7 Family Movies to Lift Your Spirits
It’s January, and that means much of the country is cooped up indoors. They’re dreaming of warmer days, watching the world through frosted windows and, perhaps, stepping outside for a quiet walk in the snow.
They’re also – of course – watching movies. January is a strong month for families looking for wholesome entertainment. There’s a series of popular animated films, a new uplifting documentary, and even a family-friendly detective adventure.
Here are seven family movies worth watching this month:
Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker (Great American Family/Pure Flix) \– A former criminologist hoping to settle down in the tranquil town of Sweet River with a new career instead finds herself pulled back into a murder investigation. Her peaceful plans unravel when a book club member reopens a cold case involving a man who was murdered years earlier over a rare antique watch. Candace Cameron Bure stars in the lead role. It’s the third installment in the Ainsley McGregor series.
It’s Not Like That (Wonder Project) – A widowed pastor raising three children navigates grief, single parenthood, and the daily demands of leading a church when he reconnects with a newly divorced mother of two teenagers. As their families grow closer, both must wrestle with whether their connection is simply friendship – or a new love story. This eight-episode series launches Jan. 25.
Despicable Me (Netflix) – The world’s most lovable “supervillain” hatches a plot to steal the moon, but watches as his heart is transformed when three orphaned girls unexpectedly become part of his life. This Illumination/Universal film launched a beloved franchise but – incredibly – didn’t even receive an Oscar nomination. (Toy Story 3 won that year.) Steve Carell voices the lead character, Gru. Rated PG for rude humor and mild action.
Despicable Me 2 (Netflix) – The adventure of villain-turned-good guy Gru continues as he’s recruited by a secret anti-villain agency and paired with energetic agent Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) to stop a new global threat. Gru also finds a wife. This 2013 movie was nominated for two Oscars – Best Animated Movie and Best Original Song – and was the year’s third-highest grossing film. Rated PG for rude humor and mild action.
I Can Only Imagine (Wonder Project) – A young boy growing up in a volatile home finds refuge from his abusive father in music and faith. Years later, as the lead singer of the band MercyMe, he pens the hit song I Can Only Imagine – inspired by his father’s transformation after the latter accepted Christ. This Kingdom Story film was a box office smash and sparked a sequel, which will be released Feb. 20. Rated PG for thematic elements including some violence.
The Lord’s Prayer (Angel) – This uplifting documentary journeys through the Middle East to uncover the meaning of Jesus’ most famous prayer in the very places where they were first spoken. Hosted by Brad Gray with insights from N. T. Wright and other scholars, the film explores each line of the prayer as both a theological truth and a practical call to live out God’s Kingdom in everyday life. Rated PG.
Facing the Giants (Netflix) – A high school football coach struggling in life and on the gridiron decides to rebuild his program by putting faith first. Facing the Giants was the first hit movie by filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, who went on to release Fireproof, War Room, Overcomer, and The Forge. Produced for just $100,000, the film stunned the industry by earning about $10 million – 100 times its budget. Rated PG for some thematic elements.
Related Article
Wonder Project’s ‘It’s Not Like That’ Delivers Compassion, Grace and Faith, Actors Say
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Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published January 22, 2026.
