10 Most Rewatchable Family Movies of the 21st Century, Ra...

The 10 Most Rewatchable Family Movies of the 21st Century, Ranked

Will Ferrell as Buddy sleeps in a department store window as James Caan as Walter walks by in Elf.Image via New Line Cinema

By Lisa Nordin Published 26 minutes ago Lisa Nordin is an actress, writer, and fan of all things performing arts. Her favorite genres are Sci-Fi and Fantasy. She is a self-published author and enjoys exploring how fictional stories help define and qualify the human experience. Sign in to your Collider account Add Us On Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

The 21st century began on January 1, 2001, and will end on December 31, 2100. In that time, there is ample opportunity for the cinema to create some truly amazing kids and family movies. A quarter of the century in, the results look promising. Streaming sensations like KPop Demon Hunters broke several records for viewership and soundtrack achievement, and sequels to fan-favorite IPs like Zootopia 2 dominated at the box office. If the next 75 years of this century are anything like the first 25, then audiences are in for a real treat.

Though this millennium has already been an embarrassment of riches when it comes to high-quality family films, some stand out as being the most rewatchable, the ones you keep going back to and find yourself watching over and over again. Whether it’s a feel-good film that makes a rough day a little easier, or familiar characters that feel like old friends, these 10 are the most rewatchable movies of the 21st century, so far.

10 'Paddington' (2014)

Paddington Bear, voiced by Ben Whishaw, tips his cap in Paddington, 2014.Image via StudioCanal

The bear with impeccable manners and a taste for marmalade came to the silver screen in 2014. Author Michael Bond’s iconic children's character Paddington got his first feature-length film with an all-star cast that included Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Michael Gambon, and Imelda Staunton. Actor Ben Whishaw proved perfect as the voice of the beloved bear. His performance is stately but approachable and innocent yet clever.

Paddington is one of the best British family films of the last 30 years and was a critical success upon its debut. The film follows the furry protagonist as he leaves his home in Peru and embarks on a new life in London. Seeking shelter and someone to take him in, fate has him meet the Brown family at the train station, and he soon becomes part of the family. Paddington is full of charm, witty quotes, and family fun. Nicole Kidman steps outside of her leading lady milieu to play the villain, and she embodies the role of Millicent with cool and calculating panache. Paddington inspired two triumphant sequels, with the latest, Paddington in Peru, releasing in the US in early 2025. All three films combined have surpassed other well-known trilogies such as Mad Max and Predator at the box office, testifying to the immense appeal of this delightful hero.

9 'Spirited Away' (2001)

Chihiro Ogino standing with Haku the dragon in Spirited Away.Image via Walt Disney Pictures

A villain that will make your skin crawl, a world of ghosts and spirits, and a heroine who must fight overwhelming odds to keep her identity, Spirited Away is one of Studio Ghibli’s finest works. Acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, who had already crafted such gems as Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Delivery Service, and My Neighbor Totoro, took the helm again, and Spirited Away became one of his most celebrated masterpieces.

Spirited Away follows the plight of young Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi/Daveigh Chase), who moves with her family to a rural community. After her parents are captured by an evil witch, she must fight to free them and remain true to herself in a realm that blends the ethereal with the mundane. Spirited Away is one of the best family movies of the past 100 years and took home the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. A blend of dreamlike animation sequences with grounded character journeys makes Spirited Away a great rewatch. You can take something new from the film every time you watch it, and it is often regarded as Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s best.

8 'Moana' (2016)

Moana, the movie featuring stunning oceanic cinematography and Oscar-nominated songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, continues to be a rewatchable hit. Nearly a full decade after its release, it is still dominating streaming charts and remains one of Disney+’s most-watched movies. The story follows a familiar plot of a daughter of a ruler who defies her father and seeks a life of adventure that takes her away from her home, where she never really felt like she belonged. Moana can be thought of as The Little Mermaid for a new generation. Some changes from the older Disney sea-themed classic are that Moana does not feature a romantic storyline, and it comes with a shocking plot twist.

The new three-dimensional animation that forerunners like Tangled and Frozen debuted makes Moana as visually appealing as it is fun to watch. Though you should never watch a Disney movie with your guard down, Moana packs an emotional punch and hits you in the feels when you least expect it. Its emotive impact, stellar soundtrack, and engaging story are just some of the reasons why this movie continues to be a staple on audiences’ watchlists.

7 ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)

Hiccup flying on toothless with an explosion behind him in 'How To Train Your Dragon'.Image via Paramount Pictures

Arguably one of the best Viking movies ever made, How to Train Your Dragon has an awesome opening sequence. As the intro speedily acquaints viewers with the village of Berk, it notes how the “pests” of this particular township are more of a nuance than others. While other settlements might deal with mice or mosquitoes, Berk has to deal with dragons. The beauty of this setup is that as the film progresses, the close-knit community’s entire viewpoint about dragons shifts, and by the end of the film, they are no longer viewed as the imposition they once were.

How to Train Your Dragon was nominated for two Oscars, including the prestigious Best Animated Feature Film of the Year. It has two equally entertaining sequels, and the three films combined make a highly enjoyable movie marathon all on their own. How to Train Your Dragon became the first DreamWorks animated film to get a live-action remake, demonstrating its significance in that it was priority one for the prolific studio.

6 'Kung Fu Panda' (2008)

The character Po, a panda voiced by Jack Black, poses in a martial arts stance on stairs in Kung Fu Panda.Image via DreamWorks Animation

You know your movie is a hit when it has its own balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Larger than life both in person and on the big screen, the adorable panda named Po (Jack Black) kicked and chopped his way into viewers' hearts. Kung Fu Panda is a superb martial arts comedy and unlikely hero tale. It became one of DreamWorks’ highest-grossing films and took home over $600 million at the box office. It was also a huge success in China and became the first animated movie to earn over 100 million yuan.

The all-star cast for this animated adrenaline rush includes Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Dustin Hoffman, Lucy Liu, Michael Clarke Duncan, James Hong, Seth Rogen, and martial arts legend Jackie Chan. Kung Fu Panda has immense rewatchability. It has hilarious comedic bits, dynamic action sequences, and endearing characters. It is perfect from start to finish and makes an exciting watch on the first or 50th time.

5 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' (2001)

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter getting sorted in his house in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Though Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is old enough to vote and drink alcohol in the US, it is still a force to be reckoned with when it comes to viewership. In December 2025, it remained one of HBO Max’s 10 most-watched titles. The inaugural film kick-started an eight-movie saga that focused on the titular character. Based on the immensely popular book by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone introduced audiences to the Wizarding World. As young Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) discovers he has a magical heritage, he makes new friends and faces nefarious enemies at the whimsical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was a phenomenal success and was a terrific way to start the film series. It is exceptionally likable as it is the most innocent of the movies, which tend to take on darker and heavier subject matter as they progress. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone can be enjoyed as a one-hit-wonder if viewers want an apéritif of the lore, or it can be used as the perfect catapult to launch audiences into the rich and complex setting. As the film’s 25-year anniversary approaches in 2026, theatrical re-releases, special edition merchandise, and many other promotions are in store, celebrating the lasting legacy of this fantasy classic.

4 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe' (2005)

Jadis talking to Edmund in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.Image via Buena Vista Pictures

“Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia.” When the Pevensie children are sent to Professor Kirke’s (Jim Broadbent) country estate to escape a war-torn London, they have no idea the epic adventure that awaits them in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley) begin to play a normal game of hide and seek on a rainy day, but when Lucy goes to hide in an ornate wardrobe, she accidentally discovers a way to enter the magical realm of Narnia. Based on the beloved novels by C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the first of the series and is an enchanting fantasy film.

Emmersive sets, gorgeous costume and character design, and wonderfully acted scenes set The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe apart and make it truly amazing. It has been heralded as one of the best live-action family movies of the 21st century and is definitely one of the most rewatchable. Similar to The Sorcerer’s Stone, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe feels like a complete story, and it can be enjoyed as a whole or viewed as the first installment of a larger tale. With a surprising ending and an immensely talented cast that includes Tilda Swinton and James McAvoy, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the best Narnian movie to date.

3 'Finding Nemo' (2003)

Marlin and Dory looking at each other in Finding Nemo.Image via Pixar Animation

“Just keep watching, just keep watching” could be an appropriate update for the catchline of this animated Pixar favorite. Finding Nemo swam onto the charts when it became a massive critical and financial success. The tale of a single dad fish traveling across the ocean to find his son was nominated for four Academy Awards and won the big kahuna, Best Animated Feature.

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Finding Nemo is one of Pixar’s most entertaining films. The charming and interesting characters ground the story and make the movie effortlessly pleasing. The graphics and undersea visuals of aquatic life are absolutely stunning, and the happy ending is hopeful and triumphant. A kids' movie that feels like a blend of Taken and The Odyssey, Finding Nemo is easily one of Pixar’s most rewatchable films and will remain a classic for many years to come.

2 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' (2003)

Jack Sparrow and Will Turner cross swords in Pirates of the Caribbean the Curse of the Black Pearl.Image via Walt Disney Pictures

When Disney had the idea to base a movie on one of its theme park rides, they set their sights toward the horizon with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. While this seemed like an unorthodox origin contrivance, it proved highly innovative, and audiences couldn’t get enough. Another inspired choice was Johnny Depp in one of the lead pirate roles. Depp had starred in several cerebral thrillers but had never done an adventure film. He proved iconic in his role as the seductive and self-centered rogue Jack Sparrow.

It had been years since Hollywood had produced a swashbuckling film, and The Curse of the Black Pearl inspired a renaissance of the genre. Though the pacing can feel a bit long, it is thoroughly entertaining throughout and, much like its inspiration, takes viewers on a thrilling ride. The inspired musical score by Hans Zimmer has become as recognizable as overtures from films like Indiana Jones and Star Wars. Over two decades later, Gore Verbinski’s ingenious seafaring flick continues to be as popular as ever, and The Curse of the Black Pearl is one of Disney+’s most-streamed titles to date.

1 'Elf' (2003)

Similar to Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, another movie to come completely out of left field and take the world by surprise was a Christmas movie starring Will Ferrell as an adult, life-sized elf. The movie, simply titled Elf, featured the comedy star as a human who had been raised by Christmas elves who goes on a journey to find his biological father, played by James Caan. There were some trepidations about the film before it even got off the ground due to its direct resemblance to a long-cherished holiday hit, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Legal issues aside, it was still considered a long shot, and no one really knew how the film would perform at the box office.

Elf features an immensely talented cast of acting veterans, such as Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen, and Edward “Ed” Asner. Asner was a perfect choice to play Santa, bringing a blend of street smarts and emotional sincerity. The humor in Elf is a mix of physical comedy, clever writing, and meta references. It is undoubtedly one of the funniest Christmas movies ever. Ferrell is irreplaceable in the role, and the film wouldn’t have been the same without his unique personality and ability to balance comedy and pathos. Elf soon became not only one of Ferrell’s best movies of all time, but one of the best Christmas movies of all time. Over the holiday season last year, Elf was the number one streamed movie on HBO Max in the US. Having this film be the most-watched movie on such a popular streaming platform is another feather in its cap and reinforces its status as one of the most rewatchable family movies of the 21st century.