Family movie nights have long been a cherished tradition, allowing loved ones to gather, bond, and create lasting memories.
Whether it’s laughing together at a hilarious comedy, marveling at the wonders of an animated adventure, or feeling inspired by a heartwarming drama, watching movies as a family strengthens relationships and fosters a sense of togetherness.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best family movies of 2023, helping you discover the perfect picks for your next unforgettable movie night.
Top Animated Family Movies of 2023
2023 delivered remarkable animated family movies that captivated both children and adults.
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was a highly anticipated sequel, taking viewers on a visually stunning journey through the multiverse.
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie brought iconic video game characters to life with an all-star voice cast and stunning animation.
- Wish was a heartwarming tale that explored the power of friendship and perseverance.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” offered a fresh take on the beloved heroes in a half-shell, packed with action and adventure.
Best Live-Action Family Films of 2023
Some of the best live-action family films of 2023 were:
- The Little Mermaid – This live-action remake of the Disney classic featured a charming performance by Halle Bailey as Ariel. It was praised for hitting the right emotional notes.
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny – Set in 1969, this action-packed sequel follows an elderly Indiana Jones teaming up with his goddaughter Helena to find an ancient artifact before the Nazis do. It was considered one of the best action films for teens and adults in 2023.
- True Spirit – This inspiring Netflix film tells the true story of Jessica Watson, a girl who dreams of being the youngest person to sail solo around the world, facing dangers along her ambitious 210-day journey.
- Dog Gone – Starring Rob Lowe, this heartwarming Netflix movie follows a family’s desperate search for their beloved dog who goes missing on the Appalachian Trail before his life-saving medication runs out.
- Haunted Mansion – Disney rebooted this spooky family comedy based on the theme park ride, featuring a star-studded cast.
So in summary, the standout live-action family films spanned remakes like The Little Mermaid, inspiring true stories like True Spirit, heartfelt adventures like Dog Gone, and action-packed sequels like the latest Indiana Jones.
Best Family-Friendly Adventures and Fantasy Movies of 2023
Based on the search results, some of the notable family-friendly adventure and fantasy movies released in 2023 include:
- Migration (animated) – A wholesome film about a family of ducks that go on an epic trip, convincing their overprotective father to let them experience the journey of a lifetime.
- The Magician’s Elephant (Netflix) – An animated adventure based on a book, following a boy seeking a magician and his elephant after a fortune teller’s prophecy about finding his lost sister.
- Chupa – A teenage boy in Mexico befriends a mythical chupacabra creature in this fantasy adventure blending magical realism with family themes.
- Nimona (Netflix) – An animated fantasy based on a graphic novel, about a young shapeshifter who joins forces with a knight to bring down an authoritarian kingdom.
So 2023 delivered several imaginative and inspiring adventures, both animated and live-action, that families could enjoy together, spanning genres like fantasy, coming-of-age stories, and classic heroic quests.
Where to Watch These Family Movies
Families have plenty of options to enjoy the best family movies of 2023, whether in theaters, on streaming platforms, or through digital purchases.
For the big-screen experience, movies like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” are still playing in select theaters. Check local listings for showtimes.
Many of the year’s top family films are available to stream on major platforms:
- Netflix: “Leo,” “The Magician’s Elephant,” “Nimona,” “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget”
- Disney+: “Elemental,” “Wish”
- Paramount+: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”
- Hulu: “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken”
- Prime Video: “Dog Gone”
For digital purchases or rentals, visit online stores like Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, iTunes, Google Play, or your cable/satellite provider’s on-demand service. Many of these platforms offer 4K Ultra HD and HDR options for an enhanced viewing experience.
Additionally, several 2023 family movies are already available on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital formats, including “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “Elemental,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” These make great options for building your home movie library.
With such a diverse array of viewing choices, families can easily find the perfect setting to enjoy quality time together with the best family movies of the year.
