The 45 Best Movies to Watch With Your Parents Without Making It Weird

Home for the holidays? Living with your parents again? Welcome to the club... and not the fun kind of club that couldn't even handle you right now, once upon a time.Let's say you and your roommates (aka mom and dad, maybe grandma and grandpa too) are looking for a quality movie to watch together that won't be filled with awkward scenes or jokes that only you laugh at while the dog side-eyes you from the carpet. It really puts a damper on your weekly Netflix scroll if you aren't careful. Nothing too artsy. Nothing you’ll have to explain. You want something adult, but not that kind of adult.There's always a risk that family movie night implodes and ends with someone storming out of the room. Committing to the wrong movie is like opting to wear that cute pair of heels that always make your feet hurt even before you've left the Uber―painful and totally avoidable.From action to comedy to classics, these movies will make your next family movie night more entertaining, less stressful, and an all-around good time. Just because a movie is the dreaded "family-friendly" doesn't mean it has to be boring or, like, for literal children. Swap your stilettos for your slippers, snuggle up on the couch, and start streaming. 1. Ford v. FerrariYou don't need to be a race-car fan (or know much about it in general) to enjoy this 2019 Best Picture nomination. An exhilarating film from both a storyline and videography standpoint, it stars your faves Christian Bale and Matt Damon. Lots of fast cars, personal demons, and some bromance.Stream it2. tick, tick... BOOM!This semi-autobiographical rock musical was written by Jonathan Larson before he found success with Rent and, subsequently, died far too young from an aortic dissection. But despite the real life tragedy, the movie is far from a bummer. Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield, it is an absolute joy and can offer your Sound of Music-loving family members a new musical to obsess over.Stream it 3. MoanaDon't listen to your older siblings: you're never, I mean never, too old for an animated Disney movie. Moana is something special; it’s a delightful story about embracing your identity and realizing your potential. And the music.Stream it4. Meet the FockersIsn’t it kind of crazy that this is rated PG-13? When a sequel not only lives up to, but also―dare I say―surpasses the first film, it's noteworthy. Meet the Fockers is one of the greatest sequels of all time. You also kind of NEED to watch before the next one, starring Ariana Grande, hits theaters.Stream it5. Ocean's ElevenSure, you watched Ocean's Eleven back when it first came out in 2001, or caught the last 30 minutes on a hotel television once or twice. But when's the last time you re-watched it from start to finish? The legendary film about a casino heist is quick, witty, and action-packed. If the glossy crimes don't give you a rush of exhilaration and thrill, then Brad Pitt and George Clooney's dreamy faces sure will.Stream it6. Crazy Stupid LoveThere's a lot to love about this movie and Ryan Gosling's abs are just six one of 'em. A quick warning, though. If you'd rather avoid a-l-l sex scenes when watching with your parentos, there are a few moments of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling smooching in bed. And some of the power dynamics are questionable at best.Stream it7. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingsNext time you're stuck in Indecision Land, propose a fam trip to Middle-earth. Relatives of all ages will get lost in the magical world of Frodo, Gandalf, Gollum, and the whole gang. Even better, suggest a whole Lord of the Rings trilogy marathon―you’ll be set for the entire weekend.Stream it 8. The Family StoneThe Family Stone often gets overlooked but it's a very touching story about acceptance and love. Especially good to watch around the holidays, it'll remind your blood relatives that every family has their own chaotic energy, not just yours. Also, not sure if you’ve heard, but there’s a sequel on the way!Stream it9. ChefSome days just call for a stress-free, aesthetically-pleasing, feel-good movie. Even better if it's about―you guessed it―food. Jon Favreau whips up a delicious film about the restaurant industry and family, but do not put this on the TV on an empty stomach. Actually, it'd be a fun one to make into a TV dinner situation.Stream it10. Miracle You say "I want a heart-racing, invigorating movie." I say "Miracle." Hockey’s gotten randomly popular lately, so why not? It's about the 1980 U.S. men's Olympic hockey team and how they became a microcosm for American patriotism during the Cold War. It also has the greatest pump-up speech in cinematic history. Sometimes I listen to it when I'm feeling down and it makes me feel alive. Don't @ me, just watch.Stream it11. Argo Suspenseful, captivating, thrilling, and a true story? Argo tells the tale of one of the CIA's greatest top-secret missions that took place during the 1972 Iran Hostage Crisis. Ben Affleck stars in and directed this conversation starter of a film, which was nominated for *seven* Academy Awards and won three—including Best Picture.Stream it12. The Birdcage An oldie but a goodie with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. Hilarious at every moment. Once you meet Hank Azaria’s character, Agador Spartacus, you will never be the same. I laugh just thinking about it.Stream it13. Hitch Is Albert Brennaman one of the greatest characters of all time? Probably not but his dance moves will go down in history. IYKYK, and if you don't, watch it.Stream it14. My Cousin VinnyCourtroom dramas and comedies are guaranteed crowd pleasers. When you've just about had it with your extended fam, turn on this movie and you'll be grateful Vinny isn't a relative. Unless...Stream it15. You've Got MailIf there's one thing guaranteed to please a crowd, it's a Tom-Hanks-and-Meg-Ryan romance. The classic tale of mistaken identity (and, oddly enough, the ins and outs of corporate book-selling) is charming enough that its take on the internet—chat rooms, lol—doesn't even seem annoyingly outdated, it just seems adorable. Set during the holiday season, it earns bonus points for cheer.Stream it16. Good Will HuntingIt's probably been way too long since anyone in your family sat down to watch the feature that put Matt Damon and Ben Affleck on the map, so why not rectify that together? Good Will Hunting even includes one of dearly departed Robin Williams's finest performances, in addition to wit and heart in equal measure.Stream it17. Cutie and the BoxerThe Oscar-nominated documentary might sound too cerebral for holiday consumption—it's about the tumultuous relationship between an artist and his wife—but the final product is touching, funny, and relatable.Stream it18. The Hunger GamesAn excellent movie series that the whole fam will get into. I mean, you can't go too long without re-watching the legend that is Katniss Everdeen. With two new installments, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping, this franchise is expanding in ways that demand more and more marathons.Stream it19. The Queen of VersaillesThis award-winning Sundance documentary will effectively cure any desire for your family to overspend on gifts this holiday (it's about one of America's richest families and their major money troubles), while also providing a screamingly funny inside look at a wacky, decadent lifestyle typically seen only on reality television.Stream it20. Silver Linings PlaybookEveryone loves Jennifer Lawrence. And Bradley Cooper. And Robert De Niro. And dancing. And sports. And an exciting competition.Stream it21. SkyfallJames Bond is always a crowd-pleaser, and Daniel Craig's third entry into the ever-expanding 007 canon offers up both action and drama to spare. Plus: Adele.Stream it22. 20 Feet from StardomThis 2012 Oscar winner for Best Documentary is a full cinematic experience, and one that just so happens to sound damn good as it goes down. The feature chronicles some of music's most under-appreciated talents (back-up singers), and weaves in inspiring stories with some incredible music. Your entire family will be dancing in no time.Stream it23. In a World…The amazingly talented Lake Bell wrote, directed, and starred in this hilarious 2013 comedy about the weird world of movie voiceover artists. Despite its highly specific subject matter, the film still works as an uproarious story about a gal just trying to make it. Even better? Her dad just happens to be the world's best voiceover guy, so it's got extra family resonance.Stream it 24. Frances HaDo your parents not quite understand your current lifestyle choices? Introduce them to the incredibly charming (and slightly dunderheaded) Frances Ha. Odds are, they'll feel much better about your direction in life, even as they fall totally in love with the perfect creature that is Greta Gerwig.Stream it25. Sleepless in SeattleThere's no better way to follow up You've Got Mail than with yet another Hanks/Ryan pairing. Get out the hankies.Stream it26. The Parent TrapSure, the Hayley Mills original is a classic, but this modern take on the old "separated at birth" story is funnier and flashier. It also features Lindsay Lohan in her most adorable role ever. Just prepare your most diplomatic answer for when your grandmother inevitably asks you, "What's that cute girl up to these days?"Stream it27. Cool RunningsIt's an inspirational sports tale that feels appropriate for the season without actually compelling anyone to take up a new sport during this winter.Stream it28. AnnieIf you haven't seen the re-make Annie movie, now is the perfect time to catch up on hard-knock lives, fluffy puppies, and enough good cheer to make the entire family stand up and sing.Stream it29. Roman HolidayUse this time together to catch up on classic features that might have otherwise eluded you, including the kind of stuff that will send your grandparents swooning into their own memories of Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, and the Italy of yesteryear.Stream it30. Swiss Family RobinsonIt's probably been a minute since you saw the ultimate family bonding feature, and, yes, it's as good as you remember.Stream it31. Saving Mr. BanksThis fictionalized making-of-Mary Poppins movie is charming, heartbreaking, and will fill you and your parents' hearts with nostalgia while also teaching you something new about the woman who invented the practically perfect nanny.Stream it32. A Beautiful Day in the NeighborhoodSpeaking of getting nostalgia shot straight to the heart, Marielle Heller's film about Fred Rogers and a cynical reporter who profiled him is kind of a masterpiece. They’re played by Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys, respectively. The movie also chips away at toxic masculinity in a subtle way, if you want to come to family movie night with a low-key feminist agenda.Stream it33. Little Women (2019)Greta Gerwig's adaptation highlights two of literature's best parents — insert Bob Odenkirk's "my little women" gif here — and revitalizes the classic in a way that will make it fresh for you and your parents.Stream it34. The MartianNothing says "dad movie" more than watching someone who's good at their job solve a problem. Ridley Scott's The Martian is two hours and twenty-four minutes of just that. Need I say more? It’s also technically a comedy.Stream it35. PrideShare a little history lesson with your folks. Pride is the story of a group of gay rights activists in 1980s London who go to a mining community to support a worker's strike because they have a common enemy in the cops that target them for harassment. The happy, hopeful ending has "feel-good" written all over it.Stream it36. Come From AwaySick of your parents talking about Hamilton to the point where you're pretty sure they don't actually get it? Why not steer them towards another musical that was filmed for a streaming network? Just make sure to have plenty of tissues on hand. You'll need them.Stream it37. Short Term 12This is a nice and tremendously well-acted indie movie about the employees at a group home and the kids they look after. It also has a cast stacked with some of today's biggest stars. So if you actually like being IMDb for your parents and answering "where do I know them from?" every five minutes to show off your Hollywood trivia skills, this is the perfect movie for your fam.Stream it38. The Big ChillAlternatively, take a peek into what your parents were like at your age and watch this Boomer (compliment, in this case) classic. Indulge them. It does have a great soundtrack. And since it’s streaming on Tubi, you can introduce them to their next favorite app. Parents love anything that’s free.Stream it39. Galaxy QuestIt's science fiction, but also a comedy, and accessible for the whole family. You don’t need to know anything about Star Trek or any other science fiction franchise. Galaxy Quest makes fun of Star Trek fans, but in a loving way.Stream it40. Hell or High WaterDads love westerns, and this is a neo-western. There is "brief" "sexuality" in Hell or High Water, so fair warning there... but I think you and your folks can handle it.Stream it41. Dumplin'This coming-of-age comedy is about a girl who loves Dolly Parton and enters a local beauty pageant in order to get closer to her mother. It's super cute, romantic, a gret way to honor Dolly’s legacy, and will get your toe tapping to boot!Stream it42. 1917If you must watch a war movie with your parents, you might as well make it a war movie full of cameos from all your crushes to hold your attention. George MacKay! Andrew Scott! Richard Madden! Colin Firth! (It's also a very good movie with engaging action and an emotional plot, you know, if you care.)Stream it43. BelleAmma Asante’s period drama about a biracial women set to inherit a fortune in 18th century England, is based on a true story. It’ll satisfy your Bridgerton craving without making things awkward. Belle also, hint-hint and nudge-nudge, features a young James Norton and Sam Reid.Stream it44. October SkyDo people still watch this coming-of-age story about four boys in rural West Virginia who learn how to build rockets in the 1960s? They should! Jake Gyllenhaal plays the leader. Laura Dern plays the teacher who believes in him. It’s such a charmer.Stream it45. Somewhere in Time This movie offers romance for the women in your family and the opportunity to start listing facts about Superman actor Christopher Reeve for the men. Or maybe your family defies such traditional gender roles, and it’s the opposite or some combination of the two. What you’ll all get is a great movie experience.Stream it