Family Sci-Fi Movies

Last updated: May 22, 2026

You don't need to boldly go to the final frontier or a galaxy far, far away to find an awesome family sci-fi movie. If you and your kids are into aliens, dark visions of the future, or space-trotting adventures, then we have you covered. Our list of sci-fi faves is sure to have something for futuristic fans of all ages. The titles on this list are some of the best of the genre, so set your phaser to "entertain," and enjoy! For more sci-fi fun, check out the picks on our list of Science Fiction Books.

Filter by:

Sort by:

Muppets from Space Poster Image

MOVIE

Muppets from Space

age 5+

Plenty of jokes and mayhem to keep kids and parents amused.

July 14, 1999 1999 G (87 minutes)

See full review

Robots Poster Image

MOVIE

Robots

age 5+

Endearing "follow your dreams" story with plenty of laughs.

March 11, 2005 2005 PG (90 minutes)

See full review

WALL-E Poster Image

MOVIE

WALL-E

age 5+

Brainy, charming, eco-friendly animated adventure.

June 27, 2008 2008 G (103 minutes)

See full review

The Iron Giant Poster Image

MOVIE

The Iron Giant

age 6+

Touching robot-kid friendship tale has great messages.

August 6, 1999 1999 PG (86 minutes)

See full review

Big Hero 6 Poster Image

MOVIE

Big Hero 6

age 7+

Awesome origin story is action-packed, deals with grief.

November 7, 2014 2014 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.

June 11, 1982 1982 PG (115 minutes)

See full review

Close Encounters of the Third Kind Poster Image

MOVIE

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

age 8+

Suspenseful, thoughtful alien-encounter classic.

November 16, 1977 1977 PG (132 minutes)

See full review

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow Poster Image

MOVIE

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

age 8+

Lots for both kids and adults to enjoy.

September 17, 2004 2004 PG (106 minutes)

See full review

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope Poster: A collage of the major characters

MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

age 8+

Strong sci-fi violence, threat in George Lucas classic.

May 25, 1977 1977 PG (121 minutes)

See full review

Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi movie poster: Silhouettes of Luke and Darth Vader dueling, with images of other characters around them

MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi

age 8+

Sci-fi violence, peril, deaths in Ewok-filled installment.

May 25, 1983 1983 PG (135 minutes)

See full review

Strange World: Movie Poster

MOVIE

Strange World

age 8+

Sci-fi adventure/tender family drama has scares, peril.

November 23, 2022 2022 PG (102 minutes)

See full review

Treasure Planet movie poster: Jim Hawkins and crew on a sailing ship in space

MOVIE

Treasure Planet

age 8+

Outer-space pirate treasure hunt has fun, intense battles.

November 27, 2002 2002 PG (95 minutes)

See full review

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back movie poster

MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

age 9+

Intense sci-fi violence, emotional turmoil in great sequel.

May 21, 1980 1980 PG (124 minutes)

See full review

The Day the Earth Stood Still Poster Image

MOVIE

The Day the Earth Stood Still

age 9+

Sci-fi, pro-peace classic with some threats and violence.

September 28, 1951 1951 G (92 minutes)

See full review

Back to the Future Poster Image

MOVIE

Back to the Future

age 10+

'80s time-travel favorite; some violence, bullying, cursing.

July 3, 1985 1985 PG (116 minutes)

See full review

Contact Poster Image

MOVIE

Contact

age 10+

Thoughtful adaptation of Sagan novel; violence, peril.

July 11, 1997 1997 PG (150 minutes)

See full review

Galaxy Quest Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

Galaxy Quest

age 10+

Sci-fi comedy has violence, language, sexual references.

December 21, 1999 1999 PG (102 minutes)

See full review

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Poster Image

MOVIE

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

age 10+

Thrilling, philosophical installment of popular space saga.

June 4, 1982 1982 PG (116 minutes)

See full review

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock Poster Image

MOVIE

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

age 10+

Stirring but sad science-fiction enterprise.

June 1, 1984 1984 PG (116 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

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.