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Best family films on Now TV
Escape to one of these fictional places with the whole family. From new releases to timeless classics, here are the best family-friendly films available on the Sky Cinema Pass on Now TV.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Jul 14, 2021
With so much choice on streaming options these days, it's hard to know which platforms to plump for. And even when you pick one (or all of them), then there's the decision of what to actually watch. And especially if you've got younger children of different ages, it can be hard to please everyone.
To help make movie nights that bit easier, we've done the scrolling for you – scouring our Film and Streamed TV forums to find the films that prove the biggest hit with parents – and are available on Now TV. But if these don't take your fancy, you can always check out the family film options available on Amazon Prime, or Netflix.
All the below films are available with the Sky Cinema Pass on Now TV (£11.99 for a monthly subscription). Find out how it works and start your 7-day free trial now.
Here are the best family films on Now TV.
1. Mary Poppins Returns (U)
Emily Blunt stars as the umbrella-wielding nanny from heaven (where can we get one, please?), in this magical remake of the musical classic.
What parents say
“I loved it. It is not a remake as such, but based on PL Travers' other MP books. I read them as a girl. I was worried as I love the first film, but I thought they pulled it off. And enjoyed the songs too!”
“We saw it today and loved it. Yes, it was different but we expected that. Lovely bit of escapism!”
2. Disney's The Jungle Book (PG)
This live-action remake of the classic tale and cartoon features new face Neel Sethi as Mowgli, as well as voices from a star-studded cast. It tells the story of an orphaned 'man-cub' who must strike out on his own from the wolf pack – but the jungle has other surprises for him, from the sneaky intentions of Kaa the snake (Scarlett Johansson) to Baloo the bear's (Bill Murray) musings on life.
What parents say
“Absolutely brilliant! Idris Elba as Shere Khan was perfectly menacing. I can't think of a better voice match for a character in an animated film. Even though you know the story, it's really gripping and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would highly recommend!”
“It's wonderful – gripping, moving and visually stunning. Watched it with my son as he's currently reading the book – my 10-year-old and I were thoroughly enthralled.”
Related: Ideas for keeping pre-teens and teens entertained at home
3. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (PG)
The classic fantasy in which four siblings are transported from wartime London into the magical land of Narnia, by way of the wardrobe. Once there, they realise their destiny to find the great lion Aslan and end the reign of the wicked White Witch. Shrek director Andrew Adamson stays pretty faithful to C S Lewis's story, resulting in a good, old-fashioned adventure.
What parents say
“We all loved it immensely. Fantastic adaptation of the book.”
“Watched it with my four- and five-year-olds and my son was glued to the screen for the whole movie which is a sign that he enjoyed it very much! I thought the war scenes were actually done very well, without being gory. As an adult, it took me back to my childhood and I was impressed that it remained true to the book.”
4. Freaky Friday (PG)
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan star in this mother and daughter body-swapping comedy. They (both) play pre-occupied single mum and therapist and her rebellious 15-year-old daughter, Anna. The duo's constant bickering comes to a head one night when a mischievous old Chinese woman uses mystical fortune cookies to teach them a very important lesson.
If you fancy watching the original, the 1977 version (with teen Jodie Foster) is also available on Now TV.
What parents say
“Both versions are great, but the Lindsay Lohan remake goes down best.”
“My nine- and 12-year-old love Freaky Friday.”
5. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (12A)
Hogwarts old boy and textbook author Newt Scamander is back, this time with none other than Albus Dumbledore. Together, they must track down evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald.
What parents say
“Kind of like Harry Potter but not – very enchanting and we all really loved it.”
6. Matilda (PG)
Roald Dahl's delightful (if slightly dark) tale about a girl who is a misfit within her own family, and develops magical powers. Directed by Danny DeVito and starring Mara Wilson as Matilda, who performs the role to perfection.
What parents say
“Matilda is a great heroine – obsessed with reading and friends with the female librarian who helps her in her quest for fresh books.”
“The movie adaptation of Matilda is brilliant and shows a really positive image of smart and thoughtful little girls.”
7. Inside Out (U)
When Riley's parents decide to uproot her and the family to San Francisco, it's not easy on her – or her emotions. A fresh take on the pitfalls of growing up, Pixar's Inside Out gives us a (slightly surreal) insight into a child's feelings – of Anger, Sadness, Fear, Disgust as well as Joy, who must all work together in Riley's head in order for her to adjust to her new life.
What parents say
“I cried but I loved it! My nine-, eight- and three-year-old boys all enjoyed it, especially the cat bit”
“I think it's a fantastic film that could be used as a tool to help children understand their own emotions and those of other children/people – maybe even ones with SN. Admittedly, they only use five key emotion characters but it could be expanded when dealing with children and real emotions.”
8. Stardust (PG)
Based on Neil Gaiman's bestselling children's book, Stardust follows hapless hero Tristan (Charlie Cox) and all the adventures that befall him and stellar beauty Yvaine (Claire Danes) when he travels beyond his hometown of Wall to the magical kingdom of Stormhold. Out to thwart the pair is wicked witch played by Michelle Pfeiffer in a scene-stealing performance.
What parents say
“DD loved it (she is nearly eight), I loved it and amazingly so did DS (just turned four)”
“Robert De Niro was so funny. Pure fantasy.”
9. Toy Story 4 (U)
Another Pixar release (we couldn't help ourselves), the fourth instalment of the much-loved Toy Story franchise does not disappoint. Woody and the gang return for more adventures, joined by some new faces – such as Forky.
What parents say
“I cried, actually sobbed. My eldest is 17 and he came with me, DS2 and DD. It was like the official ending to his childhood so I was extra weepy and so was he. It seems like only yesterday that he had a very annoying Buzz Lightyear toy that he was obsessed with.”
“I loved it. Very clever. Tied up all the loose ends for Woody that were left. Only criticism was I missed Buzz, Rex etc. They needed a bigger part.”
10. Galaxy Quest (12)
A clever sci-fi spoof about the cast of a cancelled (Star-Trek type) show, who find themselves in a real-life planet invasion. A film for comedy fans and hard-core Trekkies alike.
One for slightly older kids (at least 10+) as it does contain some adult language and humour.
What parents say
“Galaxy Quest. It's hilarious, a spoof on all those sci-fi films – well, actually a spoof on Star Trek. Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman are in it, so definitely worth it.”
“Try Galaxy Quest for the kids – it's really funny. My son loves it.”
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Titles available and prices correct at time of publication.