2016 Oscar-Nominated Films

Last updated: April 12, 2019

The 2016 Oscar nominations are full of family-friendly films. From Pixar's latest hit, Inside Out, to the hugely anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens and the romantic period drama Brooklyn, families will find movies to enjoy together with even the youngest kids. Check out our reviews to see what fits for your family. (The 88th Annual Academy Awards telecast airs February 28, 2016, on ABC.) For the 2017 nominees, click here.

Filter by:

Sort by:

Shaun the Sheep Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

Shaun the Sheep Movie

age 5+

Tons of barn-animal fun in sweet stop-motion adventure.

August 5, 2015 2015 PG (85 minutes)

See full review

Cinderella (2015) movie poster: Cinderella in a blue dress

MOVIE

Cinderella (2015)

age 6+

Visually impressive fairy tale promotes kindness.

March 13, 2015 2015 PG (105 minutes)

See full review

Inside Out Movie Poster: Riley's emotions stand in a group, Joy throwing her hands wide

MOVIE

Inside Out

age 6+

Creative, clever story about big feelings has peril, scares.

June 19, 2015 2015 PG (102 minutes)

See full review

Boy and the World Poster Image

MOVIE

Boy and the World

age 7+

Poignant hand-drawn story promotes family, environmentalism.

December 11, 2015 2015 PG (83 minutes)

See full review

When Marnie Was There Poster Image

MOVIE

When Marnie Was There

age 9+

Beautifully animated but slow tale about unique friendship.

May 22, 2015 2015 PG (103 minutes)

See full review

Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens Poster Image: Collage of characters holding lightsabers and guns

MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens

age 10+

Epic Star Wars sequel delivers great performances, action.

December 18, 2015 2015 PG-13 (136 minutes)

See full review

The Martian movie poster: Close-up on Matt Damon's face in a spacesuit helmet

MOVIE

The Martian

age 12+

Excellent space thriller mixes peril, charm, real science.

October 2, 2015 2015 PG-13 (141 minutes)

See full review

Bridge of Spies Poster Image

MOVIE

Bridge of Spies

age 13+

Cold War thriller focuses on tension over action.

October 16, 2015 2015 PG-13 (135 minutes)

See full review

Creed Movie Poster Image: Creed and Rocky in the ring

MOVIE

Creed

age 13+

Feel-good Black-led film continues Rocky saga; has violence.

November 25, 2015 2015 PG-13 (95 minutes)

See full review

Brooklyn Poster Image

MOVIE

Brooklyn

age 14+

Poignant immigration drama is romantic, thought-provoking.

November 4, 2015 2015 PG-13 (111 minutes)

See full review

Joy Poster Image

MOVIE

Joy

age 14+

Inspiring but uneven drama about Miracle Mop inventor.

December 25, 2015 2015 PG-13 (124 minutes)

See full review

Spectre Poster Image

MOVIE

Spectre

age 14+

Fast-paced thriller is high on action, lighter on emotion.

November 6, 2015 2015 PG-13 (150 minutes)

See full review

Steve Jobs Poster Image

MOVIE

Steve Jobs

age 14+

Compelling portrait of Apple genius has lots of swearing.

October 9, 2015 2015 R (122 minutes)

See full review

45 Years Poster Image

MOVIE

45 Years

age 15+

Quietly powerful drama about marriage and memory.

December 23, 2015 2015 R (113 minutes)

See full review

Spotlight Poster Image

MOVIE

Spotlight

age 15+

Powerful, intense film about Boston church abuse scandal.

November 6, 2015 2015 R (128 minutes)

See full review

The Hunting Ground Poster Image

MOVIE

The Hunting Ground

age 15+

Grim docu shines much-needed light on campus rape epidemic.

February 27, 2015 2015 PG-13 (102 minutes)

See full review

Amy Poster Image

MOVIE

Amy

age 16+

Devastatingly compelling docu about talent gone too soon.

July 3, 2015 2015 R (128 minutes)

See full review

Carol Poster Image

MOVIE

Carol

age 16+

Moving, beautifully acted '50s-set drama about secret love.

November 20, 2015 2015 R (118 minutes)

See full review

Mad Max: Fury Road Poster Image

MOVIE

Mad Max: Fury Road

age 16+

Post-apocalyptic action is excellent but extremely violent.

May 15, 2015 2015 R (120 minutes)

See full review

Room Poster Image

MOVIE

Room

age 16+

Difficult-to-watch but beautifully performed survival tale.

October 16, 2015 2015 R (118 minutes)

See full review

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.