It’s not always easy to pick a movie that entertains kids and adults alike. Some films are too kid-like for adults, and some aren’t enough to hold a child’s attention. The best family comedies find the perfect middle ground — light and funny for children, but with enough humor and heart to keep parents' attention, too. This list includes ten films that do exactly this.
Content
- Home Alone
- Spy Kids
- Parental Guidance
- Moonrise Kingdom
- We Bought a Zoo
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
- Nativity!
- Sky High
- La cle des champs
- 10 giorni senza mamma
Home Alone
IMDb: 7.6/10
1990, Comedy, Family
USA, PG
Director: Chris Columbus
Top Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister finds himself alone in an empty house. His family, rushing to catch a flight to Paris, left him behind. At first, he enjoys the independence — munching on junk food, jumping on beds, and viewing movies his parents would never allow. But when two burglars set his house in their sights, Kevin must defend it. He sets up elaborate booby traps and outsmarts them at every turn.
The signature after-school scene, during which Kevin is slapping himself in the cheeks and screaming, was not even scripted. Macaulay was supposed to retreat his hands back, but they remained there and it formed one of the greatest moments of the movie. Marv’s facial tarantula was real but, for Marv’s performance, the shriek was superimposed during post-production for his benefit. The home featured in the movie, which is in Illinois, became a destination for tourists after Home Alone became an international phenomenon.
More than just a Christmas movie, Home Alone is a story about independence, quick thinking, and family. The mix of comedy and adventure keeps it fun, whether you’re watching it for the first time or the tenth.
Spy Kids
IMDb: 5.5/10
2001, Action, Adventure, Comedy
USA, PG
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Top Cast: Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, Antonio Banderas
Carmen and Juni Cortez think that their parents are ordinary people with ordinary jobs. They are retired spies. When they are kidnapped by an old enemy, the kids discover the truth and are drawn into the world of espionage. With gadgets, covert missions, and unexpected friends, they must rescue their parents while proving that even kids can be heroes.
The film was shot entirely in Robert Rodriguez’s home studio in Texas to have full control. The thumb-shaped robots, one of the most offbeat aspects of the film, were inspired by doodles he drew as a child. Unlike many action films, Spy Kids was designed to feature little violence at all, substituting adventure and humor instead.
An action-packed spy thriller with high energy, which turns children into heroes. The film puts action, humor, and morals together without excessive seriousness, as a result offering an entertaining watch for the family.
Parental Guidance
IMDb: 6.0/10
2012, Comedy, Family
USA, PG
Director: Andy Fickman
Top Cast: Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei
Diane and Artie Decker are old-fashioned grandparents thrown into babysitting their three grandchildren for a week. From the old school, they can’t cope with the new school of doing things, the daughter is always talking about — no spanking, no sugar added, a lot of praise. The children give them a runaround while Artie attempts awkwardly to bond with them in his own way, and the household suffers from a series of farcical misunderstandings and genuine moments.
Billy Crystal and Bette Midler improvised a lot of the scenes, with their chemistry really coming across as natural. The baseball field featured in the movie is actually a real minor league stadium in Georgia. Some of the parenting conflicts that was displayed on camera actually originated from real events exchanged among cast and crew members.
A funny movie that explores the difference between old-fashioned and contemporary parenting techniques. The use of humor with emotional scenes keeps it light and interesting.
Moonrise Kingdom
IMDb: 7.8/10
2012, Comedy, Drama, Romance
USA, PG-13
Director: Wes Anderson
Top Cast: Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis
On a tiny New England island, two twelve-year-olds, Sam and Suzy, escape together from their difficult lives. Sam is an orphan and a misfit among his scout friends. Suzy is misunderstood by her parents. Their flight initiates a search by the island’s eccentric adults, including a lonely cop and a well-intentioned scoutmaster. As a storm closes in, the escapade causes everyone to face their own desires and fears.
The film was shot on Super 16mm film to create a vintage, fairy-tale look. The Khaki Scout uniforms were originally designed, derived from real scout wear but with individualistic flair. Actual children with little acting experience were cast by Wes Anderson to add realism to Sam and Suzy’s romance.
This is a beautifully crafted film that captures the magic and cringeworthy moments of teenage love perfectly. “Moonrise Kingdom” is a blend of dry humor, stunning visuals, and heartwarming moments that make it endearing and memorable.
Audiences who enjoy the distinctive appearance and visually driven style of filmmaking of Wes Anderson will like this movie, as will audiences who enjoy coming-of-age films with a touch of humor, adventure, and emotion.
We Bought a Zoo
IMDb: 7.1/10
2011, Comedy, Drama, Family
USA, PG
Director: Cameron Crowe
Top Cast: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church
Following the loss of his wife, Benjamin Mee seeks a new beginning for his family. He purchases an old, underperforming zoo in hopes it will unite them. With no background in animal husbandry, he and his kids encounter more than they bargained for. The zoo staff, such as the devoted Kelly, assist in restoring the zoo and their lives. As opening day nears, Benjamin discovers that risking it all — life and love alike — can bring unforeseen joy.
The film is based on a real story, even though the real zoo is in England, not California. Many of the animals that appeared in the film were real, and the actors spent time with them before filming. Director Cameron Crowe wanted an authentic feel, so the script included real dialogue from the Mee family’s life.
This is a touching story of family, loss, and rebirth. The heartwarming family dramas, true stories lovers, and anyone looking for a heartwarming movie about second chances and hope will love this movie.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
IMDb: 6.4/10
1989, Adventure, Comedy, Family
USA, PG
Director: Joe Johnston
Top Cast: Rick Moranis, Matt Frewer, Marcia Strassman
Wayne Szalinski, a zany scientist, is working on a shrinking machine in his home lab. When his invention accidentally shrinks his kids — and the kids of his neighbor — to the size of bugs, they get lost in the backyard. What was once a safe, ordinary day becomes a jungle of danger. As they journey through giant ants, towering grass, and other unexpected obstacles, their parents frantically search to find and rescue them.
The film’s special effects employed massive practical sets rather than CGI. The oversized blades of grass were made of foam, and the giant Cheerios in the classic cereal scene were actually giant painted pieces of wood. The movie was originally going to be called Teeny Weenies but was changed. It is a creative and fun movie that transforms an ordinary backyard into an ultimate adventure.
Nativity!
IMDb: 6.4/10
2009, Comedy, Family
UK, PG
Director: Debbie Isitt
Top Cast: Martin Freeman, Marc Wootton, Jason Watkins
Paul Maddens, a frustrated primary school teacher, is assigned to stage the school’s yearly nativity play. In an attempt to impress his old arch-rival, he accidentally boasts that Hollywood film producers are to shoot the show. When the rumor spreads, excitement builds and pressure to deliver a spectacular show increases. With the help of his eccentric assistant, Mr. Poppy, and a cast of rowdy children, Paul tries to turn his lie into reality.
All the children’s performances were improvised, thus, they were able to react naturally to each scene. The success of the film led to several sequels, each with a unique take on the nativity play theme. Improvisation was encouraged by director Debbie Isitt, which resulted in making the film spontaneous and funny.
This will be appreciated by British sitcom watchers and holiday fare with a dollop of happy endings, as well as by parents and teachers who can empathize with school play mayhem.
Sky High
IMDb: 6.2/10
2005, Action, Comedy, Family
USA, PG
Director: Mike Mitchell
Top Cast: Michael Angarano, Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston
Will Stronghold is part of a superhero legend family, but up to now, he hasn’t developed any powers. Beginning high school at Sky High, a high school for teenage superheroes, he’s placed in the “sidekick” program instead of the top hero program. Dealing with expectations, friendships, and rivalries, Will must prove himself when a new villain emerges to threaten the school — and the world.
Some of the actors were veterans of superhero or action films, including Kurt Russell, who played Snake Plissken in Escape from New York. The style of the school is derived from classic comic books, and the film uses practical stunts as opposed to too much CGI. The authors wanted the story to be a blend of Harry Potter and classic superhero comics.
Superhero film and teen comedy fans, together with those who like light-hearted action movies that have humor and a strong coming-of-age storyline will enjoy this film.
La clé des champs (The Field’s Key)
IMDb: 6.4/10
2011, Family
France
Directors: Claude Nuridsany, Marie PérennouSimon Delagnes, Jean-Claude Ayrinhac, Camille Lambert
Two children stumble upon a hidden pond teeming with wildlife. During their time spent there, they develop a close bond with nature, learning about insects, birds, and seasons. The film has little dialogue, rather portraying the magnificence of nature through a child’s eyes.
The film was written and directed by Claude Nuridsany and Marie Pérennou, who direct Microcosmos, a documentary known for its close-up moments of insects. Live creatures are used instead of special effects in order that children’s interactions with nature would feel genuine. Slow pace and narrative through vision cause the film to have a dreamlike atmosphere.
A quirky, captivating film that conveys the wonder of childhood discovery. The meticulous cinematography and focus on nature render it calming and invigorating at once.
10 giorni senza mamma (10 Days Without Mom)
IMDb: 5.8/10
2019, Comedy
Italy
Director: Alessandro Genovesi
Top Cast: Fabio De Luigi, Valentina Lodovini, Angelica Elli
Carlo, a workaholic dad, is used to having his wife do everything around the house. When she informs him that she is going on a ten-day vacation, he is left on his own with the three children. Juggling work, school time, and domestic chaos proves to be tougher than he imagined. While attempting to do it all, he starts to discover his family differently.
The film was a commercial success in Italy, and a sequel was produced. Some of the comedic situations were inspired by the director’s own experiences of having parenting challenges. Alessandro Genovesi wanted to show the challenges of modern fatherhood in a realistic way.
This is a funny and accurate observation on parenting, capturing the chaos and happiness of family life.
