There’s nothing better than sitting on the couch with your kids and bonding over your favourite films. Although – if your children are 5 and under, you’re probably already aware that sometimes their film choices can be somewhat… questionable. Luckily, modern day filmmakers are aware of this too. Gone are the days where we need to be “subjected” to watching a movie with our kids. In fact, lots of kids and family movies are made with an adult viewer in mind, which means it’s actually possible for you to enjoy – rather than endure – a movie night with your kids!

There are already TONNES of family friendly movies out there in the universe, but choosing which one to watch can be a struggle in itself. If you’ve ever spent a night on the couch with the family scrolling endlessly through Netflix trying to find something you all agree on, this one’s for you. Cubby Care has rounded up the 5 best (and sometimes overlooked) family friendly movies – both present day and nostalgic options provided!

1. Fantastic Mr. Fox

Wes Anderson’s stop motion adaptation of this Roald Dahl children’s book classic is whimsical, slightly neurotic, highly engaging, and a little left of centre. Mr. Fox is a charismatic smooth talker voiced by George Clooney – other big Hollywood Actors like Meryl Streep, Owen Wilson and Bill Murray have lent their voices, too. Read the book with your kids before you watch!

2. Shrek

Well, duh! Is there anyone alive who doesn’t love this movie? Most kids would already have seen and loved it, but if they haven’t, take delight in showing them this classic for the first time. Dreamworks’ animated feature is a story about a crude but loveable ogre finding love that teaches us a valuable lesson along the way: you’re perfect just the way you are.

3. Inside Out

This pixar animated film is a great way to introduce the concept of emotions, feelings, and mental health to your children. The story centres around Riley – a young girl who’s world turns upside down when she moves interstate with her family. Like any child, she finds it hard to adapt; and the film’s narrative revolves around her ability to deal with her emotions effectively. Her emotions are played by 5 colourful characters that often conflict with each other, but end up teaching young viewers about their own feelings, and that it’s okay to be vulnerable.

4. The Little Mermaid

Before there was Anna and Elsa, there was Ariel and Ursula. This Disney animated classic just turned 30, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less loveable. Most parents probably grew up watching this one over and over, too, so it gets extra points for nostalgia. Just don’t blame us if you’re singing “Under The Sea” for the next week…

5. The Parent Trap

Proof that not every remake goes wrong, and that we once lived in a world where Lindsay Lohan wasn’t controversial. Surprisingly for a 128 minute live action family movie, The Parent Trap never drags along, and Lohan demonstrates a real charm and talent for comedy. Be warned, though: once watched, The Parent Trap is just the kind of film that ends up on the family rewatch pile for the rest of time.