The Best Kids Movies on Amazon Prime to Watch with the Family

Run Time: 2 hr 10 min | Genre: Christmas Fantasy Drama | Director: Frank Capra

Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers

While it may be slightly darker than you remembered, Frank Capra’s 1946 classic It’s A Wonderful Life is pretty much required viewing every holiday season. Capra’s optimistic take on an alternate reality is just as powerful as it’s always been, and no matter what age you are, there’s something comforting about the warmth of the great James Stewart in one of his most iconic roles as George Bailey. “Did George actually have a wonderful life?” is a debate worth holding every year. As an added treat, Prime Video includes both the original theatrical version and the colorized re-release in the case that your family is averse to older films. — Liam Gaughan

Run Time: 1 hr 33 min | Genre: Comedy Adventure | Director: Mike Mitchell

Cast: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews

The fourth installment of the Shrek film franchise, Shrek Forever After, continues to build layers within the fairytale by exploring an alternate timeline. Shrek Forever After asks what would have come of Fiona, voiced by Cameron Diaz, if Shrek (Mike Myers) never saved her from captivity in her tower. Shrek Forever After cleverly builds on the established mythos of the whimsical universe, allowing the characters audiences cherish to fully explore the land on which they live. Reuniting Myers and Diaz, along with fan favorites Eddie Murphy as Donkey and Antonio Banderas as Puss, Shrek Forever After is the perfect fourth movie in one of the best animated series. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 43 min | Genre: Fantasy Adventure | Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Cast: Hana Sugisaki, Yūki Amami, Fumiyo Kohinata

Mary and the Witch’s Flower is a beautifully animated magical story about a naive and lively girl named Mary. Featuring the voice of Hana Sugisaki, Mary and the Witch’s Flower follows as Mary discovers the mysterious and rare “fly-by-night” flower, which provides her with unbelievable magical powers for a limited time. Written by Riko Sakaguchi and Hiromasa Yonebayashi, based on a book by Mary Stewart, Mary and the Witch’s Flower is a gentle story told through visually enticing animation. Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi captures the wonder and adventurous spirit of young Mary through a simple tale and stunning landscape. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 32 min | Genre: Comedy Sport | Director: Jared Hess

Cast: Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Héctor Jiménez, Moises Arias

Crafted by the team behind Napoleon Dynamite, including director Jared Hess, Nacho Libre is an uproarious comedy full of over-the-top physical comedy. Starring Jack Black (The Super Mario Bros Movie) as a monastery chef who finds himself dreaming of a better life: one of a Luchador wrestler. Featuring a brilliant cast of comedic talent alongside Black, including Ana de la Reguera, Héctor Jiménez, Moises Arias, and Carla Jimenez, Nacho Libre humorously shines a light on a beloved pastime, a cultural phenomenon, and the determination of a ridiculous monk to reach his goals. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 30 min | Genre: Animation Comedy Sci-Fi Fantasy | Directors: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

Cast: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Andy Samberg, Bruce Campbell, Mr. T, and Neil Patrick Harris

Before working on such huge animated hits as The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Lord and Miller directed and co-wrote this incredibly charming tale of inventor Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader), whose latest invention causes food to fall from the skies. Of course, it starts well enough, but when giant food starts raining down, Flint’s invention threatens to ruin the world. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs has all the heart and odd humor that one comes to expect from later Lord/Miller films, and a hilarious voice cast that makes this great for all ages. A lovely and strange comedy that certainly deserves more attention, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is a delight for everyone. — Ross Bonaime

Run Time: 1 hr 36 min | Genre: Adventure Comedy | Director: Walt Becker

Cast: Jack Whitehall, Darby Camp, Tony Hale, Sienna Guillory, David Alan Grier, Russell Wong, Kenan Thompson, John Cleese

Clifford has been a beloved character for nearly 60 years, and the most recent movie allows a new generation to fall in love with the big red dog. The film stars Darby Camp as 12-year-old Emily Elizabeth, who rescues and raises Clifford. She and her Uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall) experience their fair of challenges, including an evil genetics company that wants Clifford for himself. Thankfully, they prevail with the help of their friends. Clifford continues to prove that companions come in all shapes, sizes, and species. – Taylor Gates

Run Time: 1 hr 29 min | Genre: Comedy | Director: Kevin Lima

Starring: Sofia Vassilieva, Julie Andrews, Jeffrey Tambor, Kenneth Welsh, Debra Monk, Christine Baranski

What child hasn’t wanted to live in a hotel? The precocious Eloise (Sofia Vassilieva) gets to live out that dream in Eloise at the Plaza. Based on the books by Kay Thompson, this movie sees six-year-old Eloise have adventures galore – including playing matchmaker for a prince. Charming and whimsical, Eloise is sure to delight its young target audience as well as keep the attention of a grown-up demographic due to A-list powerhouses like Julie Andrews and Christine Baranski. – Taylor Gates

Run Time: 1 hr 32 min | Genre: Comedy | Director: John Schultz

Cast: Heather Graham, Parris Mosteller, Preston Bailey, Garrett Ryan, Taylar Hender, Jaleel White, Jordana Beatty

Another film based on a popular book series, Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer is a blast. The film stars Jordana Beatty as Judy, who’s having a competition with her friends to see who can have the most fun on summer vacation. She, along with her best friend Frank (Preston Bailey), little brother Stink (Parris Mosteller), and eccentric aunt Opal (Heather Graham), get into a plethora of hijinks, including a hunt for Bigfoot and getting involved in a circus act. If you’re looking for a light, fast-paced watch, this is an excellent choice. – Taylor Gates

Run Time: 1 hr 30 min | Genre: Action-Adventure Fantasy | Director: Sean McNamara

Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, William Hurt

Pierce Brosnan (The Black Adam) stars as King Louis XIV in The King’s Daughter, based on Vonda N. McIntyre’s novel. It follows the journey of a young woman named Marie-Josephe (Kaya Scodelario), daughter of the king, as she’s brought into his world and uncovers his secret quest for immortality. Hidden beneath the castle is a mermaid whose life force will be stolen and harnessed to keep the king alive unless Marie-Josephe can stop him and set the magical creature free. An enchanting movie by family-friendly director Sean McNamara, The King’s Daughter is a magical adventure that explores romance, duty, and destiny. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 29 min | Genre: Animated Musical Adventure-Comedy | Director: Eric Summer, Éric Warin

Cast: Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Carly Rae Jepsen, Maddie Ziegler

Leap! is the story of an orphan, voiced by Elle Fanning (The Great), who dreams of dancing ballet in the Grand Opera House in Paris. Leap! uses a darling computer animation style that has been used in children’s television but does not often get displayed in movies. Additionally, Leap! includes pop star Carly Rae Jepsen and Dance Moms alum Maddie Ziegler in the voice cast, making the movie a feast for the eyes and the ears. Presenting a gorgeous message of following your passions and never giving up, Leap! is a wonderful underdog story for children of all ages. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 25 min | Genre: Drama | Director: Sandra Goldbacher

Cast: Emma Watson, Yasmin Paige, Lucy Boynton, Richard Griffiths

A British film, Ballet Shoes is the story of three poor orphaned girls as they find a new home and a new dream to inspire them. Set in 1930s London, Ballet Shoes stars Emma Watson as Pauline, Yasmin Paige as Petrova, and Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) as Posy, as well as another Harry Potter alum, the late Richard Griffiths. A graceful tale about found family and following your heart, Ballet Shoes is sweet without becoming overly cliche and truly shines in the costuming department – specifically with time period-appropriate attire. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 36 min | Genre: Family Adventure | Director: Lyman Dayton, Sam Pillsbury

Cast: Joseph Ashton, Dave Matthews, Renee Faia

An adventurous and heartwarming drama about a young boy in the Ozark Mountains during the Great Depression, Where the Red Fern Grows is based on the novel by Wilson Rawls. Featuring a standout performance from Grammy Award-winner Dave Matthews (Just Go With It) as patriarch Will Coleman, Where the Red Fern Grows is a timeless legend that thoughtfully explores themes of integrity, friendship, and loyalty. Kris Kristofferson (Blade) also appears in the family flick, but the definitive highlight of the feature is the adorable dogs, specifically red-bone hound hunting ones. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 33 min | Genre: Animated Supernatural Black Comedy Road Trip | Director: Greg Tiernan, Conrad Vernon

Cast: Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Kroll, Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton, Wallace Shawn, Snoop Dogg, Bette Midler, Bill Hader

Our favorite creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky family is back in The Addams Family 2, and this time, they’re hitting the road. Morticia (Charlize Theron) and Gomez (Oscar Isaac) struggle to come to terms with the fact their children are growing up and drifting away from them. To bond, they take the crew on a vacation across America, where they encounter family, friends, and foes. This new installment featuring these iconic characters is equal parts spooky and sweet. – Taylor Gates

Run Time: 1 hr 13 min | Genre: Romantic Musical | Director: Kay Cannon

Cast: Camila Cabello, Idina Menzel, Minnie Driver, Nicholas Galitzine, Billy Porter, Pierce Brosnan

There have been countless iterations of the story, from the animated classic to the beloved 1997 Brandy version, A Cinderella Story starring Hilary Duff to the Lily James live-action remake. Prime Video’s take, however, puts a whole new spin on things – it’s Cinderella like you’ve never seen her before. Camila Cabello stars in the titular role, making Cinderella more ambitious and independent than ever. With original songs and a delightfully wicked Idina Menzel as the evil stepmother, Cinderella is a silly but enjoyable way to spend two hours. – Taylor Gates

Run Time: 1 hr 34 min | Genre: Comedy Drama | Director: Bert, Bertie

Cast: Jim Gaffigan, Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Mckenna Grace, Mike Epps

It’s time to show the universe who’s boss. Troop Zero follows the quirky, space-obsessed Christmas Mint (Mckenna Grace) in 1977 rural Georgia who wants to create a Birdie Scout troop in order to compete for a chance to have her voice featured on NASA’s Golden Record. The determined girl enlists a number of her lovable, misfit, elementary school peers to form Troop Zero (all the other numbers were taken). Along the way, this eclectic group of kids come together to earn badges and prepare for the talent show, forging unexpected friendships in the process. This family dramedy was an Official Selection in the Sundance Film Festival and was directed by the British creative duo Bert and Bertie, who recently directed several episodes of the Disney+ series Hawkeye. — Emily Bernard