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.

Filter by:

Sort by:

Charlotte's Web (2006) Poster Image

MOVIE

Charlotte's Web (2006)

age 5+

Enchanting take on a beloved children's classic.

2006 G (97 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.

2015 PG (102 minutes)

See full review

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.

1982 PG (115 minutes)

See full review

Fly Away Home Poster Image

MOVIE

Fly Away Home

age 8+

Thrilling, touching adventure for animal lovers.

1998 PG (107 minutes)

See full review

Old Yeller Poster Image

MOVIE

Old Yeller

age 8+

Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.

1957 G (84 minutes)

See full review

Bridge to Terabithia Poster Image

MOVIE

Bridge to Terabithia

age 9+

Beautiful lesson in friendship for young and old.

2007 PG (95 minutes)

See full review

It's a Wonderful Life Poster Image

MOVIE

It's a Wonderful Life

age 9+

This classic delivers warmth all year long.

1946 NR (125 minutes)

See full review

A Shine of Rainbows Poster Image

MOVIE

A Shine of Rainbows

age 10+

Magical coming-of-age story is intensely emotional.

2010 PG (111 minutes)

See full review

Breakthrough Poster Image

MOVIE

Breakthrough

age 10+

Intense peril in faith- and fact-based tearjerker.

2019 PG (116 minutes)

See full review

Brian's Song Poster Image

MOVIE

Brian's Song

age 10+

Weepy story of interracial pro football teammates.

1971 G (74 minutes)

See full review

Casablanca Poster Image

MOVIE

Casablanca

age 10+

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

1942 NR (102 minutes)

See full review

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.

2010 G (93 minutes)

See full review

October Sky Poster Image

MOVIE

October Sky

age 10+

Inspiring tale for older tweens and up.

1999 PG (108 minutes)

See full review

Red Dog Poster Image

MOVIE

Red Dog

age 10+

Emotional dog tale features drinking, violence, and loss.

2012 PG (92 minutes)

See full review

Simon Birch Poster Image

MOVIE

Simon Birch

age 10+

Tearjerker is touching but too intense for younger kids.

1998 PG (114 minutes)

See full review

Steel Magnolias Poster Image

MOVIE

Steel Magnolias

age 10+

Emotionally intense drama has mature themes, some laughs.

1989 PG (118 minutes)

See full review

The Remains of the Day Poster Image

MOVIE

The Remains of the Day

age 10+

Classic period drama tackles issues of gender and class.

1993 PG (134 minutes)

See full review

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.

2023 NR (99 minutes)

See full review

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.

2017 PG (113 minutes)

See full review

Thirteen Lives Movie Poster

MOVIE

Thirteen Lives

age 11+

Teamwork, ingenuity shine in excellent, intense true story.

2022 PG-13 (142 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.