Family movie night is always a bonding experience — you get to laugh, cry, and hide behind cushions when things get a bit scary, all together on the sofa. If you’re looking for ideas for your next movie night with the kids, here are 12 fantastically fun family movies to rent online.
There are plenty of streaming options out there like Netflix and Disney+, but if you’d rather not commit to an ongoing subscription — or you just fancy renting a one-off movie for the night — the films on this list are all available to rent on Rakuten.tv, no long-term sign up required.
So rustle up some popcorn, turn down the lights and snuggle under the blanket for some family movie fun!
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Family Movies to Rent Online
Sometimes you just fancy a good family film to watch together, so here are our picks of fun movies available to rent for your next family movie night:
Minions: The Rise of Gru (G)
The mischievous Minions are back for more wacky adventures in Minions: The Rise of Gru, which tells the untold story of one 12-year-old’s dream to become the world’s greatest supervillain.
In the heart of the 1970s, Gru is growing up in the suburbs. A fanboy of a supervillain supergroup known as the Vicious 6, Gru hatches a plan to become evil enough to join them. Luckily, he gets some mayhem-making backup from his loyal followers, the Minions. Together, Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto deploy their skills as they and Gru build their first lair, experiment with their first weapons and pull off their first missions.
Thor: Love and Thunder (12)
In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder, the God of Thunder teams up with King Valkyrie, Korg and ex-girlfriend-turned-Mighty-Thor Jane Foster to take on a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG)
The world’s favourite blue hedgehog is back!
After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of an emerald that has the power to destroy civilisations.
Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.
Jurassic World: Dominion (12)
Complete the incredible journey that began with Jurassic Park as two generations unite to fight for the future in Jurassic World Dominion.
Roaring with dinosaurs, spectacular action and unforgettable moments with iconic characters, this is a colossal adventure the whole family can enjoy together.
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Turning Red (PG)
Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red introduces Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing, mother Ming is never far from her daughter — an unfortunate reality for the teenager.
And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited, she “poofs” into a giant red panda!
Lightyear (PG)
A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, Lightyear follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew.
As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda.
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Encanto (PG)
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, with all-new songs by award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the Colombian mountains.
But when Mirabel, the only ordinary family member, discovers the magic surrounding their home is in danger, she may be her family’s last hope.
The Railway Children Return (G)
Inspired by one of the most beloved British family films of all time, The Railway Children Return is an enchanting, moving and heart-warming adventure for a new generation.
In 1944, as life in Britain’s cities becomes increasingly perilous, three evacuee children — Lily, Pattie and Ted Watts — are sent by their mother from Salford to the Yorkshire village of Oakworth. There to meet them on the train station platform are Bobbie Waterbury, her daughter Annie, and grandson Thomas, and with their help the evacuees are soon settling into their new life in the countryside.
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Spider-Man: No Way Home (12)
For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighbourhood hero’s identity is revealed, bringing his Super Hero responsibilities into conflict with his normal life and putting those he cares about most at risk. When he enlists Doctor Strange’s help to restore his secret, the spell tears a hole in their world, releasing the most powerful villains who’ve ever fought a Spider-Man in any universe.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (12)
Professor Albus Dumbledore knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers.
But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?
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DC League of Super-Pets (PG)
Krypto the Super Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side.
When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack — Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle, and Chip the squirrel — to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.
Clifford the Big Red Dog (PG)
When Emily discovers her little red puppy named Clifford has grown ten feet overnight, she turns to her eccentric Uncle Casey for help. But when a mad scientist tries to capture the larger-than-life playful pup, it takes the entire neighbourhood to hide Clifford as they race across the city.
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud comedy adventure that is BIG fun for the entire family!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a subscription to rent these movies?
No — all the films on this list can be rented individually on Rakuten.tv, so there’s no need to sign up for an ongoing subscription. You simply pay for the film you want to watch.
Are these movies suitable for younger children?
It depends on the film. Age ratings are included beside each title (G, PG or 12), so check the rating against your child’s age and sensitivity before pressing play.
Can I watch these movies on any device?
Rental platforms like Rakuten.tv typically work across smart TVs, streaming devices, tablets and phones, though it’s worth checking the current device compatibility on the platform before renting.
More Family Movie Night Ideas
Looking for more inspiration for your next family movie night? Take a look at our related picks:
- 40 of the Best Feel-Good Family Films to Watch with the Kids
- 101 Terrific Tween Movies the Whole Family Will Enjoy
- 20 Recommended Family Movies on Disney Plus to Enjoy
- An A to Z of Fun Family Films to Watch with the Kids
- Make Your Own Home Cinema for Family Movie Night
- The Best ’80s Family Movies to Watch with Your Kids
Save this list for the next time you’re stuck for family movie night ideas — bookmark the page or share it with another parent who’s always asking “what will we watch tonight?”
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