Top Disney+ Canada movies that parents will enjoy too

When it comes to picking the right family movie, it’s usually a given that the selected feature is a crowd pleaser amongst the kids—but what about the parents? While the line between adult and child-friendly movies may be fine, there are many fun, timeless picks that everyone will enjoy, especially with Disney+’s ever-growing stream of content. 

In February, the streaming service expanded its range of content with parents and older viewers front of mind. “Star,” their new general entertainment brand, is a special category within Disney+ that houses adult-friendly movies, TV shows and documentaries. A few fan-favourite features include Criminal Minds, 9-1-1, Family Guy, The Devil Wears Prada and Pretty Woman, among others. 

Bonus: With this new mature content, parents will also be able to set restrictions and limit access for their younger viewers.

Here are a few fan favourites the whole family can enjoy, plus a few exciting additions you can dive into after the kids are asleep: 

1. Big

Best for: 13+ This Tom Hanks classic is sure to be a favourite among the whole family. 12-year-old Josh Baskin wanted nothing more than to be “big,” but his wish came true a touch too literally when he woke up the next morning as a 30-year-old man. This light-hearted comedy follows his new life, an awkward adjustment into adulthood and the adventures he gets into along the way. 

2. Holes

Best for: 8+  In this adventure-comedy based on the 1998 novel, Stanley Yelnats IV is wrongfully accused of committing a crime he did not commit and is sent to a juvenile detention camp. Their rehabilitation consists of digging large holes under the hot desert sun, but Stanley and his bunkmates grow more and more suspicious of their camp Warden’s true intentions. This movie is full of vital lessons including the value of honesty and friendship but also touches on more serious issues such as racism and prejudice. 

3. The Parent Trap

Best for: 6+ This fan-favourite remake starring 11-year-old Lindsay Lohan is a timeless pick for all ages. Plus, the themes around divorce and reconciliation create a great opportunity to chat with your kids about separation, mixed families and different types of living situations. 

4. Hamilton

Best for: 11+  For all our musical theatre fans, this filmed Broadway hit will keep your whole family entertained from beginning to end. You’ll also have the killer soundtrack stuck in your head for days. 

5. The Princess Bride

Best for: 8+ This fantasy-adventure film is beloved by both parents and children. With its punchy one-liners and cheeky approach to the classic “damsel in distress” narrative, this semi-cultish story is a fun ride from beginning to end. It’s even full of themes such as the value of teamwork and fighting for what is ultimately right. 

6. Pirates of the Caribbean franchise

Best for: 12+  Johnny Depp delivers a fantastic performance as a snarky pirate—need we say more? This entertaining franchise is action and adventure-packed, but please note that it also contains quite a bit of violence and graphic imagery, so it’s best to enjoy with your older kids. 

7. Miracle

Best for: 9+  Kurt Russell delivers a memorable performance as Herb Brooks, the 1980 Team USA hockey coach, in this inspirational sports flick. A feel-good pick for all ages full of lessons on perseverance, teamwork and determination. 

8. Black is King 

Best for: 13+  This stunning musical performance will empower and entrance both you and your kids as it teaches viewers the beauty and power behind African heritage and culture. A lot of the dialogue is centred around young Black men and women needing to stay on their path to greatness, pushing through the racial injustices. Plus, this collection of music videos feature Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy, along with quotes from The Lion King. 

9. Black Panther

Best for: 12+  This inspiring superhero movie will definitely be enjoyable for both parents and kids, with its incredible cast led by the late Chadwick Boseman and powerful storyline centred around the hidden African-fantasy kingdom of Wakanda and its new heir. 

10. Freaky Friday

Best for: 11+  Lindsay Lohan finds herself in another life-switching situation when she and her mother, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, switch bodies on one “Freaky Friday.” This light-hearted flick will be sure to make you laugh. 

11. Three Men and a Baby

12. Star Wars Franchise

13. Avengers Franchise

14. Guardians of the Galaxy

15. Aladdin

16. Wall-E

17. The Princess and the Frog

18. Hercules

19. The Rookie

20. Emperor’s New Groove 

21. Mulan 

22. The Jungle Book

23. Jane 

24. Splash

25. Lion King

26. The Nightmare Before Christmas

27. Moana

28. Ratatouille

29. Soul

30. Who Framed Roger Rabbit

31. Free Solo

32. The Incredibles

33. Coco

34. Toy Story Series

35. Mary Poppins

Plus: 20 Picks from “Star” 

TV Shows: 

• 24
• Scrubs
• Felicity
• The Fosters
• Bob’s Burgers
• The X-Files
• Bones
• Black-ish
• Homeland
• Sons of Anarchy

Movies: 

• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
• Deadpool 
• The Martian
• Predator
• The Grand Budapest Hotel
• Kingsman: The Secret Service
• The Shape of Water
• Just Wright
• Office Space
• Moulin Rouge!
• Taxi