Family movies often get a bad rap as just kid stuff, but the best ones pull off a tricky balancing act: they entertain younger viewers with adventure and humor while offering adults emotional depth and meaningful themes. Over the last 10 years, we've seen an impressive lineup of films that do exactly that—some reimagining fairy tales, others exploring human truths through fantastical worlds. Whether animated or live-action, these movies prove that family-friendly doesn't mean simple. Here's our ranking of the best family films from the past decade.
8. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
After burning through eight of his nine lives, the fearless feline outlaw Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas) faces his own mortality for the first time. He sets out on a quest for the mythical Wishing Star to restore his lost lives, but soon finds himself competing against a colorful cast of rivals. What could have been a disposable Shrek spin-off instead became one of the decade's most emotionally resonant animated films. Beneath its vibrant adventure lies a mature story about fear, aging, and appreciating life—with Death itself as a standout villain. The stunning animation style elevates every action sequence, making this a must-watch.
7. Klaus (2019)
Jesper (Jason Schwartzman), a spoiled postal academy graduate, is sent to a remote Arctic town divided by feuding families. Desperate to meet a mail quota and return home, he discovers a reclusive toymaker named Klaus (J.K. Simmons). Their unlikely friendship sparks a chain reaction that transforms the town and gives rise to the Santa Claus legend. Few modern holiday films achieve instant classic status like Klaus. Its sincerity and emotional intelligence shine through the relationship between Jesper and Klaus, grounding the story in themes of compassion and community. With breathtaking animation and a script balancing humor with genuine heart, it's a true Christmas classic.
6. Coco (2017)
Aspiring musician Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of following his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), despite his family's ban on music. On Día de los Muertos, he accidentally transports himself to the Land of the Dead and uncovers a dark truth about his family's history. While its vibrant visuals and songs are unforgettable, Coco endures for its emotional power. Exploring memory, legacy, and the fear of being forgotten, it builds toward one of Pixar's most moving endings. Every revelation deepens Miguel's understanding of his roots, transforming a colorful adventure into a deeply personal story about honoring those who shaped us. Keep tissues handy—that last song is a tearjerker.
5. Wonder (2017)
Based on R.J. Palacio's novel, Wonder follows Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay), a boy with facial differences attending mainstream school for the first time. He navigates friendships, bullying, and the challenges of fitting in. What elevates this beyond a typical inspirational drama is its empathy. Instead of focusing solely on Auggie, the film examines how kindness and acceptance affect those around him. Tremblay delivers an endearing performance, and the supporting cast creates a nuanced portrait of family life. The result is a heartfelt reminder of compassion's power—without feeling manipulative. For more emotional family films, check out our list of the most emotionally devastating dramas.
4. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
Set in fascist Italy between the World Wars, a grieving woodcarver named Geppetto (David Bradley) magically brings a wooden puppet to life. Young Pinocchio (Gregory Mann) must navigate a world of political unrest, exploitation, and questions about mortality, learning what it truly means to be human. Del Toro transforms the familiar tale into something deeply personal and profound. The stop-motion animation is breathtaking, but it's the exploration of grief and impermanence that lingers. By positioning death as a natural part of life, the movie offers a unique perspective. For more animated perfection, see our feature on flawless animated movies.
3. Paddington 2 (2017)
Paddington, the lovable bear from Peru, sets out to buy a unique pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday. When the book is stolen, he must clear his name after being wrongly accused. This sequel surpasses the original with its warmth, wit, and visual charm. Hugh Grant delivers a scene-stealing performance as the villain, and the film's message of kindness and family resonates deeply. It's a rare family movie that appeals to all ages without cynicism, earning its place as a modern classic.
2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Teenager Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man and teams up with spider-heroes from alternate dimensions to stop a threat to reality. This animated film revolutionized the genre with its groundbreaking visual style, blending comic book aesthetics with fluid animation. But beyond the spectacle, it's a heartfelt story about identity, responsibility, and family. The diverse cast of characters and emotional depth make it a standout family movie that resonates with both kids and adults.
1. Inside Out (2015)
Pixar's Inside Out takes us inside the mind of 11-year-old Riley, where emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust guide her through a move to a new city. When Joy and Sadness get lost in the mind, they must work together to restore balance. This film is a masterclass in emotional intelligence, teaching kids and adults alike that sadness is a vital part of life. Its clever world-building, humor, and poignant moments make it the best family movie of the last decade. For more top-tier family films, explore our list of family films that came close to perfection.
