for a goofy family night. The main virtue that’s allowed The Addams Family to continuously be rebooted is the endearing warmth of the family dynamics and values they portray. The new animated version isn’t as strong as the original from the ’90s, and it’s not as fun as Wednesday, but it’s still worth a watch.
9 Sounder (1972)
Sounder is a family drama film with strong, heartwarming messages that are important for viewers of all ages. Following the Morgan family in 1930s Louisiana, Sounder is a tale about a Black family struggling through the Depression era, which focuses heavily on the experiences and perceptions of the child during those struggles. One of the more mature family movies available on Prime Video, Sounder is able to effectively communicate its message to children, but it also has complexities that will appeal to adults.
8 Abbott And Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Abbott and Costello films make up a series centered on the classic comedy duo, and they’re filled with slapstick humor, witty insults, and physical comedy. All of this takes on a lighthearted tone that can appeal to all ages. In Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, the main characters find themselves involved in some shady business involving the Universal monsters, including Frankenstein’s Monster, Count Dracula, and the Wolf Man. Bela Lugosi himself, who famously portrayed Dracula in the 1931 classic, returns as the character in the comedy picture.
7 Nacho Libre (2006)
Jack Black stars in a bunch of comedy movies that are fun for the whole family, and Nacho Libre is the best option on Prime Video. The film follows Black as Nacho, the cook in a monastery that is home to a number of orphans he cares about deeply. In order to help provide for them, Nacho decides to become a wrestler but must conceal his identity due to the monastery’s rules against wrestling. Black is hit or miss for most adults, but for fans of extremely goofy humor and physical comedy, Nacho Libre showcases the comedian at his best.
6 Wonder Woman (2017)
Amazon Prime Video has a number of DC movies in its library, and Shazam! and DC League of Super-Pets are good family-friendly options. However, Wonder Woman is the best DC offering available, with Gal Gadot bringing the character to life on-screen in a thrilling tale packed with action. Wonder Woman not only portrays a strong feminine lead, but it also displays camaraderie among women, both of which are inspiring no matter the age of the audience. Wonder Woman has likable characters, good humor, and an awesome musical score to get the whole family pumped.
5 Scooby-Doo (2002)
Scooby-Doo in almost any form is great fun for the family, from the classic cartoons and animated films to the weirdly hilarious live-action film made in 2002. The live-action adaptation isn’t the best Scooby-Doo movie out there — or a great film in general — but it’s in the territory of being so bad that it’s entertaining. In fact, the portrayal of Shaggy has become an iconic meme that’s lasted over two decades. The movie is perfect for children to enjoy, and it’s silly enough that adults will enjoy the mature references and over-the-top takes on the characters they grew up with.
4 The Mask Of Zorro (1998)
Zorro movies are some of the best swashbuckler adventures available, and The Mask of Zorro is still the greatest modern adaptation. The 1998 film is action packed and never boring, and it features great actors like Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Anthony Hopkins. The film follows a simple plot, wherein the old Zorro must train an unlikely younger man to take up the mantle and prevent the crimes of a villain who’s come to steal gold from California. The Mask of Zorro is charming and funny, and it also has some emotional moments for an engaging movie night.
3 Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron (2002)
For a generation of children, Spirit was a massively popular animated film following a stallion in the American frontier. When humans try to domesticate Spirit, the horse rebels, following his heart by trying to remain untamed and free. The movie has themes of love and courage and will evoke emotions in people of all ages. In fact, Spirit will set many children on the path of wanting to watch more of the best horse movies.
2 Hugo (2011)
For parents who love Scorsese films but have a child who isn’t quite the right age for Goodfellas, Hugo is the best option to tide them over. Hugo tells the story of an orphan boy in 1930s Paris, who lives in the walls of a train station and maintains its clocks. Hugo is charged with protecting a broken automaton left to him by his father, leading him down a mysterious path. Hugo tells a heartwarming tale of family, with great performances from its child stars, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, and Christopher Lee. It also serves as a love letter to the magic of early cinema.
1 It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
It’s a Wonderful Life is an all-time classic that every family should watch together. While it’s typically viewed as a Christmas movie, it’s a film that can be enjoyed year-round. The film follows the great James Stewart as George Bailey, a man contemplating ending things, when an angel arrives to show him what life for his loved ones be like if he never existed. The film is timeless for its portrayal of resilience through challenging times, and it’s sure to inspire any Amazon Prime Video subscribers who pick it up.
