The best family movies to watch online with a free streaming trial
By Ruth CuizonUpdated
If you're searching for the perfect family-friendly film for your next family movie night, look no further than this collection of feel-good movies that are sure to bring joy and laughter. Whether you're looking for a heartwarming tale, an exciting adventure, or a hilarious comedy, this curation of films has something that the whole family can enjoy.
From timeless classics to the latest releases, setting up a cozy movie night with the fam is easier with this guide. Discover captivating stories and unforgettable characters from The Princess Bride to the Harry Potter and Star Wars franchise and every animated film with inspiring themes of family and love.
What's in this Guide
Best family movies of all time
Prepare for the ultimate movie night with the fam as we explore the best family movies of all time, perfect for younger viewers and adults alike. From the magical creations of Walt Disney Studios (The Lion King, Toy Story) and the imaginative wonders of Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away) to the beloved classics from Warner Bros. (The Lego Movie), Sony Pictures Animation (The Muppet Movie), and Dreamworks Animation (Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon), there is an incredible array of options to choose from.
So if you're looking for animated adventures, live-action wonders, or just simple heartwarming family films that have the cinematic power to inspire and entertain, we've rounded up every feature film that has made a remarkable impact on moviegoers below.
Up (2009)
Produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, Up movie follows the remarkable journey of Carl Fredricksen, a young boy who idolises explorer Charles Muntz. Carl befriends a young girl and fellow Muntz enthusiast, Ellie. Together, they dream of moving their "clubhouse" to Paradise Falls in South America. Fast forward to Carl's retirement, now a widower in his late 70s, he finds himself determined to fulfill Ellie's wish of making their childhood adventure into reality.
Transforming his house into a magnificent airship with the help of helium balloons, Carl sets off for Paradise Falls. Along for the ride is Russell, an eight-year-old "Wilderness Explorer" and unexpected stowaway. Their adventure takes a thrilling turn as they encounter a storm that propels their house to South America.
Matilda (1996)
Enter the whimsical world of the 1996 fantasy comedy film, Matilda, revolving around the extraordinary child prodigy of the same name. Gifted with psychokinetic abilities, Matilda uses her newfound powers to navigate the challenges posed by her disreputable family and the tyrannical principal of her school, Miss Trunchbull. Matilda's compassionate teacher, Miss Honey, becomes her guiding light, inviting her into a world of warmth and understanding.
As Matilda discovers more about Miss Honey's past, she finds out about the early passing of Miss Honey's mother and her father's questionable decision to welcome the manipulative presence of her mother's stepsister, Miss Trunchbull, into their lives. With suspicions arising around the death of Miss Honey's father, Matilda and Miss Honey embark on a daring mission. Sneaking into what used to be Miss Honey's childhood home, they aim to uncover the truth and reclaim what rightfully belongs to them.
Elf (2003)
The heartwarming tale of this holiday classic, aptly titled Elf, begins on a magical Christmas Eve when a baby crawls into Santa Claus's sack and is unknowingly whisked away to the North Pole from an orphanage. Embraced by the elves, the baby is named Buddy and raised as one of their own, despite his towering height and lack of toy-making skills. Growing up believing he's an elf, Buddy's world is turned upside down when he overhears that he is actually a human. Determined to find his true identity, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City.
In the bustling city, Buddy encounters his long-lost father, Walter Hobbs, a self-absorbed executive who has little time for Christmas. Buddy faces challenges as he tries to connect with his father and navigate the unfamiliar modern world. Along the way, he meets Jovie, an employee at a department store, and instantly falls for her. With the hope of spreading Christmas cheer and redeeming his father, Buddy sets out to transform the store into a winter wonderland.
New family movies to watch online
Discover new movies to watch online with a treasure trove of captivating stories at your disposal. Whether you're craving the latest blockbuster hit, a deeply moving family film, or a fun animated feature, the digital landscape offers an array of options for every film enthusiast. Disney Plus alone has hundreds of family movies just waiting to be discovered (or rediscovered). The delightful family movies on Netflix (The Mitchells vs. the Machines!) are also a must-see.
How to watch family movies free online
Streaming services like Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now, BINGE, Netflix, and so many others provide a great deal of content in the family drama genre. You can even watch complete franchises in one place like how you can stream all Toy Story movies on Disney Plus.
If you love to watch movies and enjoy streaming a lot of those online, then it only makes sense to sign up for one or two streaming plans or even more if you’re feeling up for it. Besides, most streaming services offer free trials so you can always cancel afterward. Check out some of the best streaming plans in Australia below.
Streaming TV Plans
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Standard Monthly
No lock-in contract
- Stream in full HD & up to 5.1 audio
- Downloads on up to 10 devices
Go to site$17.99/mth
Min Cost - $17.99 over 1 month
Monthly
No lock-in contract
- Stream on up to 4 devices
- Watch hundreds of shows and movies ad-free
7-day free trial
Go to site$13.99/mth
Min Cost - $13.99/mth onwards after free trial
Standard Monthly
No lock-in contract
- Exclusive TV & sports including A-League
- Stream in HD on up to two devices
7-day free trial
Go to site$12.99/mth
Min Cost - $12.99 over 1 month
Monthly
No lock-in contract
- 4K HDR included
- Up to 6 simultaneous streams
7-Day Free Trial
Only one offer can be redeemed per Family Sharing group
Go to site$15.99/mth
Plan automatically renews until cancelled. Terms apply.
Min Cost - $15.99 over 1 month
Basic Monthly
No lock-in contract
- Stream in HD on a single device
- 25,000+ hours of the world's best shows & movies
7-day free trial
Go to site$10/mth
Min Cost - $10 per month
Starter
No lock-in contract
- Award winning Foxtel Originals, best drama, Lifestyle favourites & more
- Login on 5 devices and watch 2 at the same time
10-Day FREE Trial
Go to site$35/mth
Min Cost - $35 over 1 month
Monthly Subscription
No lock-in contract
- New docos added weekly
- Stream in HD, ad-free
14-day free trial
Go to site$9.99/mth
Min Cost - $9.99/month
Amazon Prime Monthly
No lock-in contract
- Prime Video included, with limited ads
- Stream online or download for offline watching
30-day free trial
Go to site$12.99/mth
Min Cost - $12.99 over 1 month
Best internet streaming plan
Family Movies Streaming with free trials
Making it easier to try the many streaming services available are free trials. It can go from 7 days to a more generous 30 days. Here are some of the free trials you can take advantage of right now.
Other family movie classics to watch online
Looking to revisit some of cinema’s most treasured family films? We’ve made this easy-to-browse selection below. Even better, some of these are available to stream online instantly for free.
Explore more family movies
There are hundreds of family movies that you can watch on your big screen TV or online when you’re on the go. If you’re looking for more options on the best family movies to watch instantly, you’ll find something that can entertain and more. With varied selections at your disposal, you can really indulge in heaps of family films whenever you want.
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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Spirited Away
Grave of the Fireflies
The Lion King
Coco
Princess Mononoke
WALL·E
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
A Doctor's Sword
Toy Story 3
Violet Evergarden: The Movie
Up
Toy Story
- Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train
Klaus
Howl's Moving Castle
The Iron Giant
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
Monsters, Inc.
Finding Nemo
Other movie lists you might like
If you're in the mood for something else, check out other movie lists featuring more top genres.
