With many schools set to go on winter break in the coming weeks, it can be hard finding things to keep the whole family entertained. A great way to have family fun over the holidays while staying indoors is to pop some popcorn, grab a beverage of choice, and watch a movie.
While there is an abundance of streaming options to pick from, it can be intimidating to choose. It can also be difficult to find something that the whole family can enjoy. In this day and age, true family movies can be hard to find. That said, they do exist on the big streaming services, and viewers only need to know where to look. In fact, 2021 has had a number of winners that will leave the whole family happy.
The Water Man - 5.4 (Streaming On Netflix)
This family fantasy drama is more serious than most in the genre. The Water Man follows a boy who sets out on a quest to save his ill mother by searching for a mythic figure said to have magical healing powers. Released in May, the film is 78% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an Audience Score of 69%.
The directorial debut for actor David Oyelowo, the movie also stars Rosario Dawson, Alfred Molina, and Maria Bello. This heartfelt coming-of-age tale doesn't talk down to its intended audience. While it may touch on some more serious themes and ideas, it still has a PG rating, making it safe for families who may want something a little more adult.
Yes Day - 5.7 (Streaming On Netflix)
Yes Day is a fun, breezy comedy film that touches on the importance of family starring Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramirez, and Jenna Ortega. It follows a mom and dad who usually say no to everything, but they say yes to their kids' wildest requests on a whirlwind day of fun and adventure.
While children may have more fun with the crazy antics and imagining what they would do with a yes day, there is still something for the parents. Garner and Ramirez add a fun presence and the movie gets a comedic boost from Nat Faxon and Fortune Feimster. Rated PG, Yes Day is great for those looking for a sweet, harmless family comedy.
Clifford the Big Red Dog - 6.0 (In Theaters and streaming on Paramount Plus)
Based on the long-running children's books written by Norman Bridwell, Clifford brings everyone's favorite big red dog to the big screen. The movie shows how a young girl's love for a tiny puppy named Clifford makes the dog grow to an enormous size. This live-action adaptation takes the tale to New York, and it seems to have won over audiences with a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The cast contains a number of familiar faces to its adult audience. The movie stars Darby Camp, John Cleese, Jack Whitehall, Tony Hale, David Alan Grier, Horatio Sanz, Russell Peters, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, and Kenan Thompson. Putting a big red dog in a small New York apartment is an amusing scenario, and the movie can be entertaining to those of all ages.
Finding ‘Ohana - 6.1 (Streaming On Netflix)
This fun treasure hunt adventure harkens back to previous family favorites like The Goonies. Set in Hawaii, Finding ‘Ohana follows two Brooklyn-raised siblings who discover a journal pointing to long-lost treasure. With new friends and family, they set out to rediscover their Hawaiian heritage. Audiences have certainly enjoyed the movie, as it sits with an 83% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Rated PG, this comedic adventure stands out with its scenic Hawaiian location. The movie does a great job tying Hawaiian culture and the importance of family. Starring a mostly unknown cast of Hawaiians, the film has a few familiar faces with Chris Parnell, Marc Evan Jackson, and Goonies star Ke Huy Quan. The fun location, adventure, and themes have enough to keep everyone engaged.
Peter Rabbit 2 - 6.2 (Streaming On Netflix)
Based on the beloved children's books by Beatrix Potter, Peter Rabbit 2 is the delayed sequel to the 2018 original. With James Corden back as Peter's voice, the rabbit goes to the big city, meets shady characters, and creates chaos for the whole family. The sequel has an 89% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Domhnall Gleeson returns in one of his best roles along with Rose Byrne, and the duo is joined by David Oyelowo. The PG-rated sequel is filled with enough silly slapstick to keep the kids entertained while adding in enough jokes to amuse parents. Despite being delayed nearly a year, Peter Rabbit 2 benefited from being pure family fun. While certainly not trying to be an all-time great, the film has enough going for it to be an entertaining romp.
Flora & Ulysses - 6.3 (Streaming On Disney Plus)
Bolstered by a strong supporting cast of familiar faces, Flora & Ulysses offers a fun comedic adventure for families of all ages. When Flora rescues a squirrel she names Ulysses, she is amazed to discover he possesses superhero powers which takes them on an adventure that changes Flora's life forever. The film was a hit with critics, with 73% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Rated PG, Flora & Ulysses is a great movie about animal and human friendship. It has a strong cast of television comedy stars that adults will be familiar with, including Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz, Danny Pudi, Bobby Moynihan, Kate Micucci, and Janeane Garofalo. The movie is a fun watch for families who enjoy the Marvel and DC superhero worlds and may want a more light-hearted take on the genre.
Mixtape - 6.5 (Streaming On Netflix)
This coming-of-age story lets viewers party like it's 1999. Mixtape follows a young girl who accidentally destroys a mixtape that belonged to her mother. She sets out to track down each of the obscure songs on the cassette. This family film combines comedy with some nice serious moments as a young girl tries to understand her deceased parents. Audiences have enjoyed the film as well, with a score of 73% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Rated PG, Mixtape co-stars Modern Family standout Julie Bowen as Grandma Gail and has something for the whole family. Kids can relate to the story of a 12-year-old finding her voice and developing friendships while navigating life. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the nostalgia of making mixtapes and a retro soundtrack. Taking place at the turn of the century, remembering the fear of Y2K and all that came with it is a fun addition.
Blue Miracle - 6.7 (Streaming On Netflix)
Blue Miracle is an uplifting family drama starring Dennis Quaid. In order to save their cash-strapped orphanage, a guardian and his kids partner with a washed-up boat captain for a chance to win a lucrative fishing competition. Based on a true story, the movie is 70% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an audience score of 72%.
Rated PG, Blue Miracle may be a predictable story, but it is a nonetheless entertaining ride. Also starring Bruce McGill, families can't help but get invested in the orphans' plight and root for them in the final competition. Quaid does an admirable job as a grumpy sailor banking on the past and grasping to hang on to his legacy, while the ocean adds for a nice setting.
8-Bit Christmas - 6.7 (Streaming On HBO Max)
A nostalgic blast to Christmas past, 8-Bit Christmas takes viewers to the 1980s. Set in Chicago, the film follows a 10-year-old on a quest to get the Christmas gift of his generation: the latest and greatest video game system. Harkening back to wholesome holiday favorites like A Christmas Story, the movie was well-received, sitting at 79% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an audience score of 75%.
Rated PG, 8-Bit Christmas stars Winslow Fegley, Neil Patrick Harris, Steve Zahn, and June Diane Raphael. The relatable tale can remind everyone of hoping for the perfect Christmas gift under the tree and the lengths kids and parents will go to make it happen. It's a heartwarming tale of the holidays and family togetherness that will also remind viewers of past crazes like Nintendo and Cabbage Patch Dolls.
Cruella - 7.4 (Streaming On Disney Plus)
For the last few years, Disney has been opening up the vault and creating live-action remakes of childhood favorites. Cruella is a prequel film following a young Cruella de Vil from the streets of London as a little girl to the adult she would famously become. while the remakes have had mixed reviews, Cruella is one of the best villain origin stories, sitting 74% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an audience score of 97%.
Rated PG-13, the tale stars Emma Stone as the infamous Estella, along with Emma Thompson, Mark Strong, Paul Walter Hauser, and Joel Fry. Audiences are allowed to get a glimpse of Estella's childhood as she strives to survive the streets to become a fashion designer. The entertaining romp is aided by strong acting and a stellar British 60s and 70s rock soundtrack. Between the music, high fashion, and London setting, this origin story has a little something for everyone to enjoy.