Top Family Movie Stars
At some point, many B-list stars turn to family movies, either to restore their former fame, or to make something their children can see. Most family movie stars are male, but there are a few women among the bunch. We’re not sure why – but maybe it’s easier to laugh at the shenanigans of the dumb dad than it is to laugh at a bumbling mom. It’s okay for her to be a little clueless about her superhero kids, but never dumb and bumbling. Here’s our list of ten stars who’ve appeared in several movies for kids, or are kids themselves.
Eddie Murphy
He’s gone from Raw and non-stop obscenity, to a string of solid family films like Shrek, Daddy Day Care, and Dr. Doolittle. He’s not afraid to look silly for the kids, or act like a kid himself, which makes him the perfect children’s movie star. This summer he continues the pattern with Meet Dave.
Mike Meyers
Shrek is Mike Meyers’ major contribution to family movies, but he’s also appeared in The Cat in the Hat (as no less than the Cat himself.) You could even argue that the Austin Powers franchise is just silly enough to keep older kids entertained for hours. He’s got an infectious silliness that keeps you rolling in your seat.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
I doubt anyone predicted that the WWE would spawn a children’s movie star, but The Rock defies classification. Although he appears in action movies, he’s also willing to look ridiculous in family-friendly fare like The Game Plan and Get Smart.
Ice Cube
A thug rapper in a movie aimed at families? It works if it’s Ice Cube in a trio of films about a man trying to adapt to the role of fatherhood, facing amusing challenges, and struggling -- without success -- to control the chaos.
Daniel Radcliffe
He’s only barely an adult himself, but Daniel Radcliffe secured his place in the children’s movie world with his role as Harry Potter. He’ll no doubt move on to more adult fare soon, but he’s still got two Harry Potters left.
Tom Hanks
Not only has he voiced several animated films like Toy Story and The Polar Express, but Tom Hanks also stars in children’s classics like Big. Although most of his films are for adults, his family movies stand the test of time.
Tim Allen
Before Home Improvement, Tim Allen was a fairly raunchy comic. Now he’s a true children’s movie star. In addition to being the voice of Buzz Lightyear, he’s played Santa, a superhero professor, and a dog. He’s made a few forays into serious films, but his persona lends itself well to all things child.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Ray Cyrus has only appeared in one children’s movie to date: her concert film. She has two child-friendly movies coming out this year and next, and more are sure to follow given her role as a Disney channel staple.
Abigail Breslin
Although children usually appear in family movies, they aren’t often the lead star. After her rise to fame with Little Miss Sunshine, Abigail Breslin has embraced numerous sweet children’s roles, in keeping with the fact that she’s an actual child. Some of her roles have been in films targeted for adults, but the upcoming Kit Kittredge: An American Girl is 100% child-friendly.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is at home in family movies and adult movies alike, but his elastic face and innate silliness are ideal for entertaining the younger set. In addition to roles as the Grinch and Lemony Snicket’s Count Olaf, he’s also been a voice in Horton Hears a Who. Some of his adult-oriented films, like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, are also suitable for older children.
