22 Best Movies & Shows to Watch When Sitting Around With Family

This article is part of SELF’s Rest Week, an editorial package dedicated to doing less. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that taking care of yourself, physically and emotionally, is impossible without genuine downtime. With that in mind, we’ll be publishing articles up until the new year to help you make a habit of taking breaks, chilling out, and slowing down. (And we’re taking our own advice: The SELF staff will be OOO during this time!) We hope to inspire you to take it easy and get some rest, whatever that looks like for you.

Quality family time can take many forms, and cozying up on the couch together can be just as meaningful as a game night or group dinner. Spending an evening (or afternoon) watching movies or TV shows gives us an opportunity to switch off all phones, tablets, and game consoles and get completely absorbed in a story together. Beyond the entertainment factor, certain themes and plotlines can provide a jumping-off point for bigger conversations.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 22 of the best family movies and TV shows to stream or download on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more. We’re hooking you up with comfort watches, stunning documentaries, and a certain beloved cartoon about an Australian dog clan (Bluey forever). Throughout, we focused on parent-vetted options that people of all ages will actually enjoy, as well as a handful of picks better suited for family members who can’t count their age on their fingers.

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When it comes to what’s “age-appropriate,” that’s a call we’ll leave up to you: Some parents prefer to stick to ultralight fare and avoid tough topics altogether, while others among us were introduced to horror movies by the third grade. (Not to worry; this list is 100% free of major frights—and onscreen makeout sessions that can be awkward to watch with people you’re related to.) No matter your taste, we’re confident you’ll find a new favorite on this list of the best TV shows and movies to watch with your family. 

1. Anne with an E

Source: SELF