Top Family Movies

Family Movie Reviews

Our recommendations are not based on mainstream movies or ones that succeeded according to Hollywood standards. In fact, we have excluded the obvious ones like Ice Age and Toy Story. We’ve all heard about these movies unless, of course, you live under a rock. The intent of these reviews is to offer insight on moves you may not have seen.

The Best Family Movies

Our family movie list recommends the following movies because they are family friendly, inspirational, motivational, heartfelt or sentimental. To ensure family appropriate material, our recommendations have a rating of either G or PG. In addition, to ensure we select quality material, our movies received at least a four star rating from Netflix. We do offer a section of movies that we thoroughly enjoyed but did not make the cut due to rating (PG-13) or fell short of the four stars criteria – these received an honorable mention accolade.

Movie Review: The 5th Quarter (2010)

This is an amazing movie that my entire family enjoyed. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy! This movie had a profound effect on me that lingered for days. I found myself thinking about the pain the entire family endured after their youngest son’s tragic accident. Yet through all the pain, their oldest son channels his grief into football while playing at Wake Forest. This inspiring true story is a must see and received 4 stars.

Movie Review: The Perfect Game (2009)

My entire family enjoyed this movie, especially my son who loves baseball. This is an excellent movie to teach your children to be thankful for what they have as well as to strive to achieve a goal. This movie is based on the true story about a Mexican baseball team who despite numerous obstacles participate in the little league world series. Another must see movie that received over 4 stars.

Movie Review: Rudy (1993)

An incredible movie that all children and parents should watch; this fact-based drama is beyond inspirational as you watch the determination of one child to reach his childhood goal – to play football at Notre Dame. Everyone, e.g., father, teacher & siblings, tells him his “place” in life which does not include a college education but rather a blue collar job like his father. Rudy follows his dream and with massive amounts of hard work and dedication, Rudy proves to all of us – where there is a will there is a way! This movie is rated PG, however, it does contain mild language. It received 4 plus out of five stars.

Movie review: Secretariat (2010)

This is another exceptional movie and that’s coming from someone who is not fond of horse racing! My entire family enjoyed this movie as we cheered on Penny and her horse, Secretariat. This movie is both inspiring and heartfelt as it portrays the transformation of a housewife to a horse breeder and owner of the colt that won the 1973 Triple Crown. Her climb was not easy as she overcame numerous financial and emotional obstacles. This movie contains mild language; it was rated PG and received over 4 stars.

Movie Review: The Ultimate Gift (2006)

This movie is based on the novel by Jim Stovall. If you have not read the book, read it and then watch the movie. It’s a quick read but packed with some powerful stuff. The movie also provides some great insight. After a wealthy grandfather dies, his silver spooned grandson, Jason, anticipates a continuation of his current life style, the rich and shameless. In lieu of an inheritance, Jason receives a series of tasks and tests he must complete prior to receiving his inheritance. Give your family a gift, watch this movie together. This movie is also rated PG and received 4 plus stars.

Movie Review: Up (2009)

This movie exceeded my expectations. I went expecting to see an animated Pixar movie with my family and quickly found myself crying and then praying that my husband and I live until we’re 100 (okay and that I’m the first to go). This is a must see as most of us can related to putting off our dreams in our pursuit of a life with our better half. An unlikely pair team up and go on a journey that changes both of their lives – for the better, of course. This movie is rated PG and received over four stars.

Family Movie Reviews – Honorable Mentions

We included the following great family movies because my family thoroughly enjoyed these movies – they were inspirational and motivational. Unfortunately, some contain inappropriate material or did not receive four stars, which landed them in this section.

Movie review: Gracie (2007)

This is an amazing story that appealed to my entire family; it is inspirational, heart-felt and sentimental – get your tissues ready! After an unfortunate accident, a teenage girl focuses her energy on playing varsity men’s high school soccer. Did I mention this was back in 1978? She battles many setbacks both on her own accord and by her parents. She encounters a bully; a soccer player who takes pride in tormenting her. Despite her obstacles, Gracie’s determination is contagious and all her hard work is admirable. Unfortunately, this movie does contain brief sexual content but it is brief. Gracie received 4 stars.

Movie review: Forever Strong (2008)

Another inspiring true story that my entire family enjoyed watching. After a DUI accident, a talented rugby player, Rick, finds himself in a reformatory. We eagerly watched as Rick transforms from an arrogant jerk into a mature man filled with compassion and empathy. His journey is no easy task as he learned to be a jerk from the best, his own father. This story emphasizes making the right choices even if they are the most difficult. It portrays the journey of a young boy who, despite his upbringing, was able to lose his self righteous attitude and transform into a considerate young man. Unfortunately, there are alcohol scenes involving teens and some disturbing images. This movie received over 4 out of five stars.

Movie Review: Spellbound (2002)

This movie is a documentary about eight highly motivated children and their quest to win the National Spelling Bee and $10,000. These children live in different parts of United States and have different backgrounds but they do have one thing in common; they will spend countless hours studying for the spelling bee. It’s a bit quirky and one interview is offensive but despite these shortcomings it teaches us that it takes hard work, determination and dedication to be successful. This inspirational movie lends itself to a conversation about achievement – our children can accomplish anything if they work hard enough. This move is rated G. It almost received four stars.

We would love to hear about your favorite family movies. Please contact us via the comment form below or at info@sightwordsgame.com.