The International Day of Families, celebrated annually on May 15, is a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness of the role of families in society and promote understanding of global family issues such as health care, education, discrimination and gender inequality.
If you don’t already have plans for this May 15, how about celebrating International Day of Families by watching a marathon of animated films that openly address the importance of family?
In our light-hearted selection, we’ve included titles with a solid mix of gorgeous animation, memorable characters and hard-hitting messages.
From the family connection story of The Incredibles to the diverse story of Encanto, these films will captivate adults and children alike, who will find valuable lessons in them.
Here are seven endearing animated films to celebrate International Day of Families. The titles are sorted by year of release and are available on various streaming platforms – just get the family together and press play!
The Mitchells Vs. the Machines (2021)
Watch on Netflix
Let’s kick off our International Day of Families selection with The Mitchells Vs. the Machines, a visual marvel from the team behind Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse.
If you feel like your family is too dependent on today’s technology, we highly recommend showing them this story. Written and directed by Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe, The Mitchells Vs. the Machines tackles issues related to family dynamics and the dangers (and benefits) of technology.
In the feature film, the Mitchell family embarks on a cross-country road trip just as a new artificial intelligence technology decides to contain and imprison all of humanity.
Produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, The Mitchells Vs. the Machines is inspired by classic road trip movies, and features all the hallmark elements of the genre, as well as some memorable surprises.
A long road ahead? Yes. Parents trying to connect with their disinterested children? Yes. A powerful antagonist? Yes. A quest to free all of humanity from an apocalypse executed by a smart iPhone? Of course it is.
On top of all that, there’s no shortage of big sets, daring chases, and good humor.
This production, which combines entertainment with learning, offers families an opportunity to discuss various aspects of technology and the use of screen time. It also addresses issues related to healthy communication and strengthening family bonds.
Encanto (2021)
Watch on Disney+
We already know that most Disney film productions feature a quirky princess or a fierce hero, who are forced to embark on an epic journey to faraway lands. Encanto, on the other hand, deviates from all these conventions.
The film’s plot revolves around the Madrigal family, whose members possess magical abilities, with the exception of the protagonist, Mirabel.
Not only is she not a princess, but she is an ordinary girl who is desperate to fit in with her own kind.
A powerful theme in the film is the pressure of family expectations and the negative impact they can have on those who seem to fall short of the rest.
Encanto borrows from the literary traditions of Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism to explore themes such as the importance of family ties, being true to oneself and the terrible weight of expectations.
With a soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda that has set new records, this story of a Colombian family with extraordinary abilities is a great fit for International Day of Families.
Coco (2017)
Watch on Disney+
You’d have to be “un poco loco” (a little crazy) not to fall in love with this Pixar story about a boy who accidentally finds himself in the “Land of the Dead” and has to find his way back home.
The Oscar-winning film takes place in Mexico and tells the story of Miguel, a young boy who longs to pursue music, despite his family’s staunch opposition to any form of artistic expression. Then, by chance fate, Miguel finds himself immersed in the mystical and bustling “Land of the Dead,” where he must unravel his family’s enigmatic past and, as a result, begins to better understand his loved ones, their struggles, aspirations and fears.
Coco is one of Pixar’s most moving films and a colorful, kinetic celebration of Mexican culture and family legacy. If you want to ignite your children’s passion for their own family history, Coco is a must-see story.
Fair warning: Everyone will end up in tears as Miguel learns the true meaning of family and the relevance of remembering and honoring his ancestors.
The Croods (2013)
Watch on Netflix, Max, Amazon Prime Video
We continue our International Day of Families selection with DreamWorks’ The Croods. As its title suggests, the feature film follows the endearing Croods, a prehistoric family making their way through a rapidly changing world.
The Croods are a close-knit clan that values safety and tradition above all else. Grug, the father, is fiercely protective of his family and deeply rooted in his caveman lifestyle. However, Eep, the headstrong daughter, yearns for more than just survival and fervently desires to experience the world beyond her cave.
As you might guess, Eep and the rest of the Croods eventually venture out into the world and, little by little, discover that hiding is not an option, that bravery offers opportunities, and that love must be expressed openly and transparently.
Overall, this story of cavemen who rarely venture out of their natural habitat features an entertaining script, numerous action and chase sequences, and underscores several key themes: the importance of family togetherness, the struggle between tradition and progress, and the need to find new ways to survive in the face of adversity.
The Incredibles (2004)
Watch on Amazon Prime Video
The Incredibles centers on a family of retired superheroes and features Bob Parr, the leader and progenitor of the clan, who is brought out of retirement to take down a new villain, named Buddy Pine. In this world, superheroes are not idolized, but demonized, and are seen as weapons of mass destruction that do more harm than good.
Pixar’s 2004 film shows how superhero families also face everyday challenges such as parenting, high school problems and sibling rivalry.
Amidst the chaos infused by the fearsome Buddy Pine, Bob Parr, his wife Helen and their three children will learn the value of family and the strength that comes from working together. They will learn to trust each other and believe in their own abilities, which will ultimately allow them to survive and save the day.
Packed with action, exciting adventures and valuable lessons, The Incredibles is an excellent choice for International Day of Families viewing.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Watch on Disney+
Finding Nemo is the well-known, critically acclaimed and heartwarming story of an orange clownfish and his loving father. Like many other Pixar films, it deals with difficult subjects with sensitivity and invites us to reflect on family, grief, overprotection, and disability.
Finding Nemo is essentially a story between a father and his son. It shows how far a father will go to defend his son and how love can transcend even the greatest differences.
The film revolves around Nemo, a six-year-old clownfish, and his father, Marlin. Nemo is born with a bad fin and Marlin worries that Nemo is a bad swimmer. The underlying truth, however, is that Marlin is unwilling to trust anyone with his son’s safety after losing the rest of his family in an accident.
Directed by Andrew Stanton, this is a story that will make you laugh out loud and make you think at the same time.
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Watch on Disney+
This is the movie that teaches kids that “Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind.”
When an alien nicknamed Stitch lands in Hawaii, a little girl named Lilo and her sister, Nani become his chosen family. The film reflects the difficulties of single mothers and shows how people can change for the better when they feel part of a committed family.
Lilo & Stitch addresses the importance of family, of friendship, and of unconditional love. The witty and touching storyline of this animated production makes it another great choice for celebrating International Day of Families.