Mother-Daughter Movie Night

Last updated: August 8, 2025

Looking for movies with great female characters and memorable stories that have cross-generational appeal? These engaging picks with strong leading ladies are ideal for moms and daughters to share over a bowl of popcorn (and for some, maybe a tissue or two). Girl power, indeed! And if you feel like reading instead of watching, try our mother-daughter book club picks -- or try our lists of Movie Moms and Movies with Strong Female Characters.

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Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings Poster Image
MOVIE

Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings

age 4+

Centers on sisterhood and family, with a wee bit of peril.

October 23, 2012 2012 G (92 minutes)
Frozen Poster Image
MOVIE

Frozen

age 5+

Wintry Disney musical is fabulous celebration of sisterhood.

November 27, 2013 2013 PG (102 minutes)
An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success Poster Image
MOVIE

An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success

age 6+

Tale of young baker jam-packed with positive messages.

June 23, 2015 2015 NR (102 minutes)
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)
Moana Poster Image
MOVIE

Moana

age 6+

Memorable musical with a Pacific Islander lead, some scares.

November 23, 2016 2016 PG (113 minutes)
Trolls Poster Image
MOVIE

Trolls

age 6+

Fun, colorful adventure has some peril, lots of great music.

November 4, 2016 2016 PG (92 minutes)
Anne of Green Gables Poster Image
MOVIE

Anne of Green Gables

age 7+

Faithful, sensitive take on classic novel is great for kids.

January 10, 1986 1986 NR (199 minutes)
Akeelah and the Bee Movie Poster: Akeelah stands at a microphone in a pink shirt, with various other characters' faces above her
MOVIE

Akeelah and the Bee

age 8+

Inspiring drama about a young spelling champ has swearing.

April 28, 2006 2006 PG (112 minutes)
Brave Poster Image
MOVIE

Brave

age 8+

Mother-daughter princess tale has some very scary scenes.

June 22, 2012 2012 PG (100 minutes)
Ever After Poster Image
MOVIE

Ever After

age 8+

Charming take on Cinderella tale has strong heroine.

February 21, 1999 1999 PG-13 (121 minutes)
Freakier Friday movie poster: Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, face to face against a split purple and green background
MOVIE

Freakier Friday

age 8+

Shenanigans ensue in four-way body-swapping sequel.

August 8, 2025 2025 PG (111 minutes)
Freaky Friday movie poster: Daughter Anna wears a business suit and mom Tess in punk rock plaid skirt, electric guitar
MOVIE

Freaky Friday

age 8+

Mother-daughter switch is fun comedic chaos.

August 8, 2003 2003 PG (95 minutes)
Raya and the Last Dragon Poster Image
MOVIE

Raya and the Last Dragon

age 8+

Charming, epic adventure mixes monsters, humor, heart.

March 5, 2021 2021 PG (114 minutes)
The Eagle Huntress Poster Image
MOVIE

The Eagle Huntress

age 8+

Inspiring documentary about barrier-breaking teen girl.

November 2, 2016 2016 G (87 minutes)
The Princess Diaries Poster Image
MOVIE

The Princess Diaries

age 8+

Sweet tale about growing up is terrific fun for families.

August 3, 2001 2001 G (115 minutes)
Wolfwalkers Poster Image
MOVIE

Wolfwalkers

age 8+

Lush, lyrical Irish folktale has dark moments, peril.

November 13, 2020 2020 PG (100 minutes)
A Ballerina's Tale Poster Image
MOVIE

A Ballerina's Tale

age 9+

Engrossing dance docu introduces powerful role model.

October 14, 2015 2015 NR (88 minutes)
Becoming Poster Image
MOVIE

Becoming

age 9+

Enlightening journey with Michelle Obama on her book tour.

May 6, 2020 2020 PG (89 minutes)
The Princess Bride Poster Image
MOVIE

The Princess Bride

age 9+

Witty, winsome fairy tale has violence, language.

September 25, 1987 1987 PG (98 minutes)
We Are the Radical Monarchs Poster Image
MOVIE

We Are the Radical Monarchs

age 9+

Docu about girls' social justice troop inspires all ages.

December 8, 2019 2019 NR (95 minutes)
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