Family movies that you can stream right now

This is a time when relying on family within a household is important. That means taking a break from reality to enjoy an uplifting and enjoyable family film like this Julie Andrews classic, which is a right of passage for some families come spring. Parents and children — of any age who can possibly keep attention while certainly breaking out into dance — should make it a point to enjoy some downtime with this iconic picture, and Disney+ has it covered.  

Gen-Xers with kids have probably sat them down for a little nostalgia via Hulu. This is really a great family, coming-of-age film that middle-school-, teenage and college-age kids can enjoy. This Rob Reiner classic starring the late River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton is funny, poignant and offers some memorable dialogue that just seems to get better with age.

Whether learning in person or online, for adults and teenagers alike, a sit down with mom and dad or older siblings to watch this Robin Williams gem is time well spent. Williams' John Keating throws tradition and rigidness aside to make teaching creative and fun — with some brilliant poetry to boot. It is available on such platforms as Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.

Major League Baseball saw a uniquely condensed season in 2020. But those in need of more baseball through some fictional family fun on the diamond, look no further than this fan favorite. We'll go back to the early 1990s and over to Hulu for the comedy about a boy who heals well enough from an arm injury to remarkably earn a spot pitching for the Chicago Cubs. Baseball families won't be disappointed.  

Another memorable flick for baseball fans that continues to resonate with all ages, The Sandlot is one of the great baseball movies of all time. For many who grew up playing the game in empty lots or open fields, it remains a cherished way to relive our childhood. Plus, the antics of the boys in the film are still comical and relevant for today's youth to enjoy and appreciate. Amazon Prime Video and YouTube are among those offering it for a small fee.

The story of the 1999 United States women's national soccer team and its road to a memorable World Cup-title run is a can't-miss. It's a great story and an opportunity for sports-loving families to come together and celebrate one of the great moments in the history of U.S. athletics. It's also an inspirational and powerful tale, that is not limited to female athletes, but sports-lovers of all ages.

Both the 2012 novel and this popular film from a few years back became staples of middle-school reading classes. We can all use some inspiration and a little warming of the heart at this time, and Wonder delivers on both accounts. The story of Auggie, a boy with a genetic facial disorder, trying to fit in amid adversity will bring tears — but ultimately happy ones. It's not an uncommon tale but still done well enough for the whole family to feel good about life no matter how rough things might seem. It's available on Amazon Prime Video. 

Disney+ has brought this latest adaptation Madeleine L'Engle's 1960s novel (there was a 2003 made-for-television version) to the masses. Starring Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling, the film offers a more contemporary take that should be able to hold the interest of those in any household. It's also a bit of an endearing escape from the current state of the world.  

Disney+ is the home for one of Marvel's most popular films. One does not really need to be a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to enjoy Black Panther. It's powerful movie and perhaps the most endearing of the MCU titles. It's also become a lasting tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who is solid in the title role. The film is a great movie-night option for family members of all ages once the weekend rolls around.

The sequel to 2012's Wreck-It Ralph, this 3D-computer-animated film might be even better than the first installment. Like many others films on this list, age really doesn't matter when it comes to the viewer. There is a lot of mischief, adventure and laughs to keep the whole family interested from start to finish. It's available on Netflix.

Head to Netflix for this superhero favorite. This film is of the computer-animated variety but still highly entertaining for anybody who is a fan of the web-slinger. The Oscar and Golden Globe winner for Best Animated Feature, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse has been a hit with teenagers but also is drawing a level of love from adult fans of the Marvel world. Plus, the soundtrack is pretty solid.   

If there's a young or middle-school-aged boy in the house, there's a good chance he's a Pokemon fan. And mom and dad might also be into the massively popular and successful franchise. Ryan Reynolds stars as the famed Pikachu in the initial live-action film from the Pokemon universe. Reynolds' star power and humor should be enough for those adult family members to watch on the likes of HBO Max

This Nickelodeon star got her own live-action movie and did relatively well. Having Eva Longoria and Michael Peña in the cast helps, but it's also a fun, enjoyable action film for middle-schoolers and early teens on such platforms as Amazon Prime Video. And, moms and dads might even find themselves getting wrapped up in the film. The great Danny Trejo as the voice of Boots was a good choice.

Another live-action remake of a past classic (in this case from 1941), Disney+ is the place to find this version of Dumbo , starring Colin Farrell and Michael Keaton. Keep in mind, this film is told through the eyes of the eccentric and imaginative Tim Burton, so it might be best served for older kids and teens who still need to get their Disney fix. Then again, we'll leave it up to the parents' overall discretion. 

For roughly several decades, films about family and culture have become quite prominent (thank you, Bend It Like Beckham and My Big Fat Greek Wedding). "The Farewell" follows along those lines, in a good way. Rapper/actor Awkwafina is brilliant as Billi, who is not trying to put anything past her family but rather wants them to be honest about the health of her grandmother in China. Nationality does not matter here; it's just a fine comedy-drama for the family to enjoy, courtesy of Amazon Prime Video.

The long-awaited and well-received sequel to the 2013 smash is still available to stream on Disney+. In fact, it was rushed out on that platform in the wake of social seclusion decisions due to the coronavirus pandemic. While young girls are the target audience, this is really a film that all ages can enjoy. Couple it with the original, and that makes for quite the quality double-feature of subzero entertainment.

OK, it might help to have seen 2017's Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, but the good news is that the first film in the franchise is available to stream (Amazon Prime Video) as well. "The Next Level"  features the same cast of characters paced by The Rock and Jack Black. It's another film that just offers a little time away from the reality and allows the family to come together for an entertaining evening that does not involve much deep thinking. 

There's plenty of action and funny dialogue in the latest adventure of Tom Holland's version of Spider-Man. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is back to normal, but Peter Parker's world is still far from it. Whether it's trying to tell MJ (Zendaya) how he feels or saving the world from a group of elemental monsters and another villain, Peter/Spider-Man has his hands full on the likes of Sling TV, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

Another great option from Disney+ that we believe all families — from parents to young children — will appreciate and enjoy. Come on, who does not like to spend a little time with Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang? And if the latest installment of this franchise is not enough, Disney+ has the previous three Toy Story films available if the opportunity to binge presents itself.  

It's a good bet at least one person in most families around the globe has heard a Beatles song, and plenty are fans of the Fab Four. For those we speak of, and even if your teens or college-age kids are not serious fans of John, Paul, George and Ringo, Yesterday is a creative and heartwarming picture. The whole family can enjoy it via Hulu or HBO Max, for starters. We really can't imagine life without music from the Beatles.

The coronavirus outbreak and social seclusion allowed Onward to stream earlier than expected, and it remains a staple on Disney+. The Pixar tale of two elf brothers, Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley Lightfoot (Chris Pratt), looking for a way to spend one moment with their late father who died years earlier can be pretty emotional — in a good way — for all ages. It also has enough comic moments to be deemed endearing.

Gamers, teens, adults and elementary school-age children should be excited about the recent streaming release of this surprise hit. Based on the popular video game series, this comedy-action film starring Jim Carrey and James Marsden is appropriate for just about all ages and can be found on the likes of Amazon Prime Video, Vudu and Google Play.

Head to Netflix for the chance to catch all four Indiana Jones films — Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, Last Crusade and the often forgotten Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It does not matter that it's been more than a decade since the last film in this iconic series was released. There's pure, harmless and popcorn-loving action and entertainment that any tween or teenager should be introduced to at some point. What better time than now. 

Thanks to Disney+, fans of the mega-popular sci-fi franchise can get their fix in all its binge-worthy excellence right here on one service. All 11 of the films, including one-offs Rogue One and Solo are available to stream via Disney+. That would make for quite a marathon of weekend of Star Wars viewing, and actually would be something to excitedly look forward to doing.