Cozy Up with These 7 New Family Movies Streaming in October

  • Michael Foust Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
  • Updated Oct 16, 2024
Cozy Up with These 7 New Family Movies Streaming in October

It’s October, and that means fall is in full swing. 

The vibrant leaves have turned brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, setting the perfect backdrop for family hikes and scenic drives. 

It’s the month for pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and fall festivals. And, of course, s’mores. 

But when the day winds down, many families gather for a cozy movie night filled with popcorn, laughter, and memories. 

Here are seven great new family movies streaming in October.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images Evgenyatamanenko

  • Christmas

    1. Great American Christmas (Great American Family)

    It’s never too early to embrace the hope-filled message of Christmas on Great American Family, which launched 24/7 holiday programming in mid-October as part of its annual “Great American Christmas event.” This year’s lineup includes 18 original movies featuring stars such as Candace Cameron Bure, Jen Lilley, Trevor Donovan, and Jesse Hutch. Click here to see the lineup of 18 films.   

    Photo Credit: ©Great American Media 2024

  • The Forge

    2. The Forge (Home Video)

    A reckless young man learns about life and faith under the direction of a wise mentor, who gives him a job and guides his spiritual growth. It’s the latest faith-based movie from the Kendrick Brothers, who also produced such hits as Overcomer, War Room, and Courageous. With a focus on discipleship, The Forge stars Cameron Arnett, Priscilla Shirer, and Karen Abercrombie. It was a hit in the U.S. and even rose to No. 1 in Brazil. Rated PG for thematic elements. 

    Photo Credit: ©Kendrick Brothers

  • Harold and the Purple Crayon

    3. Harold and the Purple Crayon (Home Video)

    A young boy with a magical crayon is transported from the pages of a book into the real world, where he embarks on a whimsical adventure until his crayon falls into the wrong hands. The film is based on the popular book of the same name by Crockett Johnson and is an uplifting celebration of creativity and imagination. It stars Zachary Levi (Shazam!, American Underdog) in the lead role. Rated PG for mild action and thematic elements. (Clearplay offers a filter.)

    Photo Credit: ©Sony/Harold and the Purple Crayon

  • Mom’s Night Out Movie

    4. Moms’ Night Out (Great American Family)

    A group of well-meaning dads take on the challenge of babysitting while their wives enjoy a much-needed evening out on the town. Unfortunately, little goes as planned—for the dads and the moms. This hilarious faith-based comedy stars Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, Patricia Heaton, Andrea Logan White, Trace Adkins, Robert Amaya, and Kevin Downes. It is rated PG for mild thematic elements and some action. 

    Photo Credit: ©YouTube/Mom’s Night Out Movie

  • The Birds Movie

    5. The Birds (Netflix)

    A wealthy socialite traveling to California is caught in a terrifying ordeal when flocks of birds suddenly begin attacking the residents of Bodega Bay. As the bird attacks grow more frequent and violent, she teams up with a local lawyer and his family to survive the relentless onslaught. This classic 1963 movie was directed by legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and received an Oscar nomination for visual effects. Due to violence and its unsettling nature, it’s probably not best for young children, even if it’s far more tame than modern thrillers. PG-13. 

    Photo Credit: ©YouTube/Bing Wall

  • Reagan Movie

    6. Reagan (Home Video)

    An actor named Ronald jumps into politics, driven by his concern about communism and big government. Reagan is a faith-filled biopic about America’s 40th president, tracing his journey from a talented boy in Illinois to Hollywood and then to the White House. “God has a purpose for your life,” his mother tells him early in the film. Dennis Quaid is as excellent as Reagan, perfectly capturing his mannerisms, distinctive speech patterns, and undeniable charisma. Rated PG-13 for violent content and smoking. It also contains minor language. 

    Photo Credit: ©YouTube/Reagan Movie

  • Clifford with Emily and her uncle, things parents should know about Clifford the Big Red Dog

    7. Clifford the Big Red Dog (Netflix)

    A fourth-grade girl named Emily Elizabeth finds the friend she desperately needs in the form of a red puppy who mysteriously grows larger the more she loves him. This charming film is based on the popular book series by author Norman Bridwell, who penned more than 100 titles about the bond between a girl and her friendly dog, who grows to be nearly as big as a house. The film is a mixture of live-action and animation and includes several good messages. (Emily is picked on at school but learns that unique people are the “ones that change the world.”) Rated PG for impolite humor, thematic elements and mild action. Clearplay offers a filter.

    Photo Credit: ©Paramount Pictures

    Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.