Over the years, I started a tradition of watching musicals with my girlfriends on Sunday afternoons. We’ll all pile on the couch, grab some of our favorite blankets (tip: they’re on sale for 45% off through Sunday with code CLJ), and relax for a few hours. It’s such a treat to be together and musicals add an extra layer because we’ll be singing the songs for days afterwards.
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It actually all started with the last musical on the list, but now we’ve gone through a few of them! I grew up watching many of them at my parents’ house with my siblings, so it’s fun to share them with my kids. I hope this list of 21 of my favorite children’s musicals inspires you to create your own family tradition – it’s never too late to start!
Classic musicals for family movie night
fantasy (1940)
I like to skip the orchestra synopsis just to keep their attention. (Don’t tell my son-in-law because he really likes the orchestra.)
The Sound of Music (1965)
My girls love The Sound of Music. They just love that! I thought it would be too long. Not long enough! They like to choose which of the children they identify with the most. We still sing all the songs.
Singing in the Rain (1952)
This movie is a real spectacle. There are these little vignettes in the film that hold their attention. As an adult, I realize that the story is less developed, but it entertains children. They love slapstick comedy.
White Christmas (1954)
A classic holiday movie that has little showbiz “acts” within the movie that make it really fun for kids.
Matilda (2022)
This is a really good musical version. We saw it on stage years ago with the girls, so they knew all the songs. We had to watch this when it came to Netflix. The music makes the story of Matilda 10 times better, if that’s even possible. If you get a chance to see this on stage, do it!
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Judy Garland forever. This is a timeless classic. We watched this years ago when the girls were much smaller. I think we’ve watched it once a year since then.
Mary Poppins (1964)
My girls couldn’t believe it was the same actress as The Sound of Music. It blew their minds. But Julie Andrews is just that kind of star. Here is a fun little penguin cartoon that the girls enjoyed. Great for younger kids.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
What could be more fun than a flying car? There are some scary parts in this movie, but my 6 year old was fine with it.
The King and I (1956)
I was so happy my girls loved this one. The costumes in The King and I are so elaborate! And all the little kid actors are amazing to watch. It’s just a really fun story.
Annie (1982, 2014)
We watched the newer version of Annie the Musical. We watched the older version. My kids love them both. I don’t think you can go wrong.
Peter Pan (1960)
Note that this is not the Disney cartoon version. We grew up watching Mary Martin play Peter Pan in this made-for-TV movie. He’s a little cheesy, because he’s on stage, but he’s hilarious. It was really fun watching this as a kid.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)
It’s a little weird. I didn’t remember the movie being as problematic as it is now – I remember telling my kids “don’t let anyone do that to you”. But it’s still amazing. We laughed so hard. My daughters loved watching the transformations of the brothers.
The Greatest Showman (2017)
It’s hard to have a new movie hit like one of the classics. But this one is just as good, if not better than many others on this list. The songs are phenomenal!
The Musician (1962)
We haven’t watched this as a family yet, but I loved it when I was little. I still sing songs! That’s how I know I want to present it to my children.
Anastasia (1997)
My girls watched all the Disney movies. This is not Disney, which is why many people may have overlooked it. But it is one of the most amazing cartoons.
My Fair Lady (1964)
I grew up watching this. We haven’t seen it with the girls yet, but I think I’ll appreciate it even more now — the costume is just amazing!
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
We just watched this one last Sunday. It’s good for the family.
Bye Bye Birdie (1963)
This movie is such a fun, wholesome introduction to dating movies for kids. My 13-year-old daughter especially loved Bye Bye Birdie.
Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Great music in this one. But it’s a little scary for younger kids. Save this for tween or older.
Cinderella (1957)
This is the Rodgers and Hammerstein version, and it’s great. I watched all the different versions growing up. There’s a Brandy version, a Disney version…so many options.
news (1992)
This was the movie that started our weekly music series. My kids loved this — they really respond when they see kids on the screen.
These are just the funniest sing-a-long musicals for a Sunday afternoon. That’s our current list of classic family musicals, but I’m always looking to expand! What family musicals do you like to watch (and re-watch)?