18 Classic Hollywood Movies to Watch With your Kids

Tracita Stephani Lepcha
17 Min Read

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Family movie nights are all about quality time spent with your family, so why not make it more special by adding up more classics to it?

Ever wanted to have a good family movie night with your family, and you get to rewatch the same old movies? Keeping the family traditions of movie watching in mind, we have listed some of the best Hollywood movies, from the genres of surreal fantasies to comedies, from musicals to dramas.

Grab yourself a giant bowl of popcorn and a blanket to snuggle in, and get ready to watch the most amazing classics of all time!

1. The Lego Movie

The LEGO® Movie - Official Main Trailer [HD]

The Lego Movie is a 2014 computer animation-based adventure comedy movie that Phil Lord and Christopher Miller directed. Film characters like Chris Pratt provide the voices for the movie.

It is based on the Lego line of construction toys, and the story is mainly focusing on Emmet, the Lego Minifigure who leads a resistance movement to stop the tyrannical businessman into his vision of perfection.

Warner Bros announced the movie in 2011. Animal Logic provided the animation. The Lego Movie was released on February 7, 2014, by Warner Bros Pictures.

It is one of the best Hollywood movies of all time. It won several awards like the BAFTA Award for the Best Animated Film, the Critics Choice Movie for the Best Animated Feature, and the Saturn Award.

It was nominated for several categories like Golden Globe Award for the Best Animated Feature and received an Academy Award for the best song titled Everything is Awesome.

By the end, you won’t be able to resist yourself from singing ‘ Everything is Awesome.’

2. The Dark Knight

best hollywood movies
By Hikaru Kazushime/ Flickr . Copyright 2022

One of the best Hollywood movies of all time and also highly rated for its direction, acting, and production is the Dark Knight. It is the 2008 sequel of Batman Begins, directed by Christopher Nolan and stars like Christian Bale, who played the role of Batman. It was released on July 18, 2008, in the U.S.

It is one of the best Hollywood movies of all time, set within a year after the events of Batman Begins(2005).

Batman successfully begins to round up the criminals of Gotham City until the sadistic criminal mastermind Joker arrives. The fight gets deeply personal among the two, and he uses all his best technologies to stop him. For an upbeat conclusion, you can also catch up on another sequel called The Dark Knight Rises.

It is surely one of the best Hollywood films to watch with your kids on the weekend.

3. Star Wars(1977)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLgsf8Pei6Q

On the list of the best Hollywood movies to watch on the weekend with your kids, you cannot miss out on the trip to a galaxy far away. This beautifully shot movie hits the list of the top films to watch with the family on a vacation or a weekend.

Especially the scenes from the movie, where the Great Star Destroyer whooshes endlessly on the screen, which is sure to keep the youngsters busy. Timeless heroes, mysteries of Jedi, and scary villains are sure to keep the family entertained. Watch the Star Wars from the original, which is the best, to begin with, your journey to the galaxy.

4. Harry Potter

18 Classic Hollywood Movies to Watch With your Kids 2
By FF16/ Pixabay. Copyright 2022

Nothing can match this amazing movie gem of all time. It is the most amazing and one of the best Hollywood movies. Sorcerer’s Stone, Prisoner of Askaban, Chamber of Secrets, there is so much to choose from. When it comes to Harry Potter, recommending one is just not fine.

If you read the book, you might think that it might just do justice to the movie, but that’s not the case with the Harry Potter series. While you begin to watch, make sure to watch it in chronological order, beginning from the 2001 movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, thereby not missing the important plots and the gradual growth in the movie.

Getting into one of the best Hollywood movies will be full of suspense, drama, comedy, and emotions that you might have never experienced before. Therefore, before beginning any part of the movie, make sure all the eyes are ready to be glued to the screen.

5. Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Official Trailer #1 - Morgan Freeman Movie HD

Shawshank Redemption is a prison drama that is also considered one of the best Hollywood movies of all time.

Andy is sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for the murder of his wife and lover. He is sentenced to tough life imprisonment. The story also shows the friendship of Andy with a man he met in prison- Red and the brutality of prison life.

He gradually adapts to the prison life, but will try to go for a narrow escape from the prison? As only him who knew it was not him committing the crime.

Watch this amazing prison drama, which is also considered one of the best Hollywood movies of all time. That is backed by some amazing screen appearances by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins and an amazing twist by the end.

6. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE - Official Trailer #2 (HD)

It is an amazing Spiderman movie that suits all genres, from adventure to comedy, from striking adventure to superhero action.

Brooklyn teenager Miles gets bitten by a radioactive spider, which makes him able to do mysterious things such as transform into Spiderman. This is until he meets Peter Parker and realizes he is not the only one.

It is also considered one of the best Hollywood movies; watch it to know how Spiderman stops the evil madman who is all set to open portals in a different universe.

7. Toy Story Series

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNk1Wi8SvNc

When talking about the best Hollywood movies to watch with your kids, this is something that is the must-have on your list of yours. This movie is the ultimate family movie that the entire family can watch, irrespective of any age group.

How incredible would it be to imagine a world where the toys could speak? The movie is all about emotions and our forgotten bond with toys. Accounted among the best Hollywood movies of all time, the Toy Story series will not fail to amaze you. Be ready to get the rush of emotions by the end of the movie.

8. Mary Poppins(1964)

Mary Poppins (1964) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

It won’t be wrong to consider this classic movie as one of the best Hollywood movies of all time starring Julia Andrews. The cast, dancing, songs all blend around so well, setting a high demand for a nanny as such.

It is a fantastic and evergreen movie that is sure to bring on smile on each one’s face, just like how the magical nanny sweeps into the Banks’ home to be in charge of the kids. The storyline, songs, and music will be perfect for a quality family time movie.

9. The Greatest Showman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXCTMGYUg9A

For a friendly family musical night, don’t forget to go for The Greatest Showman, one of the best Hollywood movies. It is sure to get the whole family entertained.

Starring one of the best Hollywood actors, Hugh Jackman, who plays the circus showman, P.T. Barnum in the movie. Watch the amazing performances of the stars, from Hugh Jackman to Zac Efron. For at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, indulge in this amazing movie of all time.

10. Elf

Elf (2003) Official Trailer

How could it be Christmas time, and you miss out on this movie?

It stares Will Ferrel as Buddy, who was raised by the elves in the North Pole in Santa’s workshop. When he ventures out to find his father in New York City, he soon finds out that his father was on the top of the naughtiest men list. What will he do next? Find out while watching it by yourself along with your family.

Get ready for a whole lot of laughter and hilarious comedy this holiday season!

11. The Sound of Music

"Do-Re-Mi" - THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

One of the classic and best Hollywood movies that are a must-watch at any family gathering is The Sound of Music. It is a musical movie that can entertain all the generations of the house.

The Sound of Music is the story of a woman named Maria who leaves the convent to look after the naval officer’s brood of seven. She brings so much more than just guidance to the children. They discover happiness, love, joy, fun, and above all, music, of course!

12. Doctor Dolittle

Dr. Dolittle (1998) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailer

This 1998 movie is all about a veterinarian who gains this special talent to talk to animals after an accident. It stars Eddie Murphy as the veterinarian, which makes it even more interesting. From comedy to emotional scenes, this movie has it all and therefore is also considered one of the best Hollywood movies.

Can you imagine talking to animals? Will the doctor be able to use this special talent of his to cure the speechless? Will he be able to manage it all? 

13. Jumanji

Jumanji - Official® Trailer [HD]

Imagine playing a board game and getting trapped in it for decades. One of the best Hollywood movies to be watched on a family movie night is Jumanji.

This story is not about the game night gone bad, but it is about the adventures in Jumanji. Starring Robin Williams, this movie will not fail to entertain you every other time you watch it.

14. Coco

The best computer-animated fantasy film that was ever produced by Pixar Animated Studios and released by Disney Pictures is this wonderful movie, Coco. Pixar delivers the sparkling and joyful celebration of the Mexican culture and holiday, The Day of the Dead.

This movie is about family, love for passion and of course music! It is sure to bring the whole generation to watch this amazing movie of all time. The story is about a music-obsessed kid who finds himself in the Land of the Dead to find his great grandfather until he meets his music idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, also his family, and Hector, a lovable con-man.

15. Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump TRAILER

Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks, is one of the best Hollywood movies that will make you cry, laugh, and reflect on your own life.

Tom Hanks, also one of the best actors, plays an amazing role as a man from Alabama, whose IQ is 75, who goes through the ups and downs of life and touches the lives of the people he meets.

Along the way, this movie is all about an incredible journey of a man living through extraordinary times. This classic movie is a favorite family time movie which also has an amazing rating on the IMDB.

16. Queen of Katwe

Queen of Katwe - Official Trailer

It is one of the feel-good best Hollywood movies that are sure to influence many family decisions several times after you watch it together. Some of the most outstanding performances are portrayed by Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo.

The story is about a girl living in the slums of Katwe, Uganda. In her constant struggle as a black woman to become a world-class chess champion. Her life changes one day when she meets Katende. Under Katende’s guidance, she wins a lot of local championships and tournaments that open up better opportunities and an escape from poverty.

17. Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo 3D Official Trailer #1 (2012) Pixar Movie HD

Are you ready for some comedy with the pinch of emotions and drama? Then this movie is recommended just for you.

This is one of the best Hollywood movies of all time that will bring the whole family together, to watch this amazing clownfish father-son relationship that makes the father go across all the dangers to find him. Following an anxiety-driven fish to help, watch how a father covers the journey of a thousand miles just to reunite with his son.

Just keep Swimming‘ is probably the most important lesson you will learn. Never giving up attitude is something all generations of the family can take back from this movie.

18. The Pursuit of Happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Official Trailer 1 - Will Smith Movie

This 2006 drama movie starring Will Smith as the main character is also one of the best Hollywood movies of all time.

This is a true-life story of Chris Gardner, a San Francisco salesman who struggled every day to build a better future for himself and his son. Not being able to deal with his professional failures, his wife leaves him all alone with the child’s custody. Conditions were so bad he was forced to leave his apartment and was forced to live on the streets.

Watch how he struggles, the determination and confidence that finally pays off when he becomes a wall street legend.

Therefore, these are some of the movie recommendations of the best Hollywood movies of all time that might help make your quality time spent a little more memorable and valuable. So, why not give them a try and let us know about the recommendations in the comments.

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Last Updated on by Sathi

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