20 Best Family Movies on Max 2026
Browse family-friendly picks on Max, from Coraline and Spirited Away to Harry Potter, Despicable Me, Totoro, and more for your next movie night.
If you’re searching for the best family movies on Max, this list brings together animated favorites, fantasy adventures, and a few classic picks that work for a wide range of ages. You’ll find modern crowd-pleasers like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Despicable Me, and Kubo and the Two Strings alongside comfort-watch staples such as The Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. There are also darker but still family-friendly choices like Coraline, ParaNorman, and Corpse Bride for viewers who like a little spooky fun with their storytelling. From Hogwarts to the yellow brick road, these titles offer plenty of variety without straying far from the family-movie lane.
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01
Coraline
1 Oscar nomination
animation · drama · family · fantasy
Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.
Why watch: If you enjoy eerie fantasy with a family angle, Coraline is a strong fit. Its animation, drama, and fantasy blend makes it a good pick for viewers who like a story with a spooky edge.
Directed by Henry SelickCast Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith DavidHuluPeacock PremiumMaxMore details on IMDb → -
02
ParaNorman
1 Oscar nomination
animation · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy · mystery
In the town of Blithe Hollow, Norman Babcock can speak to the dead, but no one other than his eccentric new friend believes his ability is real. One day, Norman's eccentric uncle tells him of a ritual he must perform to protect the town from a curse cast by a witch centuries ago.
Why watch: If you want an animated family movie with mystery and comedy, ParaNorman is worth a look. Its adventure-fantasy setup works well for viewers who like a quirky ghost story.
Directed by Chris Butler, Sam FellCast Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-PlasseHuluPeacock PremiumMaxMore details on IMDb → -
03
Corpse Bride
1 Oscar nomination
animation · comedy · drama · fantasy · kids & family · romance
In a 19th-century European village, a young man about to be married is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious corpse bride, while his real bride waits bereft in the land of the living.
Why watch: If you like animated fantasy with a mix of comedy, drama, and romance, Corpse Bride may be the right choice. It suits anyone open to a slightly gothic story with a family-friendly label.
Directed by Tim Burton, Mike JohnsonCast Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman, Paul WhitehouseMaxMore details on IMDb → -
04
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
3 Oscar nominations
adventure · family · fantasy
Harry Potter has lived under the stairs at his aunt and uncle's house his whole life. But on his 11th birthday, he learns he's a powerful wizard—with a place waiting for him at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As he learns to harness his newfound powers with the help of the school's kindly headmaster, Harry uncovers the truth about his parents' deaths—and about the villain who's to blame.
Why watch: If your group wants a classic adventure-fantasy story, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is an easy starting point. It’s a good match for viewers who like magical school settings and a strong family adventure tone.
Directed by Chris ColumbusCast Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Saunders Triplets, Daniel RadcliffePeacock PremiumMaxMore details on IMDb → -
05
Scooby-Doo
adventure · comedy · family · fantasy · mystery
When the Mystery Inc. gang is invited to Spooky Island, a popular amusement park, they soon discover that the attractions aren't the only things that are spooky. Strange things are happening, and it's up to Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma to uncover the truth behind the mysterious happenings.
Why watch: If you prefer light mystery with comedy and fantasy, Scooby-Doo fits that lane well. It’s a familiar choice for viewers who want a playful detective-style movie with family appeal.
Directed by Raja GosnellCast Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini, Rowan AtkinsonMaxMore details on IMDb →
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06
Kubo and the Two Strings
2 Oscar nominations
animation · action · adventure · family · fantasy
Kubo mesmerizes the people in his village with his magical gift for spinning wild tales with origami. When he accidentally summons an evil spirit seeking vengeance, Kubo is forced to go on a quest to solve the mystery of his fallen samurai father and his mystical weaponry, as well as discover his own magical powers.
Why watch: If you like animated adventure with action and fantasy, Kubo and the Two Strings stands out. It should appeal to viewers who want a quest story with a more imaginative, mythic feel.
Directed by Travis KnightCast Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Brenda Vaccaro, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Meyrick MurphyHuluPeacock PremiumMaxMore details on IMDb → -
07
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
1 Oscar nomination
adventure · comedy · family · fantasy · musical
When eccentric candy man Willy Wonka promises a lifetime supply of sweets and a tour of his chocolate factory to five lucky kids, penniless Charlie Bucket seeks the golden ticket that will make him a winner.
Why watch: If you enjoy musical family fantasy with a whimsical setup, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a natural pick. It works well for viewers who want a classic, colorful adventure centered on a one-of-a-kind candy maker.
Directed by Mel StuartCast Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear, Julie Dawn ColeMaxMore details on IMDb → -
08
Spirited Away
Won 1 Oscar
animation · adventure · family · fantasy
A young girl, Chihiro, becomes trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call upon the courage she never knew she had to free her family.
Why watch: If you want a beloved animated adventure with fantasy and heart, Spirited Away is a strong choice. It’s a great fit for viewers drawn to stories about courage in a strange new world.
Directed by Hayao MiyazakiCast Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takashi Naitô, Yasuko SawaguchiMaxMore details on IMDb → -
09
A Minecraft Movie
action · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy
Four misfits are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home they'll have to master this world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected expert crafter.
Why watch: If you’re in the mood for action-comedy with a fantasy angle, A Minecraft Movie may be the best fit here. Its family and adventure genres make it a practical pick for viewers who like game-inspired worlds.
Directed by Jared HessCast Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Sebastian Hansen, Emma Myers, Danielle BrooksMaxMore details on IMDb → -
10
Despicable Me
1 BAFTA Film Award nomination
animation · adventure · comedy · crime · family · sci-fi
Villainous Gru lives up to his reputation as a despicable, deplorable and downright unlikable guy when he hatches a plan to steal the moon from the sky. But he has a tough time staying on task after three orphans land in his care.
Why watch: If you want an animated comedy that mixes family storytelling with a bit of crime and sci-fi, Despicable Me is a solid option. It’s especially good for viewers looking for a lighter, character-driven pick.
Directed by Pierre Coffin, Chris RenaudCast Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will ArnettMaxMore details on IMDb → -
11
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Won 1 Kids' Vote 5 nominations
adventure · family · fantasy · mystery
Cars fly, trees fight back, and a mysterious house-elf comes to warn Harry Potter at the start of his second year at Hogwarts. Adventure and danger await when bloody writing on a wall announces: The Chamber Of Secrets Has Been Opened. To save Hogwarts will require all of Harry, Ron and Hermione's magical abilities and courage.
Why watch: If you liked the first Hogwarts story and want more mystery, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a logical next choice. It suits viewers who enjoy magical adventure with a little suspense.
Directed by Chris ColumbusCast Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Fiona ShawPeacock PremiumMaxMore details on IMDb → -
12
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
1 Oscar nomination
animation · action · adventure · family · fantasy · sci-fi
After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most.
Why watch: If you want a high-energy animated superhero movie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is one of the strongest matches. It’s ideal for viewers who like action, adventure, and a multiverse setup.
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. ThompsonCast Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Jake JohnsonDisney PlusMaxMore details on IMDb → -
13
My Neighbor Totoro
animation · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy
Two sisters move to the country with their father in order to be closer to their hospitalized mother, and discover the surrounding trees are inhabited by Totoros, magical spirits of the forest. When the youngest runs away from home, the older sister seeks help from the spirits to find her.
Why watch: If you enjoy gentle fantasy with animation and family warmth, My Neighbor Totoro is an excellent pick. It’s especially appealing for viewers who prefer a softer, more whimsical story.
Directed by Hayao MiyazakiCast Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi, Sumi Shimamoto, Tanie KitabayashiMaxMore details on IMDb → -
14
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
1 Oscar nomination
adventure · family · fantasy · mystery
When Harry Potter's name emerges from the Goblet of Fire, he becomes a competitor in a grueling battle for glory among three wizarding schools—the Triwizard Tournament. But since Harry never submitted his name for the Tournament, who did? Now Harry must confront a deadly dragon, fierce water demons and an enchanted maze only to find himself in the cruel grasp of He Who Must Not Be Named.
Why watch: If you want a bigger Harry Potter adventure with mystery and higher stakes, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire fits that bill. It’s a good choice for viewers ready for a more intense wizarding-world storyline.
Directed by Mike NewellCast Eric Sykes, Timothy Spall, David Tennant, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma WatsonPeacock PremiumMaxMore details on IMDb → -
15
The Wizard of Oz
Won 2 Oscars Best Picture (1940) · 5 nominations
adventure · family · fantasy · musical
Young Dorothy finds herself in a magical world where she makes friends with a lion, a scarecrow and a tin man as they make their way along the yellow brick road to talk with the Wizard and ask for the things they miss most in their lives. The Wicked Witch of the West is the only thing that could stop them.
Why watch: If you like classic family fantasy with songs and a timeless quest, The Wizard of Oz is an easy recommendation. It’s well suited to viewers who want a beloved old-school adventure.
Directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, King VidorCast Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack HaleyMaxMore details on IMDb → -
16
The Kid
comedy · drama · family
A tramp cares for a boy after he's abandoned as a newborn by his mother. Later the mother has a change of heart and aches to be reunited with her son.
Why watch: If you enjoy early comedy-drama with a family focus, The Kid is a notable classic to consider. It may especially appeal if you want something older and grounded in emotional storytelling.
Directed by Charles ChaplinCast Charles Chaplin, Jackie Coogan, Carl Miller, Edna Purviance, Albert AustinTubiMaxMore details on IMDb → -
17
Space Jam
animation · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy · sci-fi · sport
With their freedom on the line, the Looney Tunes seek the help of NBA superstar Michael Jordan to win a basketball game against a team of moronic aliens.
Why watch: If you want a family movie with animation, sports, and sci-fi in the mix, Space Jam is a fun option to weigh. It’s a good fit for viewers who like a crossover concept and a lively, crowd-pleasing setup.
Directed by Joe PytkaCast Michael Jordan, Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, Manner Washington III, Eric GordonMaxMore details on IMDb → -
18
8-Bit Christmas
comedy · family
In suburban Chicago during the late 1980s, ten-year-old Jake Doyle embarks on a herculean quest to get the latest and greatest video game system for Christmas.
Why watch: If you like comedy built around childhood Christmas wish fulfillment, 8-Bit Christmas should fit nicely. It’s a strong match for viewers who enjoy nostalgic family stories.
Directed by Michael DowseCast Winslow Fegley, Neil Patrick Harris, Steve Zahn, June Diane Raphael, Bellaluna ResnickMaxMore details on IMDb → -
19
My Mom Jayne
Won 2 Emmys 3 nominations
documentary · kids & family
Through deeply personal interviews with her siblings and an examination of the photographs, letters, and belongings left behind, Mariska assembles a new portrait of her mother Jayne Mansfield, an extraordinary and complex woman.
Why watch: If you want a documentary with a kids-and-family connection, My Mom Jayne is the most personal option here. It may suit viewers interested in family history and a portrait built from photos, letters, and interviews.
Directed by Mariska HargitayCast Nelson SardelliMaxMore details on IMDb → -
20
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
1 Oscar nomination
adventure · comedy · family · fantasy · musical
A young boy wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the world's most unusual candy maker.
Why watch: If you prefer a family fantasy with musical elements and a chocolate factory setting, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is worth considering. It’s a good pick for viewers who want a playful story centered on a unique candy maker.
Directed by Tim BurtonCast Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah TaylorMaxMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
Whether you want animation, adventure, fantasy, or a mix of all three, this page makes it easier to narrow down what to watch next. It includes older classics, newer releases, and a few offbeat picks, so there’s something here for different ages and moods. Bookmark this list and come back when you need a quick family-night decision, since it’s updated regularly as titles change. If you’re comparing options, the notes below should help you match the right movie to the right crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Max subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Max. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these family movies ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the family titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.