Key Points:
- Family movies have been a favorite genre for decades
- Each decade has given us plenty of beloved movies to choose from
- Many family favorites are animated, featuring delightful characters and plenty of funny moments.
Choosing the best family-friendly movie from each decade is quite a task! It involves taking a journey through the stories that have influenced generations of viewers. These films reflect evolving ideas about what makes a story meaningful for all ages, from timeless animated classics to heartwarming live-action adventures. Each decade has produced standout movies that bring families together through laughter, life lessons, and unforgettable characters.
This list highlights one exceptional film per decade that captures the spirit of its time while remaining accessible and enjoyable for audiences young and old. Some picks are beloved cultural landmarks, while others may be hidden gems that deserve a new spotlight. Together, they offer a nostalgic look back at cinema’s ability to entertain, inspire, and connect families across generations.
1960s: “Mary Poppins” (1964)
Starting strong with one of the best family-friendly movies ever made is “Mary Poppins.” Both young and old know this popular Disney film. It was released in 1964 and was the highest-grossing film of the year in the United States. This phenomenal movie features children, music, a sweet and mysterious nanny, and magic. Julie Andrews won an Academy Award for Best Actress.
1970s: “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
The best family-friendly movie of the 1970s is another super well-known film that has sparked multiple sequels. “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” filled audience members with delight and whimsy, despite its rather dark themes and off-color humor. Released in 1971, it’s another musical to make our list.
1980s: “The Goonies” (1985)
Choosing a single children’s film from the 1980s was no easy feat. This decade was full of kid-friendly flicks! Still, we think “The Goonies” is worthy of the crown. Even those who’ve never seen the movie probably recognize the characters and know the story. “The Goonies,” released in 1985, was a box office success, earning $125 million against a budget of $19 million.
1990s: “The Sandlot” (1993)
The 1990s was also a spectacular time for children’s movies. One of the best and still watched of that decade is “The Sandlot.” It follows a shy kid, Scotty Smalls, who moves to a new neighborhood and is taken in by a group of baseball-loving boys during one unforgettable summer. When they lose a prized baseball signed by Babe Ruth, the friends band together in a series of crazy attempts to get it back.
2000s: “WALL·E” (2008)
The 2000s brought us “WALL·E,” a tale of a lonely robot with a big heart. “WALL·E” is a spectacular film with high ratings. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film sits at 90% on the Popcornmeter (also known as the audience score). If the animation doesn’t get to you, the sweet story will.
2010s: “Coco” (2017)
Pixar was on a role during the 2010s and one of the best films to come out of the decade was “Coco.” Kids loved it for its vibrant colors, funny characters, and beautiful songs, while adults fell in love with the emotional story.
2020s: “Soul” (2020)
The 2020s are far from over, but there have been some stellar children/family movie releases. Probably one of the best so far has been “Soul.” Released in 2020, this emotional story has comic relief, beautiful animation, excellent music (Jon Batiste!), and a stunning message. While the film wasn’t a huge box office success, it is critically acclaimed, winning multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.