In the vastness of films that every single streaming catalog now offers, it is easy to spend more hours choosing which title to watch all together in the family rather than actually watching it. For this reason, today we at Hall of Series have thought of offering you a list of the 15 funniest, most compelling and emotional films released in recent years. A list as useful for you as for us who know what it means to spend hours with the remote control in hand scrolling title after title without knowing how to choose. Well, the movies on this list range from family comedies to mysteries suitable for adults and children, from Disney classics to lesser-known animated features.
So here are a lot of movies to write down and keep in mind in case of family evenings!
1) Yes Day
Directed by Miguel Arteta, the film stars Jennifer Garner and Édgar Ramírez as two very authoritarian and strict parents, used to bringing up their children with many rules and little fun. Precisely for this reason the hostility of the three children towards them grows more and more, until the mother decides to let the whole family participate in the “yes day”. What should be a day of fun, however, turns into a series of exaggerated and daring situations that will help the family grow. Guaranteed fun for everyone, young and old.
2) Enola Holmes
After reaching worldwide fame with the role of Eleven in Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown is the protagonist of another successful franchise that has already collected many acclaim and a sequel. As the young Enola Holmes, younger sister of the Holmes brothers (played by Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin), Brown begins an adventurous journey through the streets of London in search of her mother. In the meantime, she will also have to solve a mysterious case that is putting a strain on the ingenuity of her renowned brother Sherlock.
3) Jungle Cruise
The 2021 film led by Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson has all the typical characteristics of a Disney film: mystery, adventure, laughter, a perfect shoulder and a romantic duo. Based on the attraction of the Disneyland parks of the same name, the story follows Dr. Lily Houghton and her brother MacGregor on the trail of an ancient artifact to clear the name of their father, considered a liar and a dreamer by the Royal Society. In their mission they will soon be joined by Frank Wolff, river cruise boatman in the jungles of South America who hides a dark secret and a particular interest in the Houghtons’ mission.
4) Jumanji: The Next Level
Follow-up to the successful 2017 reboot, Jumanji: The Next Level to see the return of our new protagonists in the gaming world of Jumanji three years after their first adventure. Fridge, Martha, Eddie and Milo decide to return to the game to bring back a depressed Spencer, convinced that his life in Jumanji is better than the real one. While Bethany is inexplicably locked out of the game, her other friends are forced to join forces to fight a new opponent and thus win the game. The second chapter decides to reshuffle the cards on the table, reassigning the characters of Jumanji. But the changes certainly do not affect the spirit of a film that remains light, cheerful and very pleasant.
5) The monster of the seas
Oscar 2023 candidate for best animated film, Monster of the seas is a film for the whole family to catch up on Netflix tonight.
A daring adventure across the seven seas, in the company of the legendary monster hunter Jacob Holland and little Maisie Brumble. In fact, the two will have to join forces to be able to capture the mythical when elusive Red Fury, a terrifying sea monster and coveted prize for all hunters in the world.
6) Roal Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
Based on the Broadway musical of the same name which in turn is based on the 1996 film which is in turn based on the 1988 book by Roal Dahl. What a ride huh? Well, the 2022 film is an animated version of a story now known and appreciated by all. Little Matilda Wormood is a brilliant, curious and inventive girl but unfortunately she is neglected and mistreated by her parents who decide to enroll her in a terrible boarding school. Here, both she and her classmates are perpetually harassed by the gruff Headmaster Trinciabue (an unrecognizable Emma Thompson), who treats them like trash. Soon, she Matilda realizes she has psychic powers which she decides to use to bring justice back to the school.
7) Red
A classic coming of age story masquerading as an animated film for the whole family.
Mei Lee is a rebellious thirteen-year-old Chinese-American and often at odds with her family, especially her mother, who is considered too rigid and traditionalist. Mei’s life takes an unexpected turn when the red panda is activated in her that is inherited in her family once she reaches adolescence. So, not only does the girl have to deal with those mischievous hormones we all remember all too well but also with the sudden transformation into a huge red panda when she feels too intense emotions. The Pixar film is a colorful animated fairy tale but also a lesson in self-acceptance.
8) The Mitchells against the machines
Animated film as snubbed as it is very precious, The Mitchells versus the machines is a rare and unique product available on Netflix suitable for the whole family.
Universally acclaimed for its innovative animation, the film was even nominated for an Oscar in 2022. The Sony Pictures production follows the story of the Mitchell family grappling with a world war between humans and machines, while the relationship between the eldest daughter Katie and her father Rick is increasingly at loggerheads. When Katie is accepted into a California film college far from home, Katie and her father have a big fight. In an attempt to make peace, Rick decides to take a road trip before saying goodbye in order to spend some time with his family. Too bad that, meanwhile, artificial intelligence is taking over the globe.
9) Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
After the terrible death of his son during an air raid, poor Geppetto starts furiously carving a piece of wood giving it human features and ardently wishing it could become a real child. As we all know, the wish comes true and Pinocchio is “born”. Guillermo del Toro’s film is an author’s reinterpretation that changes the historical context in which the story takes place and other situations (the military school, the meeting with the Duce) but certainly remains faithful to the spirit of Collodi’s work and to the morality that Pinocchio has always wanted to teach in every time and in every place. The adventurous vicissitudes of Pinocchio will remain universal teachings for anyone who wants to stop and listen.
10) Charm
The sixtieth Disney classic is a riot of color and music, a feast for the eyes and a balm for our aching hearts. Again, with Charm, Disney has really made a magic. The story revolves around the Madrigal family, led by thegrandmother and blessed with magical powers of various kinds. All family members possess a special ability, put to the service of their community. All except Mirabel, who inexplicably has never received a gift from the house and, for this reason, she always feels out of place and excluded from the rest of the family. When a mysterious threat threatens to destroy the Madrigals from within, it will be up to Mirabel to be the protagonist for once.
An extraordinary family is at the heart of this unforgettable Disney film.
11) Soul
Pixar films less mainstream than usual and whose great strength is undoubtedly the soundtrack. Joe Gardner is a music teacher who has, however, always dreamed of making it as a jazz musician. Just before he performs at a momentous concert that could be his big break, Joe’s spirit is ripped from his heart and transported to another, strange dimension. Absolutely against accepting the new situation and, therefore, his death, Joe is willing to do anything to return to his body, even to face a dangerous journey in the afterlife. An animated film full of profound dialogues and a lot of philosophy, to bring even the little ones closer to complex themes.
12) Wolfwalkers – the people of wolves
The 2020 film is, actually, the latest chapter in a trilogy inspired by Irish folklore. The film, strengthened by a particular animation and a profound narration, gives great emotions while also making us reflect. 1650, the story is that of Robyn Goodfellowe, a young hunter who arrives in Ireland with her father to track down and kill the last pack of wolves. While on a hunting trip in the woods, Robyn meets a mysterious girl named Mebh. After a somewhat eventful meeting, she Mebh reveals that she is one wolf walker, i.e. a being capable of transforming into a wolf when it sleeps. A splendid friendship will slowly be born between the two, threatened however by the world and by the narrow-mindedness of adults.
13) Spiderman Into the Spider-verse
In the case of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, we are faced with a true masterpiece that rightly deserved the Oscar for best animated film. In addition to a story that is by no means obvious and characters better than many in the MCU’s live action films, the film’s great strength lies in its groundbreaking and brilliant animation. The story is that of Miles Morales, Spider-Man of the new generation who is at the center of an adventure much bigger than him when Spiderman from alternate universes start appearing in the city. To thwart the threat, the boy will have to learn to use his new skills and soon understand that “with great powers come great responsibilities”.
14) Instant Family
Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne lead the cast of Sean Anders’ film, inspired by true events in the director’s life. Pete and Ellie are a very close and successful couple, whose great desire is to have a child. Given their age, the two decide to opt for adoption and thus participate in a foster meeting. Here they take to heart the teenager Lizzy who, however, does not travel alone but in the company of her two younger and inseparable brothers. From the idea of adopting only one child, Pete and Ellie will come home with three.
A family film that talks about family in a tender and sincere way, recounting the complications and obstacles that often no one wants to talk about.
15) The magician’s elephant
We conclude this list with the most recent film, which was released on the Netflix platform on March 17 of this year. Based on the book by Kate DiCamillo, The Wizard’s Elephant is the moving story of orphan Peter searching for his missing sister. Along the journey, the child will meet a fortune teller who tells him that he will find his sister but only on condition that she follows the elephant. Filled with magic, hope and friendship, Peter’s journey and the missions he is called upon to face touch the viewer deeply, filling his heart with sweetness.
