It’s half-term for many this week, which means a chance to spend more time with your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews. With the weather on the turn and the great outdoors looking less appealing, it’s always handy to have some indoor activities lined up. And there’s nothing like a family-friendly film to keep the kids entertained and bring everyone together.
There are many streaming services available that will charge you a monthly subscription for access to such films, but it is possible to watch some great family-friendly movies without it costing you a penny.
However, it’s not always easy to find the free family-friendly films, so we’ve collated a selection of those available on the free streaming services BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4 Streaming.
Love TV? Discover the best Netflix TV shows, the best Prime Video TV shows, the best Disney+ shows , the best Apple TV+ shows, the best shows on BBC iPlayer and the best TV shows still to come in 2023. Don’t forget to try our hidden gem TV shows collection, check our critics’ choices to watch this week and browse our comprehensive TV guide.
Coraline
ITVX
A 2009 stop-motion adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s book, this brilliant, creepy and beautifully crafted film stars Dakota Fanning as the voice of Coraline. This is the story of what happens when a girl walks through a secret door in her new home to discover a strange new world.
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Despicable Me 3
ITVX
You don’t have to have seen the first two (although your kids probably already have) to enjoy this excellent animation featuring everyone’s favourite characters, the Minions. Starring Steve Carrell at the head of an excellent voice cast, it’s time for Gru and his gang to take on a new challenge in this funny family adventure.
Wallace and Gromit (various films)
BBC iPlayer
If you enjoy the Oscar-winning antics of Nick Park’s animated comedy duo, you’re in luck, because iPlayer has four of the films available to stream. Get ready for big laughs as you queue up a bumper afternoon of The Wrong Trousers, A Matter of Loaf and Death, A Grand Day Out and A Close Shave.
Barnyard
Channel 4 streaming
Kevin James, Wanda Sykes and Courteney Cox are among the voice cast in this charming 2006 animated adventure. When Otis the cow finds himself in charge of the farmyard he doesn’t know what to do when all the animals just want to party — but there is trouble brewing with the coyotes.
Dr Seuss’ The Lorax
ITVX
If you haven’t seen this raucous adaptation of the classic children’s book, make the time to join the fun. Starring the voice talent of Zac Efron and Taylor Swift among others, this is a classic story of greed, power, love and the lengths to which people will go to make dreams come true.
ParaNorman
ITVX
Definitely one for older children, this comedy horror stop-motion is based on the life of Norman Babcock, an 11-year-old boy in a small town in Massachusetts who can speak to the dead. Although he becomes isolated from many people around him, he soon finds himself the last hope to save them all from an ancient curse.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water
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Channel 4 streaming
Whatever age the kids, Spongebob is probably a character they’re familiar with — and he continues to bring a smile to the whole family with his surreal adventures. In this 2015 big-screen outing our protagonist sets out to right some wrongs after Mr Krabs’ Krabby Patty recipe vanishes and Bikini Bottom is plunged into anarchy.
The Boxtrolls
ITVX
Starring the voices of Jared Harris and Ben Kingsley, this is a quirky adventure comedy that the whole family can enjoy. The story centres on a young orphan who conjures up a daring plan to save the lives of his mischievous, misfit group of friends when they are in danger.
Turbo
ITVX
Ryan Reynolds and Paul Giamatti are in the voice cast for this 2013 sports comedy. What happens when a snail discovers that he’s not slow at all and wants to enter the Indianapolis 500? Well, you’ll have to tune in to find out. . .
