A Glean movie guide
Best Live-Action Family Movies
Real stories, real magic.
Timeless stories and modern favorites for a movie night without the animation.
Handpicked for this guide
The movie list
- 01
Paddington
A heartwarming and visually stunning tale about finding where you belong.
A young Peruvian bear travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven.
- 02
The Princess Bride
A perfect blend of romance, comedy, and adventure that appeals to every generation.
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can't stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.
- 03
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Spielberg’s masterpiece about the profound bond between a lonely boy and a gentle alien.
An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliott who decides to keep him hidden in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliott, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home.
- 04
Matilda
A charming celebration of intelligence and the power of standing up for yourself.
Matilda Wormwood is an exquisite and intelligent little girl. Unfortunately, her parents, Harry and Zinnia, don’t agree. As time passes, she finally starts school and has a kind teacher, loyal friends, and a sadistic headmistress. As she becomes fed up with the constant cruelty, she discovers she has a special gift that she just might be able to use to outwit the unruly adults around her.
- 05
Home Alone
The ultimate slapstick comedy that captures the chaotic spirit of childhood independence.
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister makes the most of the situation after his family unwittingly leaves him behind when they go on Christmas vacation. When thieves try to break into his home, he puts up a fight like no other.
- 06
The Parent Trap
A delightful double-dose of charm centered on sisterhood and family reconciliation.
Hallie Parker and Annie James are identical twins who were separated at a young age due to their parents' divorce. Unbeknownst to their parents, the girls are sent to the same summer camp, where they meet, discover the truth about their relationship, and come up with a plan to switch places in an effort to reunite their mother and father.
- 07
Mrs. Doubtfire
Robin Williams delivers a legendary performance in this touching story about parental love.
Loving but irresponsible dad Daniel Hillard, estranged from his exasperated spouse, is crushed by a court order allowing only weekly visits with his kids. When Daniel learns his ex needs a housekeeper, he gets the job -- disguised as a British nanny. Soon he becomes not only his children's best pal but the kind of parent he should have been from the start.
- 08
The Goonies
An essential 80s treasure hunt that perfectly captures the thrill of childhood adventure.
Young teen Mikey Walsh and his friends set off on a quest to find Pirate One-Eyed Willie's treasure in hopes of saving their homes from demolition. However, on their quest to find the treasure, they run into a family of recently escaped criminals, determined to capture the kids and reach the treasure first.
- 09
Jumanji
A high-stakes fantasy adventure where a board game brings a wild jungle into the living room.
When siblings Judy and Peter discover an enchanted board game that opens the door to a magical world, they unwittingly invite Alan -- an adult who's been trapped inside the game for 26 years -- into their living room. Alan's only hope for freedom is to finish the game, which proves risky as all three find themselves running from giant rhinoceroses, evil monkeys and other terrifying creatures.
- 10
Wonder
An incredibly moving story that champions kindness and empathy in the face of adversity.
The story of August Pullman – a boy with facial differences – who enters fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
- 11
Mary Poppins
A foundational musical classic that remains as magical and practically perfect as ever.
In turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father.
- 12
The Sandlot
A nostalgic coming-of-age comedy that perfectly captures the magic of summer and friendship.
During a summer of friendship and adventure, one boy becomes a part of the gang, nine boys become a team and their leader becomes a legend by confronting the terrifying mystery beyond the right field wall.