Common Sense Media’s 21 best family films of 2023
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Dec 29 '23, 23:46
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Movies
Ann Hornaday
Michael O'Sullivan
Common Sense Media’s 21 best family films of 2023
The top-rated films of the year for kids, tweens and teens
By Danny Brogan
December 27, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. EST
From left, Emma Mackey, Simu Liu, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Kingsley Ben-Adir in "Barbie." (Warner Bros. Pictures.)
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A city populated by the elements of nature? Check. A journey involving a boy, his sister and a magical elephant? Check. And the most talked-about doll of the century? Of course! From movie theater seats to our own couches, these films held our full attention — and sparked important conversations, too. And all of our picks this year earned the Common Sense Selection Seal, which means they offer families a positive and rewarding media experience.
Nano (voice of Alan Kim), left, and Mini (voice of North West) in “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie.” (Paramount Pictures/Spin Master Entertainment/Nickelodeon Movies)
Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, age 5+
The adorable rescue pups continue to charm little kids and their parents, and this sweet sequel reminds all viewers that even the tiny can be mighty. (PG, Prime Video, YouTube)
Ember (voice of Leah Lewis), left, and Wade (Mamoudou Athie) in “Elemental.” (Disney/Pixar)
Elemental, age 6+
This beautifully animated allegory is a simple but sweet story that brings the immigrant journey and the first-generation experience to vibrant life and emphasizes the importance of inclusion, family and love. (PG, Disney Plus)
A scene from “Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia.” (GKids)
Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia, age 6+
Sweet and insightful, this sequel delights with its memorable animation, lovable main characters and meaningful messages. (Unrated, Apple TV Plus, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube)
From left, Scuttle (voice of Awkwafina), Flounder (Jacob Tremblay) and Halle Bailey as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.” (Disney)
The Little Mermaid, age 8+
Singer/actor/Beyoncé protégée Halle Bailey makes Ariel’s siren songs her own, hits all the right notes (literally and emotionally), and is irresistibly charming. (PG, Disney Plus)
Peter (voice of Noah Jupe), left, in “The Magician’s Elephant.” (Netflix)
The Magician’s Elephant, age 8+
This wonderful animated adaptation of Kate DiCamillo’s book offers a visually engaging take on a very sweet tale about family and hope. (PG, Netflix)
Spider-Man/Miles Morales (voice of Shameik Moore) in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” (Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Animation)
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, age 9+
Imaginative and intense, this sequel impresses with its layered, moving storyline; like the first film, it will be a joy to watch and re-watch. (PG, Apple TV Plus, Google Play, Prime Video, YouTube)
A scene from “The Boy and the Heron.” (Studio Ghibli/GKids)
The Boy and the Heron, age 10+
Hayao Miyazaki hasn’t lost his touch, creating another hand-drawn world that’s infused with supernatural wonder as a tween facing a difficult moment follows his curiosity and finds his courage. (PG-13, in theaters)
Bloom Li in “Chang Can Dunk.” (Stephanie Mei-Ling/Disney)
Chang Can Dunk, age 10+
Ranging from giddy teen coming-of-age comedy to poignant family drama, this engaging film offers a fresh perspective, fine acting, and an entertaining and emotional tale. (PG, Disney Plus)
Michael Peña in “A Million Miles Away.” (Daniel Daza/Prime Video)
A Million Miles Away, age 10+
This feel-good biopic tells the story of José Hernández, the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. It’s filled with positive messages about hard work and the importance of family. (PG, Prime Video)
Teagan Croft in “True Spirit.” (Netflix)
True Spirit, age 10+
Uplifting and family-friendly, this biopic based on the inspirational real-life journey of an Australian teen encourages kids to work hard to make their dreams a reality. (Unrated, Netflix)
Manny Magnus, left, and Utkarsh Ambudkar in “World’s Best.” (Ben Mark Holzberg/Disney Plus)
World’s Best, age 10+
This comedy musical about a 12-year-old “math nerd” who — inspired by his late father — decides to give rap a try is full of positive messages, including having the courage and perseverance to try new things. (PG, Disney Plus)
From left, Abby Ryder Fortson, Amari Price, Elle Graham and Katherine Kupferer in “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” (Dana Hawley/Lionsgate)
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, age 11+
Writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig’s adaptation of Judy Blume’s timeless tale is a nostalgic, relevant look at early adolescence, friendship, spirituality and parent-child relationships. (PG-13, Prime Video)
Ryan Gosling, left, and Margot Robbie in “Barbie.” (Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros. Pictures)
Barbie, age 11+
Greta Gerwig’s delightful comedy adventure is bolstered by Margot Robbie’s and Ryan Gosling’s impeccable performances, a top-notch ensemble cast, and a witty, sophisticated screenplay. (PG-13, Max)
Nimona (voice of Chloë Grace Moretz) in “Nimona.” (Netflix)
Nimona, age 11+
This engaging animated film based on the best-selling graphic novel by ND Stevenson includes important messages of inclusivity and acceptance. (PG, Netflix)
Xolo Maridueña in “Blue Beetle.” (Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Comics)
Blue Beetle, age 12+
Jaime Reyes isn’t just the first DC film superhero who’s Latino. He’s also the first movie superhero to show that while his physical power comes from his super-enhancements, his fortitude comes from a loving family. (PG-13, Max)
From left, Michelle Rodriguez, Justice Smith, Chris Pine and Sophia Lillis in “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.” (Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures/eOne)
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, age 12+
A fun, funny family movie pick, this entertaining comic adventure takes full advantage of its “ragtag misfits on a mission” theme and star-studded cast. (PG-13, Apple TV Plus, Google Play, Prime Video, YouTube)
Priya Kansara, left, and Ritu Arya in “Polite Society.” (Parisa Taghizadeh/Focus Features)
Polite Society, age 12+
This British action-comedy has an empowering female lead who rejects gender stereotypes. It also boasts a diverse multicultural cast. (PG-13, Apple TV Plus, Google Play, Prime Video, YouTube)
Reese Gonzales, left, and Max Pelayo in “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.” (Christopher Willard/Blue Fox Entertainment)
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, age 13+
Tender and heartwarming, this YA adaptation about teen friendship, first love and sexual identity in 1980s Texas explores mature themes with kindness and grace. (PG-13, Apple TV Plus, Google Play, Prime Video, YouTube)
Eugenio Derbez in “Radical.” (Mateo Londono/Sundance Institute/Miercoles Entertainment)
Radical, age 13+
Moving and powerful, this fact-based film will take viewers from laughter to tears and shows that integrity and the desire to do things well are ultimately contagious. (Unrated, not available to stream)
Mookie Cook, left, and Caleb McLaughlin in “Shooting Stars.” (Oluwaseye Olusa/Universal Pictures)
Shooting Stars, age 14+
This fun sports tale about young LeBron James focuses on friendship and identity, making it a rewarding and enjoyable watch. (PG-13, Apple TV Plus, Google Play, Prime Video, YouTube)
Rye Lane, age 15+
Set in multicultural London, this heartwarming British rom-com boasts a diverse cast and offers a positive and authentic depiction of young people navigating their way through the trials and tribulations of love. (R, Hulu)
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Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. Go to commonsense.org for age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites and books.
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