With the way the weather has been lately, it’s increasingly advisable to be more careful when going out and to stay indoors when possible. For those days when staying in is the safer — and perhaps more comfortable — choice, a good movie can go a long way. From nostalgic classics to lighthearted comedies and magical adventures, here are some family-friendly films to make your time indoors a little more enjoyable.
Wizard of Oz
Starting with a classic, we have The Wizard of Oz, which can be streamed on Apple TV. Released in 1939, the film follows Dorothy and her dog Toto as they find themselves in the magical land of Oz and set off on a journey to find their way home.
Along the way, they meet some unforgettable characters, including the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. With plenty of catchy songs, memorable moments and a story about friendship, courage and finding your way home, The Wizard of Oz is an easy pick for a family movie day.
Parent Trap
Another feel-good classic you can watch with the family on Disney+ is Parent Trap. Starring Lindsay Lohan in her breakout role, the film follows identical twins Annie and Hallie, who meet for the first time at summer camp and soon discover that they have more in common than they thought.
From there, the two come up with a plan that brings plenty of laughs, family drama and classic ’90s fun. It’s an easy, nostalgic watch with a great mix of comedy, heart and mischief.
Night at the Museum
Need a little more comedy? Head to Netflix to check out Night at the Museum, starring Ben Stiller as Larry, a struggling dad who takes on a job as a night security guard at New York’s Museum of Natural History. The catch? Once the sun goes down, the museum’s exhibits come to life, turning what should be a quiet night shift into complete chaos.
From dinosaurs and historical figures to miniature civilisations, there’s no shortage of ridiculous situations for Larry to deal with. It’s a fun mix of comedy, adventure and family moments that makes for an easy watch when you just want to sit back and have a laugh.
Paddington
For something on the cozier side, you and the family can watch Paddington on Netflix. This charming 2014 film follows Paddington, a lovable bear who leaves Peru for London in search of a new home. After arriving in the city, he crosses paths with the Brown family, who take him in and quickly find themselves caught up in his adventures.
With plenty of laughs, a heartwarming family dynamic and just the right amount of adventure, Paddington is an easy, feel-good watch for a more relaxed movie session.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
If you’re looking for a film with more whimsy, you can watch Kiki’s Delivery Service on Netflix. This Studio Ghibli classic follows 13-year-old Kiki, a young witch who leaves home with her cat, Jiji, to start a new life in a seaside town.
As she settles into her new surroundings and starts a delivery service using her broomstick, Kiki gets to know the people around her while figuring out what it means to grow up and become more independent. With its charming characters, gentle humour and feel-good story, it’s a great choice when you want something light, relaxing and easy to watch with the family.
The LEGO Movie
To enjoy a full-on feel-good family movie with plenty of laughs, action, and good music, check out The LEGO Movie on Netflix. The film follows Emmet, an ordinary LEGO figure who unexpectedly finds himself caught up in a much bigger adventure after being mistaken for a hero destined to save the LEGO universe.
Along the way, he teams up with a colourful bunch of characters, including Wyldstyle, Batman and a few other familiar faces, as they take on a powerful villain with a very particular idea of how the world should work. Packed with clever jokes, catchy music, fast-paced action and plenty of LEGO chaos, it’s a fun watch that has something for both kids and adults.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Continuing with the high-energy options, there’s The Mitchells vs. the Machines on Netflix. This hilarious animated adventure follows the Mitchell family as a cross-country road trip takes a very unexpected turn when robots begin taking over the world.
With a quirky family dynamic at its centre, the film balances plenty of fast-paced action and ridiculous humour with a surprisingly relatable story about family, growing up and staying connected. Add in some memorable characters, clever jokes and plenty of chaotic moments, and you’ve got a fun pick for the family to enjoy.
Sing
Do you like musicals? Then you’ll want to check out Sing, a fun animated comedy on Netflix that brings together a colourful cast of animals with big dreams and even bigger voices.
The story centres around Buster Moon, a koala who puts together a singing competition to save his struggling theatre, attracting a group of very different contestants along the way. With more than 60 songs packed into the film, there’s plenty to sing along to for a fun filled family movie night.
While the haze may have us spending more time indoors, it also gives us a chance to slow down and enjoy some quality time with the family. From the laugh-out-loud antics of Night at the Museum and The LEGO Movie to the nostalgic fun of The Parent Trap, these films are perfect for making an ordinary day at home feel a little more enjoyable. So settle in, press play and enjoy a cosy movie day together.
