Top 10 Disney Classic Live Action Movies for Families

Even though they were made before my time, I grew up watching a lot of Disney classic live action movies for families.

When I was young, we got our first VCR and movie rental stores were popular. We’d stop by almost every weekend and rent a few movies to enjoy over the weekend. We often picked up one of these Disney classics. I watched all of these movies growing up and have now shared most of them with my own two kids. (There’s still a few that we still need to watch together.)

For your next movie night, try one of these fun choices. They’re fun for the whole family!

And if you enjoy family movie nights, I’ve got so many fun options of Family Friendly Movies you’ll enjoy at this link.

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There have been so many great live action Disney movies made over the years, but for this list I only included movies made before 1970.

As with any movie, they are reflections of the time period in which they are made. You’ll sometimes find stereotypes of its day and the movies can feel dated at times. But, that is the case with any old movie.

These Disney classic live action movies for families are all fun and kid-friendly, old-fashioned and tame, and great choices to share with your kids.

Note: I pulled the age suggestions from Common Sense Media. These suggestions are just that – a suggestion. You know your kids better than anyone and can best make the decision as to what movies are best for your family.

Best Disney Classic Live Action Movies for Families

Pollyanna (ages 6+, NR- nonrated) – If you’re looking for a movie full of old-fashioned fun, look no further than Pollyanna. It’s a fun story of a young orphan girl who brings sunshine and happiness to a small town. It’s fun and sweet and the book it’s based on is also a great family read.

The Parent Trap (ages 6+, rated G) – This is the first of a few movies on this list that were updated and remade. And, while the remake was great, you should definitely treat your self to the 1961 version of The Parent Trap starring Hayley Mills. It’s a fun story of identical twins who were separated as babies when their parents divorced. Watch to see what happens when the girls meet and plot to get their parents back together.

The Love Bug (ages 6+, rated G) – Herbie, the race car with a mind of its own, brings so many laughs to this fun Disney classic. It’s a fun, rollicking adventure! If you enjoy this choice, there are three other Herbie movies to watch.

The Absent Minded Professor (ages 6+, rated G) – Have you ever heard of flubber? This is the movie where it came from. There have been a few remakes of this story of a professor who invents an anti-gravity substance, but I love the 1961 version for it’s old-fashioned silliness. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a funny movie to share with your family.

The Shaggy Dog (ages 6+, rated G) – This is another movie on this list that’s been updated, but you really need to take the time to watch the original. It’s the fun adventures of a family whose teenage son turns into a big sheepdog after finding a magic ring. It’s fun, silly, and sure to get everyone laughing.

Fun Disney Classic Live Action Movies for Families

Pete’s Dragon (ages 7+, rated G) – This fun movie about a boy and his dragon is a mix of live action and animation. It’s full of fun action, silliness, and great music. This story of friendship is one of my favorites and one I’ve loved sharing with my kids.

Treasure Island (ages 7+. rated G) – Treasure Island, based off the book by Robert Louis Stevenson offers action, adventure, and… pirates! If you’re looking for a great adventure story, this classic is a good kid-friendly choice.

The Apple Dumpling Gang (ages 7+, rated G) – This fun western about a couple of bumbling outlaws is full of laughs, after all it stars two hilarious actors, Don Knotts and Tim Conway. This is a fun, and very funny choice, for family movie night.

Old Yeller (ages 8+, rated G) – I almost didn’t include this one on the list, because I haven’t shown it to my own kids yet. But, it is a classic and it is an excellent movie. It’s a great story about the love of a boy and his dog and you’ll cry for sure. So, my advice, is to know what your kids can handle before showing them this movie. (I’ve got one child who would have a difficult time with this choice). The Common Sense Media review here can help you determine if this movie is a good fit for your family.

Swiss Family Robinson (ages 8+, rated G) – Swiss Family Robinson, the story of a family that is shipwrecked on a deserted island, is another great adventure story for kids. It’s got wild animals, pirates, lots of adventure, but nothing too scary for kids. It’s great fun!

Which of these Disney classic live action movies for families are you going to watch for your next movie night?

You may also like one of these family movie night ideas:

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Best Superhero Movies for Families

Top 10 Family Musical Movies

Kids Movies of the 1950s at 3 Boys and a Dog

Recommended Family Movie Night Resources:

If you’ve got Amazon Prime, it can be so easy to have a fun movie night. They’ve got so many family friendly movies, including many of these Disney classic live action movies for families available via streaming (in addition to other great benefits). You can sign up for Amazon Prime via this link.

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