The Walt Disney Company changed the face of cinema in 1937 with a little animated film called Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It has since dropped more than 450 films on loving audiences, from hand-drawn classics to computer-generated wonders, live-action adventures and everything in between.
Now that Disney’s vault has been kicked wide open on Disney+, there are hundreds of options for family movie night. Where does one begin? We dove deep into Disney’s catalogue and rounded up the top 10 can’t-miss picks for your family movie night.
You’ll find classics old and new, and movies that appeal to all ages. You’ll even find some of the best animated films of all time. But one thing you’re guaranteed is a great night with the kids.
1. Pinocchio (1940)
You don’t need to be a historian to see why the tale of the little wooden boy seeking to become real is the high water mark for Disney. From the puppet’s ever-growing nose to the climax within a whale, the Blue Fairy to Jiminy Cricket singing “When You Wish Upon a Star”, nearly every minute is iconic and awe-inspiring. Rated G.
2. Toy Story (1995)
Oh Toy Story, the film that stole the hearts of millennials everywhere. In this funny, emotional and all-around fantastic Disney tale, we meet Andy (albeit briefly). The real draw is Andy’s toys, who come alive whenever he leaves the room. He’s never without his right-hand-man Woody, but when he receives an astronaut action figure, Buzz Lightyear, it takes some time for the two toys to share the spotlight. Rated G.
3. The Incredibles (2004)
Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl are forced to play it cool when there’s no superhero activity allowed. Although they should take an opportunity to catch up on some R&R during the hiatus, they can’t help but miss stopping crime. Soon enough, their efforts are needed once again. This is top-tier superhero stuff that stands tall alongside Marvel and DC’s best. Rated PG.
4. Dumbo (1941)
Dumbo’s certainly the most eccentric part of the circus. The poor elephant with gigantic ears is the target of much ridicule, which makes things even more grueling during the circus. However, the joke’s on everyone else when Dumbo learns his ears allow him to fly. Expect to shed a few tears with this one… and every time you hear “Baby Mine” for the rest of eternity. Rated G.
5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (1937)
Disney’s first animated feature completely changed the face of cinema, but even in the age of eye-popping computer animation, it remains a stunning achievement. It’s also equal parts thrilling, scary, funny and whimsical. Few films hold up as well as Snow White, and decades’ worth of ho-hum remakes, reimaginations and adaptations only prove how impressive Disney’s achievement really is. Like the fairytale that inspired it, this is a timeless piece of entertainment. Rated G.
6. Ratatouille (2007)
The rat can cook. This sweetly ridiculous movie about a naïve, ambitious rodent named Remy (charmingly voiced by Patton Oswalt), who longs to become a great chef is witty, clever, gently moral and dramatically convincing. Who doesn’t love Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano), a hopeless human moppet controlled by the supremely talented Remy? Will they win over the Snow White-style villain, a power-crazed food critic named Anton Ego (Peter O’Toole)? We won’t spoil the fun for the three of you out there who don’t yet know the ending of this unexpectedly delightful Pixar masterwork. Rated G.
7. Up (2009)
Up is so much more than its famous opening montage, which will leave even the most curmudgeonly viewer drowning in tears. It’s a masterclass in emotional storytelling. But once widower Carl’s house becomes skybound, Up transitions into a rolicking adventure, one packed with exotic locales, talking (and flying!) dogs, colourful birds and one very, very dedicated boy scout. Want more once the credits roll? Disney+ recently released a canine-focused series of shorts called Dug Days. Rated PG.
8. 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Iconic villain Cruella De Vil got some image rehabilitation thanks to Emma Stone, but in this original feature she makes good on her name as she obsesses over making coats out of Pongo and Perdita’s pups. The villains here are a riot, as are the old-timey London locales. And don’t worry, this is a Disney film… no puppies lose their fur. Rated G.
9. Wall-E (2008)
Wall-E is an ancient robot and the sole robot left on Earth. Naturally, being the only one of his kind isn’t easy, and loneliness ensues…until EVE arrives. With Wall-E, Pixar proved you don’t need an all-star voice cast – or even much dialogue – to tell a moving story about lonely people (or computer programs) discovering there is warmth in even the coldest worlds. And once the humans do show up, Wall-E shifts to an especially zany sci-fi comedy. Rated PG.
10. The Jungle Book (1967)
Mowgli can’t seem to find his place in this world. In Disney’s rendition of the Rudyard Kipling story, this young orphan is set out on a quest to learn more about his identity, with the help of animal companions, all while warding off Shere Khan. Rated G.
