13 best family films on Amazon Prime
Sick of spending your time scrolling to find a film that everyone will like? Luckily we've got you covered – with this roundup of Mumsnetters' top family recommendations on Amazon Prime. So you can sit back, relax and enjoy some quality time together.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Apr 17, 2024
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The below titles are included free with your Prime membership, unless otherwise stated.
1. Paddington (both films)
It seems Mumsnetters and their kids just can't get enough of the little bear with a penchant for marmalade sandwiches, as the sequel to the original 2014 hit has also gone down a storm. With mishaps and mild peril aplenty for the kids – plus an all-star cast of familiar faces (including the bear himself) for the parents – we defy you not to be charmed. Best of all, you can watch the first Paddington film on Prime Video too – movie marathon anyone?
Rating: PG
It's definitely got to be Paddington. My four-year-old son wets himself laughing at the bath scene every time!
We love the Paddington films. They are definitely a favourite here.
2. Jumanji
While exploring an old mansion, a pair of siblings find a curious, jungle-themed game called Jumanji in the attic. When they start playing, they discover Alan Parrish, who's been stuck in the game's inner world for decades. If they win Jumanji, they can free Alan for good – but that means braving giant bugs, ill-mannered monkeys and even stampeding rhinos. This much-loved classic now also has a third instalment, Jumanji: The Next Level, out on DVD in 2020.
Rating: PG
Jumanji is included with your Prime membership, and you can rent its sequel, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, from £3.49.
We love the original Jumanji!
3. Fantastic Mr Fox
Mr Fox (George Clooney) is all set to put his chicken (and duck and turkey)-stealing days behind him and be a responsible fox, father and husband for the sake of his wife (Meryl Streep) and kids. But when three local farmers set out to catch him, Mr Fox must resort to some good ole proverb-appropriate cunning – or else, lose his life.
Rating: PG
I took DD (8), her best friend (7) and DS (4). They all really loved it and the fact that it didn't follow the exact story but was based around the original story made it more interesting. I usually struggle with typical animated films but I also found this one enjoyable as it is slightly different to the norm and George Clooney's voice is very therapeutic.
4. Mirror Mirror
This adaptation of the classic Snow White story sees Julia Roberts as the evil queen/stepmother to Lily Collins’ Snow White. The queen has her (not so fair) heart set on the young and dashing Prince Alcott and plans to get him, using whatever means necessary. The only person who can stop her is, of course, Snow. While the film arguably doesn't bring much new to the tale, it looks beautiful and is very easy watching.
Rating: PG
I thought Julia Roberts was fabulous, and clearly the star of the movie.
5. Julia Donaldson adaptations
Mumsnetters love the adaptations of Julia Donaldson's much-loved books, including The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child and Room on the Broom, for their charming animations and broad appeal. They are also only about half an hour long, making them perfect for a younger audience.
Rating: U
We like all the Julia Donaldson adaptations (great they are on Prime – particularly for long car journeys!)
Related: Best books for two-year-olds to get them excited about reading from a young age.
6. Nativity (all three films)
Refusing to be constrained by trivialities like the date, or the weather, several Mumsnetters' children insisted on watching Nativity all year round – and we can (sort of) see why. It's funny, heartwarming, suitable for a range of ages, and there are three of them – perfect for a family movie night at Christmas (just don't blame us if they want to watch it weekly for the next 10 months).
Rating: U
The films she's most obsessed with and, yes, we have had to watch them today (the hottest day of the year so far), are Nativity 1, 2 and 3. Trying not to melt while listening to 'Sparkle and Shine' is an experience to say the least…
7. Kung Fu Panda
A clumsy panda named Po secretly dreams of being a kung fu legend. When evil forces threaten Po's homeland, he is unexpectedly chosen to fulfil an ancient prophecy and defend the Valley from attack. Training under Master Shifu, Po embarks on an epic high-kicking adventure that will entertain both children and adults.
Rating: PG
With membership, you can watch the Kung Fu Panda series – and you can rent the films from £3.49
Kung Fu Panda is our go-to family film. No matter how many times we've watched it the kids are riveted!
The Kung Fu Panda films and series are all fantastic.
8. Mr Bean
It is impossible to watch Mr Bean with a straight face. That's just a fact. Whether it's the original series, the animated reboot or the school holiday classic Mr Bean's Holiday, Rowan Atkinson's hapless antics tickle the funny bone of Mumsnetters and their kids alike.
Rating: U
Most episodes of Mr Bean are included with your Prime membership and you can rent Mr Bean's Holiday (PG) from £2.49
My 10-year-old son has SEN and he belly-laughed so much watching it.
Related: Mumsnet-approved tablets for kids to help keep them entertained.
10. The Lorax
Dr Seuss' book The Lorax has been a family favourite for years, and the animated film has gone down a storm too. Kids will love the vibrant animation and action-packed adventure, adults will love Danny DeVito's hilarious voice acting and the ahead-of-its-time environmental message. Be warned, though, it can lead to your kids making unflattering comparisons – one Mumsnetter explains: “The kids have nicknamed my mum Nanny Lorax, because she's small and hairy and speaks for the trees.”
Rating: U
You can rent The Lorax, or another Dr Seuss classic The Cat in the Hat, for £3.49
11. Zootropolis
The city of Zootropolis is a beautiful city where all animals live peacefully with one another. Judy Hopps becomes the first rabbit to join the police force, but much to her disappointment, she gets delegated to parking duty. When a new mysterious case pops up, Judy jumps at the opportunity to solve it and prove her worth. Unfortunately, that means working with Nick Wilde, a wily fox who makes her job even harder. A funny animated adventure that is sure to keep the kids (both big and small) captivated.
Rating: PG
Available to rent from £2.49
I adore Zootropolis. Funny and sharp with a genuinely clever plot. It has everything – an intriguing crime mystery, sloths, a cameo from Shakira and even Idris Elba.
12. Despicable Me
Any film with Minions in it is likely to be a hit with kids, but Mumsnetters enjoy watching the slapstick gags and the non-verbal communication the little yellow creatures specialise in, too. In fact, Despicable Me was mentioned over 50 times when we asked Mumsnetters to name films the whole family can enjoy – it's hard to argue with that.
Rating: U
You can rent Despicable Me from £3.49
Despicable Me and Minions movies – really laugh-out-loud funny for the kids and a few jokes that only the adults will get (but without being rude ones).
Minions and Despicable Me are good go-to films.
12. The Wizard of Oz
A classic, loved by many Mumsnetters when they were children themselves, the magic of the Wizard of Oz has endured for nearly 80 years. Probably best for slightly older children (those flying monkeys are scary), but you'll never forget the look on their faces the first time they see everything switch from black and white to technicolour.
Rating: U
You can rent this classic from £3.49
When my son is older I'm looking forward to watching some classics like Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter and It’s a Wonderful Life.
We love the classics such as Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
13. Frozen
Ok, so you've definitely memorised watched this one already, but this Disney musical has catchy tunes, strong female characters and a talking snowman – a sure recipe for family film night success. Plus, we couldn't resist one Mumsnetter's story about why it's special to her.
Rating: PG
Available to rent from £3.49
It's always going to be Frozen for me. My oldest was three when it came out. She sat on my lap in the cinema. It might have been her first cinema trip. I bought the soundtrack and all my kids at work (children in care at the time) would sit in my car and sing at the top of their voices to all the songs. That film holds very special meaning for me.
Top tip
As part of your Amazon Prime subscription, you can download your favourite films and TV shows to watch offline – perfect for keeping kids amused on long journeys (when all rules about screen time go out the window…).
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