Want to know what the BEST movies to watch for National Movie Night are? I’ve compiled the top choices so you can sit back and enjoy! 

National Movie Night is a night dedicated to watching and enjoying movies with family and friends. Whether you choose to experience this night of bonding at home or take a trip to the theater, there’s no doubt that everyone will love it.

But when you have kids of various ages and interests, choosing a film for family movie night that is appropriate and entertaining for everyone is no easy task. You want to avoid picking one too grown-up for your littlest ones, but you also don’t want to choose one that will make your eldest feel like you are babying them. It can be a difficult road to navigate! Of course, you could propose a vote, but in my experience, voting takes time (sometimes more time than the movie itself).

Panic not! I have compiled lists of my favorite films for family movie night, organized by genre – check some of them out below!

Click here to grab your free 52 Family Movie Night – Movie Ideas.

Action and Adventure Movies for National Movie Night

Got a family full of adrenaline junkies? These action & adventure top picks are the perfect choice for an exciting start to your family movie night tradition! An excellent choice for older kids and teens – or even particularly adventurous little ones!

• BLACK PANTHER
• CAPTAIN MARVEL
• THE INCREDIBLES
• JUNGLE CRUISE
• KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS

Science Fiction Movies for National Movie Night

For future-based adventure lovers, these sci-fi movies are just the thing to get the imaginations going wild. Bursting with action and excitement, the selection below will encapsulate the whole family.

• TRON
• I AM MOTHER
• INDEPENDENCE DAY
• TOMORROWLAND
• BUMBLEBEE

Animation Movies for National Movie Night

Enter the magical world of animated fun with this fun and enchanting mix of films. Both kids and adults will love cozying down with these family favorites, perfect for all ages.

• MOANA
• RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON
• ZOOTOPIA
• HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
• MITCHELL’S VS MACHINES

Great 90s Movies for National Movie Night

Have you got a favorite movie from your younger years? Transport yourself and the kids back with these throwback 90s classics. These are great for kids of all ages and will give them a sense of what life was like before technology took over! 

• HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
• THE SANDLOT
• A LITTLE PRINCESS
• A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN 
• JURASSIC PARK

Great 80s Movies for National Movie Night

Movies from the 80s are filled with fun, magic and are sure to evoke lots and lots of laughter. There’s a reason these films are firm favorites – try them out for your next family movie night!

• THE LAND BEFORE TIME
• THE SECRET GARDEN
• THE GOONIES
• THE KARATE KID
• FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF

Live-Action Musical Movies for National Movie Night

Who doesn’t love a sing-along? Warm up the vocal chords, get your dancing shoes on and get ready to boogie through these unforgettable shows.

• ANNIE
• THE GREATEST SHOWMAN
• IN THE HEIGHTS
• HAIRSPRAY
• THE KING AND I

Comedy Movies for National Movie Night

When in doubt, choose comedy. Well, that’s my motto anyway! These hilarious movies will have the whole family doubled over in laughter! They are the perfect choice for a mid-week pick-me-up or relieve some stress from a hectic day.

• FREAKY FRIDAY
• MRS. DOUBTFIRE
• PRINCESS BRIDE
• LEGALLY BLONDE
• SHREK

There you have it! I hope that the above suggestions for the best movies to watch for National Movie Night have made your job of choosing the perfect film to celebrate National Movie Night (and every other family movie night) a little easier. 

Have you got a family favorite of your own? Want even more suggestions for best movies to watch? I’d love to hear all about it! Let me know in the comments!