As film has consistently proven itself to be one of the most approachable and celebrated artistic mediums of the modern era, there continues to be an ingrained audience not just made for mature, adult viewers, but stories for audiences of all ages. It’s important that even the youngest have filmmaking experiences that speak to them while also providing beautiful and insightful stories that can be appreciated by both children and adults alike.
While there have been many great family movies that have persisted as classics throughout film history, it feels as though the genre has been at its best in the 21st century. With more options than ever before and countless studios dedicating their craft to creating exceptional family-based content, there are more great family movies released nowadays than ever before. The best family movies of the 21st century are considered great films in their own right, rather than just great films for younger audiences. They will be ranked here based on their overall quality, entertainment value, impact, and legacy.
10
‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ (2016)
Image via Focus Features
One of many well-crafted claymation films from Laika, Kubo and the Two Strings utilizes its mesmerizing visual style and impactful fantasy mythology to create an impactful story of bravery and strength. It certainly plays into the tone and style of a fantasy epic, feeling like a tale that has been passed down throughout generations to spread a message of family and perseverance. Every aspect focused on amplifying this style and approach, from sweeping, beautiful landscapes to distinctly creative and mesmerizing action setpieces.
With each scene finding a new way to utilize claymation in a stylish and beautiful manner, the film consistently delights as it becomes a visual feast for the eyes that remains unmatched nearly a decade after its release. It sees Laika at the absolute height of their abilities in terms of otherworldly storytelling and worldbuilding, feeling like a meticulously crafted work of art from beginning to end that, at the very least, becomes a source of awe-inspiring respect.
9
‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)
Few family movie franchises have had such an overwhelming influence and impact on family films throughout the 21st century as Shrek, which helped lay the groundwork for the style of pop-culture-focused animated film that would dominate going forward. However, amidst all the classic status of those original films, the most recent entry in the franchise, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, is the best that the series has to offer, a complete revitalization of the brand as a whole.
The film utilizes the classic characters and fairy tale world of previous films to tell an impactful adventure film that stands well on its own, not needing to be connected to either the main-series Shrek films or even the previous Puss in Boots film. Its effective stylized animation, combined with a dynamic story of learning to come to terms with fate and the inevitability of death, has made it a fan-favorite among major studio animated films of recent memory.
8
‘Hugo’ (2011)
While director Martin Scorsese is more commonly recognized for his wide array of grounded adult films, the icon of filmmaking strayed outside his comfort zone to create a singular, well-crafted family film in Hugo. This family adventure reflects many of the inherent strengths present in Scorsese’s other films while feeling refreshingly adaptable and expressive to audiences of all ages, staying true to a fundamental love of cinema and high-flying creativity.
It follows the story of Hugo Cabaret (Asa Butterfield), a young orphan living in the walls of a train station in 1930s Paris, dedicating his time to protecting a broken automaton and a notebook left to him by his late father. He soon finds himself embarking on a quest to solve the mystery surrounding these mysterious items, accompanied by Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz), the goddaughter of a local toy merchant. While initially a box-office disappointment, Hugo is now widely considered a cult classic of family movies thanks to its overwhelming charm and feel-good energy.
7
‘School of Rock’ (2003)
One of Jack Black‘s biggest breakout roles before he became a modern icon of blockbuster comedies and family movies alike, School of Rock finds great success thanks to its infectious sense of humor and earnest, feel-good energy. The comedy classic sees Black as a fired guitarist and vocalist looking for work, managing to find his way into a job as a fifth-grade substitute teacher at a private school, where he secretly begins teaching the students about rock n roll.
The film instantly solidified Black as a defining talent in comedy, with his performance exuding so much charm, comedic prowess, and overall raw talent that it elevates the entire film around him. Director Richard Linklater fully hones in and maximizes the impact of Black’s performance, playing into his strengths as an electrifying comedic force and an effective musician to make for a deeply entertaining experience. School of Rock has been a fan-favorite family movie of the 2000s for good reason, always able to create smiles and joy with its signature charm.
6
‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)
