Best Movies for Family Movie Night

Author: Kirstin Toms - MarCom/Thursday, June 11, 2020/Categories: TV & Streaming TV

For those of us who are quarantined or honoring stay-at-home directives, it feels as if the world has slowed to a crawl. As we struggle with working from home or supervising distance learning during the day, it’s good to take a break in the evening and relax with your family.

A family movie from your Consolidated Communications cable TV provider could be just what you need. You can introduce your kids to one of the great classics, or enjoy a new release. Some of the choices on this list haven’t reached theaters or had a very short run because of the pandemic. So break out the popcorn and choose one of the flicks on this list to forget your worries for a while.

“Inside Out”

Disney Pixar makes some of the best movies for the whole family to enjoy. “Inside Out” follows the tale of a tween girl, Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwestern life to move to San Francisco. Her adventures and feelings are relayed through the embodiment of her emotions: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness.

The movie is a feel-good romp with plenty of laughs for the entire family. You’ll also discover plenty of teachable moments; while a quarantine is the exact opposite of a cross-country move, many children today are experiencing the same feelings Riley learned to deal with.

“Despicable Me”

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone — children and adults alike — who won’t giggle at the lovable super-villain Gru and his banana-loving Minions. “Despicable Me” was the movie that launched the franchise, spawning two sequels and two spin-off movies featuring the Minions. It’s enough for a marathon — but you may want to add bananas to your grocery delivery order first.

“The Princess Bride”

A tried-and-true fairytale concept hits the silver screen with this 1987 family comedy/romance/fantasy. During the 98-minute adventure, the beautiful heroine Buttercup agrees to marry Prince Humperdinck because she thinks her true love, Westley, is dead.

The movie follows Westley’s trials as he battles various challenges to become reunited with Buttercup. With quotable lines, plenty of laughs, and an all-star cast that includes Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Fred Savage, Billy Crystal, and Mandy Patinkin, this is one your children need to see. Pair it with the novel by William Goldman on which it’s based and call it part of your homeschooling curriculum.

“Jumanji”

The original 1995 fantasy adventure starred Robin Williams as Alan Parrish, a young boy who gets stuck inside a board game, only to emerge as a grown man years later when a brother and sister find the game and start to play. Mayhem, destruction, and adventure ensue.

The follow-ups, “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (2017) and “Jumanji: The Next Level” (2019), have a modern twist with the players trapped in a video game. The Sony Pictures Entertainment movies star Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan. “Jumanji: The Next Level” was just released on cable TV for On Demand viewers and offers all the adventures and laughs you’d expect. 

“Onward”

This 2020 Disney Pixar full-length feature fell victim to the coronavirus pandemic when theaters closed soon after its release. Now it’s available On Demand for cable TV viewers to enjoy at home.

The animated film stars Tom Holland and Chris Pratt, who share the same on-screen chemistry they exhibited in “Avengers: Infinity War.” In “Onward,” the two play elf brothers who perform a magical spell that resurrects their deceased father — well, at least half of him. They set off together on a quest to complete the spell and make him whole. With enough plot twists to keep the grown-ups entertained and plenty of Pixar’s trademark humor and adventure, you’ll want to tune into this one again and again.  

“Trolls World Tour”

As a result of the pandemic, “Trolls World Tour” went straight to cable TV for On Demand viewers on April 10. Although $20 may seem like a hefty price for a home rental, compare it to the money you’d have spent in the theater, and you’re getting a steal. If you are in the mood for some catchy tunes, bright colors, and sparkly cute characters with really big hair, you’ll enjoy it.

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”

For families with slightly older kids or anyone who is a sci-fi fan, you’ll want to gather in front of the TV for a “Star Wars” marathon culminating in the latest release, “The Rise of Skywalker.” Who is Rey’s father? Is she a Skywalker? The mysteries are finally revealed. If you have younger children who have yet to watch the first three movies in the series, you’ll love experiencing it all again through their eyes.

There are countless movies to keep you entertained while you shelter in place with your family. Explore the Consolidated Communications premium cable TV offerings and movies On Demand to create your own movie night marathon.

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