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"Clue" is a comedy whodunit that is being distributed with three different endings, which is sort of silly, since it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference who did it. That makes the movie a lot like the board game which inspired it, where it didn't make any difference either, since you could always play another game.

The way Paramount is handling its multiple endings is ingenious. They're playing each of the endings in a third of the theaters where the movie is booked. If this were a better movie, that might mean you'd have to drive all over town and buy three tickets to see all the endings. With "Clue," though, one ending is more than enough.

I know, because as a practicing movie critic I got to see all three endings, which involve manic explanations by the butler ( Tim Curry ), who reconstructs the crimes while everybody races around the mansion and down secret passageways. My obligation now is to tell you which of three endings you should try to see, but that will be harder than it sounds. I was informed that the newspaper ads for the movie will contain the letters A, B or C, denoting which ending is being shown at which theater. I was then told which ending each of those three letters stands for. On the basis of my information, ending A is the one to go for - more fun, more satisfying. But then at the last minute Paramount called back to say they "weren't sure" whether they were right about which endings corresponded with which letters. So we're back where we started.

Here's my suggestion: Since this movie is so short anyway (88 minutes), why doesn't the studio abandon the ridiculous multiple-ending scheme and show all three endings at every theater? It would be more fun that way. And fun, I must say, is in short supply in "Clue." The plot involves the usual suspects (Col. Mustard, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. Peacock, etc.) gathered in a vast mansion to learn that they are all being blackmailed. The lights go on and off, murder weapons appear and disappear, dead bodies accumulate.

Since none of these events have the slightest significance, the filmmakers have attempted to make "Clue" into a screwball comedy, with lots of throwaway gags and one liners. Some of these moments of comedy are funny. Most are not. The cast looks promising (familiar faces include Martin Mull , Lesley Ann Warren , Madeline Kahn and the wonderfully bouncy Colleen Camp ), but the screenplay is so very, very thin that they spend most of their time looking frustrated, as if they'd just been cut off right before they were about to say something interesting.

Life sometimes contains wonderful ironies. When " Jagged Edge " was released a few months ago, everything hinged on the identity of the killer. The movie showed the killer being unmasked - literally showed his face on the screen - and yet, because of the camera angle, some viewers were still confused. They walked out of the theater arguing about who did it. Now we have a movie that makes it absolutely clear that several different people were guilty, and I walked out of the theater arguing about where to have lunch.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Clue (1985)

Eileen Brennan as Mrs. Peacock

Colleen Camp as Yvette

Tim Curry as Wadsworth

Michael McKean as Mr. Green

Lee Ving as Mr. Boddy

Christopher Lloyd as Prof. Plum

Madeline Kahn as Mrs. White

Martin Mull as Col. Mustard

Lesley Ann Warren as Miss Scarlett

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Clue Reviews

Tim Curry’s high-flying turn as the able manservant Wadsworth is one of the few bright spots in this dim adaptation of the popular board game.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Dec 26, 2023

... one doesn’t expect it to be as clever, as well-executed, or as serious in its ridiculousness as it is. And yet, here we are, nearly 40 years later, still doing the math on the bullets and mimicking Mrs. White’s flames.

Full Review | Dec 12, 2023

Multiple endings toy with character deliveries, subtext, and the whodunit of it all without pulling the rug out from under the audience via pleasant deductions and winks.

Full Review | Jul 25, 2023

A funny but silly board game flick that's strangely appealing.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Jun 22, 2023

A masterclass in comedic writing, timing, and editing.

Full Review | Mar 31, 2023

One of the funniest movies ever made, bar none.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Nov 2, 2021

One of the best comedies ever made. The women (and Tim Curry) carry the show, while writer/director Jonathan Lynn's script and direction carries infectious energy. Witty, filled with physical pratfalls and kookiness, Clue is an absolute gem

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Oct 29, 2021

It's amazing how fresh and vibrant Clue feels, with every member of the cast knocking it out of the park.

Full Review | Sep 10, 2021

Everybody knew what they were doing

Full Review | Original Score: 10 | Aug 12, 2020

Every single person is perfect

...a mostly entertaining yet decidedly erratic board-game adaptation.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Mar 22, 2020

If you're open to a weirdly atmospheric comedy that dashes from deadpan to manic and back again, it's a delight.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Nov 18, 2019

You leave it with one conviction: stick with the game.

Full Review | Jan 2, 2018

It's not the least bit scary or suspenseful but instead quickly grows tedious. The more you struggle to keep track of the constantly multiplying plot developments, the harder it gets to care who did it.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Mar 21, 2013

Easily one of the most gimmicky films of all time ...

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Mar 21, 2013

If Clue falls a bit short of the mark, it remains a likeable artifact of talented people giving a ridiculous task the old college try... [Blu-ray]

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Sep 23, 2012

Mostly successful and entirely strange... a comic [mystery] that doubles as a parody and triples as an ironic deconstruction of the form.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | May 20, 2012

The board game is a lot more fun.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jan 2, 2011

Only Lesley Ann Warren, as a tough-talking madam, finds an effective level of stylization, using her leggy physique and wildly expressive features to create a cartoonish figure that's funny within its own boundaries.

Full Review | Jan 19, 2007

The characters are less credible than their plastic counterparts, the puerile humour is dispiriting, and the plotting pulled this way and that by the conceit of releasing the film in the US with a trio of alternate endings.

Full Review | Jun 24, 2006

Clue (1985) - 4K UHD Review

Razor-sharp. This essentially describes the wit of Clue and this new 2023 4K upgrade of the classic comedy. It’s the movie with three different endings, remember? And, if you remember that, you also remember that you had to go to different theaters to see the different endings. It was an ingenious marketing ploy by Paramount , reminiscent of what William Castle did with his movies: anything to get butts in seats. Does Clue need multiple endings? Probably not, but they are all so damn funny no one is going to mind that they are all included here in Shout Select ’s 4K upgrade to this cult comedy classic.

Directed by Jonathan Lynn , who co-wrote the script with John Landis , and produced by Debra Hill , even if the cast was sub-par, this black comedy would be in good hands. Thankfully, the cast - featuring wonderfully over-the-top performances from Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull, Lesley Ann Warren , and Colleen Camp as Yvette, a voluptuous French maid - is up for the challenge of a madcap whodunnit and they deliver in spades.

Clue , which is based on the board game, is what happens when six strangers are invited to a mysterious New England mansion by Mr. Boddy, who has been blackmailing all of them. Everyone is given a new name so that there is some confidentiality in the proceedings - "Colonel Mustard", "Mrs. White", "Mrs. Peacock", "Mr. Green", "Professor Plum", and "Miss Scarlet" - and are introduced to some key weapons - a candlestick, rope, lead pipe, wrench, revolver, and dagger - and, as expected, Boddy is killed when the lights go out. Which of the guests did it?!

With the police on their way and everyone pointing fingers at each other, all sorts of fun breaks out as the guests - now going by their pseudonyms - try and figure out just who - and with what weapon - killed their host. And then the cook. And then a random motorist. Was it Professor Plum in the library with the candlestick? Was it Colonel Mustard in the study with the rope? The innuendos are all over the place and the hi-jinx come in rapid fire accusations as the guests scramble through the mansion from one room to another, comic moments following each random line and murder!

Clue , at the time of its release, wasn’t a box office draw by any means. It’s unfortunate because the performances are both manic and fun and the uniqueness of the whole project, being based on a board game, seems to have been lost on the audience at the time of the film’s release. But time is a funny thing as Clue is now considered a cult classic and has quite the reputation for being a funny, twisting, black comedy.

And now, thanks to the efforts of Shout Select , the film arrives with a 4K upgrade which absolutely delivers a perfect image for the guests arriving in the rain to this mysterious mansion! Game on!

4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray Edition

Home Video Distributor: Shout! Select Available on Blu-ray - December 12, 2023 Screen Formats: 1.85:1 Subtitles : English SDH Video: Codec: HEVC / H.265; Resolution: Native 4K; HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono Discs: 4K Ultra HD; Blu-ray Disc; Two-disc set Region Encoding: 4K region-free; blu-ray locked to Region A

Was it Colonel Mustard in the study with the gun? Miss Scarlet in the billiard room with the rope? Or was it Wadsworth the butler? Meet all of the notorious suspects and discover all of their foul playthings. You'll love their dastardly doings as the bodies and the laughs pile up before your eyes. Here is the murderously funny movie based on the world-famous CLUE board game and brought to crackling life by an all-star cast including Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Eileen Brennan, Martin Mull, Lesley Ann Warren, Michael McKean, Colleen Camp , and more! And now you can see all three surprise endings!

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the new 4K digital restoration is presented in Dolby Vision HDR and you can definitely tell! From the beginning in the rain to the very ending, this 4K handling is perfect. Created from the 35 mm original camera negative, the results are fantastic. Especially considering the amount of darkness and shadows in this predominantly night-time film, the exposure, color, and range is excellent. The depth, detail, and clarity are all impressive and healthy, and the grain exposure is very pleasing. There are no visible signs of any imperfections to be seen. A top-notch restoration.

The new uncompressed monaural soundtrack is wonderful. All dialogue, ambient noises, and music come in clear as can be. And the track is even able to greatly show off dynamic range in moments of intense audio or music. Nothing but good stuff here

Supplements:

Commentary :

Unfortunately, nothing.

Special Features:

Fans get a couple of new supplementals, but the image upgrade is worth the price of admission.

DISC ONE (4K UHD):

NEW Remastered From A 2023 4K Scan Of The Original Camera Negative In Dolby Vision (HDR-10 Compatible) Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono 3 Different Surprise Endings

DISC TWO (BLU-RAY):

NEW Remastered From A 2023 4K Scan Of The Original Camera Negative
Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono
NEW “The Perfect Motive: Directing Clue” – An Interview With Writer/Director Jonathan Lynn
NEW “The Scene of the Crime: Producing Clue” – An Interview With Associate Producer Jeffrey Chernov
NEW “Not Just a Game: Scoring Clue” – An Interview With Film Music Historian Daniel Schweiger About John Morris’s Score 3 Different Surprise Endings
Original Trailer

MPAA Rating: PG. Runtime: 94 mins Director : Jonathan Lynn Writer: John Landis; Jonathan Lynn; Anthony E. Pratt Cast: Eileen Brennan; Tim Curry; Madeline Kahn Genre : Comedy | Crime Tagline: It's Not Just a Game Anymore. Memorable Movie Quote: "You want it? You want it? Eat it! Eat it till ya choke, you sick, twisted fuck!" Theatrical Distributor: Columbia Pictures Official Site: Release Date: November 30, 1990 DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: October 12, 2021. Synopsis : Okay, fine. One plus two plus one... Shut up! The point is, there is one bullet left in this gun and guess who's gonna get it!

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Dove Review

This mystery based on the board game we all grew up with has its hilarious times. This scatter brained group are dying off and they try to find out why and who among them is the killer. I think the movie drags on a bit longer then it takes to actually play the game. Unfortunately it cannot be approved for family viewing due to language and some of the topics that are discussed.

Dove Rating Details

Dogs fed raw meat; man kicked by woman in genitals; man slaps woman; vicious dogs; five Murders.

Man pinches woman's bottom; discussion regarding woman have "working girls" ; discussion regarding married woman's affair

J - 1, G/OMG - 7; H - 1; D - 1

Man smoking a pipe; woman smoking cigarettes; drinking of alcohol.

Woman in short maid outfit; woman showing cleavage.

Rude table manners; blackmail.

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Red herrings, skateboards, and Carrie Fisher: An oral history of mystery classic Clue

From board game to big screen, here's how Clue went from a game-night staple to a cult classic.

Maureen Lee Lenker is a senior writer at Entertainment Weekly with over seven years of experience in the entertainment industry. An award-winning journalist, she's written for Turner Classic Movies, Ms. Magazine , The Hollywood Reporter , and more. She's worked at EW for six years covering film, TV, theater, music, and books. The author of EW's quarterly romance review column, "Hot Stuff," Maureen holds Master's degrees from both the University of Southern California and the University of Oxford. Her debut novel, It Happened One Fight , is now available. Follow her for all things related to classic Hollywood, musicals, the romance genre, and Bruce Springsteen.

It was Jonathan Lynn on the soundstage with the camera…

So might go the whodunnit response to the man responsible for writing and directing Clue , the 1985 cinematic rendering of the beloved board game. It brings together the classic settings (library, conservatory, billiard room, and so forth) and weapons (revolver, lead pipe, candlestick, etc.) with Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren ), Mrs. White ( Madeline Kahn ), Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan), Professor Plum ( Christopher Lloyd) , Mr. Green ( Michael McKean ), and Colonel Mustard ( Martin Mull ).

Tim Curry stars as Wadsworth, a mysterious butler who oversees the proceedings of a dinner party that brings together this disparate pack of suspects, all there under colorful aliases, and sets them loose in a mansion where murder and mayhem are afoot as they seek to answer the eternal question: Who killed Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving)?

Now, in celebration of our first-ever Whodunnit Week, EW does a little sleuthing of our own, diving into the making of the farce and how a classic board game birthed a showcase for one of the best comedic ensembles ever assembled. Take the secret passageway from the conservatory to the lounge, and get ready to put together the clues to uncover how a box office bust became a cult classic.

By the time Jonathan Lynn — writer of series Yes, Minister, and celebrated British theater director — was approached to write a screenplay for a film based on the Clue board game, John Landis ( Animal House ) was attached to direct. Landis had already approached several screenwriters, including the duo of Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins, who had co-written 1970s whodunnit The Last of Sheila .

JONATHAN LYNN (WRITER/DIRECTOR): I thought it would be nice to meet John Landis, and I'd never been to L.A., so I said yes. John pitched it very excitably, running around his office and playing all the characters at once. Eventually he said, "Then the butler says, 'I know who did it.'" So I said, "Well, who did it?" And John said, "I don't know. That's why I need you to write it." I was the sixth writer. They'd hired several who had given up and returned the money. At one time, they'd hired Tom Stoppard.

But I couldn't really see what to do because it's a board game. Clue didn't have any characters. It had six colors, six weapons, and nine rooms, but no story and no solutions to the story. I felt it was a bit of a straitjacket. But I had a think overnight and came up with a couple of ideas and John asked me to write it. Later, John said he couldn't direct it because he was going to direct another film, and would I like to direct it? I said yes because how often are you offered your first film?

Once attached as writer and director, Lynn set about casting the film.

LYNN: Carrie Fisher was originally cast as Miss Scarlet. She was extremely funny. I had heard that she had a drug problem, but I didn't really see any sign of it. Not that I would've known. But she sniffed a lot, and she said she had hay fever. Then a week before we started shooting, I got a phone call from her saying, "I've just gone into rehab. I'll be sleeping here. I'll come out every day and shoot." But the studio told the insurance company, who put a stop to that immediately.

LESLEY ANN WARREN (MISS SCARLET): I was in Greece with my family, and we were all having a wonderful vacation. I got the call about it, and they told me that Carrie had originally been scheduled to do this. I was friends with Carrie at the time and knew what was going on with her. I was very sorry that she was not able to do it, but I was excited and jumped in.

COLLEEN CAMP (YVETTE): From what I understand, a number of people wanted the part, like Julianne Moore and Madonna . But Jennifer Jason Leigh was the choice, and when she did not do the movie, my manager [whom I shared with Jennifer] suggested me. And I went full out — I dressed up in a maid's outfit; I created this French accent. I basically got the part in the room.

LYNN: I chose the people who I thought were right for the parts that made me laugh. I didn't know who most of them were. I didn't know they were famous. I'd seen Christopher Lloyd in Taxi . I'd seen Madeline Kahn in many films, and I was thrilled that she wanted to be in it. But Tim Curry I knew from my school days. We'd known each other since he was 12 and I was 14. He always said he became an actor because I became an actor. Nobody else in our school ever become an actor.

From there, the cast began a period of several weeks of rehearsal to establish the fast pace and intricate choreography of the farce.

LYNN: I understood how fast it had to go. On the first day of rehearsal I showed the cast Howard Hawks' His Girl Friday, which goes at a colossal speed. I said, "That's what we're aiming for. What we're doing here is screwball noir."

CAMP: He was very adamant about the pace. He wanted us to have the rhythm. We would be almost overlapping dialogue. There'd be a certain style to it. So, we all went to Paramount and when His Girl Friday ended, Eileen Brennan said, "You can tell this was before method acting. The people just talk."

MICHAEL MCKEAN (MR. GREEN): We were on the same page as to the level of farce we were doing. Comedy is comedy, but farce is what happens on the worst day of your life.

Although the board game features character cards where they sport the color of their name, Jonathan Lynn needed to work out a reason for people to be named after colors — and how they would costume them.

LYNN: There's no reason why a bunch of people would be called Green, Plum, Mustard — it's absurd. So they had to be given aliases, and that meant they all had something to hide. Obviously, somebody who had invited them was blackmailing them. That's how the story got going in my head. What we did discuss and felt very strongly about was that none of them should be dressed in a color that was the same as the name they had. The reason for that was that they didn't know what their alias was, so they wouldn't have come dressed as a color. So, for instance, Miss Scarlet was dressed in green.

WARREN: I loved that dress. It was gorgeous. It looked like it was always going to fall off, and it was so constructed that I felt completely safe that it would never do that. Michael Kaplan also designed the undergarments, and I was wearing a real corset to give it that hourglass shape. But I loved wearing it because it was so specific to her character and made me feel like her. When I got into the dress and the whole nine yards, I had this sense of her being this very in charge, sexy, naughty woman who was powerful in her world.

CAMP: There were three costumes, and I'm heartsick that I didn't take one home. [ Laughs ]

Except for exteriors and a few interior shots, the entire film was shot on soundstages at Paramount, which made it possible for them to shoot the vast majority of the movie in a linear, continual fashion, as if it were a play.

LYNN: The reason you shoot out of continuity is because you go from one location to another and shoot everything that takes place in that location at the same time. But we were always on the same set, and the choreography was so complex that it would've been difficult for the actors to remember why they were in a particular spot at a particular moment. It was made easier by shooting it that way.

WARREN: It's so rare that you get to shoot in continuity. Because you're building a character, and it grows as you grow in the film. It was wonderful to have that luxury of being able to shoot in sequence.

MCKEAN: We let the characters cook a little bit, knowing what the audience was being kept in the dark about. And because there were three endings, we had to play the whole first part in a straight way. But we had this thing we used to say on the set right before we'd go, because we'd be laughing in-between [takes]. We'd say, "All right, something terrible has happened."

WARREN: We were impossible. We would be laughing, doubled over at everybody else's stuff. I always say this, but it was like herding cats.

MCKEAN: It's one of the most fun gigs I've ever had. We were all in everything — it was all in sequence, on the same stage, in the same wardrobe every day. It's like moving to a small town, and you get to know everybody, and you have the story holding you together.

The action begins in New England at a remote country house on a stormy night in 1954.

LYNN: I decided that because it was a country house mystery, which is traditionally a period piece, that I'd set it in 1954 during the McCarthy era. I knew all about that from a friend of ours who had been blacklisted and come to live in London, Donald Ogden Stewart, who wrote Holiday and The Philadelphia Story. He'd come to London when he was asked to name names by the House of Un-American Activities Committee, and he'd never been back. But I thought it was a good idea to set it then because then all the characters would have something to hide, something political preferably.

Once all the guests are assembled, Wadsworth gathers them for dinner. Mr. Green displays his hapless clumsiness, regularly spilling things and tripping. When Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving) arrives, they retreat to the lounge for after-dinner drinks where their secrets begin to emerge and they are gifted the six iconic weapons from the Clue board game.

MCKEAN: Some of the things happened in the moment or were an addition to an existing piece. Primarily, it was all written though.

WARREN: A lot of the behavior at the dining room table when we're first sitting down, most of that was improvised in terms of reactions and all of that.

We see Yvette listening to the conversation that is being tape recorded in the billiard room.

CAMP: I was trying to determine if everything was going according to plan. Is anybody a double agent? I'm listening, and the brilliance of the blocking is that you actually started to get suspicious of other characters. None of us knew; Jonathan kept us in the dark about who was the killer.

MCKEAN: I think about all the pool we played in that billiard room. Me and Marty Mull and Lee Ving and Chris Lloyd, with our cheering section, Madeline [Kahn] and Eileen. Eileen was the best. She was literally a cheerleader. If you made a shot, no matter who you were, it was "Yay! Michael!"

When the lights go out and Mr. Boddy is killed in the melee, Mrs. Peacock begins to scream, worried that the brandy she is drinking is poisoned. Mr. Green slaps her to get her to calm down.

McKean: Eileen was one of the most amazing women I've ever known. She was a sport. I didn't hit her very hard; it's a low swing and she sold it by turning her head.

Another murder occurs and the guests find the Cook (Kellye Nakahara) dead in the freezer, as she falls out into Mr. Green's arms with a knife in her back. With a murderer afoot, the group decides to pair off and search the rest of the house for any potential intruders. The sequence is rife with physical comedy, as Colonel Mustard falls through a wall into a secret passageway where he is pushed up against Miss Scarlet, Mr. Green and Yvette are smushed together in a stairwell, and as things escalate ,Mr. Green, Mrs. White, Yvette, and Wadsworth all collide on the stairs.

CAMP: There's just a natural feeling when you're doing comedy of what physicality is funny. And there was something very funny about being jammed into a stairwell. I used the tightness of the stairwell, and the blocking created a natural feeling of being squeezed.

WARREN: When Martin and I did that scene where we're assigned to each other and we're both trying to get out of the door at the same time, that just happened. Knowing the comedy in the moment and her attitude of don't f—ing touch me. We did it several times and deepened it or made it more pronounced. I don't know which take they used, but there's a millisecond where I'm laughing. I don't think it's apparent to anyone else, but Martin made me laugh all the time.

MCKEAN: Sorry to burst your bubble, but the collision on the stairs is all stunt people. Everything else we did ourselves though.

Things begin to escalate as a mysterious motorist arrives, then a cop. The ensemble tries to cover up the murders of Mr. Boddy and the Cook by making it seem as if they're all necking, with Mrs. White making out with Mr. Boddy's corpse, Mustard and Peacock manipulating the Cook's body, and Miss Scarlet and Professor Plum selling it by making out for real.

WARREN: When I am deeply connected to the character that I'm playing, the physical choices come out. So when the door slams, I was like, "Oh, she wouldn't just cover it. She would cover it and take a provocative pose." It's not like I make a conscious choice, but I've already been so imbued with the character's traits that it just comes out of me in the moment.

LYNN: I don't know how I got it into my head, but that [make-out scene was my idea]. And I didn't get any pushback from the studio on it.

WARREN: In real life, I'm not an extrovert. But when it comes to a character that is in charge of herself, I will jump in. So, I remember suggesting parts of that with Chris. I was like, "Why don't I do this? Why don't I be on top?" Of course, Jonathan loved it. It wasn't necessarily choreographed but we did discuss it before we did it and figure out how far to go.

Another wave of murders occurs. Yvette is strangled with the rope in the billiard room, the motorist is hit with the lead pipe, and a singing telegram girl is shot with the revolver.

LYNN: I got pushback on one shot only, which isn't in the film. When the motorist is killed, we had a big close-up of his face as he fell to the floor, and it had blood on it. They didn't want blood.

CAMP: It was all staged and very mechanical, as is the way in any kind of blocking where there's violence. But you have to actually create the horror of it.

WARREN: Those were all very choreographed. That was more by rote in terms of learning what you're doing, where to put your hands. It didn't have the emotional impact of any of the other scenes because it was very structured.

CAMP: You know exactly how the scene is going to be worked out, so you have to create the ability to be afraid in the moment. It's really trying to create that fear, knowing exactly when someone is going to come up and strangle you and how you're going to move on the pool table.

Wadsworth then launches into a long monologue, running the guests back and forth from room to room as he recaps the events of the evening and tries to piece together who might have committed the murders.

LYNN: It's a very theatrical bit, and Tim is basically talking for about 15 minutes very fast. We couldn't do all that in one take. It would've been impossible because it's in about five or six rooms. He's going backwards and forwards from one room to another. It was shot piece by piece, and I worked it all out in advance.

MCKEAN: We were all glad it wasn't our job. Tim had to say so much. It was a stretch of I'd say two or three days of just Tim taking us through stuff. At one point he was on a skateboard. He goes from one side of the screen to another and glides through while we're all watching him go by. The guy worked for that paycheck, I'm telling you.

LYNN: Michael has a wonderful imagination. Tim was not on a skateboard. I would remember that.

WARREN: Michael Kaplan, the costume designer, had to make two dresses because it was impossible to run in that dress. It was so tight. He made the second dress with this hidden zipper that I could undo when it was these running sequences.

MCKEAN: When Tim was throwing me around through explaining what happened, a lot of those bits developed on the stage. He throws me in the bathroom, and I come out of the bathroom having washed my hands. We threw that in.

WARREN: I was in awe of Tim. The amount of dialogue — and confusing dialogue and repetitive dialogue for comedy's sake — and the speed at which he had to speak at, I was blown away every time. And he was meticulous and perfect every time. Not a lot of people can do that, no matter how talented they are. That's a particular facility that he had that was gorgeous to watch.

As Wadsworth nears the end of his explanation, he offers up a possible conclusion. But the studio wanted multiple, alternate endings. ( Theaters would label showings as Clue A, B, or C, and audiences would see one of the three possible endings .)

LYNN: The game always finishes in a different way and they wanted it to be very true to the board game in some way. I had the board on my desk, and I tried to work out who would be where and who could be the murderer. It was very complicated because everything that I shot had to be susceptible to being logically correct for the four endings that were asked for by the studio. That meant that every version of the scene, I had to be very careful who was in it, and more importantly, who was absent from it because they could have been committing a murder at that moment.

WARREN : I didn't know that were we going to do that until somewhere toward the middle or end of shooting.

CAMP: We were on the lot for three months, but I had no idea about the other alternate endings. I found out about that at the very end because they left pages out of the script.

MCKEAN: The first version of the script that I saw had all of them in it.

The fourth ending was ultimately cut from the film.

LYNN: I cut it when we were doing the first edit of the film, and I don't remember what was in it. But I cut it because it either wasn't interesting, surprising, or funny enough.

MCKEAN: One person killed the fake Mr. Boddy. One person killed Yvette, one killed the cop, one killed the motorist, one killed the Western Union girl. It was like all overlapping guiltiness but we weren't in cahoots. It was a contrivance. And it wanted to be a Looney Tunes ending with the bad guys being chased out of the house by dogs.

WARREN: I have zero memory of that.

The first ending, "How It Might Have Happened," fingers Yvette for murdering Mr. Boddy and the Cook on the orders of Miss Scarlet. Miss Scarlet then kills Yvette, the motorist, and the telegram girl with the intention of selling everyone's secrets. She and Wadsworth face off, arguing over how many bullets are left in the revolver.

WARREN: I wasn't told that I would be the one that would be the villain in my ending. So it wasn't so thought out and so constructed and pre-choreographed, which gave it an excitement in the shooting of it as well.

CAMP: It was so much fun because I'm not some little shady French maid, I'm a mastermind. There's something very fulfilling about being something that somebody doesn't expect.

WARREN: It was fun to be the gun moll and also play her confusion, jumping between that and "I'm in charge. Don't f— with me." And Tim was such a great person to play it with. It's my favorite of the three endings, of course. The counting of the bullets and the bedlam, it's really funny.

Telling Miss Scarlet he "doesn't give a damn," Wadsworth shoots the gun to prove there are no bullets left. He's proven wrong when a bullet hits the rope holding up the chandelier, and it hits the ground narrowly missing Colonel Mustard.

LYNN: You've got a character called Scarlet. That joke becomes essential.

WARREN: I didn't talk about [the fact that I played Scarlett O'Hara on stage in a musical adaptation of Gone With the Wind sequel Scarlett ] with anybody, but it certainly tickled me.

LYNN: The only thing we storyboarded was the chandelier falling, and I was too safety conscious. It fell too far from Martin in my view. But I was very safety conscious because producer John Landis had just had a terrible accident on the set of The Twilight Zone. [Editor's Note: Actor Vic Morrow was decapitated and two child actors died during an on-set accident involving a helicopter]. It would've been the worst thing in the world for John if there'd been an accident on another film he was connected with. So, I erred too much on the side of safety and the chandelier should have fallen closer to the actors.

The second ending, "How About This?", names Mrs. Peacock as the murderer of all the victims. Then, the third, "Here's What Really Happened," takes the most surprising approach with each of the guests responsible for a murder, except for Mr. Green, who is an undercover FBI agent. As part of the revelations, Mrs. White utters a now infinitely meme-able speech about hating Yvette and the "f-f-flames" on the side of her face.

LYNN: Madeline Kahn was wonderfully crazy. She was very inventive in the way she played her character. She came to me before we did the shot and said, "Do you mind if I improv something here?" I said, "Not at all, but I still want to shoot what's in the script just in case."

WARREN: We were laughing our heads off. It was priceless. Her delivery is so unique, and I don't know anybody else that has her particular quality and comedic delivery. I've always said this group of actors were some of the very best comedic actors, and that's what made it so special.

CAMP: Everyone applauded. She was beyond brilliant.

MCKEAN: What you're seeing is the second pass. The first one is the same and hysterically funny, but we all just lost it and she broke too, I think. In take two, we were prepared. It was supposed to be just, "Yes, I hated her." That was the whole line. But she went off on this thing about the flames.

LYNN: It made me laugh so much that I didn't bother to shoot the lines we had in the script.

As he reveals the truth about his identity, Mr. Green tells the chief of police, "They all did it. They killed Mr. Boddy in the hall with the revolver" in the classic cadence of the Clue board game. Then, he announces, "I'm going to go home and sleep with my wife," in contrast to his assumed identity as a gay man.

MCKEAN: The last line of the picture was mine. Jonathan liked it, and he kept it in.

LYNN: I don't think he's right. I remember writing that.

MCKEAN: We were running it before they started lighting it, and I threw it in. I thought it was funny. It might've been replacing something. "Take them away," or something like that. I don't remember the nuts and bolts, but I said it and it made Jonathan laugh. Everybody thought it was funny. So, it went in.

LYNN (following up via email): I checked my script and the last line is in it. However, it's possible that this script was revised after rehearsals and before shooting... so Michael might have improv'ed it in rehearsal.

Released on Dec. 13, 1985, the film didn't recoup its budget and was met with mixed reviews. Jonathan Lynn and the cast always chalked up the lackluster box office performance to the gimmick of the multiple endings.

LYNN: I had great misgivings about the multiple endings. I wouldn't have gone along with it if it hadn't been my first film, but I thought the studio knew what they were doing.

WARREN: It didn't do the movie any justice. It confused people. It was an interesting idea, but it didn't add anything.

CAMP: Because they showed the movie with different endings in different theaters, nobody saw it. They didn't understand why there were different endings and weren't up for going to see all of them.

LYNN: There was this hope that people would see the film with one ending and love it so much they would go and see it with two more endings. But people saw there were multiple endings and didn't know which one to see, so they didn't go at all.

MCKEAN: People looked at it and said, "I don't want to see a movie three times. Especially if I'm going to get the same one again." It was a victim of its gimmick.

LYNN: There was massive confusion. Some of the critics were shown different endings. It was a true mess. Which is why no one has ever done it since.

Despite its box office disappointments, Clue was released on home video in 1986 with all three endings strung together sequentially. In the years since, it has risen to the status of a cult classic, with fans regularly reaching out to Lynn and the cast about their love of the film.

LYNN: After the film came out and when the video was being prepared, I insisted that all three endings were in the print. I think that's why it suddenly started to go well when people saw it on television. Because you only really enjoy the endings when you see them all together.

CAMP: I loved the different endings. They were trying to create a fun thing like the game where different people were the answer.

MCKEAN: If you try and make too much sense out of the this movie, you're not going to have any fun. The weirdness of it is kind of its point.

LYNN: I edited the endings very slightly, so they would all be different from each other, and I wrote those title cards of "Here's What Really Happened" and so forth. Unfortunately, the line about "communism was just a red herring" somehow managed to stay in all three endings. It was supposed to only be in one of the versions, but when it was all put together, that line remained in all three, which slightly bothers me. But apparently people like it.

MCKEAN: I thought it was good that they repeated it in the way it was assembled. It's like we're in an alternate universe with each ending, but we bolt it down with facts and a couple of jokes.

WARREN: It's so amazing that this opened just okay, and now I get mail from people ages 6 to 75. People come up to me and recite my lines to me. Things I don't even remember.

MCKEAN: The release stuff is irrelevant now because for almost 40 years people have really loved the movie. And we're all really proud of it.

LYNN: The last thing I would've expected was that it would be a failure when it opened and an increasing success over the next four decades. Who would imagine that?

Clue: The Movie

Odds and Sods

Growing up in the 1980s, we had a well-used Clue game. It was one of our favorites. We also rented our share of movies. So imagine my surprise when a friend mentioned that she had watched the Clue movie over the weekend. What Clue movie? Like the board game Clue?

I had no idea that there was a movie based on this classic game. Naturally, I had to watch it.

So one night, we settled in with our popcorn and blankets and started the movie.

The movie Clue came out in 1985. As with any older movie, you need to remember when it came out, what the sound and picture quality was when it came out and the style of movies current at the time. The sound and picture quality was no problem for us. But at first, we forgot what classic 80s movies were like. But once we took a pause and explained to the kids that 80s were full of slap stick and one liners and general nonsense, we started seeing the movie for what it was meant to be.

The premise

The movie is set in the 1950s in an old mansion high on a hillside during, of course, a dark and stormy night. The characters have all received letters inviting them to a dinner party. The letter also directs them to use their assigned alias. The alias are Col Mustard, Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Professor Plum and Mrs. White. None of the characters wear their colours, which was a bit of a surprise. In fact, Mrs. White is dressed in all black and is not the maid. There is, however, a maid as a character, Yvette, who plays a big part in the movie. The guests are greeted by the butler who acts as host for the evening.

Together they find out why they were summoned to the party. The classic weapons also make an appearance—the candle stick, the revolver, the lead pipe, the rope, the knife, and the wrench. When the lights go out and somebody kills Mr. Body, the group has to figure out whodunit.

What happens in the quest to answer this question is a blur of accusations, slap stick humor, craziness and surprise after surprise. There is a lot of action packed into this movie so much so it’s almost hard to keep track of it.

The movie Clue has you guessing right up to the end with twists and turns, secret passages and identity crisis.

The movie does have some light graphic content. There is blood and we do witness murder. We didn’t mind it as we watch a lot of murder mysteries and what you see isn’t very graphic. But if you have young kids or your kids are sensitive, this may not be the movie for you.

Without giving anything away, we didn’t see the ending coming.

When Clue was originally in the theaters, it was shown with three different endings. Depending on what theater you went to, there was a different ending. So just like in the real board game, there was a different ending every time you saw it. Luckily, you can now see all the ends with the movie.

The movie Clue is a great, fun 1980’s movie full of twists and turns, slap stick humor and subtle one liners that are so well delivered that you can miss them but are worth the re-watch for. A true mystery with laugh out loud humor that keeps you engaged long after the movie is over.

We’ve already re-watched it. And although we know the ending, we were still surprised by the clues because there is just so much to see and hear in this movie. We plan to watch it again.

It’s easy to see why, although not a box office smash, the movie Clue has become a cult classic. I would recommend this movie for kids 10 and up with the lesson of 80s humor, unless they are sensitive to death scenes. Luckily, the movie Clue is available on Amazon Prime to watch as many times as you’d like.

To buy or rent the movie click here to see the options

Carrie-Anne:

If you’re inspired to play the game after watching the movie, you can get your copy here .

Looking for other games? Check out our game reviews here . For light and fun dice games click here . And if you’re looking for card games, check out our list here .

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Review: CLUE is a Breathless Murder Mystery Comedy at The Alley Theatre

Clue is a breathless breakneck murder mystery comedy of epic proportions!

After experiencing personal darkness in the recent weeks, my mother and I looked very much forward to seeing Clue and getting some much needed laughter. And boy did we laugh!

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Lights up on a dark and stormy night in a bespoke mansion. Each oddball guest arrives with their emotional baggage in tow for a strange and mysterious dinner party purposed by an unknown host.

Based on the classic board game and its cult classic film adaptation, Clue is a breathless breakneck murder mystery comedy of epic proportions! Alley Theatre's production is equal parts zany and irresistible.

It was such a pleasure to see Clue's iconic characters such as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green and Mustard brought to life by some of Houston's brightest stars. With brilliant comedic timing and even better chemistry, this handsome cast is a large part of what made the evening so lovely.

Dylan Godwin as Wadsworth is a sight to behold as he cleans, preens and emcees with ease. Susan Koozin 's Mrs. Peacock kicks the play off with the weight of physical comedy to excellent delivery but that weight is soon shared by all of the talented cast members as they march down hallways, eavesdrop with waterglasses and recreate murder scenarios.

Each actor committed to the sometimes intricate and sometimes silly movement with the seriousness and technical precision of a surgeon. The always stellar Christopher Salazar gives us a hilarious Mr. Green that just can't sit still, Michelle Elaine 's vivacious Miss Scarlet bustles about like she owns the place and David Rainey 's Colonel Mustard will never truly know his own ignorance. The chemistry and high level of commitment between the small company is nothing short of dynamic.

We follow this motley crew through the ins and outs of this mystery, through hallways, kitchens, underground pathways and more. They hustle and bustle and rib each other as they clash about how best to find the murderer. Director Brandon Weinbrenner provided staging that kept the scenes brisk and always picturesque. Moments ebbed and flowed, movements were exaggerated and stylized, lines were repeated for comedic timing but all of it always felt just right.

Costume Designer Asta Bennie Hostetter dresses the actors in glamorous period clothing that is too good to be true. I heard audible responses in the audiences to Yvette's ( Melissa Pritchett ) super short maid uniform, Miss Black ( Elizabeth Bunch )'s brilliant reveal and Scarlet's evening dress with a thigh high slit that showed us exactly how she might have trapped her beaus.

The lighting design by Jason Lynch proves successful when isolating key plot moments amidst chaos or provide eerie shadows to the macabre evening. One of the most thrilling moments is the lowering of the grand crystal chandelier. This, coupled with Tim Macakbee's many moving scenic pieces such as a turntable, pool tables, door frames, gates and locks, aided the tight and cohesive design vision with aplomb. Job well done to all of the phenomenal cast and crew on breathing new life into this classic madcap comedy!

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		Stageworks Theatre Houston (7/19-8/11)
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		HITS Theatre (8/15-8/17)
		Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (8/20-8/25)
		Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (1/28-2/09)
		The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts [Sarofim Hall] (1/07-1/12)
		Theatre Southwest (7/25-8/09)
		The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (8/20-8/25)

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The 83 Best Family Movies of All Time

Stream these for your next family movie night with the kids.

Snuggling up together on the couch with the kids, an entertaining family movie and a giant bowl of popcorn is hands down one of the best ways to enjoy some quality family time (at least in my humble opinion). But deciding on a film that everybody wants to watch isn’t easy (cue the sibling bickering ).

As an aunt of three very picky young nephews and a teenage niece, I know a thing or two about selecting movies that cater to diverse age groups. So, whether you’re looking for a classic flick (like The Goonies ) or an upbeat musical (like The Greatest Showman or Coco ), there’s something for everyone on this list. And if you prefer to keep your movie night short and sweet, we've got run times, in addition to casting details and where to watch (like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and more). From Moana to Toy Story , here are 83 family movies that all generations will love, including throwbacks from your own childhood. Dim the lights, prepare your snacks and enjoy.

The 57 Best Teen Movies of All Time

1. The Goonies (1985)

Suitable for: Kids ages 10+
Who's in it: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman
Run time: 114 minutes

This coming-of-age ’80s classic has got it all: hidden treasure, everlasting friendship, edge-of-your-seat thrills and a young Josh Brolin. The bad guys (the thieving Fratellis) are a little scary, which is why I recommend saving this one for kiddies ten years and up.

If you're still having doubts about this one, then take it from PureWow's VP of News & Entertainment, Philip Mutz , who considers it a childhood favorite. He said, "I still remember watching The Goonies with my parents and younger brother as a kid (obviously both of us wished we could be one of the Goonies—honestly, I probably still do). Goonies never say die!"

2. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Suitable for: Kids ages 8+
Who's in it : Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black
Run time: 92 minutes

If you love the classic video game, you'll want to tune in to this nostalgic film that follows Mario and his friends as they battle the one and only Bowser. It features an all-star voiceover cast, including Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen and more.

While Quint isn't a big fan of the film, it's a favorite for her kids. She said, "This movie is objectively terrible, but for some reason kids love it (I have been forced to see it twice in the movie theater) and there's something oddly hypnotic about Jack Black singing about Princess Peach."

3. The Greatest Showman (2017)

Suitable for: Kids ages 8+
Who's in it : Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya
Run time: 105 minutes

Get into your comfy clothes and bring out the popcorn because this family-friendly musical will keep everyone entertained—for at least an hour and 45 minutes. Hugh Jackman plays legendary Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus showman P.T. Barnum, in this film that follows his rise into showbiz and worldwide fame.

PureWow Associate Editor Chelsea Candelario said, "I'm a BIG musicals fan and this one is on the top of my must-watch list. The entire cast is phenomenal. (Um, hello Zendaya and Zac Efron's duet!) And it's such a catchy film to watch with the whole fam."

4. Moana (2016)

Suitable for: Kids ages 5+
Who's in it : Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison
Run time: 103 minutes

The first of many Disney flicks on our list, this musical adventure earns extra points for its killer soundtrack (courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda) and total badass heroine (no prince swooping in to rescue her). Follow brave Moana as she sets out to explore the Polynesian seas with the help of demigod sidekick Maui in order to save her island. (Note: There’s a scary-ish scene at the end with a sputtering volcano that you may want to fast-forward for younger viewers.)

PureWow Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu said, "Dwayne Johnson as Maui was hilarious (like, his theme song is 'You're Welcome,' how can you not laugh?!). But honestly, I stayed for the compelling story of a young woman searching for her identity while trying to save her people."

5. Annie (2014)

Who's in it : Quvenzhané Wallis, Jamie Foxx, Rose Byrne
Run time: 118 minutes

If your kids like to complain about doing their chores, wait until they see what Annie has to put up with. There have been a few versions of this musical rags-to-riches story, including John Huston's 1982 classic. But I think this 2014 rendition, with its unforgettable characters and catchy tunes, is the best.

PureWow Associate Sales & Deals Editor Destinee Scott says, " Annie is my favorite, and it's not only because I have a small crush on Jamie Foxx...The movie is funny, uplifting and just so inspiring. I always feel warm and fuzzy after watching it, and everyone knows the plot, but for me, it's all about finding love in the places you least expect it."

6. The Lego Movie (2014)

Suitable for: Kids ages 6+
Who's in it : Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett
Run time: 100 minutes

Everything is awesome in this animated movie inspired by the popular toys, especially the stellar cast. Will ordinary construction worker Emmet Brickowski be able to defeat the evil Lord Business from Kragling (i.e., gluing) the Lego universe? Guess you'll have to watch to find out.

According to PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint , "This movie is so subversive and weird—full disclosure—my husband and I first saw it in the theater without our kids. But kids also love the bananas plotlines and lessons about creative play. And my kids are ALWAYS singing the 'Everything is Awesome' song."

7. Princess and the Frog (2009)

Who's in it : Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Michael-Leon Wooley
Run time: 97 minutes

Tiana’s dream of opening a restaurant is put on hold when she meets Prince Naveen, who was turned into a frog by the evil villain, Dr. Facilier. From gorgeous animation to well-rounded characters, what's not to love?

Assistant Editor Delia Curtis said, "As someone who doesn’t always gravitate toward animated movies, The Princess and the Frog had me hooked!! I loved the jazzy, Southern flare that this film had. The strong, belt-it-out lyrics are fun for the whole family. It’s also a film that adults can appreciate too, with some of those silly sly jokes that only adults will pick up."

8. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Rating: PG-13
Who's in it : Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote
Run time: 115 minutes

Steven Spielberg's classic sci-fi story of an extraterrestrial stranded on planet Earth is pure movie magic. Parents will love the nostalgia throwback (baby-faced Drew Barrymore) and little ones will love the adorable E.T. and his friendship with his earthling family (although keep in mind that there is some light swearing and a few sad moments). Oh, and Reese’s Pieces are a must while watching.

"I fully believe there is no greater children's movie," said Quint. "I've watched with my 7 and 9-year-old, who are really the perfect ages for appreciating the magic while also understanding the gravity."

9. Elemental (2023)

Who's in it : Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi
Run time: 103 minutes

The film is set in a world where elements of nature—fire, water, land and air—coexist as one community. Everything changes when Ember Lumen, a fire element, befriends Wade Ripple, a water element, and discovers their commonalities.

Rachel Gulmi , Director of Special Projects, said, "It is visually so beautiful and enticing with all the colors and how everything comes together, but I love the message behind it and it actually made me tear up."

10. Luca (2021)

Who's in it : Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Saverio Raimondo
Run time: 95 minutes

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, this recently-released Disney and Pixar flick tells the story of a young boy, Luca, who is having the best summer of his life eating gelato and riding on a scooter with his new best friend, Alberto. There’s just one problem...the duo are sea monsters from another world below water.

Quint calls it a "charming movie with a great message," adding, "My kids love the naughty boyhood hi-jinx, and I love feeling transported to the Amalfi coast."

11. Daddy Day Care (2003)

Who's in it : Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn, Regina King
Run time: 92 minutes

When Charlie and his friend lose their jobs, they make the drastic decision of turning Charlie's home into a daycare center. Chaos ensues, however, when a rival daycare tries to shut them down.

Curtis, who rewatched the film as an adult, said, "The jokes hit different as an adult because they most definitely have some hidden meaning. I also loved that the story revolves around expectations around gender roles and undoing the stereotypes that women are the only capable caretakers. Plus, I will never get over the scene of Eddie Murphy and Jeff Garlin having a boxing match dressed as a carrot and a broccoli."

12. Stand By Me (1986)

Suitable for: Kids ages 12+
Who's in it : Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman
Run time: 89 minutes

This coming-of-age story about four 12-year-old boys in 1950s Oregon is an inspiring tale of friendship, growing up and doing the right thing. Featuring some darker themes (making this film best for teens and up), this moving film strikes the right balance of childhood adventure, grown-up drama and a cute Jerry O’Connell.

13. Toy Story (1995)

Who's in it : Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney
Run time: 81 minutes

With enough inside jokes for adults, this animated film of toys coming to life is perfect for family movie night. It’s so good, it spawned three sequels and numerous spin-offs, setting you up for the next couple of weekends.

Quint said, "It's hard to believe this movie is from 1995—it feels so current, both in look and in message. When my kids were little, we watched it approximately 1,000 times, and it's still a favorite."

14. The Karate Kid (1984)

Who's in it : Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, Elisabeth Shue
Run time: 126 minutes

Confession: Mr. Miyagi's iconic "Wax on, wax off" scene still lives rent-free in my head. And LaRusso's final match against Lawrence? Arguably one of the best moments in cinematic history. When Daniel LaRusso enrolls at a new school, he tries to defend himself from bullies and enlists the help of Mr. Miyagi—a repairman who also happens to be a martial arts master.

15. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

Who's in it : Paul Briggs, Don Hall, Adele Lim, Carlos López Estrada
Run time: 117 minutes

This animated film introduces viewers to a warrior named Raya, who tries to find the last dragon in an ancient civilization. To top it off, the magical creature is voiced by Crazy Rich Asians star Awkwafina.

Executive Editor Alexia Dellner 's son is just one of many who enjoyed the film. She said, "My 4-year-old was definitely scared during quite a few parts of this one BUT, he ultimately loved it. The plot is really interesting (I thought so too!), the characters feel fresh and the takeaways are very sweet without being saccharine. Just maybe wait until your kid is 5 or 6 to show it to them."

16. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

Who's in it : America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel
Run time: 119 minutes

A group of best friends are preparing to spend their first summer apart. In an attempt to stay connected, they create a custody schedule…for a pair of jeans.

Curtis, who grew up watching the comedy-drama, said, "When I was a kid, finding confidence in the shape of my body was a tough thing to do in the early '00s. Magazines and TV shows glorified skinny bodies, but I’ll never forget the moment when America Ferrera, the curviest girl in the friend group, tried on the magic pants and they fit her like a glove. It made me feel seen and beautiful. A great film about friendship, connection and self-acceptance."

17. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

Who's in it : Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara
Run time: 101 minutes

Where the Wild Things Are tells the story of a boy named Max, who travels to a magical island inhabited by creatures called the "Wild Things." Exploring themes of loneliness and insecurity, director Spike Jonze revisits the classic children’s story in a dreamlike atmosphere. Read the book to your 5-year-old, but save the film for your tween.

18. Enchanted (2007)

Who's in it : Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall
Run time: 107 minutes

Amy Adams shines in this sweet musical comedy in which she plays a fairy-tale princess trying to live happily ever after in Andalasia. That is, until her evil mother-in-law banishes her to real-life New York City. She sings, she dances—is there anything Adams can’t do? (Fun fact: the movie is based on Gail Carson Levine's fantasy novel, Ella Enchanted , which is a retelling of Cinderella.)

pets from homeward bound the incredible journey

19. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

Who's in it : Michael J. Fox, Don Ameche, Sally Field
Run time: 84 minutes

Craving a feel-good flick that centers on animals? Make room on the couch and let your furry friends watch this uplifting adventure film with you as lovable pups Shadow and Chance and kitty cat Sassy journey across the country to be reunited with their humans. Based on Sheila Burnford's novel of the same name, this movie—which marked Duwayne Dunham's feature film debut—is so charming and funny. Plus, it boasts an incredible voice cast.

20. The Hunger Games (2012)

Who's in it : Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
Run time: 144 minutes

In this film based on Suzanne Collins's hugely popular YA series, plucky Katniss Everdeen (played by the brilliant Lawrence) is the perfect role model for teenage girls. After volunteering as tribute to compete in the deadly Hunger Games, Katniss bravely fights against the evil Panem nation. (And there's a budding romance between her and fellow volunteer, Peeta.)

21. Finding Nemo (2003)

Suitable for: Kids ages 4+
Who's in it : Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould

Dive into this adorable underwater flick that’s got plenty of giggles and morals for younger viewers (and adults) including the importance of teamwork, embracing what makes you unique and how a little bit of determination goes a long way.

PureWow Senior Director of Special Projects & Royals, Rachel Bowie , said, "This one is such a hit in our fam! My son is ocean-obsessed and he loves to watch and call out all the sea creatures he knows. Bruce is of course his favorite, being a Great White Shark and all. My six-year-old loves to gloat about how 'not scared' he is during those scenes!"

22. Inside Out (2015)

Who's in it : Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black
Run time: 102 minutes

In this feel-good Pixar flick, we follow young Riley as she’s uprooted from her childhood home and forced to move to a new city. Her emotions (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust) try to guide her through this difficult transition but it’s not easy being an 11-year-old girl in a new place.

"If there's a better explanation of pre-adolescent emotions, I don't want to see it," said Quint. "I weep every time I watch, and I honestly think it helps my kids talk about their feelings."

23. All The Harry Potter Films (2001 - 2010)

Who's in it : Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

Revisiting J.K. Rowling’s magical story of a young wizard fighting against evil Voldemort is one of the best parts of having children. Just kidding (sort of). Read the books first, then snuggle up for multiple weekends of world-class entertainment (there are eight films, plus numerous spin-offs in the works).

Candelario, an avid fan of the franchise, said, "I still remember getting the books as a child and then falling in love with the movies as a teen. I've been hooked on the films ever since and still watch them whenever it's on TV. I'll probably be in my 80s still mouthing the words like the true Ravenclaw I am!"

24. Elf (2003)

Who's in it : James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Edward Asner
Run time: 90 minutes

Is Elf the best Christmas movie of all time? Quite possibly. Meet Buddy, a man who was raised as an elf in Santa’s workshop. When he ventures away from the North Pole and down to New York City in search of his real father, he’s soon confronted with a harsh reality: His dad is on the naughty list.

Curtis said, "If you ever need a silly, festive pick me up, this will do the trick. Will Ferrell running loose through the streets of Manhattan dressed as an elf, a sassy and unbothered blonde Zooey Deschanel and Christmas decorations galore?! What’s not to love? Not to mention learning about the 4 main food groups: Candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup."

25. Home Alone (1990)

Who's in it : Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern

While the thought of going on vacation and leaving your eight-year-old child behind is totally inconceivable, you’ll be happy the McAllisters accidentally did. This holiday classic (that makes for great viewing all year round) has got plenty of hilarious hijinks to keep the whole family entertained.

Mutz said, "Watching Home Alone with my dad is still one of my favorite childhood memories. Obviously, I remember enjoying it, but the memory of my dad cackling at Harry and Marv getting utterly destroyed by Kevin still makes me smile."

26. Matilda (1996)

Who's in it : Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Mara Wilson, Embeth Davidtz
Run time: 98 minutes

This classic revolves around a telekinetic young girl who uses her newfound powers to defend herself and her pals from the cold-hearted Miss Trunchbull. Meanwhile, she develops a bond with a kind-hearted teacher named Miss Honey. Based on the Roald Dahl book of the same title, this story will teach your kids that with a little encouragement (and a lot of reading), they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to. And who doesn’t want to teach their kids that?

27. Minions (2015)

Who's in it : Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Taraji P. Henson, Lucy Lawless
Run time: 91 minutes

How did the Minions originate? Where did they come from? And how did they first cross paths with Gru? If you've seen Despicable Me , I can assure you, this prequel has loads of answers (and laughs!). Fun fact: Minions was the fifth highest-grossing film of 2015 and the tenth-highest-grossing film of all time.

28. Spirited Away (2001)

Who's in it : Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki
Run time: 125 minutes

Studio Ghibli’s beautiful and surreal animation about a young girl trying to save her family after they’ve all been turned into pigs by an evil witch will captivate young audiences. In fact, you might even enjoy it more than your kids. Believe it or not, Spirited Away made history as Japan’s highest-grossing film of all time, and it held the record for 19 years. Per Time magazine, it surpassed $300 million at the local box office after it was re-released in 2021.

29. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

Who's in it : Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer
Run time: 112 minutes

Akeelah and the Bee follows 11-year-old Akeelah as she tries to compete in the National Spelling Bee. This movie is super c-u-t-e and chock-full of important lessons for kids, including how to stand up to peer pressure and how to work hard to achieve your goals. (Not to mention how much it’ll help them with their spelling.)

30. Frozen (2013)

Who's in it : Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff

Fact: Every child loves this movie. The sweet story of two sisters living in a perpetual winter, plus the ridiculously catchy songs, will warm your grown-up heart. But the real star of the movie? My favorite snowman, Olaf.

Quint says, "For better or worse, I know every word of every song, having watched this preschool favorite something like 100 times. And you know what? I don't hate that about myself."

31. The Princess Bride (1987)

Who's in it : Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon

Before she ruled on Capitol Hill, Robin Wright starred in this fantasy adventure comedy about a farm girl (Buttercup), her one true love (Westley) and their quest to be together, despite the odds. It’s inconceivable that your family won’t totally love it. (See what I did there?)

While speaking with NPR , Cary Elwes, who plays Wesley, explained that the classic was a sleeper hit. He said, "The film came and did some modest business—respectable, modest, but not the kind of money that they hoped. It wasn't until about almost a decade later when VHS came out that the film found its legs again—from a film that had been mostly dead, it was suddenly alive again. And then it became this huge hit."

32. Coco (2017)

Who's in it : Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach

This Oscar-winning film follows Miguel on his quest to become an accomplished musician, despite his family’s ban on music. Through a series of unfortunate events, he finds himself in the Land of the Dead where he meets some interesting characters and learns about his family's mysterious past. A thoughtful film that tackles a difficult subject matter beautifully.

33. Paddington (2015)

Who's in it : Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent

Follow this adventurous (and not to mention, totally adorable) Peruvian bear as he travels to London in search of a home. After finding himself lost in Paddington Station, his luck begins to change when he meets the kind Brown family. For a fun-filled weekend, watch the first movie on Friday night and then enjoy the just-as-good sequel on Saturday . Don't forget the popcorn.

34. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Who's in it : John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer
Run time: 108 minutes

Youngsters who can’t get enough of video games will love this sci-fi comedy about an arcade game villain who decides to rebel against his role and fulfill his lifelong dream of being a hero instead. But things don’t go quite according to plan, and Ralph has to save the arcade world from his own mess. Hilarity ensues, of course.

35. The Land Before Time (1989)

Who's in it : Gabriel Damon, Candace Hutson, Judith Barsi
Run time: 69 minutes

Bring out the tissues for this sweet flick, which follows orphaned Brontosaurus Littlefoot (sob!) and his dino pals as they journey to the Great Valley to reunite with their families. (No really, you will need tissues.)

According to film director Don Bluth, the most heartbreaking scene almost didn't make it into the film. He told Vulture , “I remember we came to that moment in The Land Before Time , and everyone said, ‘Oh, this is too hard—no, no, we don’t want kids to see this. It was Steven Spielberg who said, ‘Wait a minute. We all are born, we all live to a certain age, and then we all go. And someday we come back again. Everyone has to go through it. This is a moment called the great circle of life.’”

36. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

Who's in it : Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart

From the creators of Despicable Me, this adorable family film gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at exactly what pets do when their owners aren’t home. (Ahem, eat all of your food and get totally lost roaming around the city.)

Quint said, "We watched this one as a family when my kids were little, and it was one of the first examples of all four of us truly enjoying a film. Silly, exciting and great, memorable characters."

37. Jurassic Park (1993)

Who's in it : Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum
Run time: 127 minutes

You probably remember the story of a remote island where real dinosaurs come to life thanks to dormant DNA, but you’ll be surprised at how the special effects and suspense still hold up.

Quint said, "I may not win mom of year for showing this one to my 6 year-old. But you know what? She loved it. And still talks about getting eaten off a toilet seat."

38. Jumanji (1995)

Who's in it : Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, David Alan Grier
Run time: 104 minutes

Forget the reboot, the original movie is guaranteed fun for the whole family. When two youngsters find a magical board game, they release a world full of excitement (including Alan Parrish, who’s been trapped inside the game for decades) and dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.

39. The Incredibles (2004)

Who's in it : Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox

In this 2004 animated film, the Parrs are just trying to live a normal, quiet suburban life. But that’s not exactly easy when you’re a family of undercover superheroes. Kids of all ages will love watching to find out if these guys manage to save the world from a superhero wannabe.

Easily one of the best superhero movies of all time, The Incredibles scored two Academy Awards (including Best Animated Feature). It also spawned a sequel, The Incredibles 2 , which grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide.

40. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Suitable for: Kids ages 9+
Who's in it : Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei

Featuring an A-list voiceover cast and seriously impressive animation, this stop-motion action-adventure follows a young boy, Kubo, as he sets out to locate a magical suit of armor that once belonged to his father. With some dark and scary themes, this one's better to watch with older kids.

While chatting with Deadline , director Travis Knight revealed that the film's core message is "the sustaining love of family." He added, "It offered us an opportunity to pay homage to a beautiful cultural tradition and art style that we typically don’t see on the big screen, and that’s something that’s rooted in Japan."

41. The Kissing Booth (2018)

Suitable for: Kids ages 14+
Rating: TV-14
Who's in it : Joey King, Jacob Elordi, Joel Courtney

Tweens and teens will appreciate this fun adaptation of Beth Reekles's book . In the film, Elle and Lee created a list of friendship rules when they were kids, and they still abide by them today. However, when Elle goes behind Lee’s back to pursue a romantic relationship with his off-limits older brother, Noah, Elle is forced to choose between friendship and love.

42. A Bug's Life (1998)

Who's in it : Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Flik is a misfit ant and inventor who really wants to make a difference. However, his inventions are always causing problems for his ant colony. When he accidentally destroys their hard-earned food storage, they’re forced to distract Hopper while they fix the problem. I love that this film tackles real-life issues (like colonialism and violence) without losing its humor and charm. It'll appeal to fans of all ages.

43. The Addams Family (1991)

Who's in it : Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd
Run time: 99 minutes

The Addams Family is thrilled when Gomez’s missing brother, Fester, suddenly reappears. That is, until Morticia realizes that something about his sudden arrival is...off.

BTW, Huston's performance was inspired by a longtime friend of hers. She told The Guardian , "I based Morticia on Jerry Hall . With the Addams Family everything white is black and everything good is bad, but Morticia is the most lenient, understanding and wonderful mother. I’ve always seen Jerry as a perfect example of motherhood." Fortunately, Huston received not one, but two Golden Globe nominations for her role.

44. Brave (2012)

Who's in it : Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters
Run time: 93 minutes

Meet Merida, the daughter of Scottish King Fergus and Queen Elinor. When she receives an ill-fated wish from a witch (voiced by the brilliant Julie Walters), she must undo the curse before it’s too late. Brave was the first Pixar movie to be released with a female protagonist, and it was originally called The Bear and the Bow . Plus, it scored the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film.

45. Over the Moon (2020)

Who's in it : Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong, John Cho

This is the story of a young dreamer named Fei Fei, who is mesmerized by the legend of the moon goddess, Chang’e. Directed by Glen Keane, the musical fantasy was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature and won a Golden Globe. Also, it only took one week for Over the Moon to become Netflix’s most-watched movie .

46. Maleficent (2014)

Who's in it : Angelina Jolie, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley

In this dark retelling of Sleeping Beauty , Maleficent is shocked when an invading army threatens her idyllic life. After engaging in an epic battle, Maleficent places a curse on the king’s newborn daughter, only to realize it was a mistake. Fans of the original fairy tale are in for a treat, and Jolie delivers an unforgettable performance as the iconic villain.

47. The Willoughbys (2020)

Who's in it : Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara, Terry Crews

Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby used to be an adventurous couple, but they’re too caught up in everyday life to spend time with their four children. This prompts the neglected kids to take their nanny on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the modern world. With stunning animation, great dialogue and fascinating characters, it's impossible not to enjoy this gem. Oh, and did I mention that it features the best soundtrack?

48. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Who's in it : Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline
Run time: 139 minutes

In this live-action version of the Disney classic, Belle switches places with her father, who was locked up in a dungeon by an arrogant prince. With the help of the mansion’s enchanted servants, Belle discovers the Beast isn’t as tough as he seems.

While speaking with CNN , Watson, who plays Belle, revealed she wanted to bring authenticity to the role. She said, “My Belle wears riding boots, and she’s got mud on her, and she has bloomers underneath her dress so she can kick her legs over a horse, and she’s got these big pockets we created for her so she can carry books around with her all the time. And you see a very tender side of Belle in this film.”

49. Despicable Me (2010)

Who's in it : Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove, Kristen Wiig

Gru (voiced by Carell) is on a mission to steal the moon, so he adopts three orphan girls as a means of furthering his plan. When he starts to feel parental love for his adopted brood, he soon realizes family isn’t so bad after all.

"I kinda think there's no greater children's movie franchise," said Quint. "My kids have loved those damn minions from the moment they first saw them. And Steve Carrell as an evil genius with a heart of gold is pretty great for grownups too."

50. The Red Balloon (1956)

Suitable for: Kids ages 2+
Rating: TV-G
Who's in it : Pascal Lamorisse
Run time: 34 minutes

Inspire your child’s inner cinephile with this 34-minute French film from 1956. The fantasy comedy-drama follows a young child named Pascal who traipses around Paris with, yep, a red balloon. Fun fact: Albert Lamorisse, who wrote, produced and directed the film, selected his real-life son, Pascal, for the main role. His daughter, Sabine, also appears as a young girl. Très cute.

51. Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

Run time: 87 minutes

Minions: The Rise of Gru (also known as Minions 2 ) takes place in the ’70s, when Gru is considering joining the Vicious 6 supervillains. Of course, things don’t go according to plan.

According to Quint, "The coming attraction for this movie got my family through the pandemic. And we were the first in the theater when it came out. Spoiler: the historical romp through Gru's childhood did not disappoint."

52. Soul (2020)

Who's in it : Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House

We’re total suckers for a good Disney-Pixar movie, but this flick is especially good. Soul tells the story of a musician who has lost his passion for music. When he’s transported out of his body, he must find his way back with the help of an infant soul. (Bonus points: The characters are voiced by Fey and Foxx.)

53. Aladdin (1992)

Who's in it : Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin

Introducing another Disney classic. Who doesn’t love this Arabian nights musical featuring Robin Williams in one of the most iconic roles of his career? Clear your living room carpet and have a family sing-along to “A Whole New World” as Aladdin tries to win the heart of Princess Jasmine.

54. Mulan (2020)

Who's in it : Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee

This live-action version of the Disney classic features Yifei Liu as a brave girl named Mulan, who disguises herself as a man so she can serve in the Rouran army in Imperial China. Unfortunately for fans of the animated version, none of the original songs were used. Still, it features a remake of "Reflection," and a not-so-subtle not to "I'll Make a Man Out of You."

55. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

Who's in it : Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart, Madeleine Arthur, Emilija Baranac

Lara Jean is content with her life as a nearly invisible high school junior. Everything changes when five of her secret love letters accidentally get mailed out to their recipients—including her friend Josh, who happens to be dating her older sister, Margot. In an attempt to convince him it meant nothing, she quickly enlists the help of Peter Kavinsky to fake a romance.

56. Upside-Down Magic (2020)

Suitable for: Kids ages 7+
Rating: TV-PG
Who's in it : Izabela Rose, Siena Agudong
Run time: 96 minutes

When two best friends enroll in Sage Academy (a prestigious magic school), they must learn to utilize their special powers against the forces of evil. If the title sounds familiar, it's probably because the movie is based on the fantasy book series by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins. Also, it was directed by Joe Nussbaum, best known for titles like Sleepover and Sydney White .

57. Secret Magic Control Agency (2021)

Who's in it : Nicholas Corda, Sylvana Joyce, Alyson Rosenfeld

Remember Hansel and Gretel? Well, they’re now acting as secret agents in this family-friendly film. The animated flick, directed by Aleksey Tsitsilin, documents the duo as they use their magic to find a missing king, demonstrating teamwork along the way. Tsitsilin said in an interview , "We wanted not to remake [the original], but to rethink. Leave the logic of the narrative and string some additional details. The story begins to play with new colors, it becomes different, but at the same time you realize that it is all the same Hansel and Gretel ."

58. We Can Be Heroes (2020)

Who's in it : YaYa Gosselin, Lyon Daniels, Andy Walken, Hala Finley
Run time: 110 minutes

When Earth’s superheroes are kidnapped by alien invaders, the government takes in all their children to protect them against evil forces. Everything changes when Missy Moreno devises a plan to use all of the kids’ powers to escape the safe house and save their parents. FYI, according to Variety , Netflix has already confirmed that a sequel is in the works, thanks to the first film's success.

59. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Who's in it : Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith

When Chris Gardner, a San Francisco salesman, is evicted from his apartment, he and his young son embark on a challenging and life-changing journey. Inspired by true events, this poignant flick is bound to make you smile, but it will also make you reach for the tissue box.

PureWow Assistant Editor of News and Entertainment, Karelle McKay , said, "Will Smith's character truly cared about his son, who was played by the actor's actual son, Jaden Smith. Despite the adversity they faced throughout the film, there were some sweet, tender moments that you can't help but smile at. This movie really showed the unconditional love between a father and son."

60. Little (2019)

Who's in it : Regina Hall, Issa Rae, Marsai Martin

Regina Hall stars as Jordan, a woman whose life gets flip-turned upside-down when she magically turns into her younger self. Luckily, her faithful assistant April is more than happy to step up in her absence. BTW, did you know that Martin served as an executive producer for the film at just 14 years old? This made her the youngest person to ever hold the title on a Hollywood production.

61. Queen of Katwe (2016)

Who's in it : David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, Madina Nalwanga
Run time: 124 minutes

This feel-good flick is based on a true story and is sure to inspire some interesting family discussions after viewing. Katwe (pronounced Kah-tway) is from one of Uganda's poorest slums but manages to overcome impossible hurdles to become a teenage chess champion. (And don’t worry—this film is in English and no knowledge of chess is required.)

62. Mary Poppins (1964)

Who's in it : Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson

From the catchy tunes to the formidable cast...there’s a reason why this fantastical technicolor movie is a classic. I'd even go as far as to say that this story of a magical nanny who sweeps into the Banks home to take charge of the children is “practically perfect in every way.”

Bowie said, "We're just introducing this one to our six-year-old, but he cannot stop laughing at some of the scenes—like when Mary Poppins gets the kids to clean the nursery or when Bert (all hail Dick Van Dyke) dances with the penguins who are all trying to impress Mary. We sometimes skip around, but it is a delight that still feels totally timeless!"

63. Remember the Titans (2000)

Who's in it : Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris
Run time: 113 minutes

This is the ultimate sports movie (inspired by a true story) about a newly integrated high school football team in 1971 Alexandria, Virginia. Full of ups and downs, this all-star flick (yep, that’s a young Ryan Gosling singing in the changing room) gives parents an opportunity to talk to kids about race and prejudice. Plus, the film—directed by Boaz Yakin—boasts an amazing soundtrack, including songs by Bob Dylan, The Hollies, Marvin Gaye, James Taylor and The Temptations.

64. Hidden Figures (2016)

Who's in it : Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner

This Academy Award-nominated film tells the story of the unsung heroes of NASA’s early days: three brilliant African American women who played pivotal roles in launching the manned spaceflight program. Based on an inspiring true story, this family film will teach young minds about perseverance and teamwork, as well as give them an important look at the racial tensions of the Civil Rights era. Henson, Spencer and Janelle give Oscar-worthy performances here.

65. Hugo (2011)

Who's in it : Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield

Your kids may be too young for Goodfellas , but this kid-friendly Martin Scorsese flick is just as entertaining. The ode to cinema is set in a romantic Parisian atmosphere and follows the adventures of Hugo Cabret, a young orphan who tries to solve an important mystery and find a new home. It has enough adventure and laughs to keep kids of all ages enthralled. Fun fact: Hugo received 11 Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture, and it won a total of five Oscars: Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects.

66. Encanto (2021)

Who's in it : Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo
Run time: 109 minutes

Meet Mirabel Madrigal, a Colombian girl who’s dealing with the fact that she’s the only one in her family who was born without powers. But when her magical home comes under threat, she discovers that she could be the key to saving it. The musical fantasy, which grossed $256 million worldwide, won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. I can see why, given how the film tackles important issues like family dynamics and generational trauma.

67. The Adam Project (2022)

Who's in it : Ryan Reynolds, Walker Scobell, Addison Tusing, Mark Ruffalo
Run time: 106 minutes

The story follows Adam as he travels back in time to reunite with his younger self. Together, they must eliminate time travel…before it’s too late.

In her honest review , PureWow Senior Editor Greta Heggeness said, "The story is as silly as it sounds, resembling more of a family flick than an edge-of-your-seat thriller. (Disclaimer: It has some action scenes and language references that might be inappropriate for young audiences.) Still, the movie is loaded with nostalgic references that will delight every millennial."

68. Sing (2016)

Who's in it : Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane

Prepare to sing along as this talented group of animal performers rehearse for their next musical extravaganza. The question is: Can Buster Moon convince a busy rock star to join the cast?

Quint said, "When I first showed this to my son (age 5) he freaked out because the animals were 'scary.' But a few years later and upon a rewatch, it's become a family favorite. The songs—ranging from a heart-filled 'I'm Still Standing' to a cheeky 'Shake it Off" are in constant rotation on the family playlist."

69. Shrek (2001)

Who's in it : Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz

Shrek’s isolated lifestyle is turned upside-down thanks to Lord Farquaad. When the ogre cuts a deal with the dictator, he’s tasked with rescuing Princess Fiona. The problem? She’s hiding a deep, dark secret. (Psst, after this, do yourself a favor and watch the sequels: Shrek 2 , Shrek the Third and Shrek Forever After .)

70. Vivo (2021)

Who's in it : Zoe Saldana, Juan de Marcos, Brian Tyree Henry

The movie highlights a musically gifted duo: Andrés Hernández and his kinkajou—a tropical rainforest mammal—named Vivo. After a tragic event, Vivo embarks on a dangerous journey to fulfill Andrés’s last wishes.

Quint said, "I've always maintained that this movie didn't get the attention it deserved. The songs are so catchy, and my kids love the message of 'marching to the beat of your own drum.'"

71. Turning Red (2022)

Who's in it : Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse

In this Oscar-nominated coming-of-age comedy, Mei Lee is a confident 13-year-old who struggles to balance school and adolescence with her overbearing mom. Not only that, but whenever she gets a little too excited, she morphs into a giant red panda.

Director Domee Shi told Deadline , "This film is one of the first, if not the first film, at least from Pixar, that really shines a light on and highlights the Chinese Canadian community. The protagonist is this Chinese girl struggling with this very specific yet universal issue of her mom being super protective. It’s so important and amazing to see that this film...has been embraced globally."

72. Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997)

Who's in it : Brandy Norwood, Whitney Houston, Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg
Run time: 85 minutes

From Whitney Houston’s dazzling golden ensemble to Brandy Norwood’s catchy musical numbers, this fairytale remake still stands as one of the best (and most diverse) Cinderella adaptations ever made. I can still vividly recall singing along to "Impossible" and "In My Own Little Corner" while watching it as a kid.

In a previous review , I wrote, "Cinderella is a bit more complex. She's got an active imagination and a knack for bringing out the good in people. But more importantly, she has hopes and dreams that go far beyond attending a lavish ball, as evidenced in her rendition of 'In My Own Little Corner.'"

73. Good Burger (1997)

Who's in it : Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Abe Vigod

Who knew that a simple comedy sketch from All That could inspire this timeless cult classic? In Good Burger , Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell steal the show as two employees who go out of their way to save the popular fast-food joint from crumbling. The movie spawned a sequel, Good Burger 2 , which follows Dexter and Ed reuniting at their old workplace and unveiling a major secret.

74. Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)

Who's in it : Jack Whitehall, Darby Camp, Tony Hale, Sienna Guillory

I love a feel-good film that takes me back to my childhood. Inspired by Norman Bridwell’s classic book series, this adaptation is about a young girl who receives a tiny red puppy. But little does she know that her furry friend will turn into a giant ten-foot dog.

FYI, if you need a compelling movie to keep the kids distracted, then this is your best bet. Quint said, "This is the movie I put on for my daughter while administering a two-hour lice comb-out. That's all you need to know."

75. Up (2009)

Who's in it : Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai

Carl Fredricksen is a 78-year-old widower who has always dreamed of traveling to South America and finding the mysterious Paradise Falls. To fulfill his promise to his late wife, he attaches thousands of balloons to his house and embarks on his biggest adventure, along with his new friend and young Boy Scout, Russell. The Pete Docter film was originally called Heliums, and it spawned a Diesny+ sequel series called Dug Days .

76. Anastasia (1997)

Suitable for: Kids ages 3+
Who's in it : Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer
Run time: 94 minutes

Anastasia is the last surviving member of the Russian royal family—but she doesn't know it. Determined to learn more about her history, she teams up with two mischievous con men and heads back to Paris, while the evil Rasputin sets out to destroy her. The Oscar-nominated film spawned multiple adaptations, including a stage musical and a spin-off film called Bartok the Magnificent .

77. The Parent Trap (1998)

Who's in it : Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson, Lindsay Lohan
Run time: 128 minutes

After being separated at birth and raised by just one of their parents, siblings Annie and Hallie wind up attending the same summer camp and are stunned to find out that they're identical twins. Before heading back home, the sisters hatch a plan to switch places so they can get their parents back together. But unfortunately, something is standing in their way: their father's new gold-digging girlfriend.

78. Alvin & The Chipmunks (2007)

Who's in it : Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson

The movie follows a businessman and aspiring composer who becomes fast friends with three talented chipmunks and then adopts them as his own. These lovable furry creatures will totally appeal to kids and adults alike. The musical comedy made a whopping $361.3 million worldwide and led to three sequels: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel , Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip .

79. Dr. Dolittle (1998)

Who's in it : Eddie Murphy, Ossie Davis, Oliver Platt, Norm MacDonald

Meet Dr. John Dolittle, an eccentric veterinarian who can communicate with a variety of exotic animals. His ability, however, causes his wife to suspect that he's going insane, landing him in a mental institution. Can his animal friends rescue him?

Quint watched the movie with her family and said, "It has an awful Rotten Tomato rating, but I watched it last week with my kids and aside from having an all-star cast, it has a lot of jokes that truly land. Well…at least with the under 10 set."

80. Bend It Like Beckham (2003)

Who's in it : Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Jess is extremely passionate about football (soccer to us Americans). Unfortunately, her strict conservative family refuses to let her play because of her gender. So, Jess steps out of her comfort zone and secretly joins the local women’s football team. BTW, did you know that the film's title refers to David Beckham's curling free kick technique, which is also called bending?

81. The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

Suitable for: Kids ages 13+
Who's in it : Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys

In an attempt to learn more about her late mother, Lily Owens travels to a small South Carolina town. While there, she meets the Boatwright sisters, who take her in and teach her about beekeeping. Based on Sue Monk Kidd's equally compelling novel of the same name, this coming-of-age story deftly tackles racism, religion, loss and forgiveness.

82. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022)

Who's in it : Shawn Mendes, Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Winslow Fegley
Run time: 106 minutes

Meet Josh, a young boy who’s struggling to fit in after moving to New York City. Everything changes, however, when he befriends a singing crocodile named Lyle. Aside from the star-studded cast, this musical fantasy is heart-warming and funny enough to make any kid smile. Plus, adults will appreciate the solid storytelling and catchy tunes.

83. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Who's in it: Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Tim Daly
Run time: 86 minutes

Miyazaki’s breakthrough film has stood the test of time—namely because of the beautiful animation and the low-key storyline, which brings the children's emotions to light in the most magical way and boasts positive messages about siblings and friendship. This poignant fantasy is sure to stir the hearts and minds of viewers of all ages.

The Best Movies on Netflix for Families

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

Senior Editor

The 10 Best Found Family Movies of the 21st Century, Ranked

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Family is a central part of a person's identity, the first and most emotionally impactful community they can be a part of. The term "family" elucidates the idea of unconditional love, support and guidance, creating a safe space for a person to grow and establish their identity. Family dynamics is a topic often explored in movies, particularly their influence on characters and the complicated emotions that can come with familial relationships.

The idea of a "found family" leads filmmakers to delve into the core of what truly makes a family, regardless of whether characters are blood-related. The 21st century has produced many great movies about found family, covering every genre and medium. From beloved children's features that teach empathy, acceptance, and the value that comes from providing a safe space for a new friend to dramas that explore absent parental figures, these are the best movies about found families of the new millennium .

10 'Lilo & Stitch' (2002)

Directed by chris sanders, dean deblois.

Stitch, Nani, Lilo, and Mrs Edmonds standing together in Lilo & Stitch.

With a live-action remake on the way, Lilo & Stitch is a favorite Disney film for many, whether it's for the heartfelt sentiment at its core or just the fact that Stitch is hilarious and strangely cute. The story follows a lonely Hawaiian girl, Lilo ( Daveigh Chase ), raised by her sister, Nani ( Tia Carrere ). Lilo is rebellious and always causing trouble, so Nani lets her adopt an ugly "dog" that she names Stitch ( Chris Sanders ), hoping they will become friends. It turns out that Stitch is actually a wanted extraterrestrial created in a genetic experiment who escaped his planet and crashed on Earth. Lilo's core belief in "Ohana" and her unwavering pursuit of showing Stitch love and acceptance helps to unlock his ability to care.

Lilo & Stitch is an incredibly fun and sweet movie about an unlikely duo who uplift and support one another through their antics, handling some very mature themes in an accessible way. Furthermore, Lilo & Stitch illustrates grief and loneliness very openly, showing very real difficulties in behavior as Lilo tries to come to terms with complex feelings. A film that requires a box of tissues at hand, Lilo & Stitch revolves around family and the essential values at the heart of that concept.

Lilo & Stitch

Not available

9 'My Life as a Zucchini' (2016)

Directed by claude barras.

A close-up of Courgette looking at the camera with two other children behind him in My Life as a Zucchini

Claude Barras collaborated with Céline Sciamma in My Life as a Zucchini . It follows Icare ( Gaspard Schlatter/Erick Abbate ), a quiet blue-haired boy sent to an orphanage after the accidental death of his mother ( Natacha Koutchoumov/Susanne Blakeslee ), who became an alcoholic after his father abandoned them. Through his experience in this new home, Icare ascertains how to make friends and grows close to the Police Officer working on his case, Officer Raymond ( Michel Vuillermoz/Nick Offerman ), who, alongside Icare's new friends, teaches him how to trust again.

The Academy Award-nominated feature illustrates that animated films can still pack an emotional punch , as it compounds the importance of a safe space for children where they can grow and develop their identity. My Life as a Zucchini truly warms your heart, as the audience witnesses Icare's self-development after experiencing a very traumatic event and the reaction to the long-awaited kindness he receives. The animation style is reminiscent of children's book illustrations, which often have the intention of a life lesson through fun and colorful pictures.

My Life as a Zucchini

Buy on Amazon

8 'Paddington' (2014)

Directed by paul king.

Paddington Bear going down a set of electrical stairs at the London tube in the film Paddington

With a third Paddington film on the way , the antics of the beloved bear have warmed the hearts of many. The first film introduces audiences to Paddington ( Ben Whishaw ), a walking and talking young bear who travels to London after his home in Darkest Peru is destroyed by an earthquake. He ends up at London's Paddington Station, where he meets the Brown family. Though Mr. Brown ( Hugh Bonneville ) is initially resistant to adopting the bear due to his antics, his wife ( Sally Hawkins ), children ( Samuel Joslin and Madeleine Harris ), and housekeeper ( Julie Walters ) fall in love with Paddington and his sweet nature.

Based on the beloved books by Michael Bond , this modernization perfectly captures the characters' essence. Paddington is a charming feature about the wonder of experiencing the bustle and sights of London for the first time and the acceptance one feels when being embraced by a community . Paddington's innocent yet earnest observations are hilarious, and audiences can't help but fall in love with his character . It is definitely a huge bear hug of a movie.

7 'Midsommar' (2019)

Directed by ari aster.

Dani crying while surrounded by other women in the film Midsommar

A darker take on the term "family" comes in the form of Ari Aster 's horror feature Midsommar . The feature follows Dani ( Florence Pugh ), a PhD candidate who experiences immense trauma that leaves her completely alone, apart from her lackluster boyfriend, Christian ( Jack Reynor ). However, when she joins him and his friends on a group trip to their friend's commune in Sweden, strange and horrific events occur as all is not as it seems. Though they describe themselves as a huge family of brothers and sisters, the commune is actually a cult.

Cults are formed by preying on individuals who would be susceptible to being indoctrinated, and Dani's feeling of isolation at the loss of her family makes her a perfect target. Midsommar explores mental health struggles and how the cult creates a space for Dani to experience her grief out loud. In a particularly poignant scene, women from the commune wail along with Dani as she lets out her anguish. The cult twists traditional familial ideas of acceptance and love , using them as manipulation techniques to ensure their members do twisted and horrendous things in the name of family.

6 'Tokyo Godfathers' (2003)

Directed by satoshi kon.

A family of three smiles while walking down a street at night Tokyo Godfathers

Tokyo Godfathers is an anime movie by Satoshi Kon that follows a trio of homeless people — middle-aged alcoholic Gin ( Tooru Emori ), teenage runaway Miyuki ( Aya Okamoto ) and former drag queen Hana ( Yoshiaki Umegaki ) — as they survive together on the streets of Tokyo. When rummaging the trash for food on Christmas Eve, they stumble upon an abandoned baby crying. They find a few clues to the baby's identity and search the streets with the intention of returning the baby to its parents.

The group of misfits is a makeshift family due to their shared experience, supporting each other through adversity. The coincidence of finding the baby leads their care for one another to deepen and brings them closer. As they make discoveries about the baby, they simultaneously uncover truths about themselves. The theme of parent-child relationships tying in with the feeling of forgiveness is poignant throughout, as each character has trauma to work out throughout the story. Tokyo Godfathers is set at Christmastime , which only compounds the central idea that being selfless and doing good for the sake of helping others is a treasured gift.

Tokyo Godfathers

5 'hunt for the wilderpeople' (2016), directed by taika waititi.

Julian Dennison and Sam Neill lean against a rock hiding in Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Hunt for the Wilderpeople follows rebellious runaway Ricky Baker ( Julian Dennison ), who is taken in by kindhearted Bella ( Rima Te Wiata ) and her reluctant husband Hector ( Sam Neill ). When Bella suddenly dies, Hector takes off into the bush, and Ricky follows him, refusing to go back to social care. A manhunt begins as relentless ("like the Terminator") social services agent Paula ( Rachel House ) insists that Ricky has been kidnapped by Hector and needs to be returned to the foster care system.

Taika Waititi's film is a feel good feature through and through . Hunt for the Wilderpeople is hilarious and heartfelt, and Ricky and Hector have excellent rapport throughout as they make discoveries about one another. They fill an absence in their lives and uplift one another in their adventure. Also, Ricky is of Māori descent and is helped at one point by a girl, Kahu (Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne) and her dad (Troy Kingi), who form an immediate bond with him. This brief yet pivotal plot showcases the Moāri's close-knit community and shows another form of family that Ricky connects with on his journey.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

4 '20th century women' (2016), directed by mike mills.

Dorothea talks with her son while sitting in a kitchen table in 20th Century Women.

Set in 1979, 20th Century Women follows 55-year-old single mother Dorothea ( Annette Benning ), who lives with her son Jamie ( Lucas Jade Zumann ) in Santa Barbara with their two tenants: Abbie ( Greta Gerwig ), a 20-something punk artist being treated for cervical cancer, and William ( Billy Crudup ), a carpenter and mechanic. Dorothea is having trouble connecting with her son and elicits the help of Abbie and Jamie's best friend, Julie ( Elle Fanning ), to help raise and guide him.

20th Century Women is a love letter to parents and children and the importance of the effect they have on one another. The 1970s setting elucidates an essence of love and freedom portrayed in a positive light as a community is created and strong quasi-familial bonds are formed. They all become intertwined in each other's lives, learning from and inspiring one another; even if it is for a moment in time, it is most definitely impactful.

20th Century Women

3 'shoplifters' (2018), directed by hirokazu koreeda.

Lily Franky, Sakura Andô, and Miyu Sasaki lying on the floor in 'Shoplifters'

Winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, Shoplifters follows a makeshift family. Hatsue ( Kirin Kiki ) is an elderly woman who owns the home and supports four people on her deceased husband's pension: Nobuyo ( Sakura Andô ) and her husband Osamu ( Lily Franky ), Aki ( Mayu Matsuoka ), and a young boy named Shota ( Jyo Kairi ). They all routinely shoplift to get by, using a meticulously planned system of hand signals to communicate. One day, they see Yuri ( Miyu Sasaki ), a little girl in their neighborhood who they regularly see locked out on the apartment balcony, and bring her home with them after finding evidence of abuse.

Shoplifters is a wonderfully intimate story that explores what makes a good family through authentic and complex characters.

Hirokazu Koreeda is a master of found-family features , with both Shoplifters and his recent feature, Brokers , telling heartfelt stories of misfits joining together and forming a family . Shoplifters is a wonderfully intimate story that explores what makes a good family through authentic and complex characters. Loyalty and compassion are at its core, as this already struggling family takes in another mouth to feed due to their empathy and true emotional understanding of what makes a good family, however seemingly dysfunctional.

Watch on Hulu

2 'The Holdovers' (2023)

Directed by alexander payne.

Angus, Paul, and Mary eating in front of a Christmas tree in The Holdovers

Alexander Payne 's The Holdovers follows three characters at a New England Boarding School — clever yet trouble-making student Angus Tully ( Dominic Sessa ), curmudgeonly classics teacher Paul Hunham ( Paul Giamatti ), and grieving cafeteria manager Mary ( Da'Vine Joy Randolph ) — as they reluctantly end up spending Christmas together. They form a makeshift family as they begin to understand one another , poignantly culminating in the Cherry Jubilee scene.

The script, penned by David Hemingson , is authentic and deeply human, abundant with humor, life lessons and heart. Partnered with a soundtrack containing the sweet voices of Labi Siffre and Cat Stevens, The Holdovers feels like it was made in the 1970s , a conscious decision from Payne. The cinematography and color grading gives The Holdovers an exquisite warming coziness, and there is no doubt that this will be a Christmas film audiences reach for every year.

The Holdovers

1 'moonlight' (2016), directed by barry jenkins.

Mahershala Ali teaching Alex R. Hibbert to swim in 'Moonlight'

Barry Kenkins ' Best Picture winner Moonlight is a film of three defining chapters in the life of Chiron ( Alex R. Hibbert , Ashton Sanders , and Trevante Rhodes ), a young black man growing up in Miami. Chiron grapples with his neglectful mother ( Naomie Harris ), loneliness and his sexual identity. He is missing a father figure until he meets drug dealer Juan ( Mahershala Ali ), who becomes a makeshift parent and teaches him to carve his path.

Moonlight is one of the best coming-of-age stories ever made , foregrounding the difficulties that accompany growing up Black and homosexual in America. Though Juan passes by the second chapter, his guidance rings true throughout Chiron's life and his absence is felt deeply for a character with only 20 minutes of screen time. The significant moment in Moonlight that fully captures the found-family element is when Juan teaches Chiron how to swim. This tender, joyful instant stands out against the backdrop of the cruel world that Chiron is subject to, capturing a moment where he is able to let go and simply be a child.

NEXT: 13 Great Family Movies From the 2000s You Totally Forgot About

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Critic’s Pick

‘Didi’ Review: 13 Going on Nerdy

A vibrant coming-of-age story about an awkward teenager in California in 2008 is also a love letter to the director’s mother.

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Three boys run from a building, a man standing behind them in the background.

By Alissa Wilkinson

When a filmmaker makes a semi-autobiographical movie that’s also a story about growing up, it’s very often about learning to see. In “The Fabelmans,” Steven Spielberg’s youthful stand-in becomes obsessed with looking at the world through a camera lens, and the film functions almost as an apology for a lifetime of always inserting the camera between himself and the world. “Roma” recreates Alfonso Cuarón’s Mexico City in the 1970s; “The Souvenir” recreates Joanna Hogg’s northern England in the 1980s; “The Cathedral” recreates Ricky D’Ambrose’s American suburbs in the 1990s. In each case, we’re given a glimpse of memories the way the directors remember seeing them, often half-captured or framed in a way that proves meaningful to the protagonist’s maturing perspective.

What we realize, watching these movies, is that any self-reflective adult restaging youthful memories will see them from a new angle, understanding them in a way their younger self never could. That’s what Sean Wang accomplishes with “Didi,” a film about a Taiwanese American boy named Chris stumbling through the summer in Fremont, Calif., before he starts high school. Chris (Izaac Wang, no relation to the director) lives with his grandmother (Chang Li Hua, the director’s grandmother), his mother Chungsing (Joan Chen), and his older sister Vivian (Shirley Chen, no relation to Joan), with whom he fights viciously.

Like this summer’s “ Janet Planet ,” which recalls the excruciating nature of being bored and 11 in the summertime, “Didi” leans hard into the exact variety of aimless discomfort that comes with being 13. It’s 2008, so Chris spends a lot of time poking around YouTube, which back then was filled mostly with random, amateur drivel that occasionally went viral. He and his best friends, Fahad (Raul Dial) and a kid everyone calls “Soup” (Aaron Chang), play stupid pranks and film them, like blowing up an old lady’s mailbox. Chris has a MySpace account, but his friends are starting to move toward the cleaner, more sophisticated Facebook. He is obsessed with skateboarding, and with filming skateboarders on his little camcorder. And he has a massive crush on Madi (Mahaela Park), who’s a grade ahead of him.

Chris’s family calls him Didi, the Mandarin term for “little brother.” His friends call him Wang Wang. He isn’t quite sure who he is, and hesitates before introducing himself to new people. Entering his teen years, he’s stuck fast in that awkward stage where nothing quite makes sense, everyone is annoying and life is filled with an endless tug of war between immaturity and something more grown-up. Chris and his friends use crude slang to refer to sex and girls and anatomy, but they’re all virgins, and they know it; this is their time for posturing, for trying on personas for size, figuring out who they’re going to be next.

Chris is a stand-in for Sean Wang, who built the movie on top of his own memories. So while those recollections are highly specific to the setting and the time period — Chris uses all the AOL Instant Messenger acronyms, chats with the SmarterChild chatbot and checks a friend’s MySpace page to see if he’s still in their Top 8 list — they feel universal, too. When Chris flubs a first kiss, we feel his embarrassment. When he flips out at his mother, and friends look at him askance for his behavior, we feel his confused shame. “Didi” is as much about realizing how others see you as it is about learning to see them for who they really are.

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Metacritic reviews

80 Variety Variety Clue is campy, high-styled escapism. In a short 87 minutes that just zip by, the well-known board game's one-dimensional card figures like Professor Plum and others become multi-dimensional personalities with enough wit, neuroses and motives to intrigue even the most adept whodunnit solver.
63 Chicago Tribune Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune Gene Siskel There's a movie here, and there's a gimmick. The gimmick undermines the movie and the gimmick is attached to the wrong part of the movie. Other than that, Clue offers a few big laughs early on followed by a lot of characters running around on a treadmill to nowhere. [13 Dec 1985, p.38]
63 San Francisco Chronicle San Francisco Chronicle Unlike the game, Clue doesn't take murder seriously. Writer-director Jonathan Lynn has made a campy non-thriller rather than laying down the mystery and then having fun with it; the comedy kills the plot.
50 Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert Lots of sight gags and one-liners are attempted, but few of them succeed. The cast is talented but stranded in weak material.
50 The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Jay Scott The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Jay Scott If you see Clue only once, and it's hard to imagine seeing it more than once, even for the five different minutes, the "A" is by far the best, featuring as it does (this does not give away the identity of the murderer) a splendidly funny shtick from Madeline Kahn. [13 Dec 1985, p.D5]
40 The New York Times Janet Maslin The New York Times Janet Maslin there is so little genuine wit to be found in ''Clue.'' The film does have a speedy pace, but that could hardly be confused with Mr. Hawks's madcap humor; instead, it involves a lot of running around through secret passages, and some slapstick routines involving dead bodies. The actors are meant to function as an ensemble, but that merely means that they often repeat the same line simultaneously.
40 Los Angeles Times Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times Kevin Thomas Inspired by the Parker Brothers board game of the same name, Clue is more frenetic than funny, more strained than suspenseful or scary. In fact, it's not the least bit scary or suspenseful but instead quickly grows tedious. The more you struggle to keep track of the constantly multiplying plot developments, the harder it gets to care who did it. [13 Dec 1985, p.6]
37 TV Guide Magazine TV Guide Magazine Easily one of the most gimmicky films of all time, Clue must be the only movie in history to be adapted from a popular board game.
30 Chicago Reader Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Dave Kehr The murder-mystery board game becomes a frantic, unfunny spoof (1985) under the direction of British TV writer Jonathan Lynn. The script recycles Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians, with six guests invited by a mysterious host to spend the night in a creepy mansion, but instead of parodying the material Lynn simply surrounds it with extraneous pratfalls and wisecracks.
12 Boston Globe Boston Globe Clue the movie, not the board game, isn't so much a drama as it is a marketing gimmick. Presumably, Paramount Pictures believed that an audience was clamoring to see actors play one-dimensional figures from a game. [13 Dec 1985, p.57]
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Language, drinking in affecting comedy about acceptance.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Mixed messages about women and girls (a set of mid

Kate is selfish and painfully blunt, but softens o

Viewers hear how violent a group of Juggalos is (t

Brief conversation about using two condoms for bir

Frequent strong language includes "f--k," "s--t,"

An adult handles stress by drinking; she gulps dow

Positive Messages

Mixed messages about women and girls (a set of middle school bullies is insulted for being "dogs" and "bitches," and one girl is said to have a "lazy eye"), but also very sweet messages about empathy, unity, importance of feeling like you belong, being true to yourself, understanding that most people feel like "freaks" inside no matter what they look like outside.

Positive Role Models

Kate is selfish and painfully blunt, but softens over course of movie, acknowledges her faults and need to be kinder. Adults are deeply involved with the young characters. Even though bullied middle school girl joins a socially reviled group with off-putting outward attributes, viewers see that the group accepts her as she is, cares for her. Some stereotyping, including middle school "mean girls" group. An adult woman calls them "dogs," says they don't have right to pick on others because they're so unattractive. At 11, Maddie is empathetic toward others: When told that it should make her happy to shop for a dress when there are poor kids who can't, she logically answers, "Why would that make me happy? It just makes me sad those kids are poor." A mom who thinks "karate is for boys" learns better. Characters are diverse in race, ethnicity, gender, body type.

Violence & Scariness

Viewers hear how violent a group of Juggalos is (talk of them stabbing each other and damaging public property, and viewers see them fistfighting), but they ultimately emerge as sweet eccentrics who drop everything to search for a lost kid. A bullied girl fights back against her foes by kicking one so hard she falls down; the kicker is then suspended from school. A woman is injured by a closing garage door.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Brief conversation about using two condoms for birth control (a character correctly says that it's safer to use just one) and some talk about dating. Two characters seem headed toward a romance at the end of the movie, but they never kiss.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Frequent strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," "p---y," "ass," and "bulls--t." A middle school-age child is called a "loser," and others are called "dogs" and "freaks."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

An adult handles stress by drinking; she gulps down wine, shots, cocktails. One scene shows many cocktails being downed. A character shows up drunk at a school; she takes a Lyft there and is driven by a sober friend so she doesn't drive drunk. At a gathering of Juggalos, people smoke joints and share large bongs; a character talks about being addled because she's on a lot of drugs.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Family is about a selfish, blunt workaholic ( Taylor Schilling ) whose unexpected week with her middle school-age niece (Bryn Vale) changes her in important ways. The main characters learn to have empathy for each other and for themselves, and both make positive changes in their lives. A girl who feels like she doesn't fit in is bullied by a group of female classmates who are then spoken of in stereotypical terms (as "dogs," "bitches," and "mean girls"); the girl ultimately defeats them by kicking one to the ground (she's suspended for it). At the same time, the girl also finds a group of friends who accept her for who she is. Despite some iffy choices, those friends are eventually revealed to be kind-hearted, thoughtful, and caring (even if viewers see them shrieking, punching each other, and sharing giant bongs). In other scenes, adults guzzle wine and cocktails; they don't usually appear drunk, but in one scene a character does show up drunk at a school. Frequent strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," "p---y," "ass," "bulls--t"; several characters are also called (or call themselves) "freaks." There's no sex or romance, but there's a brief joke involving condoms and suggestions of the potential for romance between two characters. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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Based on 2 parent reviews

This is a 5 year old movie

What's the story.

Kate ( Taylor Schilling ) has her eyes on the prize at work and doesn't have a lot of time for FAMILY. But when her brother ( Eric Edelstein ) and sister-in-law ( Allison Tolman ) have to leave town for an emergency, Kate's the only one available to take care of her 11-year-old niece, Maddie (Bryn Vale). Kate figures she can hold things together as usual, despite a challenging period at work. But Maddie's a kid who needs help -- and, luckily, she finds it, thanks to Kate and a friendly group of local Juggalos (followers of the band Insane Clown Posse).

Is It Any Good?

It churns through plenty of cinematic clichés along the way, but ultimately this comedy gets to a place of genuine sweetness -- in a gathering of the Juggalos, of all places. Viewers will instantly recognize Schilling's Kate from the first scenes: She's tightly wound, all business, with no time for friends or family. "I have a habit of saying things that everyone is thinking, but then someone's always like 'Why did you say that?' so I'm usually in the place where I hate myself but also think I'm better than everybody else," she sums up to Maddie. We know, by the way, that Maddie will be the driving force of Kate's story arc, because of course Kate has to change by the time the credits roll, or why else would she be dressed in pristine white silk shirts and frowning? So change she does, and in all the ways you imagine she will -- but the magic of Family is that it's done with such artistry that it transcends the trite setup.

Maddie is a weird kid, but the movie's not laughing at her -- even though her true friends wind up being Juggalos who hang out in front of a mini mart playing a recorder. We feel the pain of her differentness from the kids at school, as well as her joy at finding a group that accepts her as she is -- and an aunt who can help her feel comfortable and supported in choosing to stand out rather than trying fruitlessly to fit in. Maddie's new friends, as Kate tells Maddie's worried mom, "play with their spit, and all their songs are about stabbing people, but once you get beyond that, they're really kind of sweet." And, without giving away the ending, it's true. No, it's not realistic, but Family gets at a real feeling: the wonder of finding your people. And clichéd as it is, it's awfully affecting.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how Family compares to other family-centered movies. Does the content seem more or less realistic than others'? How is this family different from other movie families?

Is it ever OK to use stereotypes as a way of portraying characters? Do you see any stereotypes in this movie? Do the characters ultimately affirm or upend their stereotypes?

How do the characters in Family demonstrate empathy ? Why are these important character strengths ?

How does the movie portray drinking ? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?

Movie Details

In theaters : April 19, 2019
On DVD or streaming : July 16, 2019
Cast : Taylor Schilling , Brian Tyree Henry , Kate McKinnon , Bryn Vale
Director : Laura Steinel
Inclusion Information : Female directors, Female actors, Black actors, Lesbian actors
Studio : The Film Arcade
Genre : Comedy
Character Strengths : Empathy
Run time : 85 minutes
MPAA rating : R
MPAA explanation : language, some sexual content and drug use
Last updated : July 27, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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Is deadpool & wolverine family friendly just how r rated is it.

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Deadpool & Wolverine Review: The MCU Multiverse Movie I've Been Waiting For

10 best deadpool movie scenes, ranked, deadpool & wolverine post-credits scenes explained.

Deadpool & Wolverine marks the first R-rated movie for the MCU, with plenty of blood, violence, and cursing to match its antihero characters.
The movie maintains Deadpool's signature mature themes, not shying away from gore or profanity, challenging the typical family-friendly MCU mold.
While the movie includes sexual references, it stops short of explicit scenes, making it marginally more family-friendly compared to previous Deadpool installments, although it is still far from being a kid-friendly release.

Deadpool & Wolverine has hit theaters, and while it may be the first R-rated movie for the MCU , there are naturally questions surrounding how much it warrants this rating. Deadpool & Wolverine has finally brought the Merc with a Mouth to the MCU alongside his dream companion, Wolverine. The early days of Disney's acquisition of Fox led to much speculation over whether the famously family-friendly franchise would tone down Deadpool's no-holds-barred content to fit within the typical ethos of Disney and the MCU timeline .

Considering Deadpool's legacy both on the page and on the big screen as one of Marvel's most hyper-violent and unabashed antiheroes, fears were thankfully assuaged relatively quickly. While Deadpool & Wolverine 's R-rating may have raised concerns that a large swathe of the MCU fandom may be precluded from taking part in Marvel's next big movie , the question remains over whether the release is truly as exclusive as the official age rating would suggest. As such, here is a spoiler-free rundown of what audiences can expect to make their minds up on the matter.

Ryan Reynolds In Full Deadpool Costume With Hands Over Mouth Looking Shocked And Hugh Jackman As Wolverine Looking Disgusted In Deadpool & Wolverine

Led by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman at the top of their superhero game, Deadpool & Wolverine is an absurd blast of a Marvel multiverse joyride.

Deadpool & Wolverine Is The MCU's First R-Rated Movie

Mcu movies are typically pg-13.

The Motion Picture Association of America has given Deadpool & Wolverine a " Restricted " rating. This comes with the following descriptor:

Contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them.

This rating mirrors the two previous Deadpool movies and indicates the severity of Deadpool & Wolverine 's adult themes. It is also the first time that the rating has made its way to the MCU's movie roster , though Marvel TV productions like Daredevil and Punisher boast the equivalent TV-MA rating.

The UK equivalent of an R-rating assigned by the British Board of Film Classification is 15, which helps to give an indication of the kind of age range considered suitable for R-rated productions.

This is a significant development for the MCU as its movies have all been PG-13 until now. While some MCU movies are more violent than others, nearly all shy away from showing more than a drop of (human) blood, replacing it instead with either alien blood or fluid used to power robots. The latter was used to great effect in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness , as Scarlet Witch is depicted covered in a blood-like substance that came from destroying numerous Ultrons. Deadpool & Wolverine , however, is unapologetically bloody.

Deadpool & Wolverine Is Very Bloody & Violent

Deadpool & Wolverine telegraphed the level of blood, gore, and violence that audiences could expect when the first trailers were released. As the titular heroes tussle, trailers show Wolverine stabbing Deadpool through the groin and Deadpool firing at point-blank range through Wolverine's abdomen. To put it mildly, there is plenty more where that came from in the movie itself, as the MCU takes full advantage of the R-rating and the titular characters' MO. The hack-and-slash violence they engage in is one thing, but their dual healing factors also ensure that they can continue shedding blood and limbs ad infinitum.

Marvel Comics suggests that Deadpool's healing factor is more powerful than Wolverine's, which is hinted at in the X-Men movies by the fact that Wolverine could die in Logan .

This should come as no surprise to anyone who has watched Deadpool and Deadpool 2 . Some hyper-violent highlights from these movies include Deadpool's single-bullet triple headshot in Deadpool and Juggernaut tearing Deadpool in two with his bare hands in Deadpool 2 . Deadpool & Wolverine treads much of the same gory ground while finding yet more creative ways of inflicting grievous injury. The violence is the most overt justification for the movie's R-rating and may be the most prudent concern for parents wondering whether it is family-friendly.

Ryan-Reynolds-as-Wade--Deadpool-from-Deadpool

Deadpool is a staple of the superhero genre thanks to his unique humor, quirks, and the action he brings to his movies, with outstanding scenes.

Deadpool & Wolverine Includes A Lot Of Cursing

A PG-13 rating comes with a rule that one utterance of harsh profanity - described as " sexually-derived " - is allowed. While this is the typical rating for all MCU movies, the MCU's first f-bomb didn't appear until 2023's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 . Deadpool & Wolverine has therefore increased the MCU's f-bomb tally one-hundredfold , as the Merc with a Mouth continues to live up to his nickname. His foul language is bolstered by characters like Wolverine, who also delivered X-Men: First Class ' curse word allocation in 2011.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is arguably the MCU movie that put the most strain on its PG-13 rating, as it also featured moments of relatively shocking violence and gore.

Deadpool & Wolverine 's R-rating means there is no upper limit on the amount or nature of curse words that characters can deploy. While this means that f-bombs rack up to the point where they almost become trivial, it never feels overly gratuitous, and audiences can expect to hear the same level and intensity of profanity featured in both Deadpool and Deadpool 2 . With that in mind, Deadpool & Wolverine is on a par with its predecessors in most adult-themed areas - though it does rein in one R-rated factor.

Deadpool & Wolverine Includes Some Sexual References

Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson and Deadpool in the MCU's Deadpool & Wolverine

Like the violence and profanity, the first Deadpool & Wolverine trailer laid out that sexual references would also be present in the movie as Wade Wilson jokes about pegging. While this is not the only sexual reference in the movie, the remainder follow a similar vein and are always part of a joke that - like most others in the movie - is swiftly brushed aside. The notable difference between this and Deadpool is that Deadpool & Wolverine stops at references and innuendos rather than depict actual sex scenes that feature the aforementioned activity.

Taken together, Deadpool & Wolverine could be considered marginally more family-friendly than previous Deadpool installments, though it is still far from toned down. It is worth noting that it earns its R-rating and is worlds apart from the movies that typically comprise the MCU regarding mature themes and imagery. With that in mind, parents may wish to approach this movie with caution, basing the decision on the example set by Deadpool and Deadpool 2 .

It is likely, meanwhile, that Marvel will somehow cater to the audiences that missed this installment and its implications on the wider MCU narrative in some other way. Once Upon a Deadpool was Fox's way of affording younger audiences the chance to catch up on the story in a more PG-friendly context. Whether Marvel does this with Deadpool & Wolverine in some capacity remains to be seen, but it is safe to say that this particular release is not one of Marvel's kid-friendly movies in its current state.

Deadpool and Wolverine Poster Showing Wade Wilson's Swords Showing Hugh Jackman's Reflection

Deadpool & Wolverine

A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox.

Upcoming Marvel Movies	Release Date
	July 26, 2024
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The movie is too cartoonish and slapstick-heavy to. Positive Role Models. The characters are too cartoonishly ludicrous to b. Violence & Scariness. Murder done in a kind of slapstick manner, with bo. Sex, Romance & Nudity. Mild sexual innuendo and sight gags throughout. On. Language.
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Clue. "Clue" is a comedy whodunit that is being distributed with three different endings, which is sort of silly, since it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference who did it. That makes the movie a lot like the board game which inspired it, where it didn't make any difference either, since you could always play another game.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie. Positive Messages. Mixed messages about women and girls (a set of mid. Positive Role Models. Kate is selfish and painfully blunt, but softens o. Violence & Scariness. Viewers hear how violent a group of Juggalos is (t. Sex, Romance & Nudity. Brief conversation about using two condoms for bir.
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The 83 Best Family Movies of All Time

1. The Goonies (1985)

2. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

3. The Greatest Showman (2017)

4. Moana (2016)

5. Annie (2014)

6. The Lego Movie (2014)

7. Princess and the Frog (2009)

8. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

9. Elemental (2023)

10. Luca (2021)

11. Daddy Day Care (2003)

12. Stand By Me (1986)

13. Toy Story (1995)

14. The Karate Kid (1984)

15. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

16. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

17. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

18. Enchanted (2007)

19. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

20. The Hunger Games (2012)

21. Finding Nemo (2003)

22. Inside Out (2015)

23. All The Harry Potter Films (2001 - 2010)

24. Elf (2003)

25. Home Alone (1990)

26. Matilda (1996)

27. Minions (2015)

28. Spirited Away (2001)

29. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

30. Frozen (2013)

31. The Princess Bride (1987)

32. Coco (2017)

33. Paddington (2015)