If you could have any superpower, what would you pick? Would you want to be able to jump over buildings in one leap? Fly like a bird? Run faster than the wind or be super smart? Having a superpower is what makes watching superhero movies so much fun, and it also doesn’t hurt to suspend reality for a little while in the name of entertainment. Kids of all ages (and adults, too) love superheroes, but there are so many superheroes streaming. Everyone has their pick of the best superhero movies, but if you’re looking for something for family movie night, what are the top superhero movies for kids?
The Incredibles
This movie tops a lot of lists with fans young and old. It features a family of superheroes trying to carve out a normal life in a world where using superpowers is against the law. However, Bob, Helen, Violet, Dash, and baby Jack-Jack end up using their powers to, yes, save the world from evil. There are two movies so far in this animated Pixar blockbuster featuring the voices of big-name stars including Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, and Samuel L. Jackson. The Incredibles is ideal for ages 7 and up. (Don’t forget to watch the sequel, too.)
Big Hero 6
You may need tissues for this touching animated movie about brotherly love, friendship, sacrifice, and dealing with grief. Hiro, his brother’s friends, and a cuddly health-care robot named Baymax transform themselves into high-tech heroes after a tragedy and an evil plot rock their world. Big Hero 6 is streaming on Disney+ and also has a three-season series that is a perfect fit for ages 7-plus.
The Rocketeer
While not technically a superhero movie in the typical sense, The Rocketeer is an action-packed adventure set in the 1940s featuring an unwitting pilot becoming a superhero thanks to the invention of a rocket pack wanted by the American and German governments — and the mob, of course. There are spies, intrigue, romance, suspense, fun and more in this 1991 sleeper streaming on Disney+. The Rocketeer is rated PG and recommended for ages 11 and up.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales, a teen from Brooklyn, gets bitten by a radioactive spider in this different take on the Spider-Man universe. With his newfound powers, Miles meets Peter Parker and must join with Spider-Men from alternate universes to save his reality. This animated film made a big splash and is a good fit for ages 9 and up.
Megamind
A misunderstood supervillain voiced by Will Ferrell, Megamind defeats the hero, but when the tables are turned and a new bad guy hits town, the villain changes sides to become the good guy. This creative take on superheroes features the big-name voices of Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, and Ben Stiller in addition to Ferrell. Megamind is rated PG.
Guardians of the Galaxy
For a fun superhero movie perfect for tween and teens, hit the couch for this Marvel movie that also sports a sequel. Chris Pratt stars as Peter Quill, a space-traveling Earth native with a penchant for ’80s music. This two-volume series also features strong female characters in Gamora and her sister, Nebula.
The battle between good and evil is timeless. While there are morals to be had and lessons to be learned from the plot of superhero movies, these action-adventure flicks are enjoyable entertainment for the whole family. Try one of these superhero movies on your next family movie night, and after the popcorn is finished and the credits are rolling, don’t forget to ask everyone what his or her superhero power pick would be.
