This curated list of family films focuses on the theme of guests, showcasing how unexpected visitors can bring joy, chaos, and valuable life lessons to the families they visit. These movies are perfect for family viewing, offering both entertainment and insights into the dynamics of hospitality, friendship, and unexpected adventures.

The Great Outdoors (1988)
Description: A family vacation turns chaotic when the brother-in-law and his family unexpectedly join, leading to humorous and heartwarming moments in the wilderness.
Fact: The film features a famous scene where John Candy's character battles a giant bear.


Uncle Buck (1989)
Description: When the parents of three children need to leave town suddenly, they call on their wild, fun-loving Uncle Buck to babysit, leading to unexpected adventures and bonding.
Fact: John Candy improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's spontaneous humor.


Home Alone (1990)
Description: This classic holiday film features Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation, only to defend his home from burglars. It's included for its theme of unexpected guests, albeit unwelcome ones, and the family's eventual return.
Fact: The film was originally planned to be much darker, with the burglars being more menacing. Also, the house used in the movie was sold for $


The Addams Family (1991)
Description: This dark comedy features the eccentric Addams family dealing with an unexpected guest claiming to be Fester, the long-lost brother of Gomez Addams. It's included for its unique take on family and guests.
Fact: The film was a box office success, leading to a sequel, "Addams Family Values," in


The Parent Trap (1998)
Description: Identical twins, separated at birth, meet at summer camp and decide to switch places to reunite their divorced parents. The film highlights the theme of unexpected family guests and the joy of reunions.
Fact: Lindsay Lohan played both twins, and the film was a remake of the 1961 original starring Hayley Mills.


Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
Description: A family with twelve children faces chaos when the parents' careers take them away from home, leading to a series of funny and touching moments with various guests and visitors.
Fact: The film was based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey about their family.


The Holiday (2006)
Description: Two women, one from Los Angeles and one from England, swap homes over the holidays, leading to unexpected romantic and familial encounters. It's a perfect fit for this collection as it explores the theme of guests in a heartwarming, romantic context.
Fact: The film was shot in both California and England, and the house in Surrey used for the English cottage was rented for $1,000 a day.


The House Bunny (2008)
Description: A former Playboy Bunny becomes the house mother of an unpopular sorority, teaching them about life, love, and how to be popular, making her an unexpected guest with a lot to offer.
Fact: Anna Faris, who plays the lead, was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.


The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
Description: A group of British retirees move to a hotel in India expecting a luxurious retirement, only to find it's not quite what they expected. The film explores themes of unexpected guests and cultural exchange.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "These Foolish Things" by Deborah Moggach.


The Intern (2015)
Description: A 70-year-old widower becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, bringing his life experience to a young, tech-savvy team, effectively becoming an unexpected guest in their world.
Fact: Robert De Niro did his own stunts in the film, including riding a bike through New York City.
