This post is updated regularly to reflect the latest movies to leave and enter Hulu. *New additions are indicated with an asterisk.
The truth is that Hulu doesn’t particularly value the family audience in the same way that companies like Netflix or Disney+ do, perhaps realizing that the latter have a monopoly on that demographic. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to rally the entire clan around when you’re looking for something to watch on Hulu. Their eclectic mix of family films include recent blockbuster hits, dramas from the ‘00s and ‘10s, and movies you won’t find anywhere else.
The Amazing Maurice
Year: 2023
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director: Toby Genkel
Terry Pratchett wrote a beloved series of books called Discworld, but this is an adaptation of a novel called The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents. It’s the animated tale of a cat named Maurice (Hugh Laurie) who gets entangled in a village with a crazy secret. Laurie is joined by Emilia Clarke, David Thewlis, Gemma Arterton and many more in a film that actually made some decent money worldwide, but barely got a U.S. release. So your kids probably haven’t seen it yet!
The Bob’s Burgers Movie
Year: 2022
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director: Loren Bouchard, Bernard Derriman
Delayed two years because of the pandemic, the big screen version of the FOX hit finally landed in theaters in May 2022, but audiences mostly stayed away, which means they can catch up with it at home! And you really shouldn’t miss this joyous story of a family who always unites to save the day and make the best burger in town.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
Year: 2005
Runtime: 2h 23m
Director: Andrew Adamson
Remember when they made big movies out of every hit book series when Harry Potter made a bajillion dollars? One of the biggest was this adaptation of the hit books by C.S. Lewis, a series that is being revived by Greta Gerwig while you read this. The second film is also on Hulu.
The Dark Crystal
Year: 1982
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director: Jim Henson, Frank Oz
Look! Muppets! It’s a kid’s movie, right?!?! Sorta. Yes, there are puppets in this fascinating fantasy film, but it’s also a dark, often scary adventure story that doesn’t talk down to children and isn’t cautious about frightening them. It’s hard to express how groundbreaking this movie was for its time in terms of puppetry, special effects, and even the way children’s entertainment was written. It’s wildly influential, and there’s a reason Netflix returned to its world almost four decades later.
Edward Scissorhands
Year: 1990
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director: Tim Burton
If your kids want to move on from the kiddie animated fare, introduce them to this beautifully dark fable, the tale of a boy with scissors for hands. Johnny Depp plays the title character, a man scientist’s creation who has been living alone for years before he bursts into the life of a ordinary suburb, falling in love with a girl played by Winona Ryder. It’s a great movie, one of Tim Burton’s best.
Hotel Transylvania
Year: 2012
Runtime: 1h 24m
Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
They may not be Minions-big, but these flicks are beloved by most kids under 12. They’re easy watches, charming and old-fashioned in their sense of humor. Adam Sandler’s Dracula impression is the key, but it also helps to have a remarkably likable voice cast that includes Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, and many more. (Note: The first sequel is also on Hulu.)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Year: 2017
Runtime: 1h 59m
Director: Jake Kasdan
This massive blockbuster actually isn’t on streaming services that often, so take this chance while you can on Hulu. Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan star as the avatar versions of four teens who end up transported into a video game. A massive hit when it was released, it’s already produced one sequel, with another in development. It’s a lot of fun.
Labyrinth
Year: 1986
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director: Jim Henson
The legendary creator of The Muppets used his puppet prowess to direct this fantasy flick that enraptured a generation. The one and only David Bowie stars as Jareth, The Goblin King, who kidnaps the half-brother of a girl named Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly. Some of it is surely a bit dated, but in that good way that reminds people when family films were allowed to be a little weird too.
The LEGO Movie: The Second Part
Year: 2019
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director: Mike Mitchell
Remember when there was a new LEGO movie like every year? This was the fourth such film following the wake of the massive The LEGO Movie and, well, it’s fine. Some of it can be very entertaining but it doesn’t match the original film or the Batman iteration. Still, the catalog of family films on Hulu is pretty thin, so this may be just what you’re looking for.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
Year: 2022
Runtime: 1h 46m
Directors: Josh Gordon, Will Speck
The crocodile CGI may be a bit dodgy, but this family film is cute enough to get the job done, and Javier Bardem is having a hell of a good time. He co-stars in this musical comedy adaptation of the book of the same name about a crocodile who can only sing to communicate, and the boy whose life he changes. It’s sweet and big-hearted in just the ways you want it to be.
*The Muppets
Year: 2011
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director: James Bobin
The best movie co-starring Kermit since the original Muppet Movie, this delightful musical truly understands what Jim Henson was aiming for when he created these iconic characters. Funny, sweet, and catchy as hell, The Muppets is one that the whole family should watch together.
*The Polar Express
Year: 2004
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director: Robert Zemeckis
The director of Back to the Future changed animation with his first motion-capture film in this adaptation of the book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. Tom Hanks stars in multiple roles in this telling of a boy who finds a train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, where he learns the true meaning of the holiday.
The Secret Life of Bees
Year: 2008
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Queen Latifah gives a nuanced, moving performance in this adaptation of the hit 2001 novel of the same name, and she’s accompanied by a killer supporting cast that includes Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Paul Bettany, and Sophie Okonedo.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Year: 2022
Runtime: 2h 2m
Director: Jeff Fowler
With a third film in production, it kind of feels like these films about the fast little blue guy are the first new mega-franchise of the pandemic, right? And something interesting about them is how quickly Paramount has worked to make them available to subscribers. This film jumped from theatres to Paramount+ before it was even on Blu-ray and now it’s on Hulu too. There’s a reason kids love these movies. Watch for yourself and find out why.
Steven Universe: The Movie
Year: 2019
Runtime: 1h 23m
Director: Rebecca Sugar
After Steven Universe ended its run on Cartoon Network, they produced a film in 2019 that maintains the hit show’s brilliant blend of fantasy and humor. Most of the ensemble cast returns for another story of the Crystal Gems trying to save all organic life on Earth. Steven Universe is a wonderful show, and this movie is a nice epilogue to its legacy. Note: the series is also on Hulu.
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