A Glean movie guide
Live-Action Family Favorites
No cartoons, just great stories.
The best feature films for all ages that skip the animation for real-world magic.
Handpicked for this guide
The movie list
- 01
Paddington 2
A masterclass in kindness and charm that delights children and adults alike.
Paddington, now happily settled with the Browns, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy, but it is stolen.
- 02
The Princess Bride
A timeless blend of romance, swordplay, and comedy that truly has something for everyone.
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
Home Alone
A hilarious staple about a resourceful boy defending his house from bumbling burglars.
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.
- 04
Matilda
A whimsical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic about a gifted girl finding her own power.
Matilda Wormwood is an brilliant and intelligent little girl. Unfortunately, her parents, Harry and Zinnia, fail to see that fact. As time passes, she finally starts school and has a kind teacher, loyal friends, and a terrifying, 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
The Parent Trap
A charming tale of twin sisters who swap places to bring their estranged parents back together.
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.
- 06
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
A moving sci-fi adventure that captures the wonder and heartbreak of childhood friendship.
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.
- 07
Elf
A high-energy comedy about a human raised as an elf who brings Christmas spirit to New York City.
When young Buddy falls into Santa's gift sack on Christmas Eve, he's transported back to the North Pole and raised as a toy-making elf by Santa's helpers. But as he grows into adulthood, he can't shake the nagging feeling that he doesn't belong. Buddy vows to visit Manhattan and find his real dad, a workaholic.
- 08
The Goonies
A quintessential 80s adventure following a group of kids on a hunt for pirate treasure.
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
Wonder
A modern, empathetic drama about a boy with facial differences navigating a new school.
The story of August Pullman – a boy with facial differences – who enters fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
- 10
Mrs. Doubtfire
A heartwarming comedy showcasing a father’s extreme dedication to staying close to his kids.
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.