The Greatest Guilty Pleasure Family Movies
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Upvote the best guilty pleasure family movies
Latest additions: Wonka
Most divisive: The Mighty Ducks
Over 800 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Guilty Pleasure Family Movies
Is there anything quite as delightfully nostalgic as revisiting your favorite guilty pleasure family movies? While these movies may be the cheesiest, your fond memories can influence your viewing experience for the better. Dumb family movies can be the perfect way to disengage when you're in the mood for something nice and easy. Millennials may love indulging in some '90s nostalgia with ridiculous franchises like The Mighty Ducks while vintage '80s films are delightfully campy. Below, you'll find the best guilty pleasure family movies. Browse this list to identify the perfect films to satisfy when you're in the mood for something cheesy.
- 1Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter OstrumIn the musical fantasy film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), a poor boy, stumbles upon a golden ticket. This ticket grants him access to the enigmatic chocolate factory of Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder), an eccentric candy maker. Inside this whimsical world, Charlie and four other children embark on a surreal adventure filled with Oompa-Loompas, edible landscapes, and remarkable inventions. However, as they journey deeper into the factory, their character flaws surface in unexpected ways. Directed by Mel Stuart, this 1971 movie is a celebrated adaptation of Roald Dahl's book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
- 2Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea PerlmanMatilda (Mara Wilson) is a precocious child, born into an uncaring family. Her crass car-dealer father (Danny DeVito) and neglectful mother (Rhea Perlman) fail to recognize her genius intellect, leaving Matilda starved for knowledge and affection. At school, she faces the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), whose reign of terror is challenged by Matilda's burgeoning telekinetic powers. This 1996 film, directed by Danny DeVito, is a blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy that won acclaim for its engaging storytelling and strong performances. It explores themes of resilience, self-empowerment, and the power of kindness in an unjust world.
- 3Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick RennaIn the heart of summer 1962, a group of boys gather at The Sandlot, a local baseball diamond. The movie follows Scotty Smalls (Tom Guiry), who recently moved to the neighborhood and struggles to fit in. Benny Rodriguez (Mike Vitar), the team's star player, takes him under his wing. Together they embark on a series of adventures involving a monstrous dog nicknamed The Beast, and a coveted Babe Ruth baseball. This coming-of-age film, directed by David Mickey Evans, blends comedy with drama as it explores friendship, courage, and the joyous days of youth.
- 4Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff CohenIn the heart of Astoria, Oregon, a band of misfit kids known as The Goonies embark on a wild adventure after finding an old pirate map in Mikey's (Sean Astin) attic. Together with his brother Brand (Josh Brolin), and friends Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Mouth (Corey Feldman), Data (Ke Huy Quan), Andy (Kerri Green) and Stef (Martha Plimpton), they set out to unearth the long-lost fortune of infamous pirate One-Eyed Willy. Chased by the nefarious Fratelli family, their journey is packed with booby traps, puzzles and swashbuckling danger. Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg, The Goonies is a timeless adventure-comedy that celebrates friendship and courage.More The Goonies
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- 5Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy NajimyIn the whimsical film Hocus Pocus, three witch sisters, Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy), are accidently resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night. This resurrection is unwittingly caused by Max Dennison (Omri Katz), a teenager new in town. Alongside his younger sister Dani (Thora Birch) and his crush Allison (Vinessa Shaw), Max must outsmart the vengeful witches to save the town's children before sunrise. The movie, known for its comedic charm and fantasy elements, has become a beloved cult classic since its release in 1993.More Hocus Pocus
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- 6Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Glynis JohnsIn the heart-warming musical Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews stars as Mary, an enchanting nanny with magical abilities. She arrives to assist the Banks family of London, comprised of Jane (Karen Dotrice) and Michael (Matthew Garber), their harried father, George (David Tomlinson), and their mother, Winifred (Glynis Johns). As Mary's curious blend of practicality and whimsy transforms the family's life, she introduces the children to a series of fantastical adventures. Co-starring Dick Van Dyke as Bert, a charming chimney sweep, this 1964 film won five Academy Awards including Best Actress for Andrews.
- 7Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha RichardsonIn the delightful family comedy The Parent Trap, Hallie Parker and Annie James (both played by Lindsay Lohan), are identical twin sisters separated shortly after birth by their divorced parents. Unaware of each other's existence, they serendipitously meet at a summer camp. Swiftly recognizing their uncanny resemblance, they hatch a plan to switch places in an attempt to reunite their estranged parents, Elizabeth James (Natasha Richardson) and Nick Parker (Dennis Quaid). The movie unfolds as a light-hearted caper filled with heartwarming moments and humorous hijinks.More The Parent Trap
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- 8Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy CrewsonIn the family-comedy film The Santa Clause, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) inadvertently becomes Santa Claus. A regular father and business executive, Calvin stumbles upon a peculiar situation on Christmas Eve involving the real Santa. After donning the red suit and delivering gifts worldwide, he wakes up to find it wasn't a dream. The transformation begins gradually, and as the reality sinks in, he must juggle his everyday life with his newfound responsibilities at the North Pole. The movie cleverly weaves humor and fantasy, providing a fresh spin on holiday lore.More The Santa Clause
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- 9Travis Tedford, Bug Hall, Brittany Ashton HolmesMischievous youngsters Spanky (Travis Tedford) and Buckwheat (Ross Elliot Bagley) lead an anti-girl organization, and they pick their buddy Alfalfa (Bug Hall) to represent them in an all-important soapbox car rally. When the boys then find their driver canoodling with schoolmate Darla (Brittany Ashton Holmes), they decide they must break up the couple. Unfortunately, while Spanky and his pals are busy meddling in Alfalfa's affairs, their prized race car is nabbed by two young toughs.More The Little Rascals
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- 10Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia RobertsIn the fantastical adventure film Hook, Peter Banning (Robin Williams), a high-powered corporate lawyer, grapples with a world beyond his comprehension. Unbeknownst to him, he is actually the grown-up Peter Pan, a fact revealed by the eccentric Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts). When his children are kidnapped by the nefarious Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman), Banning must rediscover his playful and courageous past life in Neverland to save them. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this whimsical twist on J.M. Barrie's classic tale won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, showcasing magical landscapes and swashbuckling pirate battles.More Hook
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- 11Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim CummingsIn the heartwarming family film, A Goofy Movie, Goofy (Bill Farmer) embarks on a cross-country trip with his teenage son, Max (Jason Marsden). Their journey begins as an effort for father-son bonding, but quickly becomes a wild adventure filled with unexpected twists. As they encounter eccentric characters and thrilling situations, their relationship is put to the test. Will they manage to strengthen their bond or let their differences drive them apart? This animated comedy-drama, set against a backdrop of heartfelt musical numbers, showcases the ups and downs of familial love and the challenges of growing up.
- 12Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark HarmonIn the comedic family film, Freaky Friday, an uncanny event propels a mother-daughter duo, Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Anna (Lindsay Lohan), into a whirlwind of swapped lives. A simple wish on a peculiar fortune cookie triggers the switch, compelling them to navigate each other's worlds with newfound perspectives. As Tess grapples with high school drama and Anna juggles adult responsibilities, they strive to reverse their circumstances. Amidst uproarious moments and chaos, this enchanting tale explores familial bonds and understanding in an extraordinary way.More Freaky Friday
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- 13Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, Danny DeVitoIn Space Jam, basketball legend Michael Jordan (as himself) gets sucked into a world beneath the golf course. Here, he finds himself in Looney Tune Land, where Bugs Bunny and friends are in desperate need of his skills. The Tune Squad, led by Bugs (Billy West), faces an existential threat from the Monstars, a formidable basketball team from outer space. With slapstick humor and lively animation, this family comedy intertwines the worlds of sports and cartoons in a unique fashion. The film is known for its memorable soundtrack, featuring the hit song I Believe I Can Fly by R.Kelly.More Space Jam
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- 14Leon, Doug E. Doug, Malik YobaCool Runnings is a unique blend of sports and comedy, centered around the unlikely story of Jamaica's first bobsled team. Derice Bannock (Leon), a sprinter failed to qualify for the Olympics, forms an unusual alliance with three other athletes, Sanka Coffie (Doug E. Doug), Junior Bevil (Rawle D. Lewis), and Yul Brenner (Malik Yoba). This ragtag group enlists the help of disgraced former Olympian Irv Blitzer (John Candy) who reluctantly agrees to coach them. Despite their tropical roots and lack of experience on ice, they defy all odds and stereotypes in a quest for Olympic glory. The film, though comedic in nature, carries an underlying message about perseverance and challenging societal norms.More Cool Runnings
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- 15Jason James Richter, Lori Petty, Jayne AtkinsonIn the 1993 family drama Free Willy, Jesse (Jason James Richter) is a rebellious young boy placed into foster care. He finds an unexpected connection with Willy, a captive orca in a local amusement park. The movie weaves a heartwarming tale of friendship as Jesse fights to free his aquatic friend from captivity. Directed by Simon Wincer, the film also stars Lori Petty and Michael Madsen as Jesse's supportive foster parents. Until now, Free Willy remains a beloved classic in the realm of children's cinema.More Free Willy
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- 16Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, Lane SmithIn the heartwarming sports comedy The Mighty Ducks, a reckless lawyer named Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez) finds himself sentenced to community service after a drunken driving incident. His assignment? Coaching the hapless local youth hockey team, the Ducks. As he reluctantly leads this ragtag group of underdogs, we see Bombay's transformation from cynical attorney to dedicated mentor. The movie spins a tale of teamwork and redemption, as both Bombay and his team learn that victory isn't always about winning, but playing your best game. In the end, it's not just about hockey - it's about finding a new direction in life.More The Mighty Ducks
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- 17Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Dean JonesWhen the family of George Newton (Charles Grodin) decides to adopt a cute St. Bernard puppy, the patriarch soon feels displaced by the dog. Before long, the adorable canine, dubbed Beethoven, has grown considerably, leading to household mishaps. While George's wife and kids dote on Beethoven, it takes time for him to see the pooch's finer qualities. However, Beethoven's life with the Newton family is jeopardized when a scheming vet (Dean Jones) tries to nab the dog for a deadly experiment.More Beethoven
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- 18Brendan Fraser, Leslie Mann, Thomas Haden ChurchIn George of the Jungle, a comedic romp through the wild, Brendan Fraser (George) swings into action as a lovable Tarzan-like character raised by apes in an African jungle. Leslie Mann (Ursula Stanhope), a wealthy socialite from San Francisco, stumbles upon George during her safari vacation, and unexpected sparks fly. As the plot thickens, George must leave his leafy abode to navigate the concrete jungle of Ursula's high-society world. This film is packed with slapstick humor and wild adventure, making it a family-friendly favorite that doesn't take itself too seriously.More George of the Jungle
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- 19Ben Stiller, Tom McGowan, Kenan ThompsonHeavyweights is a 1995 American comedy film directed by Steven Brill. The film centers around a fat camp for kids that is taken over by a fitness guru named Tony Perkis (Ben Stiller).
- 20Danny Glover, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tony DanzaAngels in the Outfield is a heartwarming blend of sports and fantasy genres. The film centers on foster kid Roger (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who prays to the heavens for his abysmal local baseball team, the California Angels, to turn their luck around. Surprisingly, real angels led by Al (Christopher Lloyd), respond to his plea. As the celestial beings start meddling in games, the team's cynical manager George Knox (Danny Glover) is forced to reevaluate his beliefs. This quirky tale of faith and miracles combines humor with a touch of magical realism, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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- 21Hayley Mills, Maureen O'Hara, Brian KeithThe Parent Trap tells the charming tale of identical twins Susan and Sharon (both played by Hayley Mills). Separated at birth due to their parents' divorce, they meet unexpectedly at summer camp. Discovering their relation, the twins devise a mischievous plan to switch places and attempt to reunite their estranged parents.More The Parent Trap
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- 22Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes, Lionel JeffriesIn the fantastical realm of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke) is a quirky inventor who transforms an old racing car into a magical vehicle. With his children Jeremy and Jemima (Adrian Hall and Heather Ripley), and the charming Truly Scrumptious (Sally Ann Howes), they embark on an adventure filled with songs, laughter, and danger. Their journey takes a sinister turn when the villainous Baron Bomburst (Gert Fröbe) desires the enchanted automobile. This 1968 musical fantasy film, directed by Ken Hughes, captivates with its whimsy, daring exploits, and unforgettable titular car.
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- 23Michael J. Fox, James Hampton, Scott PaulinIn Teen Wolf, Scott Howard (Michael J. Fox), an average high school student, undergoes a bizarre transformation into a werewolf. Struggling with this newfound identity, he is caught in the throes of adolescence and the unexpected complications of lycanthropy. His best friend, Stiles (Jerry Levine), capitalizes on his condition to gain popularity while his love interest, Boof (Susan Ursitti), remains steadfastly by his side. This comedic horror film captures the awkwardness of teen life through the lens of a supernatural metaphor. Despite its fantastical premise, it remains grounded in the relatable trials and tribulations of growing up.More Teen Wolf
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- 24Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Gaby HoffmannIn Now and Then, four childhood friends reunite in their small hometown, sparking a series of flashbacks to the pivotal summer of 1970. Samantha (Gaby Hoffmann/Demi Moore) is the introverted writer, Teeny (Thora Birch/Melanie Griffith) dreams of stardom, Roberta (Christina Ricci/Rosie O'Donnell) is tomboyish and brave, while Chrissy (Ashleigh Aston Moore/Rita Wilson) is naively sweet. This drama-comedy explores the girls' adventures, mysteries, and life-altering experiences during that memorable summer. The movie masterfully intertwines past and present, revealing how these formative events shaped the women they become.More Now and Then
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- 25Paige Turco, David Warner, Michelan SistiThe Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Mark Caso, Michelan Sisti, Leif Tilden, Kenn Troum) again battle their archenemy, the rogue ninja Shredder (Francois Chau). Shredder attempts revenge by obtaining the same radioactive ooze that created the Turtles and unleashing two new monstrous mutants: Tokka, an oversized snapping turtle, and Rahzar, a fearsome wolf-like creature. When Shredder plans to use the remaining ooze on himself, the Turtles must harness their ninja fighting skills to stop him.
- 26Rick Moranis, Ed O'Neill, Shawna WaldronIn Little Giants, a comedy-sports film, sibling rivalry takes center stage. When Danny O'Shea (Rick Moranis) is consistently overshadowed by his athletic brother Kevin (Ed O'Neill), he forms his own ragtag youth football team to challenge Kevin's unbeatable squad. The plot thickens when both brothers vie for the town's coveted Pee-Wee Football championship. Aided by a motley crew of underdogs, including the pint-sized hotshot Icebox (Shawna Waldron), Danny fights to prove that heart and determination can rival raw talent in this lighthearted, family-friendly tale of small-town football and big-time dreams.More Little Giants
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- 27Brian Bonsall, Karen Duffy, Miguel FerrerAfter a crook named Carl Quigley (Miguel Ferrer) nearly kills 11-year-old Preston Waters (Brian Bonsall) by running over the boy's bike, he mistakenly gives the boy a blank check. The resourceful Preston makes out the check for a million dollars and cashes it. As Preston enjoys spending his windfall, Carl realizes his mistake and goes looking for the boy, while the FBI searches for Preston's alias, the mysterious Macintosh. Preston soon learns the real value of money.More Blank Check
- 28Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil HartmanIn the feel-good holiday comedy, Jingle All the Way, workaholic Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) embarks on a frantic quest to secure the season's most popular toy - Turbo Man. As Christmas Eve ticks away, he confronts deranged postman Myron Larabee (Sinbad), who is equally desperate to get the coveted gift for his son. Their comedic rivalry escalates into wild escapades across Minneapolis. Meanwhile, Langston's wife Liz (Rita Wilson) and son Jamie (Jake Lloyd) wait in anticipation at home. The film juxtaposes the holiday spirit with commercial frenzy, creating hilarity that resonates with audiences of all ages.
- 29Thomas Ian Nicholas, Gary Busey, Albert HallA freak accident causes 12-year-old Little League player Henry (Thomas Ian Nicholas) to become such a powerful and accurate pitcher that the Chicago Cubs sign the junior high student to a contract. Unprepared for such a high-pressure environment, Henry falters until aging fastballer Chet Steadman (Gary Busey) takes him under his wing and teaches him how to play in the big leagues. Meanwhile, his mother's venal boyfriend (Bruce Altman) tries to sell Henry's contract to a hated opposing team.More Rookie of the Year
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- 30
It Takes Two
Kirstie Alley, Steve Guttenberg, Mary-Kate OlsenSad little rich girl Alyssa (Ashley Olsen) and orphaned tomboy Amanda (Mary-Kate Olsen) meet at summer camp and discover that they are each other's exact double. And each girl is worried about her caregiver. Alyssa's father, Roger (Steve Guttenberg), is about to marry a gold digger, and Amanda's kind social worker, Diane (Kirstie Alley), will be pushed aside if a cruel family adopts Amanda. The girls decide to switch identities to make their loved ones fall in love with each other.More It Takes Two- #38 of 92 onThe 75+ Best Family Comedy Movies
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