• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

cinemayward

A Montage of Film Criticism and Theology

  • Home
  • About Joel Mayward
    • C.V.
    • Movie Rating System
    • Film Journal (2021)
    • Film Journal (2020)
    • Film Journal (2019)
    • Film Journal (2018)
    • Film Journal (2017)
    • Film Journal (2016)
    • Film Journal (2015)
  • Movie Reviews
  • Essays
  • Top Lists
  • Contact
  • Show Search
Hide Search

The Stream – Family Films

December 5, 2015 By Joel Mayward Leave a Comment

 

The Stream is a regular update about films you can check out via various streaming websites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Mubi. I’ll post recommendations for 3-5 streaming films based on a theme, including a brief synopsis and review of each film.

Two caveats: 1) These films are streaming at the time of publication, but may not be online or streaming in days/weeks to come, and 2) Just because I recommend a film doesn’t mean you should watch it; use some caution, discernment, and wisdom when picking your films to stream!

The theme for this Stream: Family Films. If you’re not interested in taking the whole family to the movie theater this weekend, check out one of these are delightful films, which both children and adults will enjoy.

The Secret of Kells (2014, Moore). Combining Celtic spirituality with Christian monasticism, The Secret of Kells centers on Brendan, a young man living in a monastery who is trained by a master illuminator to carry on the tradition of the Book of Kells. See also the film Song of the Sea streaming via Amazon Prime, and the TV show Puffin Rock via Netflix, both from animator Tomm Moore. Stream via Netflix or Amazon Prime.

Ernest & Celestine (2014, Aubier, Patar). A sweetly charming French film featuring the unlikely friendship between a courageous young mouse and a lovable, lumbering bear. While both don’t quite fit into their respective worlds, Ernest and Celestine find companionship and belonging beyond the social boundaries between bear and mouse. Featuring a delightful story and unique animation, as well as deeper themes addressing class systems and poverty. Stream via Amazon Prime.

The Red Balloon (1956, Lamorisse). This 34-minute Oscar-winning short film is perfectly simple: the chase and dance between a young boy and his red balloon through the streets of Paris. Both children and adults will be charmed by the balloon’s antics and the boy’s innocence.  Stream via Hulu.

What other Family Films are streaming that you’d recommend? Send me your suggestions through the contact page or leaving a comment below.

Filed Under: Stream Tagged With: Animated, Family, Streaming

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Recent Essays

  • The 2025 Cinemayward Oscars
  • Top 25 Films of 2024
  • The 2024 Cinemayward Oscars
  • Top 20 Films of 2023
  • Top 20 Films of 2022

Copyright © 2025 · Cinemayward