30 Best Family Movies of 2021, Ranked

These family movies from 2021 are perfect for a quiet night together when everyone can enjoy some hearty laughter or cathartic cries.

30 Best Family Films of 2021, Ranked

Best family film of 2021, Mitchells vs. Machines

When the weather outside is cold and your family is going a bit stir-crazy, there’s nothing like snuggling in to enjoy a good movie for all ages. Sometimes, when it comes to family films, it can feel like they’re geared more towards kids than they are adults. But 2021 actually had some awesome additions to the family-friendly genre that everyone will enjoy.

From action-filled adventures to hilarious comedies to animated heartfelt tearjerkers to playful musicals, there’s all sorts of new movies you can watch together. And most of them are available on streaming platforms, so you don’t even have to add in the stress of a car ride or spending a fortune on snacks.

Here are the 30 of the best family movies of 2021, ranked in order based on both audience and critic responses.

30. Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Release date: Dec. 3, 2021

Director: Swinton Scott

Box office earnings: $76.2 million

Bottom Line: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

The first animated movie from the powerhouse books and previous live-action stories based on the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”series, most people seemed to enjoy this kid-friendly flick. With a shorter runtime of just over an hour, it can hold even younger attention spans in place.

The majority of critics enjoyed it, with the consensus being if you’re already invested in the popular source material, it is a delight to watch. It’s available to stream on Disney+.

29. Flora & Ulysses

Release date: Feb. 19, 2021

Director: Lena Khan

Box office earnings: N/A

Bottom Line: Flora & Ulysses

Another book-turned-movie adaptation, this delightful family film follows a young girl and a superhero-squirrel best friend. It takes audiences on a heartwarming ride that will have you quickly believing in magic.

And though the squirrel is technically the superhero of the movie, it will leave you believing you’re capable of becoming your own hero, which is a great message for even the youngest kids. It’s available to stream on Disney+.

28. Rumble

Release date: Dec. 15, 2021

Director: Hamish Grieve

Box office earnings: N/A

Bottom Line: Rumble

One of the newer movies on this list, “Rumble” debuted at the end of 2021 only on Paramount’s streaming platform. This lighthearted movie follows a young girl who wants to get into the very popular world-famous sport of monster wrestling.

So, she finds and begins coaching a dopey monster who doesn’t seem to stand a chance. But she’s able to transform him into a recognized world champion while, of course, having a lot of fun and laughs (and learning valuable lessons) along the way. It’s only available for streaming on Paramount+.

27. The Addams Family 2

Release date: Oct. 1, 2021

Director: Conrad Vernon, Greg Tiernan

Box office earnings: $110.2 million

Bottom Line: The Addams Family 2

It seems like ever since they’ve been introduced into the world, the Addams Family never fails to live up to their weird and wonderful reputation. The kooky clan decide to spend time traveling together in a camper, which allows them to not only grow closer but also gives the world more dizzying doses of the spooky family.

It’s fun, simple and a family-friendly watch. While many critics didn’t love this film, most audience members enjoyed it.

26. Cinderella

Release date: Sept. 3, 2021

Director: Kay Cannon

Box office earnings: N/A

Bottom Line: Cinderella

If you’re a fan of any of the “Pitch Perfect” films (or your children are), this same playful song and dance energy is infused into Amazon’s latest retelling of this classic story. It stars pop singer Camilla Cabello as Cinderella and Idina Menzel, whose powerful voice you’ll recognize from the thousands of hours you’ve heard “Let it Go” from “Frozen,” as the evil stepmother.

In this version, Cinderella isn’t just waiting around to let a prince make her happy. She finds her own life’s purpose that becomes even sweeter when her true love comes around.

25. Yes Day

Release date: March 12, 2021

Director: Miguel Arteta

Box office earnings: N/A

Bottom Line: Yes Day

After feeling fed up and like walking wet blankets for always saying “no” to their children, two parents decide to say nothing but “yes” for a full day. And, in both film and book, it's adapted from, a very fun and funny story ensues.

The bonding fun, laughs and love that fill this movie will inspire families everywhere to maybe have their own “Yes Day.” It’s available for streaming on Netflix.

24. The Loud House Movie

Release date: Aug. 20, 2021

Director: Dave Needham

Box office earnings: N/A

Bottom Line: The Loud House Movie

Based on the popular Nickelodeon series, this movie features an animated family who travel together to Scotland only to learn they’re descendants of royalty. They then embark on a decadent high-society holiday in the castle they’ve recently learned is part of their family history.

There’s a lot of music and dancing that will have energetic little ones (hopefully) wearing themselves out with all the good fun. It’s available for streaming on Netflix.

23. 8-Bit Christmas

Release date: Nov. 24, 2021

Director: Michael Dowse

Box office earnings: N/A

Bottom Line: 8-Bit Christmas

It’s always refreshing when a new Christmas movie can make you laugh while also getting you in the holiday spirit. This movie balances those two things perfectly. Parents will love the retro references, and kids will love the adventure-filled storyline.

It’s humorous, heartwarming and a great pick for family movie night — as well as a Christmas movie that will be fun to watch over and over again. It’s available to stream on HBO Max.

22. Space Jam: A New Legacy

Release date: July 16, 2021

Director: Malcolm D. Lee

Box office earnings: $162.8 million

Bottom Line: Space Jam: A New Legacy

Critics railed on this classic movie remake, but the majority of non-critic audience members loved it. And what’s not to love? The movie pays homage to the original Space Jam in all the best ways while being a standalone, really fun and surprisingly refreshing movie.

For kids who weren’t yet even glimmers in their parents' eyes when the original came out, it introduces a whole new world of cartoons. And for parents, it’s fun to see Bugs Bunny and the gang back in action. It’s available to stream on HBO Max.

21. A Boy Called Christmas

Release date: Nov 26, 2021

Director: Gil Kenan

Box office earnings: $1.5 million

Bottom Line: A Boy Called Christmas

Another charming Christmas movie that made its way into people’s holiday hearts this season, “A Boy Called Christmas” follows a normal boy who sets out on an adventure to find his father, only to discover a mysterious and magical village. With the help of his pet mouse and a reindeer, he eventually learns not only the meaning of Christmas, but also his very special role in it.

If you love a heartfelt holiday coming-of-age origin story, this is a great movie for you (and the whole family). It’s currently streaming on Netflix.

20. Wish Dragon

Release date: June 11, 2021 (U.S.), earlier in China

Director: Chris Appelhans

Box office earnings: $25.9 million

Bottom Line: Wish Dragon

This animated fantasy movie produces not only a lot of laughs but also a genuinely sweet storyline. Even though it’s a big story with a big budget, the box office earnings don’t reflect just how popular this movie actually is because it’s streaming on Netflix.

It was released at the end of 2020 in China but came to the United States through Netflix in the middle of 2021. Movie Insider was especially keen on this film, giving it a hard-to-snag 5/5 rating.

19. Boss Baby: Family Business

Release date: July 2, 2021

Director: Tom McGrath

Box office earnings: $146.7 million

Bottom Line: Boss Baby: Family Business

The sequel to the popular, bossy, deep-voiced baby’s original tale, “Boss Baby: Family Business” takes the toddler tantrums to the next level. After Boss Baby grows up and he drifts apart from his brother, they’re magically transformed back into their childhood selves in order to reconnect.

And, of course, both chaos and hilarity ensue. It’s available for streaming Peacock TV and Hulu Premium.

18. Robin Robin

Release date: Oct. 9, 2021

Director: Daniel Ojari, Michael Please

Box office earnings: N/A

Bottom Line: Robin Robin

An extra-special addition to this list, this story is part coming-of-age and part Christmas. But it’s wholly charming and delightful. This is an original storyline with especially innovative animation that will make your family remember what it means to connect — especially over the holiday season.

Plus, it’s shorter than an average feature film with a running time right around 30 minutes. So, it’s perfect for little ones with shorter attention spans. It’s a Netflix original, so you can stream it there.

17. Vivo

Release date: Aug. 6, 2021

Director: Kirk DeMicco

Box office earnings: $1.3 million

Bottom Line: Vivo

When his aging owner asks him to deliver a very special song to the long-lost love of his life, a musical kinkajou (voiced by the one-and-only Lin-Manuel Miranda) sets off to deliver the message. But when things go awry, he finds himself with an unlikely and impulsive best friend who helps him to find joy in the journey, not just the destination.

It’s a feel-good, sound-good and dance-good (that can be a thing!) movie that everyone young and old can enjoy. It’s streaming on Netflix.

16. Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

Release date: June 11, 2021

Director: Will Gluck

Box office earnings: $153.7 million

Bottom Line: Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

Despite his best efforts and the new stability of a found family, Peter Rabbit can’t shake his old mischievous ways. After being sent to life in a quiet burrough far away from trouble, he heads back into the city looking for it. And he finds it.

And it’s … adorable on all fronts. Just like the first film, this fun and feel-good movie does a great job of balancing playfulness with seriously sweet messages about loving yourself and your family.

15. Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans

Release date: July 21, 2021

Director: Andrew Schmidt, Johane Matte, Francisco Ruiz Velasco

Box office earnings: N/A

Bottom Line: Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans

This film has imagination written all over it. It’s the finale to a franchise created by the innovative mind of Guillermo del Toro and brings together three popular TV shows, “Trollhunters,” “3Below” and “Wizards.” There’s magic. There’s trolls. There’s monsters. There’s aliens. And there’s titans who want to destroy the world.

Even with the levity and entertaining bits that animation allows, it might be a little intense for the youngest of audiences. But it will be a major delight for most kids (and a surprisingly great movie for adults, too). It’s streaming on Netflix.

14. Finding ‘Ohana

Release date: Jan. 29, 2021

Director: Jude Weng

Box office earnings: N/A

Bottom Line: Finding ‘Ohana

Two New York City-raised siblings are frustrated to find themselves stuck on Hawaii for a year, despite the fact that their family is from there. The simultaneous discovery that their family needs financial help and remnants of a rare treasure map means they’re quickly off for an Indiana Jones style adventure.

This movie balances magical moments both big and small that will leave audience members feeling all sorts of warm fuzzies. It’s a refreshing movie that everyone will love. It’s streaming only on Netflix.

13. Spirit Untamed

Release date: June 4, 2021

Director: Ennio Torresan

Box office earnings: $42.6 million

Bottom Line: Spirit Untamed

If you have a “wild child,” they will most definitely resonate with the messages in this movie. A feisty young girl learns she has a knack for horseback riding like her mother did and is able to befriend an otherwise untameable horse she names Spirit. Together, they help each other feel and stay free on a lot of levels.

Critics were wishy-washy in their reviews of this movie, but audiences adored it. It is streaming on Peacock and Hulu premium.

12. Jungle Cruise

Release date: July 30, 2021

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Box office earnings: $220.9 million

Bottom Line: Jungle Cruise

If you were hesitant about seeing a movie inspired by a Disney ride, let the all-star cast of Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt put your mind at ease. This action-packed story is, like its namesake, a really fun ride. It’s filled with thrills and twists and turns, both in the storyline and actually on a raging river.

Plus, Blunt and Johnson are dynamic together, perfectly weaving humor with genuine edge-of-your-seat action scenes. And, of course, it’s Disney, so it’s very family friendly. You can stream it on Disney+.

11. Luca

Release date: June 18, 2021

Director: Enrico Casarosa

Box office earnings: $49.7 million

Bottom Line: Luca

There’s never been a more-fish-out-of water-story than this story about, well, two fish out of water. Two young sea monsters explore the land together in this Disney Pixar tale. And, in doing so, they have to learn how to overcome their fears and figure out who they really are — and whether or not that involves swimming or walking (or both!).

In true Pixar fashion it’s charming, beautiful and will jerk at your heartstrings. It’s available on Disney+.

10. Clifford the Big Red Dog

Release date: Nov. 10, 2021

Director: Walt Becker

Box office earnings: $69 million

Bottom Line: Clifford the Big Red Dog

For every adult who now has children but remembers the stories of the beloved big red dog Clifford, this brings that magic to life. Clifford takes over the screens (and New York City) in this all his playful movie.

Though dog lovers could go just to watch the large dog in all its glory, there’s genuine lessons of acceptance and unconditional love that will make you feel good about sharing the movie experience with your kids. It’s available to stream on Paramount+.

9. My Little Pony: A New Generation

Release date: Sept. 22, 2021

Director: Robert Cullen, José Uchua

Box office earnings: $1.5 million

Bottom Line: My Little Pony: A New Generation

It’s fair to be hesitant about a whole movie dedicated to a toy line. But the truth is, the movie charms the hooves off audiences from the get go. It’s a magical world where ponies, unicorns and pegasus no longer get along. But thanks to a chance encounter, they must all work together once again.

Oh, and they do so not only through large, magical adventures, but also through catchy and fun songs. It’s available to stream on Netflix.

8. Ron’s Gone Wrong

Release date: Oct. 22, 2021

Director: Sarah Smith, J.P. Vine

Box office earnings: $60.3 million

Bottom Line: Ron’s Gone Wrong

For parents who especially want to encourage their children to live by their own rules and accept their uniqueness, “Ron’s Gone Wrong” is an instant classic. In a world where everyone has to have a robot best friend in order to fit in, one kid gets what he asks for … and then some.

Ron is a robot who somehow malfunctioned from the get go. And while the rest of the world sees that as a problem, his best (human) friend quickly learns that it’s a gift. It’s available to stream on both HBO Max and Disney+.

7. Encanto

Release date: Nov. 24, 2021

Director: Byron Howard, Jared Bush

Box office earnings: $175.5 mil

Bottom Line: Encanto

When a magical family who live in a magical home and are each bestowed magical individual abilities begin to lose everything, the only seemingly non-magical family member must save them all. Between the stunning visuals, the wholesome message and the deeply inspiring message, this film is a total win for audiences of all ages.

And unlike many family movies that critics and audiences may disagree on, everyone seems to be enchanted by “Encanto.” It is available to stream on Disney+.

6. Cruella

Release date: May 28, 2021

Director: Craig Gillespie

Box office earnings: $233.3 million

Bottom Line: Cruella

What happens when two amazing Emmas meet? A kick-mutt movie like “Cruella,” that’s what. Emma Stone plays the titular Cruella, one of Disney’s most beloved and, as the movie teaches, most misunderstood villains. And she’s up against Emma Thompson, who eats up the role of the villain in a villain’s backstory like nobody else could.

For any dog lovers out there who are worried about the animals, rest-assured that Cruella is actually a dog lover … but doesn’t care to set the record straight for anyone who thinks otherwise. It’s a really fun movie and understandable that 97 percent of audiences on Rotten Tomatoes loved it. It’s available for streaming on Disney+.

5. Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Release date: Nov. 19, 2021

Director: Jason Reitman

Box office earnings: $174.2 million

Bottom Line: Ghostbusters: Afterlife

It’s not really fair to call this movie a sequel, because it’s very much its own storyline. But it’s also not a brand-new type of ghostbusting. This movie pays perfect tribute to the original “Ghostbusters” franchise that took the 1980s by storm, with perfect connections and plenty of the same toys.

But it does so in an innovative, refreshing and all-out entertaining way. Plus, it features Paul Rudd who is as ageless as the source material.

4. PAW Patrol: The Movie

Release date: Aug. 20, 2021

Director: Cal Brunker

Box office earnings: $130.1 million

Bottom Line: PAW Patrol: The Movie

Parents everywhere breathed a collective sigh of relief when the much-anticipated PAW Patrol characters finally came to life on the big screen. The storyline is what you’d expect, as is most of the movie. But that’s exactly what makes it so charming. When the group’s biggest rival begins causing trouble in Adventure City, the PAW Patrol gang have to save the day.

Delivering on all the hype it promises, it’s a very fun movie packed with all-star cameos that will make all PAW Patrol-loving children jump for joy. It’s available for streaming on Paramount+.

3. King Richard

Release date: Nov. 19, 2021

Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green

Box office earnings: $26.2 million worldwide

Bottom Line: King Richard

While most of the movies on this list have been all-ages family friendly, this one is better for older kids. It follows the inspired-by-true-events story of the Williams sisters who changed tennis forever.

It’s included here because at the core of this excellent movie is a story about family bonds and what it means to work towards something bigger than yourself. For parents of teenagers especially, it’s a great watch. It’s available on HBO Max.

2. The Mitchells vs. The Machines

Release date: April 23, 2021

Director: Michael Rianda

Box office earnings: N/A

Bottom Line: The Mitchells vs. The Machines

The Mitchells vs. The Machines on netflix

This movie is easily one of the best comedies in the past several years and probably the best animated adventure comedy in recent memory. It’s, of course, packed with laughs as you’d expect from this all-star comedic cast.

But it also has some awesome messages about what it means to be a family, embracing your weirdness and taking time away from our everyday technological obsessions to remember what really matters in this world. It’s available only on Netflix.

1. Raya and the Last Dragon

Raya and the Last Dragon best film of 2021

Release date: March 5, 2021

Director: Carlos López Estrada, Don Hall

Box office earnings: $130.3 million

Bottom Line: Raya and the Last Dragon

This movie has something for everyone. It’s an epic tale about a young heroine who has to find the last dragon in the land in order to end long-standing wars. But when she does find the dragon, it’s not exactly what she expected. And neither is what she has to do in order to bring about peace.

It’s an animated action adventure for the ages. There’s a reason both audiences and critics alike are obsessed with it. It’s available on Disney+.