If organizing a family night at the movies has ever been your challenge, then you surely know the problem—finding something that will keep the kids entertained without the adults feeling the need to sneak away and check their phones. Lucky for us, HBO Max is just bursting with movies that hit that ideal equilibrium: funny, touching, visually stunning, and really nice to watch, no matter what age you are. Covered in this list are timeless gems as well as fresh titles, presenting the 10 best family movies to watch on demand right now, leading up to the top spot.
10. Wonka
The prequel to the classic tells us about Willy Wonka before he became our favorite offbeat candy maker. Timothée Chalamet brings the role to life with big-eyed charm in this musical prequel packed with songs and an ample amount of magic. It’s light, sweet, and utterly pleasant.
9. The Wizard of Oz
Some films just don’t age, and this is at the very pinnacle of them. Judy Garland’s journey to Oz—complete with yellow brick roads, classic tunes, and legendary characters—is a gold standard in children’s cinema. Years on, it’s still movie magic.
8. Spirited Away
Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece isn’t just a movie—it’s an experience. Following Chihiro into a world of spirits, witches, and strange creatures, the film mixes haunting beauty with a heartfelt coming-of-age story. It’s a perfect gateway into the wonder of Studio Ghibli.
7. How to Train Your Dragon
Ultimately, this DreamWorks blockbuster is a movie about friendship and courage. Hiccup’s relationship with dragon Toothless is unexpected and adds on-foot flight scenes that are both exciting and emotionally moving. It’s an unusual blend of action and sensitivity that is stunning in execution.
6. Flow
This wordless animated Latvian movie demonstrates that you don’t need words to tell a compelling story. Along with a black cat and a group of animals as they try to ride out a flood, Flow is beautifully beautiful and emotionally resonant—so much so that it was the first one at the Oscars.
5. My Neighbor Totoro
Few films capture the magic of childhood better than Totoro. Studio Ghibli’s gentle tale of two sisters and a giant forest spirit is whimsical, a little spooky at times, and endlessly heartwarming. It’s the cinematic equivalent of comfort food.
4. The Boy and the Heron
Miyazaki’s latest film is one of his most personal works yet. It tells the story of a boy navigating grief who stumbles into a fantastical parallel world. Balancing sorrow with imagination, it’s a breathtaking reminder of how creativity can heal.
3. DC League of Super-Pets
Ever curious what happens to Superman’s dog during a crisis for the Justice League? This action-comedy provides the solution: he gets together with a misfit battalion of shelter animals. With wisecracking wit, epic action, and a star voice cast, it’s superhero chaos with a paws-itive spin.
2. The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie
It’s Porky Pig and Daffy Duck’s turn in the spotlight in this cartoon extraterrestrial invasion spoof. It’s filled with intelligent gags, meta-sentiments, and slapstick in good old-fashioned Looney Tunes style, so it’s just as amusing for older nostalgic adults and newcomers to the series alike.
1. Blue Beetle
Blue Beetle gets the crown as an energetic superhero film that has real heart. Jaime Reyes becomes a hero by accident through alien tech, but what gets the movie into the hands of viewers is how much his family becomes a part of the story. Paving the way with the first Latino starring character in a DC film, it’s funny, action-filled, and full of warmth.
From time-tested classics to modern blockbusters, HBO Max is chock-full of family-friendly films that are actually good for your kids. So grab some popcorn, snuggle up, and let these films make your next family evening a night to remember.