7 New Streaming Gems for a Perfect May Family Movie Night

Movies

Audio By Carbonatix

8:45 AM on Tuesday, May 20

By Michael Foust, Movies

1. The Ainsley McGregor series: A Case for the Yarn Maker (Great American Pure Flix)

A former criminologist and shop owner in Sweet River, Texas, finds herself involved in another murder case when a body is discovered in her quaint town. It’s the second installment in the new Ainsley McGregor mystery series that launched last year with A Case for the Winemaker. Both are based on books by Candace Havens -- and are every bit as engaging as your favorite mysteries. It stars Candace Cameron Bure and Aaron Ashmore and premieres on Great American Pure Flix May 22.

Photo Credit: ©YouTube/PureFlix

2. The Wild Robot (Netflix)

A high-tech robot stranded on a remote island finds purpose when it raises a gosling, teaching it to swim and even to fly. The gosling, not surprisingly, believes the robot -- named Roz -- is its mother. The Wild Robot was considered by many to be the best animated movie of 2024 and was based on a series of bestselling children’s books by Peter Brown. It’s not without its heartbreaking moments -- “You’re not my mom,” the gosling says at one point -- but it builds to a joyful ending that just might leave you in tears. This Dreamworks film includes powerful themes of sacrifice, parenting and adoption and is rated PG for action/peril and thematic elements.

Photo Credit: ©Dream Works

3. Identity Crisis (Angel)

An introverted science whiz clones herself to craft the “perfect” version of who she wishes to be -- only to discover confidence and purpose by watching her double live it out. Identity Crisis is a faith-based comedy from The Boylan Sisters Entertainment, the same studio behind Switched (a personal favorite in my household). Directed by Shari Rigby (Overcomer), the film stars real-life twins Scout and Sophia Tayui-Lepore in the lead roles. Visit Angel.com.

Photo Credit: ©YouTube/Boylan Sisters Entertainment

4. The Unbreakable Boy (Home Video)

A father’s life is transformed by his son, Austin, whose rare condition and unshakable joy challenge everything he thought he believed about life. This faith-focused film is based on a true story and a book of the same name by the real-life father, Scott LeRette, whose son was born with brittle-bone disease and was later diagnosed with autism. It was produced by Kingdom Story, the same company that released The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Unsung Hero, Ordinary Angels, and Jesus Revolution. Rated PG for strong thematic material, alcohol abuse, language, and some violence.

Photo Credit: ©Lionsgate

5. I Still Believe (Netflix)

A college freshman with a heart for God and a passion for music falls in love with a classmate -- only for their world to be shaken when she’s unexpectedly diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, just as marriage seems certain. But instead of walking away, he leans in -- pursuing her and ultimately asking for her hand in marriage. This faith-focused film was based on the true story of Christian singer Jeremy Camp and his first wife. It might be one of the best films you’ve never seen -- largely because it hit theaters in 2020, just as the pandemic was shutting everything down. Rated PG for thematic material.

6. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (Prime Video)

It’s a timeless story of courage and sacrifice as Frodo Baggins and his companions set out to destroy a powerful ring before it plunges the world into darkness. With sweeping landscapes and unforgettable characters, this epic is well worth revisiting -- or sharing with a new generation. Of course, it’s based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels. The trilogy includes The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). All three were rated PG-13 for violence, battle sequences, and frightening images. Clearplay offers filters.

7. Charlotte’s Web (Paramount Plus)

A young livestock pig named Wilbur befriends a clever spider named Charlotte (Julia Roberts), who spins words in her web to save him from the butcher. Based on the beloved children’s book by E.B. White, this 2006 live-action/CGI heartfelt adaptation celebrates the beauty of friendship, loyalty, and life’s simple wonders. Rated G.