In a year marked by tentpole spectacles and streaming abundance, the best family movies of 2017 balance imagination with emotional clarity, offering parents and kids shared experiences that invite repeat viewings. This guide curates titles that reward curiosity, foreground kindness and courage, and hold up across rewatch years. Each entry isolates what works for young viewers, what may require context, and how the craft supports connection. Whether you are planning a cozy weekend or a road-trip playlist, you will find decision-ready takeaways without unnecessary hype.
Top Family Picks from 2017
Across animated features, broad comedy, and heartfelt adventure, these films earned trust from parents and critics for clarity of story and care in how they spoke to kids.
Coco
Pixar’s exploration of memory, family, and music framed death and grief with warmth, making difficult conversations approachable for many caregivers. Its vibrant design, clear emotional stakes, and celebration of heritage continue to resonate across cultures and generations.
Paddington 2
By turns tender and riotously funny, this sequel leans into politeness, empathy, and resilient optimism. Its brisk pacing, visual gags, and genuinely kind protagonist offer reliable comfort viewing while still delivering sharp, family-friendly satire.
Wonder
A heartfelt adaptation that humanizes difference without reducing characters to a single trait. Its school-centered conflicts and messages about everyday courage support classroom and dinner-table discussions about inclusion and perspective.
How to Change the World
This documentary traces the early years of Greenpeace, pairing archival footage with a brisk, accessible narrative. It introduces activism as a shared family value, encouraging kids to ask what they can do for their communities and planet.
Smurfs: The Lost Village
While thinner in story, its brisk adventure and bright color design give younger viewers a clean, gender-balanced ensemble to follow. The film emphasizes teamwork and curiosity, though parents may need to help with jokes aimed at older audiences.
Why These Choices Work for Families
What makes a movie family-friendly in 2017 and beyond is less about the absence of conflict and more about how conflict is modeled and resolved. Positive framing includes:
- Clear prosocial themes such as kindness, honesty, and cooperation
- Age-appropriate conflict with visible, sensible solutions
- Accessible humor that invites group laughter, not exclusionary references
- Visual clarity and steady pacing so younger viewers can follow stakes without overload
- Opportunities for discussion about feelings, choices, and cultural context
Quick Comparison at a Glance
Use this table to assess fit for your household by runtime, typical age comfort zone, and notable content to preview.
| Title | Runtime | Suggested Age Range | Content Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coco | 105 minutes | 8+ | Themes of death and memory, mild peril |
| Paddington 2 | 104 minutes | 6+ | Gentle slapstick, very low scary moments |
| Wonder | 113 minutes | 9+ | School drama, occasional strong language |
| How to Change the World | 100 minutes | 10+ | Historical activism and some strong language |
| Smurfs: The Lost Village | 90 minutes | 6+ | Mild fantasy peril and some teasing |
What Families Should Know Before Watching
Parental guidance remains essential, even with broadly praised titles. Consider these points when choosing what to watch:
- How does the movie handle disappointment? Look for characters who repair mistakes and seek help when needed.
- Are authority figures shown as fair and approachable, or purely punitive?
- Does humor rely on empathy and cleverness, or on mocking others?
- How are conflicts resolved, and how quickly are solutions reached?
- Does the story reflect or challenge stereotypes your family is discussing?
Planning a Movie Night Around These Titles
An easy 2027-ready plan is to schedule one animated and one live-action feature per month, letting kids vote between two pre-screened options. Pair viewings with a short discussion or creative activity, and keep snacks simple to maintain focus on the story. When older siblings watch with younger ones, parents can highlight specific moments that sparked kindness or problem-solving.
Long-Term Family Value
The best family movies of 2017 earn their place on a growing list of shared references. Lines from Paddington, moments from Coco, and themes from Wonder recur in conversations, school projects, and reading lists. Rather than chasing every new release, treating these films as repeatable anchors can keep screen time intentional and conversation-rich.
As your family’s tastes evolve, return to these titles to compare reactions over time and let kids lead deeper discussions about characters, choices, and values. The result is a durable library of experiences that outlast any single trend.