15 (Squeaky Clean) Wholesome Family Movies

Air Bud

I have fond memories of my two little brothers popping Air Bud into the VCR on a somewhat regular basis many years ago. It’s hard to believe that my own basketball loving little man now enjoys it as much as they did!

Josh Fram moves to a new town while still grieving the loss of his father. He’s in desperate need of some hope when he meets what appears to be an abandoned dog. A friendship soon blossoms and Josh discovers he and his new pal “Buddy” have more in common than he ever thought possible.

Facing The Giants

Feel good football movies have a way of uplifting our spirits. Although Remember The Titans will forever remain one of my all-time favorites, Facing the Giants is another must see wholesome movie for families.

Coach Grant Taylor is not only struggling on the football field, but also in his personal life as infertility plagues his family. His doubts and questions eventually develop into trusting God no matter the outcome. As Coach Taylor puts his faith into action he discovers that God can use both our trials and victories for His glory and our good.

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

Hachi is a sweet and simple story about the unconditional love and loyalty of a dog and his human. Professor Parker Wilson discovers a lonesome puppy at a train station on his way home from work one evening. His attempts at finding the owner (or any owner for that matter) falter, but his late nights bonding with the little guy do a number on his heart. This tear jerker is based on the true story of an Akita and his master in Japan during the 1920s.

The Rookie

Dennis Quaid plays high school baseball coach, Jim Morris, who makes a life changing bet with his struggling team: if they win the district championship, he will try out for the majors. Faithful to his word he shows up to an open tryout for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and to the shock of the sports world becomes the oldest rookie in the major league. A sweet story of determination, baseball, and family make The Rookie one of the best non animated family movies.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe 

The Chronicles of Narnia was originally a fantasy book series by beloved author C.S. Lewis. Lewis’s ability to weave together such a powerful story in the form of a children’s allegory has made it a top seller over the past few decades (with over 100 million copies sold).

In 2005 The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe  (the first in the movie trilogy) was released. Siblings Lucy, Susan, Peter, and Edmund Pevensie accidentally discover the land of Narnia when they step through a mysterious wardrobe while playing hide-and-seek. Narnia is filled with interesting creatures, but ruled by an evil queen. The children soon meet the wise and gentle Aslan who faithfully guides them to free the land from her rule forever. This family action movie is sure to please!

Anne of Green Gables (1985)

Actress Megan Follows was perfectly cast for her role as Anne Shirley- a redheaded orphan with quite the imagination and one fiery personality. This classic family movie (the first in a miniseries) focuses on what it means to be a true friend.

The Nativity Story

We’ve made it a family tradition to watch The Nativity Story every year around Christmastime. The production team and acting make this one of the best Biblical movies surrounding the life of Christ. This simple retelling of Jesus’ birth zeros in on the faith of young Mary and her honorable betrothed, Joseph, while reminding us that He came for all- from the lowliest of shepherds to the greatest of kings.

Overcomer

This wholesome family movie holds a special place in my heart. My husband, two kiddos, and I watched it for the first time while on vacation a couple years ago. My (then) four year old son (who has ADHD) actually sat through the entire movie mesmerized! It was a sweet memory of the four of us cuddling up to enjoy a good movie together. 

The film focuses on the lives of basketball Coach John Harrison and troubled youth, Hanna Scott. The two cross paths and inspire one another more than they ever thought possible.

Homeward Bound

This classic family movie from my childhood is still just as good as it was back then. The Seaver family is headed for vacation and drop off their beloved pets at a friend’s ranch while they’re away. Shadow, Chance, and Sassy soon worry that their family isn’t returning and embark on a mission to navigate the wilderness to find their way back home. Shadow’s wisdom, Chance’s excitement, and Sassy’s uncertainty make for an entertaining film for the whole family!

Related: 21 CLEAN MOVIES FOR DATE NIGHTS AT HOME

Animated Family Movies

More favorites to cuddle up to on a Friday evening!

Spirit

Oh how I wish they made more heartwarming family movies like this one! Spirit is a sweet film about the journey of a horse with a mind of his own. Quality acting (Matt Damon) and a beautiful soundtrack by Brian Adams make this one a must see wholesome family movie!

Up

The first few minutes of Up had me hooked (and yes I was in my 20s when I first saw it!) What begins as a precious story about the bond of a husband and wife quickly transitions into the surprising adventure of unlikely friends. Up is an imaginative tale about a curious little boy who softens the heart of a grieving elderly man. It is a movie the whole family can enjoy!

Wall-E

Wall-E is an animated science fiction adventure about a lonesome robot left on Earth while the remaining population flees to escape a deteriorating planet. What it lacks in words it makes up for in engaging content and a few important reminders: #1 We were never meant to do life alone. #2 We need to faithfully take care of our planet. #3 We need to diligently take care of our health. If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box, yet sweet film this one is for you.

The Prince of Egypt

The Prince of Egypt is based on the Biblical account of Moses’s life.  Baby Moses is a Hebrew rescued from certain death at the hands of Pharoah. He’s ironically adopted by Pharoah’s daughter to be raised as royalty in the Egyptian palace. Years later God uses his place of influence to lead his own people out of slavery. This Christian family movie is a beautiful retelling and brings this powerful true story to life for little ones and adults alike.

Ice Age

Ice Age is a family comedy movie that is sure to put a smile on your face! A misfit group of animals stumbles across a young child and are on a mission to reunite him with his family. Unbeknownst to them, Sid the sloth, Manny the mammoth, and Diego the saber-toothed tiger become a family of their own in the process.

Bolt

Bolt the pup is an action hero on the big screen.  He fails to understand that his impressive skills and stunts are digitally engineered and believes himself to have real superpowers. He finds out the hard way that he’s actually just a normal dog with normal abilities when he is accidentally sent to the unkind streets of New York. Bolt teams up with a cat and a hamster on a mission to be reunited with his owner, Penny.

A Dog Named Christmas

My mother-in-law gifted us with A Dog Named Christmas this past year and it has become a family favorite. This sweet film follows the story of Todd, a young man with special needs, as he bonds with a shelter dog over the holidays. Superb acting makes this one a holiday must see!

Wholesome movies for families bring us closer together.

Whether you simply enjoy some good laughs together or one prompts a healthy conversation afterwards my hope is that these wholesome family movies will be a reminder of the value of connection. May we be intentional in the pursuit of our children and faithful to guard their hearts from unhealthy influences.

(And if you’re looking for some additional clean family movies to watch with your older kiddos or spouse please feel free to check out this list!) Happy browsing!