There is certainly no shortage of hilarious, raunchy, and boundary-pushing comedies out there. Still, finding a well-crafted laugher that the whole family can get a kick out of is no easy feat. After all, it can be tough to create a film that's both engaging and humorous for a wide audience of all ages. Jokes that land for children aren't typically going to tickle the funny bones of adult audiences, and vice versa. But we're here to help! There are a number of family-friendly comedies whose story, comedic prowess, and overall entertainment value transcends demographics and age.
So let's dive right in and take a look at 10 of the very best PG-rated comedies that can be enjoyed by kids and families as a whole.
Jumanji
No, we're not talking of the recent duo of revamped, zanier Jumanji films from recent years, but rather, the original '95 classic starring the late comedic great, Robin Williams.
The movie starts rather simply; two youths discover a magic jungle-themed board game and begin to play. This cascades into a series of crazy events after one of the kids gets trapped inside and summoned many years later - along with all the animalistic chaos of the jungle. This film features a fun blend of action, gripping adventure, and a smattering of humorous gags that result from the unleashing of this foreign wildlife on '90s America.
The Sandlot
The inspirational "sports films" have become a popular style to the point of almost being overdone. Still, while there exists a slew of these types of films with "questionable" quality and lame gags, the '93 coming-of-age comedy, The Sandlot, still shines as one of the more endearing and amusing examples of this genre.
This baseball film "knocks it out of the park" in of its clever quips and likable cast of wacky characters that just about all ages can connect with on some level. It takes place in the summer of '62 when video games and mobile devices didn't exist, and kids apparently only had the pool, baseball, chewing tobacco, and occasionally ogling lifeguards to occupy themselves with. The Sandlot masterfully blends juvenile goofiness with heartwarming sentimentality and nuance.
Beethoven
Family films often rely on motifs and narratives that your average family can relate to or connect with to one degree or another. This is largely why this feel-good comedy from '92 works so well, along with its assortment of funny gags set up by the sly, restless family dog, Beethoven. Both kids and adults alike can identify with the often rocky "adjustment period" of taking in an occasionally troublesome new pet, and Beethoven is not afraid to take this basic premise to the enth degree and have fun with it.
Dog lover or not, it's tough to not be enthralled by this heartfelt comedy and follow the escapades of the Newton family and their lovable St. Bernard.
A League Of Their Own
Much like The Sandlot, this baseball-centered film takes place decades in the past and features a team of underdogs who manage to overcome adversity, offering an inspirational narrative to viewers of all ages.
Yet, that's largely where the Sandlot similarities end. Unlike that film, A League of Their Own contains a streak of drama and historical significance, injecting some emotion as well as depth. It hones in on a realistic of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, as they "stepped up to the plate" as major-league players, filling in for the ranks of men being called to war. This film's all-star cast, which includes Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, and Rosie O'Donnell, provides a comedic charm and a sense of authenticity rarely seen in film.
Back To The Future
Few comedies have managed to become as timeless as 1985's Back to the Future, which features an icon of 80s pop culture, the DeLorean, and even helped inspire the hit animated series Rick and Morty. The notion of cruising through time in a sci-fi vehicle and altering the course of history is a fun premise to play with as is. Yet, the dynamic duo of Doc Brown and the young Marty McFly adds that extra sense of character that makes this film as endearing as it is.
This is still a fun (and funny) sci-fi-laced comedy to get lost in; both for adults who grew up watching it, as well as kids who love a good imaginative adventure.
Home Alone
Ironically, one of the best family comedies is a film where the lead is separated from his family for much of its duration. You rarely find a movie that's been so consistently loved and called back to as much as this hit holiday film. Along with the likes of A Christmas Story and perhaps Elf, Home Alone always seems to be that classic that kids, teens, and adults point to when the topic of "best Christmas film" inevitably crops up.
There's something delightfully entertaining and amusing about watching the goofy criminal duo of Harry and Marv endure the bouts of slapstick comedy as they attempt to burgle the trap-laden home of Kevin. The dynamic between the likable protagonist and the incompetent villains is a memorable one, thanks to solid performances by Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern.
The Goonies
It would seem that Chris Columbus has a knack for contributing to some of the strongest family-friendly comedies in some form. Years before he was directing one of the most memorable Christmas films ever, he had written another (mostly) clean comedy loved by many, The Goonies.
Comedies don't have to rely on captivating narratives to be entertaining, as they can often stand on the strength of the amusing cast, funny gags, and clever quips. In the case of this family-friendly laugher, it happens to contain all of these qualities. This gripping, lengthy adventure follows a band of youthful misfits who venture out to unearth a pirate's lost treasure after discovering an ancient map. You'll be hard-pressed not to smile as you watch this truffle-shuffling classic.
The Princess Bride
Comedies, and indeed, films in general, can often benefit when drawing from the lush, sturdy foundations of source material and/or historical influence. This rom-com classic utilizes the captivating Medieval-influenced setting and draws from the '73 novel by the same name. At the same time, The Princess Bride provides its own Reiner-style comedic twist that's clever, silly, and family-friendly, offering an appealing watch for a wide range of viewers.
From the chuckle-worthy quotes and colorful settings to the dynamic, funny performances by Christopher Guest, André the Giant, Wallace Shawn, and others, there's much to love about The Princess Bride.
Napoleon Dynamite
It's tough to craft a comedy that's so subtly clever and cutting-edge while also largely being clean. It's even harder to achieve this with such a unique and memorable premise that proves charming for such a wide demographic. Yet, that's what director Jared Hess has managed to pull off with his groundbreaking PG comedy from '04, Napoleon Dynamite.
Despite taking place in roughly the dullest, most uneventful setting you can imagine, this film stands on the strength of its relatable, endearing plot and its likable, zany characters. There's no shortage of them - from wacky martial artist Rex (Diedrich Bader) to the sentimental, football-tossing Uncle Rico (Jon Gries) to the awkward lead himself, masterfully played by Jon Heder.
Ghostbusters
What's mushroomed into an instantly-recognizable brand (even spawning its own Hi-C beverage) began as a humble, but subtly witty sci-fi romp featuring 4 distinctly funny antiheroes. Younger audiences may know this classic more for its wacky 2016 revamp and the reimagining by Jason Reitman. Yet, to a great many, the original Ghostbusters still soars as one of the most inventive, clever, and fun comedies ever, PG or otherwise.
There's enough of a neat sci-fi tinge and ghostly shenanigans that kids will get a kick out of it, regardless of whether or not they were old enough to be playing with plastic Proton Packs back in the mid-80s. At the same time, it's chock full of witty quips and hilarious gags that older crowds can appreciate.
