Make Movie Night Special with 6 Family-Friendly Films
I don’t watch much television, but I truly love a good movie night with my family. Especially as the days grow shorter and colder, there’s something incredibly comforting about curling up under blankets, sharing snacks, and getting lost in a story together. It’s one of my favorite ways to connect—with my loved ones and with myself.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, what we take in through our senses—sight, sound, emotion—is just as important as what we eat. It’s part of how we nourish the mind and heart. And when we choose stories with intention, movie night becomes more than just entertainment. It becomes an experience that supports our well-being.
So if you're planning a cozy night in, make it special. Dim the lights, bring out the pillows and your favorite snacks. For younger kids, you can even “play movie theater” and hand out homemade tickets. And one of the most important things? Put your phone in another room. Be fully present. Let the moment—and the story—sink in.
Everyone on my team has a soft spot for family-friendly movies, so we’ve gathered a few of our favorites for you. These stories are full of wisdom, warmth, and wonder—perfect for sparking connection, conversation, and maybe even a little inspiration, no matter your age.
Ayurveda is hiding in pop culture.
I have two favorites that I return to again and again—Kung Fu Panda and Star Wars. At first glance, they couldn’t be more different—a goofy panda and a galaxy far, far away—but both offer powerful lessons about energy, self-belief, and the deeper wisdom that lives within us all.
Both films remind us that strength doesn’t come from outside approval or superpowers—it comes from knowing who we are, trusting our energy, and staying aligned with something greater than ourselves.
- Recommended by Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh
Kung Fu Panda
Po is just too cute—I absolutely adore him. But beyond the laughs and lovable characters, there’s something truly profound about his journey. Po doesn’t fit the mold of a kung fu master, and yet, it’s his belief in himself that unlocks his true power. In one of my favorite moments, he realizes that there’s no secret ingredient to greatness—it’s already inside him. That message? Pure Ayurveda. Our inner nature holds everything we need to thrive.
Watch on Peacock.
Star Wars
I love this cinematic classic packed with spiritual wisdom. The Force—the unseen energy connecting all living things—feels deeply aligned with Ayurveda's teachings on prana, our lifeforce energy. And I have to mention Yoda—one of my all-time favorite characters. I admire his quiet, grounded presence and belief in the power of trust, stillness, and intuition.
Watch on Disney+, AMC+.
Travel to new worlds through fiction.
I’ve always loved how movies can take you to places you’ve never been—whether it’s another planet or a magical forest filled with friendly spirits. For me, fiction is where imagination comes to life, and it’s even more fun when you get to share that experience with family or friends. These two films are among my favorites because they remind us of the beauty of kindness, wonder, and childlike curiosity. They’re great for all ages and guaranteed to spark some heartfelt conversations.
- Recommended by Jackie
Superman (2025)
This portrayal of Superman is one of my favorites, as it really shows the kindness in Superman to save and care for all living things on Earth...not just humans.
I saw this in theaters with friends (grown adults in their late 20s) and we really enjoyed the family next to us with a kid having so much fun watching the movie. They were babbling and asking questions; it was so adorable. You will laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions.
I also loved how many practical effects they used.
Watch on HBO Max.
My Neighbor Totoro
Set in 1950s Japan, a professor and his two daughters move to the countryside to live closer to the hospital where the girls' mother is recovering from a long-term illness. The girls explore their old home, which is inhabited by cute little ghost spirits, and the forests that surround the town. The girls befriend these spirits and go on adventures with them across town.
Watch on HBO Max, but keep an eye on your local theater since they often show Ghibli films once a year!
Reimagine reality through fantasy.
Fantasy gets a bad reputation among “serious” writers and filmmakers. But I believe it’s one of our most powerful tools for understanding our own world. These two movies take us to
Chicken Run
This gem from 2000 remains one of my all-time favorites. It’s a stop-motion comedy featuring a group of British hens and an American rooster who try to escape Mrs. Tweedy’s chicken farm. It’s hysterical, touching, and masterfully made.
If you haven’t seen it yet, Chicken Run definitely deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Watch on Netflix.
Turning Red
This heartwarming movie is about a 13-year-old girl who turns into a giant red panda when she’s upset. I love how much the movie embraces the awkwardness of these years, from raging hormones to the possibility of your first period.
The relationship between mom and daughter is an essential thread in this story. You’ll feel the tension between love, tradition, and change. It’s so worth the watch.
Watch on Disney+.
Whether it's a lovable panda discovering his purpose, a girl navigating the beauty and messiness of growing up, or a group of hens plotting their great escape, each of these films carries a spark of something greater.
So the next time you plan a movie night, think of it as an act of holistic self-care—a way to nourish your spirit, bond with loved ones, and maybe even see the world a little differently.
Be well,
Avanti Kumar-Singh, MD
