Entertainment
13 Netflix Movies To Watch With Your Parents
I think it's safe to say that everybody's parents are totally different, and that all of our family dynamics are equally as unique. Some of us, like me, have parents with very few boundaries, who let you watch literally anything you wanted when you were younger. Others have extremely strict parents, and then there's everything in between. But I have to say, when it comes to watching movies on Netflix when you're hanging out with your parents, the guidelines for a good movie don't actually change that much, even if your family is a bit more easygoing.
The simple fact is that no matter how openminded or chill your parents are, it's still pretty uncomfortable to watch a surprise sex scene, or some super crass bathroom humor, or some ultra vivid gore oozing out of a dead body, all with your parental figures nearby (or even on the same couch). I don't know a single person who hasn't stiffened up when something like that happened, just praying for it to be over. The movies below do not offer any of those unfortunate surprise weirdnesses, and include a number of different genres and film styles, so you can pick something fun, cool, and definitely not boring.
1'Finding Dory'
There is never a wrong time to watch Finding Dory, but an especially good time is when you can get teary and tell your parents how much you love them.
2'The Princess Bride'
This is great for being with parents you have nothing to say to. You can all communicate exclusively in silly quotes from the movie and pretend you're bonding. It's almost like the real thing.
3'The Jungle Book'
This is the most crowd-pleasing, subtly mesmerizing movie ever. I watched it the other day with a big group of people (and a dog) and everyone was brought together talking about their favorite animals and guessing what actor did what voice.
4'The Parent Trap'
This is the classic original one, but it's just as good for watching with your parents because you can bug them by telling them how much better the Lindsay Lohan version is (RIP Natasha Richardson) and they can bug you by telling you how you don't have an understanding for classic things.
5'Hugo'
Guys, why did we all just decide to move on past Hugo so quickly? It's my favorite Martin Scorsese movie. So magical. And perfect for bonding with parents.
6'Zootopia'
A family-friendly cartoon that will also allow you and your parents to dig into the issue of police brutality.
7'Heavyweights'
If your family is super highbrow and classy (ugh), this movie might not fit the bill, but otherwise, it's absolutely perfect. It's not a toothless children's movie, it's really clever and aware and kinda bonkers (thank Ben Stiller for that), and it has a great heart at the center.
8'Encounters At The End Of The World'
When hanging with parents, it's hard to go wrong with a nature documentary, and anything with Werner Herzog narrating is sure to bring you all together.
9'Tales By Light'
In the same vein, there's Tales By Light (which is technically a series, not a movie. But hey, that just means more to watch.) This Netflix original follows all of the photographers behind your favorite nature documentaries to see how they get their shots. So, if you've all seen Planet Earth ten thousand times, this will be the perfect chance to look at things with a fresh perspective.
10'Captain America: Civil War'
Superhero movies are a pretty good way to go when it comes to crowd-pleasing movies.
11'Jiro Dreams Of Sushi'
Gorgeously shot sushi, a compelling but quiet family drama, outstanding character study, and tons of incredible facts about sushi? You and your parents will definitely all be on board.
12'Jurassic Park'
Ah, yes, the original Jurassic Park. Revisit the amazing animatronic capabilities of the year 1993, and be reminded how Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum are just national treasures.
13'Iris'
I can't think of a single demographic that would not be delighted by the wonderful, fashionable world of 93-year-old Iris.
Journey on, brave wanderer, into a maze of family dynamics. And rest safely knowing you have support from these movies.
