Top 10 films to watch on family movie night

With 2017 coming to an end, and the school holidays looming, “family movie night” is going to become the norm in many households.

But while the night is meant to be fun for the whole family, it can sometimes lead to squabbles over what movie to watch.

Before you know it, it’s bedtime and you have spent more time arguing with your children about why Fifty Shades of Grey is not an appropriate family move than you did watching an actual movie.

If this is how your typical movie night plays out, then our family-friendly movie list will save the day.

The best part about family movie night in 2017 is that you don’t have to drive to the DVD rental shop to select your favourite movies, because you have them all at your fingertips. You don’t even have to leave the sofa!

Showmax’s huge online catalogue of international and local movies is packed with all the classics you grew up loving, and newer films that are likely to appeal to a picky teenager.

As if that wasn’t good enough news, Showmax is now available to DStv premium customers at no extra cost!

In the mood for more good news? You don’t even need an Explora to access your favourite movies and TV shows.

You can stream or download content on a smartphone or tablet. All you need to do is access Showmax on the web browser of your computer or laptop, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast and Xbox.

So, sit back, relax, grab your remote, and cuddle up with your brood for a fuss-free family movie night.

Here’s a list of 10 films that are perfect for the whole family.

1. The Tale of Despereaux
GENRE: Animation, Adventure
RATING: PG

Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman and Emma Watson voice the loveable characters in this 2008 movie about a mouse on a mission to bring happiness back to the faraway kingdom of Dor. This adventure is perfect for the whole family.

Click here to watch the trailer and learn more about this movie.

2. Charlie St. Cloud
GENRE: Family
RATING: 10 – 12 PG

Charlie has the future ahead of him. But his little brother's death keeps him stuck in the past. Can a new love help Charlie move on and realise his dreams?

3. The Addams Family
GENRE: Comedy
RATING: 10 – 12 PG

They are creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky - but don't let that scare you away from the wacky Addams clan in this brilliant star-studded comedy. The sequel, The Addams Family Values, is also on Showmax, and it’s known as being even darker and funnier than the original.

4. The Hobbit Collection
GENRE: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
RATING: 10-12 PG

In this stunning adventure trilogy, peace-loving Bilbo Baggins seeks to reclaim the Dwarven throne, fighting off fearsome monsters, dragons and orcs. Does he have a big enough heart to succeed? All three Hobbit films are on Showmax.

5. Happily N’ever After
GENRE: Family, Adventure, Animation, Comedy
RATING: PG

When her wicked stepmother joins forces with other evildoers to control the kingdom, Cinderella has to go beyond the fairytale to save everyone. This fairytale with a twist is a laugh-a-minute animated adventure for the whole family.

6. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
GENRE: Drama
RATING: 10 – 12 PG 

Jim Carrey is Ace Ventura Pet Detective. Whether he's undercover, under fire or underwater, he always gets his man ...or beast! Highly recommended for parents looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and kids who love slapstick comedy.

7. Jadoo
GENRE: Comedy
RATING: 10-12 PG

Two chef brothers argue and literally split their recipe book. After 20 years of fighting each other, one of their daughters tries to reunite them in this sweet comedy.

Click here to watch the trailer and find out more about this movie.

8. Coraline
GENRE: Animation, Family, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
RATING: 10LV

Coraline discovers a secret door in their new family home, with a dark secret behind it. Created by stop-motion genius Henry Selick, this is a must-see for animation fans!

9. School of Rock
GENRE: Comedy, Family, Music & Dance
RATING: 10 

Desperate for cash, Dewey takes a job teaching music at an exclusive private school. But the academy is not ready for his unique brand of rock 'n roll fury!

10. The Honeymooners
GENRE: Comedy, family, drama
RATING: PGL 

Ralph Kramden has a wealth of get-rich-quick schemes up his sleeve. When one fails spectacularly, he loses everything, including his feisty wife. Can he win her and his money back?

Click here to watch the trailer and find out more about this movie.

Visit Showmax’s website for more information on these amazing films and more.