The Harry Potter franchise never gets old. After Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone introduced the world to the wizard with the lightning-bolt scar in 2001, family cinema was changed forever. The Harry Potter movies balance the thrill of adventure with heartwarming relationships that make them timeless classics for adults and children alike.
Now, it has been a while since Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) cast their final spells at Hogwarts. However, here are 10 family movies that have managed to capture the same magic since then.
10
‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is the long-awaited sequel to the 2011 DreamWorks hit, Puss in Boots, and does every bit of justice to Antonio Banderas’s fan-favorite character that originally appeared in Shrek 2 (2004). The film shows the titular character in a crisis after carelessly burning through eight of his nine lives. The lovable cat then heads out on a journey to find the Wishing Star and restore his lost lives alongside his ex-partner, Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek Pinault), and Perrito the chihuahua (Harvey Guillén). The quest is anything but easy, though, as Puss faces off against a host of fairy-tale characters, including the sinister Big Jack Horner (John Mulaney) and even death itself.
Now, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish could have been a fun, simple adventure, but you have to appreciate the deeper themes it dares to dive into. It addresses issues including mortality, regret, and the true purpose of life, which are rarely ever tackled in family movies. However, it treats all these topics with the sensitivity that they demand. At the same time, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish hits all the beats of a family entertainer with jokes that never fail to land and character arcs that keep you rooting for Puss and his friends. Not to mention the storybook-esque animation style just takes the viewing experience to a whole new level and makes the action sequences all the more thrilling to watch. Overall, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is the benchmark for meaningful family films with important lessons for viewers of all ages.
9
‘Paddington 2’ (2017)
It’s rare for a sequel to live up to the legacy of its predecessor, but Paddington 2 managed to do exactly that. In fact, the film has solidified itself as one of the best family movies of all time, with its perfect blend of humor and heart. The sequel to Paddington (2014) follows the lovable titular bear (Ben Whishaw) working to clear his name after he is imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. The story takes you from Paddington’s days in prison to the streets of London, where the Brown family is determined to prove the bear’s innocence and prove that the villainous Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant) is the real culprit.
Grant’s role is one of the film’s highlights, and he does complete justice to his character’s obsession with fame. Paddington 2 seamlessly shifts between being a light-hearted comedy to an intense tale about justice and the importance of doing the right thing. The prison setting is definitely dark for a children’s film, but seeing Paddington befriend characters, including Knuckles McGinty (Brendan Gleeson), helps the film retain its whimsical and optimistic tone. Sure, the film is a technical masterpiece with how seamlessly it blends animation with live-action settings. Still, the true magic of Paddington 2 lies in the film’s brilliant direction, writing, and performances, all of which make for the perfect emotional payoff in the final act. You will definitely want to revisit this film over and over again because that’s how special it is.
8
‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’ (2024)
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is a trip down memory lane while also breathing new life into the Wallace & Gromit franchise. The family movie was the first full-length Wallace and Gromit film since The Curse of the Were-Rabbit in 2005, and proved that Nick Park and Aardman Animations didn’t lose their touch, even after nearly two decades. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl blends old-school stop-motion animation with a storyline that feels modern and relevant for its time, while still retaining the franchise’s signature old-school appeal.
The film follows Wallace (Ben Whitehead) and Gromit on another adventure after Wallace’s latest invention, a robotic garden gnome, is reprogrammed to go rogue by the evil Feathers McGraw. The setup follows the franchise’s classic formula as the titular characters set out to stop the evil penguin while navigating all the chaos that ensues from Wallace’s reliance on technology. Sure, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’s slapstick gags and misguided adventures are as entertaining as ever, but the film’s meaningful commentary on our growing dependence on technology gives it way more substance than most other family movies.
7
‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ (2023)
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is an adaptation of Judy Blume’s 1970 novel of the same name, and it manages to capture exactly what made the novel resonate with generations of young readers. At its core, the film is about the awkward experience of growing up and navigating the space between childhood and adolescence. The story is one of the most honest coming-of-age stories of all time because it doesn’t unnecessarily glorify the experience. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is set in the 1970s, but its universal themes will resonate with viewers of all ages.
The story follows 12-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson), whose life is uprooted when she has to move to New Jersey after her father receives a promotion. The young girl not only has to leave her friends behind and adjust to a new place, while also facing the challenges of puberty, self-worth worth and religious identity. Fortson brings an unexpected nuance to her character and portrays her inner conflict with perfect subtlety. Unlike most other coming-of-age films that rely on predictable formulas and perfect endings, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is refreshingly honest about the messy parts of growing up, and that’s the beauty of it.
6
‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023)
Video game film adaptations aren’t always a great idea, but The Super Mario Bros. Movie does a pretty great job of capturing the magic of the iconic Nintendo franchise. Now, the film does primarily cater to children, but the nostalgia factor is more than enough for it to be an enjoyable experience for the adults in the audience. The Super Mario Bros. Movie sticks to the successful formula of the video games, with plumbers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) setting off on an adventure to rescue Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) from the menacing Bowser (Jack Black). The plot is pretty simple, but the film’s dynamic animation, brilliant voice-acting, and fast-paced action sequences keep it from ever feeling boring or one-dimensional. The movie also offers plenty of references to the original game, from the iconic Rainbow Road chase to the familiar coins, mushrooms, and power-ups.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie really shines in its worldbuilding, which is fascinating for new and longtime fans of the gaming franchise. Some might argue that the film’s rushed pacing leaves little to no room for any kind of character development or emotional payoff. However, it’s important to remember that this isn’t the kind of film layered with hidden meaning. The Super Mario Bros. Movie solely focuses on delivering entertainment, action, humor, and a sense of wonder, which is exactly what the kids want.
5
‘Inside Out’ (2015)
Inside Out is a Pixar at its finest. The animated film is groundbreaking in how it explores the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) and the emotions that guide her through life’s ups and downs. Inside Out personifies Riley’s emotions of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust, and shows them working together as she navigates a major life change: moving from Minnesota to San Francisco. As fun as the concept is, Pixar doesn’t shy away from using the story as a device to tackle more complex themes of growing up and accepting that life can never truly stay the same.
The animation itself is out of this world, with the inside of Riley’s mind being designed with meticulous attention to detail. Amy Poehler as Joy and Phyllis Smith as Sadness remain two of Pixar’s most memorable characters of all time and give the film its emotional core. The way Inside blends fantasy, adventure, comedy, and family drama is ambitious, but the film manages to nail everything it sets out to achieve. Plenty of Disney films have set out to show the complexities of change, but seeing all of this through Riley’s lens is a really unique experience. The film is imaginative and relatable for just about everyone. Overall, Inside Out is not only a great family movie, but also a brilliant way for parents to understand the internal conflicts their young ones might be going through.
4
‘Incredibles 2’ (2018)
Incredibles 2 was definitely high up in the list of the most anticipated Disney sequels, and 14 years after the massive success of The Incredibles, the follow-up proved to be the perfect continuation for the superhero family. The story picks up right where the first film left off, with the Parr family going up against the Underminer (John Ratzenberger). The battle results in a ban on superheroes, which forces the Parrs into hiding. However, things change when Helen AKA Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) ends up being the face of a superhero revival with Bob, aka Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), taking on the role of a stay-at-home dad.
This dynamic shift is the central conflict of the film and shows a completely new side to these familiar characters. As Helen heads out on action-packed missions and uses her powers like never before, Bob learns to be a better dad. His hilarious attempts at handling Jack-Jack’s (Eli Fucile and Maeve Andrews) unpredictable powers steal the show. Aside from all the humor, Incredibles 2 asks tough questions about familial responsibilities and identity. Helen’s development into the central hero of the film is empowering, but Bob’s growth as a father is the true heart of the story. There’s no denying that Incredibles 2 has its fair share of predictable plot points and a slightly more passive villain than the viewers were hoping for, but the film’s brilliant storytelling and impeccable animation more than make up for it.
3
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was a game-changer for animated movies and the superhero genre in general. The film is best described as a comic book come to life, with innovative visuals that blend CGI with hand-drawn techniques. Aside from its technical genius, though, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is also a masterclass in storytelling. The film follows teenager Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), who is bitten by a radioactive spider and gains powers similar to the legendary Spider-Man. Unlike most superhero films, though, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse really focuses on how Miles struggles to meet his family’s expectations while dealing with the pressure of his new role. The film perfectly captures the relatability of a teenage superhero and doesn’t shy away from diving into how messy things can be when you are young.
This is a coming-of-age story that feels fresh and diverse with its emphasis on Miles’s African-American and Puerto Rican background. Of course, the older Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson) from another dimension brings in a sense of familiarity to the film and becomes the perfect mentor for Miles while having flaws of his own. The film’s introduction of a variety of Spider-People, each with their own distinct personalities, keeps the story exciting. However, the best part of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is its delicate balance of action and emotion, which makes the character’s story feel personal. Add in a phenomenal soundtrack to the mix, and you have a family movie with mass appeal because it takes everything the viewers love about Spider-Man and creates a completely new world from it.
2
‘Coco’ (2017)
Coco is not only a visual masterpiece, but it is also one of the greatest animated films of recent times. The film, directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, is a heartfelt celebration of Mexican culture and focuses on the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration to explore themes of family and legacy. Coco is a vibrant, funny, and emotional story of 12-year-old Miguel Rivera (Anthony Gonzalez), who dreams of becoming a musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). However, that proves to be a challenge because music has been forbidden in his family for generations. However, things take a turn when Miguel accidentally crosses into the Land of the Dead and sets out on a quest to discover his true heritage and figure out a way to be able to play music again.
Coco starts as a lighthearted adventure, but before you know it, the film takes an intense turn and transforms into a complex story about passion and forgiveness. Music is, of course, central to the story, and songs like “Un Poco Loco” and “La Llorona” are perfect reflections of the film’s Mexican roots. What will really stay with you, though, is the film’s final twist that reveals Héctor’s (Gael García Bernal) past. Overall, Coco is a powerful reminder of how our loved ones never truly leave us as long as we keep their memories alive, and that’s what makes this the perfect film for the entire family.
1
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ (2025)
KPop Demon Hunters is the perfect example of a modern-day family movie. The musical urban fantasy film, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, follows a K-pop girl group, Huntr/x, who live double lives as demon hunters. The group goes up against their rival boy band, Saja Boys, who are secretly demons. The setup is as exciting as it gets, and the film’s striking color palette, fluid animation, and killer soundtrack only elevate it to a whole new level. KPop Demon Hunters takes heavy inspiration from K-pop music videos, anime, and Korean dramas to create a unique visual and storytelling experience.
The animation quality parallels Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse with its attention to detail and the smooth transitions between regular moments and action sequences. The music is the heart of the story. Not only are songs like “Golden,” “Takedown,” and “Soda Pop” catchy as ever, but they also perfectly tie into the narrative and take the story forward. The plot is relatively straightforward, but Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey’s (Ji-young Yoo) distinct character arcs add an interesting complexity to the story. From humor to relatability, KPop Demon Hunters is the perfect family film that has it all.
Comments
Advertisement