When it comes to family bonding, one of the best ways to encourage closeness is with a routine family movie night. And no family movie night tradition is complete without the magic of Disney! Disney movies warm hearts, soothe souls, and chase the blues away. Whether you’re a kid, or a kid at heart, adding Disney movies to your family movie night rotation is a great way to spend quality time together! And this complete guide to Disney movies for families is the perfect place to start!
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Why Disney Movies for Families are So Special
For decades, Disney has made classic after beloved classic, all delivering on the Disney promise of heart-warming magic. Not only do Disney movies make you feel good, but they all have a great message. They are wholesome, but not preachy or boring. They are sweet but also funny. Disney movies, in a word, are fantastic!
And so many movies in the Disney catalog are just perfect for families. I don’t know how they do it, but without fail, Disney movies give you all the feels. Whether it’s an animated fairy tale or a live-action super hero movie, Disney movies serve up themes that encourage family connection.
Family Bonding and Disney Movie Night
When it comes to family bonding, positive family rituals are extremely helpful way to promote unity, reduce conflict, and achieve relational closeness. Hosting a regular family movie night is an excellent ritual to implement in your home.
Rituals like family movie night create structure and provide your kids with much needed routine. They also help define your family identity and establish a sense of belonging and membership. Giving kids bonding rituals to look forward to and count on promotes a positive sense of self and sense of security.
Incorporating Disney movies for families into your family movie night helps you make the most of your bonding time. Not only will your kids love it, but they will learn something in the process. Disney movies for families offer you opportunities to talk about your own family relationships, teach life lessons, discuss big issues, and simply have fun together.
Planning a Disney-Themed Family Movie Night
When planning a Disney-Themed Family Movie Night, there are lots of simple ways to make it super fun. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money either. Just adding a couple special touches will help bring that Disney magic to life for your kids.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Make theme-inspired popcorn (i.e.
- Serve a movie-themed snack (i.e.
- Make movie-inspired hot cocoa for the Disney Christmas movies
- Do a scavenger hunt by hiding movie-specific toys and surprises around the room for your kids to find throughout the film
- Make some crafty décor with your kids and decorate the family room (i.e. handmade snowflakes for Frozen)
- Dress up for the show with Disney character costumes or pajamas
- Give your kids the stage and let them act out a scene
- Use Disney toys and action figures to put on a show during intermission
- Stage a Q and A with your kids afterward to get their thoughts on the film
Whatever you decide to do, your kids will simply adore the opportunity to play, use their imaginations, and have fun together. With a Disney-themed family movie night, you will create lasting memories that they will cherish always!
Where to Get the Best Deals on Disney Movies
My Disney movie library is pretty extensive, and it was well-worth the investment! But I am proud to say that I didn’t spend a fortune on my collection. I actually saved tons of money and got really good deals on each and every film, and it was all thanks to the Disney Movie Club.
The Disney Movie Club
I joined the Disney Movie Club years ago and in my opinion, it’s the absolute best and most affordable way to build your Disney film collection.
There are nearly 30 movies on this list and though you may already own some of them, there is a good chance you will need to pick up a few more of your favorites.
With the Disney Movie Club, you can do just that and at a fraction of the price you would pay at retail stores. Plus, right now they have this amazing offer where you can get 4 Disney movies for $1 – yes, you read that right. ONE DOLLAR. You are basically paying a $1 for one and getting 3 Disney movies for free!
How to Get Disney Movies for Free
Right now, when you join the Disney Movie Club, you pay $1 and you get 4 movies. That’s like getting three Disney movies for free! Which of course is awesome. But on top of that, you can keep those movies or save yourself some cash and give those free Disney movies as gifts. That’s what I did!
But that’s not the only reason that I highly recommend the Disney Movie Club. Not only do you get 4 movies of your choice for only $1 when you join, but you will get tons of exclusive offers, access to members only sales, and special free gifts with certain purchases. All you need to do is buy 5 movies at the regular price within 2 years. You may cancel any time after doing so. It’s such a no brainer. I mean, you’re going to buy those Disney movies anyway, right? So why not get 4 for only $1? 🙂
As I mentioned, I have been a Disney Movie Club member for years and I fulfilled my purchase commitment ages ago. Not only did I get great deals on those movies, but since then, I have enjoyed so many perks and discounts that I feel the membership has more than paid for itself!
Join the Disney Movie Club here and start a new family tradition with incredible family movie nights for years to come!
The Complete Guide to Disney Movies for Families
This complete guide to Disney movies for families not only offers up amazing Disney movie suggestions for your family movie night, but it provides some bonus ideas for how you can enhance the experience!
This list includes nearly 30 of my top Disney movie picks for families, including Disney movies that focus on family relationships, the best Disney classics, films that are pure magic & fantasy, Disney movies that teach valuable lessons, Disney movies that spark discussion, Disney movies just for teens, and the best Disney Christmas movies.
So what are you waiting for? Get watching!
Here is the shortlist:
- Best Disney Movies on The Importance of Family
- Best Disney Classics
- Best Disney Magical Fantasies
- Best Disney Movies on Life Lessons
- Best Conversation Starters
- Best Disney Movies for Teenagers
- Best Disney Christmas Movies
NOTE: All film cover photo credit goes to the Disney Movie Club.
Disney Movies for Families: The Importance of Family
All Disney movies have some element of family relationships embedded in them, but these Disney movies really focus on the importance of family.
Inside Out
Inside out is such a perfect movie to watch as a family. Not only does it teach kids about emotions and mental health, but it has a strong focus on family bonding and relationships.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
The Incredibles
The Incredibles is a wonderful movie that is all about the power of family. Family conflict goes toe to toe with fierce family loyalty is this amazing animated film!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Frozen
Frozen is a magically creative animated film with amazing music and a great story. But it’s also an excellent testament to that often unique and always special relationship between sisters.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Brave
Brave is gorgeous movie that captures both the rugged, wild magic of the northern countryside and the rugged, wild nature of a mother-daughter relationship.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Mary Poppins Returns
Mary Poppins Returns is an amazing sequel to the original. With fantastic music, a fresh new story, and all that quirky sweetness you love from Mary Poppins!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Coco
Coco is a magical, musical, stunning journey through the Land of the Dead. Watch as 12 year-old Miguel enlists his ancestors’ help to reverse his family’s ban on music.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Disney Movies for Families: Time-Tested Classics
These time-tested Disney classics never go out of style. Get a dose of nostalgia and share a bit of your childhood with your littles ones with these fantastic Disney movies for families.
Aladdin
Aladdin is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies. The magic, the story, Robin Williams – I love it all! And your kids will, too. This Ultimate Collection Edition looks gorgeous in 4K. Make your wishes come true with Aladdin!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Pollyanna
Pollyanna is as old as it is wonderful. This heart-warming tale of an orphaned Pollyanna who brings sunshine and rainbows to everyone she meets. Pollyanna will definitely give you and your family all the feels!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
The Little Mermaid
It’s hard for me to believe The Little Mermaid is over 25 years old, but this Disney classic totally holds up. The music is awesome, too! Take your kids on a magical journey under the sea!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Disney Movies for Families: A Magical Fantasy
When I was girl, I was captivated by fantasy stories and Disney made some of my favorites. Whether it’s a magical faraway realm, a romantic princess love story, or a unique tale of magic and wonder.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is probably one of the best fantasy stories ever written and Disney brought it to life in such a magical way. Excellent effects and acting make this chapter of The Chronicles of Narnia a must-see for your family.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Frozen II
Frozen II is simply fantastic! I’m almost always disappointed by sequels but Frozen II is just as good (if not better) than the original. Filled with magic, adventure, and a good dose of humor (thanks to everyone’s favorite snowman), Frozen II needs to be in your movie library!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Tangled
Tangled is among my top five favorite Disney movies of all time. This incredible retelling of the Rapunzel fairy tale is so imaginative and inspiring, you will want to watch it again and again. Your kids will adore the amazing music, lovable characters, and exciting adventure, and you will love it too!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Monsters, Inc.
Monsters, Inc. is an incredibly creative story set in a monster world where children are toxic and their screams keep the lights on. Monsters, Inc. tells the tale of Sulley and his buddy Mike, two monsters who accidentally let a little girl loose in their factory. This eccentric fantasy is just soooo unbelievably good!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Disney Movies for Families: Life Lessons
These Disney movies offer up an excellent way to help teach your kids some important life lessons. But the nice thing is these films aren’t preachy about it. The messages and morals are subtle and give just enough to make your kids think a little.
WALL-E
WALL-E is another favorite of mine, and not just for the quirky, budding, robot romance. The movie teaches a subtle lesson about the importance of caring for our planet, all through the eyes of sweet, devoted WALL-E and his fierce firecracker friend EVE.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo is a wonderful tale about a little clownfish who learns a big lesson about value of both independence and family. Your kids will adore the characters that make up this amazing PIXAR film!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Moana
Moana is another Disney movie that has earned a spot in my top five favorites. The message is a powerful one – be true to yourself – and the ever-determined Moana is definitely a hero to look up to. The music is amazing and the story is enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans is an inspiring story of how the unity of one Virginia high school football team positively influenced the racial tensions in their town. Not only is this film moving, but it serves as a springboard to bigger, more anti-racist conversations with your kids.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Bonus Idea:
Teach your kids to be antiracist with Antiracist Baby from best-selling author Ibram X. Kendi!
Toy Story
Toy Story is an incredible PIXAR masterpiece that every family should watch. Strong messages of friendship and self-acceptance are beautifully woven through this delightful movie. Your kids will not only love it, but will learn from it, too.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
The Princess and the Frog
Set in the bayous of Louisiana, The Princess and the Frog is a fantastic take on a classic fairy tale. The film follows the determined and kind Tiana, who despite a world of adversity, makes her dreams come true.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Bonus Idea:
Get cozy for family movie night with these Princess Tiana pajamas!
Disney Movies for Families: Conversation Starters
Parenting is full of challenges and one of those is having important (and sometimes difficult) conversations. But books and movies can help you make sure those conversations happen, and that they go well.
Up
Up is full of life’s big struggles: grief, end-of-life, unrealized dreams, and loneliness. But don’t let that fool you, Up is a delightful adventure! When curmudgeonly retired balloon salesman Carl gets tangled up with bright-eyed, 8 year-old Russell, Carl learns a thing or two about love, life, and hope.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Bonus Idea:
Catalog your family’s adventures with the Up “My Adventure Book” Replica Journal
Mulan
Mulan, both the animated feature and the live-action film, are not only amazing, but they offer an opportunity to talk to your kids about gender, gender identity, and sexism. Plus, the film offers up a wonderful story about the power of family devotion.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Black Panther
Black Panther is a beloved story of leadership, determination, and honor. So much more than a superhero movie, this brilliant film pushes important themes of race, cultural identity, colonialism, systemic racism, and oppression to the forefront, offering excellent inspiration for important family conversations.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Bonus Idea:
These 4 questions will prompt crucial discussions with your kids.
Disney Movies for Families: Disney Movies for Teenagers
When you are a parent of teenagers, setting aside family time can be tricky. But these Disney movies for teenagers will help you lure them to the couch for family movie night!
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is an incredible hero’s journey about inner strength and self-discovery. I am a huge Star Wars fan and in my opinion this film is one of the best! You and your teenagers will love the special effects, fabulous characters, and powerful story!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Maleficent
Maleficent is a visually stunning twist on a classic fairy tale. This is the story of Sleeping Beauty but with a darker edge that your teens will love. This somewhat familiar tale may stir up childhood memories, but the fresh retelling from the unique perspective of the misunderstood villain will keep your teens super engaged.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Bonus Idea:
Play as Maleficent in this fantastic board game for families!
Combine family movie night with family game night with this list of the 42 Best Board Games for Families!
Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy is one of my all-time favorite fantasy films. Loaded with unlikely superheroes, lots of humor, and a super unique twist on a classic hero’s journey, Guardians of the Galaxy is fun for the whole family!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Disney Movies for Families: Disney Christmas Movies
If you celebrate Christmas in your family, then these Disney Christmas movies will make your days merry and bright.
Disney’s A Christmas Carol
Disney’s A Christmas Carol is an animated masterpiece and a wonderful Disney Christmas movie to turn into a yearly family tradition. I watch it every year while I wrap presents!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is a magical, musical dance through an enchanted land of soldiers, snowflakes, and a powerful Sugar Plum Fairy. This fantasy film sends a powerful message about believing in yourself.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a spooky merry tale about a pumpkin king who discovers the joy of Christmas! This super unique and musically fantastic animated film is a perfect watch for the family from Halloween through Christmas!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Bonus Idea:
Cook something delicious for family movie night in this Nightmare Before Christmas Slow Cooker
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is a festive romp through Arendelle at Christmas time! Follow the ever-charming Olaf the Snowman as he takes you on a delightful journey to find Anna and Elsa’s holiday tradition. PLUS the Blu-ray comes with 6 bonus winter-themed tales!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
The Santa Clause 3 Movie Collection
The Santa Clause 3 Movie Collection is an awesome film collection about an unexpected Santa Claus. Your kids will love the hilarious adventures of Santa (Tim Allen) as he comes to grips with his new role in these three amazing Disney Christmas movies!
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas is a beloved animated classic that brilliantly depicts the true meaning of Christmas! Your favorite cast of Disney characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, & Pluto) bring to life three heart-warming tales tales of Christmas magic, teaching your kids how to keep the spirit of Christmas alive.
Get it free when you join the Disney Movie Club!
Bonus Idea:
Get ready for your Disney Christmas movie night with these holiday sweaters for the whole family!
This list is amazing. These bonus ideas are wonderful as well. We hope to use this as soon as the little one is able to focus and understand movies. We are planning to watch all of the Disney movies.
Thank you so much! Glad you like it! I hope you make lots of great memories ?