Disney will always be synonymous with children's entertainment, even though it is home to both Star Wars and Spiderman. We used to watch Disney. My parents were fans of Disney. Our kids will go to Disney. We're Disney people and we're proud of it.
Which Disney movies are more enjoyable for kids and parents? We set out to figure that out. In no particular order, here are our favorite Disney movies that feature big spectacle for the kids and funny double entendres for adults that will keep everyone entertained on family movie night.
After applying for a night security guard job at the Museum of Natural History in NYC, Larry thought it would be easy. He realized he had a bigger responsibility when the exhibits came to life after the sun went down.
Ben Stiller is an average schmuck who needs to change his life. Robin Williams is a scene stealer. Night at the Museum is a wild, rambunctious adventure comedy that doesn't really have much by way of a deeper meaning. This is entertainment for the whole family.
You can watch Night at the Museum on Disney+.
Credit: Disney
One of Pixar's newest movies is called Turning Red. It explores the big feelings that come with growing up and has a red panda twist.
When her emotions get too strong, she becomes a red panda. It gets harder to keep the panda under control as she balances getting her mother's approval with her obsession with 4*Town. Turning Red is written by Domee Shi and Julia Cho, directed by Julia Cho, and produced by Lindsey Collins, and it's a funny and touching take on puberty. It's got some killer boy band tunes and good luck getting "Nobody Like U" out of your head.
There is a way to watch Turning Red.
Holes is a comedy-drama that never feels too dark. One of Shia LaBeouf's best roles was in Stanley Yelnats, a young teen sent to a juvenile detention facility for a theft he didn't commit. There is a curse within the family. He and his fellow teenage inmates are forced to dig holes all day long, without knowing what they are looking for. The Yelnats curse has other plans for Stanley. There is a funny and imaginative adventure called Holes.
You can watch holes on Disney+.
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When exploring open waters is forbidden and you're the chief's daughter, it's hard to know what's across the ocean. When a mysterious illness starts affecting the plants and animals of her island, she breaks the rules and goes on an adventure to find the goddess Te Fiti and save her people.
It's an absolute victory. It is fun and witty. The cast and songs are topnotch, and the songs are easy to understand. The movie's message is more than that. One of the first Disney films to not feature romance was Moana. There are no princes here. The Disney hero has big fish to fry.
There is a way to watch the movie on Disney+.
Brandy and Whitney Houston starred in the 1997 live-action Cinderella. It was the television event of the ‘90s. The musical theater classic "Impossible" was made famous by Houston as the fairy god. There is a lot to appeal to young viewers, but for the parents the joy is watching their children have fun. Along with Brandy and Whitney Houston, other people are having a good time shooting this musical. It's a pleasure for the entire family.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is available on Disney+.
Credit: 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock
The Princess Bride is a good example of a fantasy comedy. Buttercup and Wesley are in love, but when he goes off to earn money so they can wed, he is killed by a pirate. Buttercup reluctantly agrees to marry the odious Prince Humperdink until the Dread Pirate Roberts returns to disrupt the wedding.
The adventure comedy was directed by Rob Reiner and written by William Goldman, who also wrote All the President's Men. The strength of the supporting cast is part of that accomplishment.
You can watch The Princess Bride on Disney+.
Credit: 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock
The Sandlot is a warm and cozy place for those looking for a break. The coming-of-age story of a misfit group of boys who play baseball together is told in this nostalgic sports comedy. The boys must do whatever it takes to recover the Babe Ruth–signed baseball that the narrator accidentally lost. Behind that fence lies their greatest fear: a huge bull mastiff. With a tone similar to Stand By Me but with a little more humor and heart, The Sandlot is a film that always hits a home run.
You can watch The Sandlot on Disney+.
You've been singing "A Whole New World" in the shower for a long time. You already know that Aladdin, a scamp in a shirtless vest, finds the genie of the lamp and pretends to be a prince in order to impress Princess Jasmine. Things get more complicated for our favorite street rat when Jafar and his parrot enter the mix.
The story of Aladdin is lifted from a well-known Middle Eastern folktale and is supported by Alan Menken's score and infectious joy of the vocal cast. Jasmine was a breath of fresh air in a long line of lovesick Disney princesses. Her bestfriend is a tiger.
You can watch Aladdin on Disney+.
The emperor is trying to become human again with the help of the village leader after he was turned into a llama by his former advisor. It is as absurd as it sounds.
A laugh-every-line kind of movie is what Disney made in the 2000s. It is fast-paced, quick, and clever. One of the best villainous duos out there are Yzma and Kronk.
It is possible to watch The Emperor's New Groove on Disney+.
Credit: Disney / Pixar / Moviestore / Shutterstock
The Mexican Da de los Muertos holiday is what inspired Coco. When the community gathers to honor their lost loved ones, Coco sneaks into a mausoleum and is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead. Before he can return to the Land of the Living, he will have to connect with his ancestors and uncover their secret history.
The animation is extravagant, the jokes are funny, and the story is touching. Coco is Disney/Pixar's best work to date. Coco will make you cry, but when.
There is a way to watch Coco on Disney+.
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UPDATE: Nov. 12, 2022, 5:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated to reflect current streaming options.
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