10 Best Family Movies On HBO Max

HBO Max might be best known for its mature dramas, but the streaming service has a shockingly great catalog of family movies. In today’s cinematic landscape, family movies occupy a unique position, as they’re not just escapist entertainment but vessels of shared experiences that bridge generational gaps. The ideal family film should captivate children with whimsical tales, vivacious characters, and, most importantly, imbue lessons that remain long after the credits roll. At the same time, they should cater to adults with nuanced storytelling, layered humor, and elements of nostalgia. In essence, the best family movies create a communal viewing experience, binding family members closer with shared laughter, tears, and discussion.

Warner Bros. has consistently been at the forefront of crafting such iconic family films, many of which are now available on HBO Max. While HBO’s reputation predominantly rests on mature content, its acquisition of Warner Bros.’s vast cinematic library makes it a treasure trove for families. From animated masterpieces to live-action classics, the best family movies on HBO Max are a testament to the studio’s dedication to quality family entertainment. It’s an amusing paradox – a platform once associated with gritty drama now stands as a beacon for family bonding. In an exceedingly diverse entertainment ecosystem, HBO Max has the very best family movies.

10 Scooby-Doo (2002)

• Release Date:
  June 14, 2002

• Director:
  Raja Gosnell

• Runtime:
  86 minutes

• Cast:
  Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Linda Cardellini, Matthew Lillard, Rowan Atkinson

When Mystery Inc. is called to Spooky Island to solve a mystery, the gang finds themselves dealing with real, dark forces in 2002’s Scooby-Doo. With perfect comedic timing, the live-action adaptation of the iconic animated gang offers a fresh spin on the franchise. Moments like Scrappy-Doo being the movie’s villain subvert expectations, and the movie expertly blends adult humor with childlike playfulness with scenes like the chili pepper-eating contest. The film’s universal theme of friendship and the joy of watching a beloved cartoon come to life offers something for viewers of all ages. However, ironically, the 2002 release almost wasn’t a family movie at all, as Scooby-Doo was almost R-rated.

9 The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

The Batman movie franchise is typically dark, but The Lego Batman Movie hilariously makes fun of that and doubles down on Bruce Wayne’s inner demons. However, this version of Bruce also sees the character talking to the microwave while heating up lobster, and the film perfectly balances adult-centered humor with child-friendly comedy. The movie isn’t scared to make fun of the franchise while paying homage to it. The Lego Batman Movie is a great entry point for young children who might not be old enough to watch the darker films like Tim Burton’s Batman releases or 2022’s The Batman. The film is a unique mesh of satire and genuine excitement.

8 Speed Racer (2008)

• Release Date:
  May 9, 2008

• Director:
  The Wachnowskis

• Runtime:
  135 minutes

• Cast:
  Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Matthew Fox, Susan Sarandon, Hiroyuki Sanada

In Speed Racer, a young and ambitious race car driver sets out to win the championship but must first navigate a world filled with corporate conspiracies. With the Grand Prix as its climactic heart-stopper, the visually lush racing sequences are appealing eye candy. Given that the movie was made by the Wachowskis (The Matrix), the 2008 release looks expectedly beautiful. However, beneath the action lies a story of family loyalty and integrity. Speed Racer features thrilling race sequences coupled with underlying themes of love and perseverance. Despite the movie having an underwhelming box office performance upon release, the Wachowskis almost made Speed Racer 2.

7 Small Soldiers (1998)

• Release Date:
  July 10, 1998

• Director:
  Joe Dante

• Runtime:
  108 minutes

• Cast:
  Kirsten Dunst, Gregory Smith, Phil Hartman, Denis Leary, Tommy Lee Jones

Small Soldiers has a tried and true family movie narrative of toys coming to life, but the 1998 film has a unique spin on the concept. When action figures are embedded with military chips, they come to life, leading to a chaotic war between military soldier toys and monster toys known as The Gorgonites. The movie cleverly blurs lines between child’s play and adult conflict, and with direction from Joe Dante (Gremlins, Gremlins 2: The New Batch), the 1998 release is typically tongue-in-cheek, mischievous, and raucously over the top. As a result, Small Soldiers is a forgotten ’90s gem.

6 A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)

• Release Date:
  November 17, 2022

• Director:
  Clay Kaytis

• Runtime:
  98 minutes

• Cast:
  Peter Billingsley, Erinn Hayes, Zack Ward, Julie Hagerty

Though legacy sequels are currently a popular Hollywood trend, nobody was asking for a legacy sequel to A Christmas Story, but the movie was somehow one of the most successful. A Christmas Story Christmas sees the return of Ralphie, now in his 40s and with a family of his own, returning home for Christmas. The movie is shockingly sentimental, as it explores themes of grief, but it’s only ever heartfelt and the mood is always lightened by a touching and perfectly timed gag. Most interestingly, the A Christmas Story Christmas ending expertly ties into the original movie in a way that audiences don’t expect.

5 Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Fantastic Mr. Fox is visionary director Wes Anderson’s stop-motion adaptation of the famous Roald Dahl book of the same name. The film sees Mr. Fox seeking more than just a quiet life and returning to his old bird-stealing ways, inadvertently endangering his family and fellow animals, and Anderson’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every frame. The “whack-bat” game sequence particularly showcases the film’s ability to present completed humor in a family-friendly manner. Through the movie’s colorful characters and gripping narrative, Fantastic Mr. Fox emphasizes the importance of family and identity.

4 Jumanji (1995)

Jumanji is one of Robin Williams’ most iconic movies and has spawned a billion-dollar franchise. The 1995 film is about a magical board game that releases wild jungle-based hazards upon its players, who must finish the game to restore normalcy. The stampede scene, or the monsoon inside the house, are fantastical yet grounded with emotional depth, and they’re perfect examples of immersive practical effects. Beyond its adventures, Williams’ heartfelt portrayal of Alan Parrish, who has been trapped in the game for 26 years, solidifies its family appeal. The movie’s themes of reconciliation, growth, and facing one’s fears resonate with viewers young and old.

3 Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is another classic take on a Roald Dahl story and one of the most groundbreaking movies of its time. The movie follows Charlie, who wins a golden ticket to visit the wondrous chocolate factory, led by the eccentric titular chocolatier. The film’s magical aura, be it the ever-lasting gobstoppers or the river of chocolate, ignites pure imagination. However, it’s the movie’s moral lessons woven into each golden ticket winner’s journey that make it a classic. Nevertheless, while the iconic 1971 movie is a perfect family film, the theory that Willy Wonka is a serial killer changes the entire way audiences see the film.

2 Spirited Away (2001)

• Release Date:
  July 20, 2001

• Director:
  Hayao Miyazaki

• Runtime:
  125 minutes

• Cast:
  Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takashi, Naito

In Spirited Away, a young girl gets lost in a world of spirits after her parents are transformed into pigs, and she must find a way to rescue them and return home. Director Hayao Miyazaki crafted a mesmerizing world filled with intricate details, like the bustling spirit bathhouse and the enigmatic No-Face. Spirited Away changed animation forever too, as sticking with hand-drawn animation in a world that had moved onto CGI was a brave move, and it ultimately led to influencing other creative uses of animation like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Spirited Away’s character psychology influenced the writing of future animated movies too, especially Pixar’s releases.

1 The Wizard Of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz is one of the earliest and greatest examples of color in film, movie musicals, and rich, cinematic storytelling. The film follows Dorothy, who is whisked away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. The movie’s vibrant characters encapsulate a world of wonder and lessons, and the quest for what humans most desire makes the film an enduring story about home, friendship, and the adventures in between. The Wizard of Oz has universal appeal, which lies in its ability to resonate with both children dreaming of far-off lands and adults reminiscing about the simplicity of home, making it the best family movie on HBO Max.