Best Family Drama Movies

Last updated: May 22, 2026

From heart-tugging animal tales to three-hanky romances, these best family drama movies are great picks to watch on a rainy day with a warm blanket and a cup of something comforting. They span many genres, from period pieces to science fiction, but what ties them together is the heart, emotion, and compassion you'll feel for the characters. If you're looking for additional serious films, try our list of the Best Biopics.

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Charlotte's Web (2006) Poster Image

MOVIE

Charlotte's Web (2006)

age 5+

Enchanting take on a beloved children's classic.

December 14, 2006 2006 G (97 minutes)

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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)

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E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Poster Image

MOVIE

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

age 7+

Spielberg's family classic is still one of the best.

June 11, 1982 1982 PG (115 minutes)

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Fly Away Home Poster Image

MOVIE

Fly Away Home

age 8+

Thrilling, touching adventure for animal lovers.

May 1, 1998 1998 PG (107 minutes)

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Old Yeller Poster Image

MOVIE

Old Yeller

age 8+

Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.

December 25, 1957 1957 G (84 minutes)

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Bridge to Terabithia Poster Image

MOVIE

Bridge to Terabithia

age 9+

Beautiful lesson in friendship for young and old.

February 15, 2007 2007 PG (95 minutes)

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It's a Wonderful Life Poster Image

MOVIE

It's a Wonderful Life

age 9+

This classic delivers warmth all year long.

December 20, 1946 1946 NR (125 minutes)

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A Shine of Rainbows Poster Image

MOVIE

A Shine of Rainbows

age 10+

Magical coming-of-age story is intensely emotional.

February 13, 2010 2010 PG (111 minutes)

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Breakthrough Poster Image

MOVIE

Breakthrough

age 10+

Intense peril in faith- and fact-based tearjerker.

April 17, 2019 2019 PG (116 minutes)

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Brian's Song Poster Image

MOVIE

Brian's Song

age 10+

Weepy story of interracial pro football teammates.

November 30, 1971 1971 G (74 minutes)

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Casablanca Poster Image

MOVIE

Casablanca

age 10+

Brief violence and lots of tension in top-notch classic.

November 26, 1942 1942 NR (102 minutes)

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Hachi: A Dog's Tale Poster Image

MOVIE

Hachi: A Dog's Tale

age 10+

Dramatic story of a dog's devotion is emotionally intense.

March 9, 2010 2010 G (93 minutes)

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October Sky Poster Image

MOVIE

October Sky

age 10+

Inspiring tale for older tweens and up.

February 21, 1999 1999 PG (108 minutes)

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Red Dog Poster Image

MOVIE

Red Dog

age 10+

Emotional dog tale features drinking, violence, and loss.

November 6, 2012 2012 PG (92 minutes)

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Simon Birch Poster Image

MOVIE

Simon Birch

age 10+

Tearjerker is touching but too intense for younger kids.

September 11, 1998 1998 PG (114 minutes)

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Steel Magnolias Poster Image

MOVIE

Steel Magnolias

age 10+

Emotionally intense drama has mature themes, some laughs.

November 15, 1989 1989 PG (118 minutes)

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The Remains of the Day Poster Image

MOVIE

The Remains of the Day

age 10+

Classic period drama tackles issues of gender and class.

November 19, 1993 1993 PG (134 minutes)

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Three of Us movie poster: Close-ups of the faces of the three main characters

MOVIE

Three of Us

age 10+

Emotional Bollywood drama about dementia has mature themes.

December 29, 2023 2023 NR (99 minutes)

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Wonder Movie Poster: Auggie stands against a blue background holding astronaut's helmet, which is the O in the title "Wonder"

MOVIE

Wonder

age 10+

Earnest, emotional book adaptation has strong messages.

November 17, 2017 2017 PG (113 minutes)

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Thirteen Lives Movie Poster

MOVIE

Thirteen Lives

age 11+

Teamwork, ingenuity shine in excellent, intense true story.

July 29, 2022 2022 PG-13 (142 minutes)

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