The 21 best family movies on Max

Babe (1995)

Who could've predicted that a movie about a talking pig would be a hit with both critics and audiences and even be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards? But most who saw it can attest to the fact that this Australian underdog story has a timeless appeal for all audiences, telling the tale of a farm pig named Babe with a knack for herding sheep. Babe's skills are put to the test at a local sheepherding competition, and you'll be surprised how thoroughly you'll be rooting for him. "It's inspiring what real talent, imagination, and style can do, even without big-name humans as costars," writes EW's critic. —Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch Babe: Max

EW grade: A (read the review)

Director: Chris Noonan

Cast: James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski, Christine Cavanaugh

Because of Winn-Dixie (2005)

If the kids like dog movies, Because of Winn-Dixie offers undiluted canine appreciation. Opal (AnnaSophia Robb) moves to a new town in Florida with her preacher father (Jeff Daniels) and has trouble making friends — until she links up with a big, fuzzy stray dog that she dubs Winn-Dixie. The friendly, impulsive pooch wastes no time in melting hearts and bringing people together, as the town's residents share their stories, admit their mistakes, and offer each other empathy and forgiveness. Plus, there’s plenty of adorable shenanigans, of course. —Danny Horn

Where to watch Because of Winn-Dixie: Max

Director: Wayne Wang

Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Jeff Daniels, Cicely Tyson, Dave Matthews, Eva Marie Saint

Blue Beetle (2023)

The first superhero movie with a Latino protagonist, Blue Beetle stars Xolo Maridueña as Jaime, a recent college grad who accidentally ends up bonding with an ancient alien relic that turns him into a high-flying vigilante. But Jaime isn't alone in fighting against evil corporate androids: When he needs help, his Mexican American family works together to rescue him. EW’s writer appreciates how, "Blue Beetle is one of the rare opportunities to celebrate a specific part of the Latin community, and it revels in that specificity, only adding more heart to Jaime's journey to becoming a hero." —D.H.

Where to watch Blue Beetle: Max

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Director: Ángel Manuel Soto

Cast: Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza, George Lopez, Susan Sarandon, Harvey Guillén

DC League of Super-Pets (2022)

This brash, high-flying comedy adventure puts Superman's dog Krypto (Dwayne Johnson) in charge of a crew of super-powered shelter animals, including an indestructible hound (Kevin Hart) and a speedy turtle (Natasha Lyonne). When the actual Justice League is captured by an evil hairless guinea pig (Kate McKinnon) — it's a stretch, but go with it — it's up to the pets to take her down. It's a playful twist on the typical superhero fare, with an appealing ensemble cast that includes John Krasinski as the Man of Steel himself. —D.H.

Where to watch DC League of Super-Pets: Max

Director: Jared Stern

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Natasha Lyonne, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski

How to Eat Fried Worms (2006)

Billy is having a tough time adjusting to his new school, especially when he's targeted by the resident bully, who puts worms in his lunch. To prove his worth, Billy bets that he could eat 10 worms in a day — and then has to live up to that promise. Much of the film is concerned with the gross-out recipes the kids come up with, including "Le Big Porker," "The Burning Fireball," and "Barfmallo." Watching Billy chow down on these disgusting concoctions is a surprisingly thrilling experience, and the film offers some lessons on how to stand up to bullies. —D.H.

Where to watch How to Eat Fried Worms: Max

Director: Bob Dolman

Cast: James Rebhorn, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Tom Cavanagh, Hallie Kate Eisenberg

Inkheart (2009)

Mo (Brendan Fraser) has the magical power of bringing fictional characters to life by reading books aloud to his daughter — which turns out not to be the delightful fantasy you'd imagine. Capricorn (Andy Serkis), the villain of a rare novel titled Inkheart, escapes into the real world, as does the fire-juggling hero Dustfinger (Paul Bettany), while Mo's wife Resa is accidentally trapped in the pages. To get her back, Mo, his daughter, Dustfinger, and great-aunt Elinor (Helen Mirren) must find the book's author and defeat Capricorn. What follows is an adventure that EW’s critic says inspires “the distinct sensation of being a young bookworm again, falling into a world as vividly real as it is impossible.” —D.H.

Where to watch Inkheart: Max

EW grade: B (read the review)

Director: Iain Softley

Cast: Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren, Andy Serkis

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

A warm-hearted anime from Studio Ghibli, Kiki's Delivery Service sees the titular 13-year-old witch (Kirsten Dunst) leave home with her black cat Jiji (Phil Hartman) and embark on a year-long journey of self-discovery in another village. Using her magic broom, Kiki opens a flying courier service and begins to experience both the satisfaction and the difficulties of independence and self-reliance. Kiki's struggles with self-consciousness and doubt will be familiar to any kid who's had to adjust to a new situation, and the exquisitely rendered character animation makes the film an enchanting trip. —D.H.

Where to watch Kiki's Delivery Service: Max

EW grade: A (read the review)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Janeane Garofalo, Phil Hartman, Debbie Reynolds

The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)

A buzzy sugar rush of villains, explosions, and bat-guitar solos, The LEGO Batman Movie sets out to be the ultimate kid-friendly superhero comedy, deftly skewering every pretentious, bloated summer blockbuster. The Joker (Zach Galifianakis) is crushed when Batman (Will Arnett) refuses to admit that he's the hero's "greatest enemy," so the offended clown prince of crime recruits every baddie in the multiverse, including velociraptors and Voldemort. EW’s critic writes, "Seventy-five percent of the film’s carpet-­bomb campaign of pop culture meta punchlines will ricochet over the target audience’s head, but parents dragged along for the ride will no doubt be grateful for Arnett’s rat-a-tat send-ups of Adam West and superhero clichés." —D.H.

Where to watch The LEGO Batman Movie: Max

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Director: Chris McKay

Cast: Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

My Neighbor Totoro isn't the only Studio Ghibli film on this list, but it's arguably the sweetest. Two young girls move with their father to a house in the country while their mother is recovering in the hospital, and they discover a giant, furry wood spirit in the nearby forest. Totoro doesn't speak, but he's a gentle and reassuring presence who creates magical, dream-like experiences for the girls. It's not a fast-moving film, but EW’s critic asserts that "Totoro conjures up a whimsical, occasionally scary, and transcendent world of youthful imagination." —D.H.

Where to watch My Neighbor Totoro: Max

EW grade: A (read the review)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Cast: Tim Daly, Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Lea Salonga

The Peanuts Movie (2015)

Good grief! Fifty years after Charlie Brown and Snoopy made their 2-D animated debut in A Charlie Brown Christmas, Blue Sky Studios pulled off an amazing feat: putting the Peanuts characters into a more realistically rendered world while remaining faithful to the character designs and spirit of the original. In The Peanuts Movie, Charlie Brown tries to shed his "loser" image to impress the Little Red-Haired Girl with the support of his faithful dog. All the comic-strip favorites get their chance to shine, including Linus, Lucy, and Peppermint Patty, making this a nostalgic trip for parents and a great introduction for new Peanuts fans. —D.H.

Where to watch The Peanuts Movie: Max

Director: Steve Martino

Cast: Noah Schnapp, Hadley Belle Miller, Mariel Sheets, Alex Garfin

Ponyo (2008)

In another stunning Studio Ghibli anime, a little boy and a magical goldfish princess form an unlikely friendship. Ponyo's desire to become a human girl and join Sosuke on the land is so strong that it overpowers her wizard father's enchantments, leading to an explosion of aquatic energy that endangers Sosuke's seaside village. As the waters rise, the two children set out on a quest to save the town and restore the balance of nature. Director Hayao Miyazaki's lush, colorful backgrounds give the film a hand-crafted feel, blurring the distinction between land and sea. —D.H.

Where to watch Ponyo: Max

EW grade: A (read the review)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Cast: Cate Blanchett, Noah Cyrus, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Frankie Jonas

Return of the Pink Panther (1975)

Almost every Pink Panther movie is streaming on Max, but Return of the Pink Panther might just be the funniest. The series is a showcase for the great Peter Sellers in his most iconic role: the clumsy, incompetent French detective, Inspector Clouseau. In this entry, Clouseau is on the trail of a jewel thief while being hunted by assassins who may be even more bumbling than he is. Sellers' legendary comic timing, outrageous accent, and gift for slapstick never fail to amuse, and will likely entice younger viewers despite being nearly 50 years old. —D.H.

Where to watch Return of the Pink Panther: Max

Director: Blake Edwards

Cast: Peter Sellers, Christopher Plummer, Catherine Schell, Herbert Lom

Ramona and Beezus (2010)

Beverly Cleary's Ramona novels inspired this endearing family film starring a 10-year-old Joey King as the irrepressible and accident-prone Ramona, and Selena Gomez as her older sister Beatrice (a.k.a. "Beezus"). Ramona, a 4-foot-tall force of nature, is always dreaming and scheming, and when Dad (John Corbett) loses his job, she tries to earn money with disastrous results. There are rom-com style subplots for Beezus and for their Aunt Bea (Ginnifer Goodwin), who reconnects with a hunky former flame played by Josh Duhamel. Meanwhile, Ramona's eccentric efforts lead to a happy ending in this sunny, funny sibling rivalry movie rooted in real heart. —D.H.

Where to watch Ramona and Beezus: Max

Director: Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum

Cast: Joey King, Selena Gomez, John Corbett, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Duhamel

Scoob! (2020)

There's a mystery afoot, but the Mystery Inc. crew can handle it — after all, Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have been running around after masked crooks for more than five decades. This time, the plot involves Dick Dastardly manipulating Scooby to gain access to the mythological Underworld, while the good guys get an assist from the Hanna-Barbera heroes Dyno-Mutt and the Blue Falcon. It’s an airy storyline, but quippy voice acting makes this another demonstration of why the Mystery Machine teens are so endearing and enduring. —D.H.

Where to watch Scoob!: Max

Director: Tony Cervone

Cast: Will Forte, Mark Wahlberg, Jason Isaacs, Gina Rodriguez, Zac Efron, Amanda Seyfried

Spirited Away (2001)

If you've ever wondered why it's a bad idea to visit an abandoned roadside amusement park, Studio Ghibli has the answer: Your parents will turn into giant pigs and you'll be left on your own to deal with the resident ghosts, witches, and river sprites. Spirited Away creates a new, fascinating mythology with its own mysterious rules and customs, pitting 10-year-old Chihiro against dragons and demons with only her strength of will to guide her. The film can get a little scary at times for younger viewers, but both parents and kids will be captivated by its haunting beauty. —D.H.

Where to watch Spirited Away: Max

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Cast: Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette, Michael Chiklis

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)

Nickelodeon star SpongeBob SquarePants catapults to the big screen with an epic story too deep for tiny TVs. Fiendish fast-food slinger Plankton frames his rival, Mr. Krabs, for stealing King Neptune's crown, and SpongeBob and Patrick are sent on a quest to retrieve the treasure and prove their friend is innocent. The movie features celebrity voice actors Jeffrey Tambor, Scarlett Johansson, and Alec Baldwin along with an unforgettable live-action David Hasselhoff cameo. But as EW’s critic asserts, "The best moments in his first movie outing are those that feel most TV-like, just another day in the eternally optimistic undersea society created with such contagious silliness by Stephen Hillenburg." —D.H.

Where to watch The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie: Max

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Director: Stephen Hillenburg

Cast: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown, David Hasselhoff

Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018)

Boy wonder Robin and his team of Teen Titans are offended that nobody wants to make a hit movie about them, so they head to Hollywood to demand a Robin movie, taking swipes at numerous pop culture clichés along the way. Will Arnett plays the squad’s supervillain foil, while Kristen Bell is a blockbuster director who refuses to take them seriously. In an era when DC superhero films are struggling to feel grown-up and important, it's refreshing to see the Teen Titans Go! crew kick back and have a good time. To quote EW’s critic, "This is a rollicking, goofy superhero send-up that never overstays its welcome." —D.H.

Where to watch Teen Titans Go! To the Movies: Max

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Director: Peter Rida Michail, Aaron Horvath

Cast: Greg Cipes, Tara Strong, Will Arnett, Kristen Bell

Time Bandits (1981)

A young boy is swept into a wild adventure when six squabbling dwarfs appear, looking for a magical portal on the other side of his bedroom wall. The intruders have swiped a map from the Supreme Being, which they're using to travel through space and time, stealing the treasures of history. Together, Kevin and the Bandits meet Napoleon Bonaparte and Robin Hood, and visit ancient Greece and the sinking of the Titanic. Directed by Monty Python alum Terry Gilliam, Time Bandits includes cameos from fellow Pythons John Cleese and Michael Palin, as well as Sean Connery as King Agamemnon. —D.H.

Where to watch Time Bandits: Max

Director: Terry Gilliam

Cast: Craig Warnock, John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, Katherine Helmond

Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

"Let the wild rumpus start!" Readers of all ages have been exclaiming this declaration for decades, ever since Maurice Sendak's iconic children's book Where the Wild Things Are was published in 1963. This lively adaptation follows Max (Max Records), a 9-year-old boy who feels neglected at home and runs away, escaping to a magical island inhabited by giant monsters known as Wild Things. The group ultimately accepts Max, crowning him their new king and giving him a sense of belonging. "Profoundly beautiful and affecting, Where the Wild Things Are is a breath-taking act of artistic transubstantiation," writes EW's critic. —K.J.

Where to watch Where the Wild Things Are: Max

EW grade: A (read the review)

Director: Spike Jonze

Cast: Max Records, Catherine Keener, Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, Forest Whitaker

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

One of the most beloved films of all time, The Wizard of Oz delivers visual spectacle, winning characters, and an emotional sincerity that still retains its charm decades later. Judy Garland sparkles as a girl from Kansas who drops out of the sky into the magical land of Oz, where she teams up with a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion to fight a witch and find her way home. With unforgettable songs like "Over the Rainbow" and "If I Only Had a Brain," the film has delighted generations with its imagination and wit. —D.H.

Where to watch The Wizard of Oz: Max

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Director: Victor Fleming

Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Margaret Hamilton, Jack Haley

Wonka (2023)

A sparkling Timothée Chalamet headlines this prequel to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, embodying the whimsical candy maker at the start of his ambitious (and delicious) career. He's opposed by the establishment Chocolate Cartel and tricked by his devious landlady into indentured servitude, but you can't keep a born dreamer down. "In many ways, Wonka is far more delightful than it has any right to be," EW’s critic writes while also praising Chalamet: "He's a warm and winning Wonka, infusing the character with a fanciful sense of humor and a guileless enthusiasm." —D.H.

Where to watch Wonka: Max

EW grade: B (read the review)

Director: Paul King

Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key