30 Best Family Films of 2021, Ranked
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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
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Release date: Dec. 3, 2021
Director: Swinton Scott
Box office earnings: $76.2 million
Bottom Line: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
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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
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Release date: Feb. 19, 2021
Director: Lena Khan
Box office earnings: N/A
Bottom Line: Flora & Ulysses
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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
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Release date: Dec. 15, 2021
Director: Hamish Grieve
Box office earnings: N/A
Bottom Line: Rumble
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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
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Release date: Oct. 1, 2021
Director: Conrad Vernon, Greg Tiernan
Box office earnings: $110.2 million
Bottom Line: The Addams Family 2
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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
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Release date: Sept. 3, 2021
Director: Kay Cannon
Box office earnings: N/A
Bottom Line: Cinderella
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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
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Release date: March 12, 2021
Director: Miguel Arteta
Box office earnings: N/A
Bottom Line: Yes Day
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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
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Release date: Aug. 20, 2021
Director: Dave Needham
Box office earnings: N/A
Bottom Line: The Loud House Movie
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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
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Release date: Nov. 24, 2021
Director: Michael Dowse
Box office earnings: N/A
Bottom Line: 8-Bit Christmas
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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
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Release date: July 16, 2021
Director: Malcolm D. Lee
Box office earnings: $162.8 million
Bottom Line: Space Jam: A New Legacy
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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
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Release date: Nov 26, 2021
Director: Gil Kenan
Box office earnings: $1.5 million
Bottom Line: A Boy Called Christmas
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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
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Release date: June 11, 2021 (U.S.), earlier in China
Director: Chris Appelhans
Box office earnings: $25.9 million
Bottom Line: Wish Dragon
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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
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Release date: July 2, 2021
Director: Tom McGrath
Box office earnings: $146.7 million
Bottom Line: Boss Baby: Family Business
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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
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Release date: Oct. 9, 2021
Director: Daniel Ojari, Michael Please
Box office earnings: N/A
Bottom Line: Robin Robin
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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
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Release date: Aug. 6, 2021
Director: Kirk DeMicco
Box office earnings: $1.3 million
Bottom Line: Vivo
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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
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Release date: June 11, 2021
Director: Will Gluck
Box office earnings: $153.7 million
Bottom Line: Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
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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
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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
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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
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Release date: Jan. 29, 2021
Director: Jude Weng
Box office earnings: N/A
Bottom Line: Finding ‘Ohana
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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
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Release date: June 4, 2021
Director: Ennio Torresan
Box office earnings: $42.6 million
Bottom Line: Spirit Untamed
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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
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Release date: July 30, 2021
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Box office earnings: $220.9 million
Bottom Line: Jungle Cruise
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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
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Release date: June 18, 2021
Director: Enrico Casarosa
Box office earnings: $49.7 million
Bottom Line: Luca
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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
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Release date: Nov. 10, 2021
Director: Walt Becker
Box office earnings: $69 million
Bottom Line: Clifford the Big Red Dog
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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
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Release date: Sept. 22, 2021
Director: Robert Cullen, José Uchua
Box office earnings: $1.5 million
Bottom Line: My Little Pony: A New Generation
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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
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Release date: Oct. 22, 2021
Director: Sarah Smith, J.P. Vine
Box office earnings: $60.3 million
Bottom Line: Ron’s Gone Wrong
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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
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Release date: Nov. 24, 2021
Director: Byron Howard, Jared Bush
Box office earnings: $175.5 mil
Bottom Line: Encanto
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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
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Release date: May 28, 2021
Director: Craig Gillespie
Box office earnings: $233.3 million
Bottom Line: Cruella
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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
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Release date: Nov. 19, 2021
Director: Jason Reitman
Box office earnings: $174.2 million
Bottom Line: Ghostbusters: Afterlife
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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
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Release date: Aug. 20, 2021
Director: Cal Brunker
Box office earnings: $130.1 million
Bottom Line: PAW Patrol: The Movie
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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
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Release date: Nov. 19, 2021
Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
Box office earnings: $26.2 million worldwide
Bottom Line: King Richard
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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
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Release date: April 23, 2021
Director: Michael Rianda
Box office earnings: N/A
Bottom Line: The Mitchells vs. The Machines
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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
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Release date: March 5, 2021
Director: Carlos López Estrada, Don Hall
Box office earnings: $130.3 million
Bottom Line: Raya and the Last Dragon
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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+.