This curated list of family films focuses on stories where characters, often children or families, become accidental witnesses to crimes. These movies not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons about courage, justice, and the importance of speaking up. They are perfect for family viewing, offering suspense, adventure, and heartwarming moments that resonate with viewers of all ages.

The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Description: Mrs. Brisby, a field mouse, uncovers a secret about her late husband's involvement with a group of intelligent rats, leading her to witness and intervene in their plight.
Fact: The film was Don Bluth's first feature after leaving Disney, and it was critically acclaimed for its animation and storytelling.


The Witches (1990)
Description: A young boy and his grandmother witness a convention of witches, leading to a thrilling adventure to stop their evil plans.
Fact: The film was directed by Nicolas Roeg, known for his surreal and unconventional filmmaking style.


Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Description: Kevin McCallister finds himself in New York City, where he inadvertently witnesses a theft by the Wet Bandits, leading to a series of comedic and adventurous events.
Fact: The film was shot in New York City, including iconic locations like the Plaza Hotel. It was also the highest-grossing live-action comedy until "The Hangover Part II" in


The Mighty Ducks (1992)
Description: A lawyer, sentenced to community service, coaches a youth hockey team, uncovering corruption in youth sports, making him and his team witnesses to the unfair practices.
Fact: The film led to two sequels and inspired the creation of the real-life NHL team, the Anaheim Ducks.


The Sandlot (1993)
Description: A group of young baseball players witness and deal with neighborhood legends and petty crimes, learning about friendship and growing up.
Fact: The film was shot in Utah, and the iconic scene with the giant dog was inspired by a real-life story from the director's childhood.


The Little Rascals (1994)
Description: A group of kids, known as the He-Man Woman Haters Club, witness and thwart various comedic crimes and misadventures in their neighborhood.
Fact: The film was based on the "Our Gang" series of short films from the 1920s to the 1940s.


The Parent Trap (1998)
Description: Identical twins separated at birth meet at summer camp and devise a plan to reunite their parents, uncovering family secrets along the way.
Fact: Lindsay Lohan played both twins, marking one of her first major film roles.


The Princess Diaries (2001)
Description: Mia Thermopolis, an ordinary high school student, discovers she's the princess of a small European country, and her newfound status makes her a target for political intrigue.
Fact: Julie Andrews, who plays Queen Clarisse, was awarded the title of Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000, the same year she filmed this movie.


The Incredibles (2004)
Description: While not directly about witnessing a crime, the Parr family deals with the aftermath of crime and villainy, making it a thematic fit for this list.
Fact: The film was the first entirely animated film to win the Academy Award for Best Sound Editing. It also inspired a sequel, "Incredibles 2," released in


The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
Description: Tintin, a young journalist, and his dog Snowy stumble upon a model ship that leads them into a world of intrigue and crime-solving.
Fact: This was Steven Spielberg's first fully animated feature film, using motion capture technology. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score.
