The 10 Best Family Movies and TV Series of 2022
- Michael Foust Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
- Updated Jan 03, 2023
Americans returned to normal in 2022 following a worldwide pandemic – and they also returned to the theater.
At least eight movies during 2022 grossed more than $200 million domestically compared to only three that crossed that mark the previous year. The number of movies that grossed at least $100 million (17) also was significantly higher than in 2021 (11).
Thankfully, there were quite a few family movies in the mix, including animated and real-life flicks. There were also several great television series.
Here are the 10 best family movies and TV series of 2022, listed in alphabetical order. (For our list of the 10 best Christian movies of 2022, click here.) If anything on our list troubles your senses, then give Clearplay or VidAngel a try.
Photo courtesy: ©Angel Studios, used with permission.
1. Bad Guys
A gang of “bad” animals – a wolf, tarantula, snake, shark and piranha – discover that “being good” is more rewarding than being bad. The film is based on the Scholastic book series of the same name and follows their journey from a life of crime to a life of kindness. It includes solid messages about second chances, temptation and generosity. Rated PG for action and rude humor.
2. Good Night Oppy
NASA sends a rover named Opportunity to Mars for a 90-day mission and is surprised when the mission lasts 15 years. The documentary includes interviews with engineers and scientists and features recreations of the rover’s voyage on the red planet. The film isn’t faith-based but nevertheless testifies to the wonders of God’s creation (Psalm 19:1). Rated PG for minor language.
Photo courtesy: ©Dreamworks/Universal, used with permission.
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
A young elf named Galadriel defies the king in order to hunt the elusive and evil Sauron. This groundbreaking television series serves as a prequel to The Lord of the Rings movies and is based on the appendices of the J.R.R. Tolkien books. Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, told Variety that the series is something a “family can watch.” She added, “The line we’ve been using is ‘If you’re old enough to read the books, you’re old enough to watch the show.” It’s rated TV-14.
4. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
A timid middle school boy named Josh finds the encouragement he needs when he befriends a singing crocodile. The catch? That crocodile, Lyle, won’t sing around anyone but Josh. The film is based on the 1965 children’s book of the same name by author Bernard Waber. It includes positive messages about friendship, encouraging others, unconditional love and overcoming fear. Rated PG for mild peril and thematic elements.
5. Luck
An 18-year-old woman who calls herself the “unluckiest” person in the world gets a new perspective on life when she visits the “Land of Luck,” where lucky pennies are made in a factory. The film includes solid messages about adoption (the lead character grew up in the foster system), selflessness and perspective. The movie’s primary message – good things can be born out of bad moments – is straight out of Scripture (Romans 8:28). Luck is rated G.
Photo courtesy: Ergo Zakki/Unsplash
6. Minions: The Rise of Gru
A mischievous 11-year-old boy named Gru sets out to prove he deserves a slot in the famous criminal gang known as the “Vicious 6.” The film is the backstory to the Despicable Me franchise, although it doesn’t include the redemptive message of those earlier films. Even so, we learn how Gru became friends with the Minions and how he met his sidekick, Dr. Nefario. It’s the funniest family film of the year, even if it’s short on positive messages. This one is a lot like the old Looney Tunes series – shallow but hilarious. Rated PG for some action/violence and rude humor.
Photo courtesy: ©Universal, used with permission.
7. Paws of Fury
A lovable dog named Hank is sent to a town of cats to serve as its samurai and protector. Of course, cats hate dogs – and this cat-centric town lets its feelings be known. Even worse: Hank has very few samurai skills. This hilarious parody/spoof is loosely based on the 1970s film Blazing Saddles yet largely remains in family-friendly territory. The film includes solid lessons about loving others, especially loving those who look different. Rated PG for action, violence, rude and suggestive humor and some language.
8. The Sea Beast
A young stowaway girl (Maisie) slips onto a sailing ship in hopes of hunting a sea monster that has ravaged mankind, only to discover that the giant creature has a gentle, friendly side. The film has a similar premise to Pete’s Dragon with the adventure of a swashbuckling flick. It was directed by Chris Williams, who also helmed Big Hero 6 and co-directed Moana. Rated PG for minor language.
Photo courtesy: ©Paramount, used with permission.
9. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
A speedy blue hedgehog named Sonic teams up with a red-furred creature, Knuckles, to battle the evil Dr. Ivo Robotnik. The film is a sequel to the 2020 box-office hit Sonic the Hedgehog – one of the last pre-pandemic films – and includes solid messages about family, responsibility and forgiveness. It also has an implied adoption theme. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is hilarious and fun. Rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor and mild language.
10. The Wingfeather Saga
A family – the Igibys – battle evil in a fantastical world of monsters and other-worldly creatures. The series is based on the bestselling books by Andrew Peterson and is the largest crowdfunded animated family series of all time. It includes the voices of Jodi Benson (The Little Mermaid) and Kevin McNally (Pirates of the Caribbean). It offers families something that is rare: a faith-driven, kid-friendly fantasy series. It’s the year’s best television series for families. The Wingfeather Saga can be viewed on the Angel Studios app and platforms.
Photo courtesy: ©Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc., used with permission.
