1. "Paddington 2" (2017)
If you think a movie about a talking bear is just for tots, think again. Paddington, the lovable bear from Peru, lives in London with the Brown family. This time, he's after a unique pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy's birthday. The catch? The book is stolen by a washed-up actor, Phoenix Buchanan. Our furry hero gets wrongfully jailed but wins over his prison mates with — you guessed it — marmalade sandwiches.
Don't roll your eyes; it's a heartwarming tale about kindness and, shockingly, made only $227 million at the box office.
2. "Dolphin Tale" (2011)
Ready for a tearjerker? This one's based on a true story. A young boy named Sawyer discovers a dolphin named Winter entangled in a crab trap. She's rescued but loses her tail, and things look grim. But hang on — Sawyer teams up with a prosthetic doctor and crafts a new tail for Winter, essentially saving her life and inspiring disabled folks everywhere.
It's one of those feel-good stories that'll leave you reaching for the Kleenex.
3. "The BFG" (2016)
Who doesn't love Roald Dahl, right? Steven Spielberg took on the monumental task of bringing this story to life, and boy, did he deliver. Sophie, an insomniac orphan, meets the BFG (Big Friendly Giant) who whisks her away to Giant Country. No, this isn't a kidnapping story. They form a friendship and hatch a plan to get rid of the mean, man-eating giants.
It's like David and Goliath but with more whimsy. Sadly, it grossed a disappointing $195 million, but don't let that deter you.
4. "Pete's Dragon" (2016)
OK, a boy and his dragon — what could be better? Pete, a young orphan, befriends a dragon in the forest and names him Elliot. Trouble starts when loggers encroach on their territory. Pete gets discovered and is taken away by a park ranger, who wants to help him but also has a hard time believing dragons are real. The climax? A crazy showdown between the loggers and Elliot, who shows up just in time to save the day.
5. "Queen of Katwe" (2016)
Chess nerds, assemble! This one's a standout, not just for its plot but also its setting — in Uganda, no less. Phiona, a young girl living in the slums of Katwe, discovers the game of chess. Under the mentorship of Robert, she starts winning competitions, bringing hope to her family and community.
This isn't just another sports movie; it tackles real issues like poverty and education, with the board game serving as a lifeline.
6. "Hugo" (2011)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this one's got the big names but not the big audience. Hugo is an orphan living in a Paris train station, fixing clocks and stealing to survive. He finds a broken automaton his late father was trying to fix.
With the help of Isabelle, a bookseller's granddaughter, he fixes the automaton which reveals a message from his father, leading them to discover the lost art of early filmmaker Georges Méliès.
7. "Wonder" (2017)
This one follows a boy named Auggie with facial deformities as he starts fifth grade in a mainstream school. Navigating the world of elementary school is tough when you look different, and Auggie faces bullying and isolation. But this kid's a trooper, y'all. He wins over the school, his classmates, and even wins an award for his bravery.
The whole family's in it, and it's a heartwarmer that's good for the soul.
8. "A Monster Calls" (2016)
Okay, before you say it's too dark for a family movie, hear me out. A young boy named Conor is dealing with his mom's terminal illness. One night, a tree monster visits him, telling him three stories that help Conor confront his deepest fears and, ultimately, his mom's impending death.
Yeah, it's a heavy one, but it's also about healing and acceptance, which makes it a crucial watch for older kids and adults alike.
9. "Tomorrowland" (2015)
Casey, a bright teenager, stumbles upon a magical pin that transports her to a fantastical place called Tomorrowland. Intrigued and wanting to know more, she seeks the help of Frank, a grumpy inventor who has been exiled from this utopian world. Together, they have to save the world from impending doom. And yes, it does sound a bit kitschy, but it's more than just CGI spectacle.
10. "The Hundred-Foot Journey" (2014)
Who's up for some culinary magic? The Kadam family moves to France and opens an Indian restaurant right across the street from a Michelin-starred French joint. You'd think it's all-out war, but it turns out to be a beautiful blend of cultures and cuisines. Hassan, the young chef, even wins over Madame Mallory, the snooty restaurant owner, with his culinary prowess.