What should a 13-year-old watch on BBC iPlayer?
The last thing you would want is to expose your kids to materials that aren’t suitable for their age. So, to spend time with your family, you should choose the best family movies on BBC iPlayer.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) provides a free online streaming service called BBC iPlayer. The platform enables users to watch live and catch-up TV, as well as a sizable library of the best BBC iPlayer shows and the best iPlayer movies.
On BBC iPlayer, There is everything for everyone, including the best horror movies to the best Christmas films on BBC iPlayer, among other genres. However, to access BBC iPlayer, you must be in the UK. That’s because the platform is geo-blocked and unavailable elsewhere.
Therefore, to access the platform in other regions, you must use the best BBC iPlayer VPN like ExpressVPN. With such a quality VPN, you can change your region to UK and can easily watch BBC iPlayer in Canada.
What are the best family films to watch in Canada now that you are aware that you can access BBC iPlayer from countries other than the UK? Below are the best family movies to watch in Canada.
15 Best Family movies on BBC iPlayer to Watch in 2023
Bring the whole family together and escape into the world of cinema with the best Family Movies on BBC iPlayer in Canada. There is something for everyone on this must-watch list for 2023, so let’s begin!
1. Mr. Stink (2012)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
Director: Declan Lowney
Writers: Simon Nye, David Walliams
Cast: Nell Tiger Free, Hugh Bonneville, Pudsey
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Runtime: 1 hour
The film revolves around a young girl named Chloe and Mr. Stink, a homeless man. Chloe is a lonely little girl who lives in a family where everyone minds their own business.
Chloe eventually encounters Mr. Stink, a smelly tramp, and his clever dog, The Duchess, and allows them to reside in the family’s garden shed. The two build an unlikely friendship and embark on an interesting adventure.
Mr. Stink is among the best comedy films on BBC iPlayer worth watching in Canada.
2. Stick Man (2015)
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
Directors: Jeroen Jaspaert, Daniel Snaddon
Writers: Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler, Max Lang
Cast: Martin Freeman, Jennifer Saunders, Rob Brydon
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Runtime: 27 minutes
Stick Man is a family man living with his Stick Lady Love and their three young sticks. One day, he decides to go out on a jog, only to find himself separated from his family.
He runs into different characters along the way and goes through various seasons, which ultimately takes him on an adventure filled with twists and turns. It’s a touching story showing the love among family members and the desire to be reunited with them.
Stick Man is one of the best children’s films on iPlayer.
3. The Gruffalo (2010)
Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Family
Directors: Max Lang, Jakob Schuh
Writers: Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler, Jakob Schuh
Cast: Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Rob Brydon
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Runtime: 27 minutes
It tells the tale of a clever mouse who goes for a walk in the forest and runs into several predatory animals. The mouse creates the Gruffalo, a fictitious creature, and uses it to frighten away the predators in self-defense.
Along the way, he discovers that sometimes our imaginations can be just as real and powerful as what is actually there. The movie is chock-full of lively animation, humor, and a motivating message about the value of imagination.
Despite the film being only 27 minutes long, it’s one of the best family movies on BBC iPlayer in Canada.
4. Olympians at Heart (2021)
Genre: Family
Director: Amy Force
Writer: James Foti
Cast: Felipe Aukai, Noa DiBerto, Chiara Diberto
IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
Runtime: 1h 28min
Twins Essie and Ella are both best friends and love gymnastics. But unfortunately, they become divided and have to compete against one another when they are both selected to participate in the same event.
The movie gives viewers a glimpse into the fiercely competitive and spectacular world of artistic gymnastics while instilling the value of putting family loyalty ahead of individual and self-centered ambition.
Olympians at Heart is one of the best BBC iPlayer – family favorites.
5. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse (2022)
Genre: Animation, Family
Directors: Peter Baynton, Charlie Mackesy
Writers: Charlie Mackesy, Jon Croker
Cast: Jude Coward Nicoll, Idris Elba, Tom Hollander
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Runtime: 32 minutes
The best-selling book by Charlie Mackesy is brought to life in this exquisitely animated movie from None More and Bad Robot Productions.
Discover the meaning of kindness, friendship, courage, and hope as you follow the unlikely friendship between four friends a boy, a mole, a fox, and a horse. They share life lessons while looking for a place to call home.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse is one of the best family movies on BBC iPlayer in Canada.
6. Opal Dreams (2006)
Genre: Drama, Family
Director: Peter Cattaneo
Writers: Peter Cattaneo, Phil Traill, Ben Rice
Cast: Sapphire Blossom, Vince Colosimo, Christian Byers
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 1 hour 26 minutes
In an Outback opal-mining community, Australians Rex Williamson and his family struggle to make ends meet. Their daughter Kellyanne spends most of her time with Pobby and Dingan, her two imaginary friends.
The family is tired of Kellyanne’s obsession with her friends. Therefore, they decide to inform her that Poppy and Dingan are trapped in the mines. How will Kellyanne respond to the news?
Are you into drama? If yes then don’t forget to check the list of best drama films on BBC iPlayer that you can watch this year.
7. All Stars (2013)
Genre: Comedy, Family
Director: Ben Gregor
Writer: Paul Gerstenberger
Cast: Theo Stevenson, Ashley Jensen, Akai Osei
IMDb Rating: 4.9/10
Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes
A group of friends forms a choir to compete in a national competition in the 2013 musical comedy All-Stars. The movie follows their journey as they unite to pursue their shared love of music while dealing with obstacles along the way.
Perseverance, cooperation, and the significance of pursuing your dreams are among the themes in this film.
8. I Remember Mama (1948)
Genre: Drama, Family
Director: George Stevens
Writers: DeWitt Bodeen, John Van Druten, Kathryn Forbes
Cast: Irene Dunne, Oskar Homolka, Barbara Bel Geddes
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Runtime: 2 hours 14 minutes
A Norwegian immigrant family living in San Francisco in the early 20th century is the subject of the 1948 American drama movie I Remember Mama. The story, which is told from one of the daughters’ perspectives, focuses on the family’s relationships and difficulties.
The family members help each other through the ups and downs of life, which touches on themes of family, love, and sacrifice. The movie emphasizes how enduring and strong family ties are.
There are also various other romantic movies on BBC iPlayer that you can stream in 2023.
9. Room on the Broom (2017)
Genre: Animation, Family, Comedy
Directors: Max Lang, Jan Lachauer
Writers: Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler, Max Lang
Cast: Simon Pegg, Gillian Anderson, Rob Brydon
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Runtime: 25 Minutes
Room on the Broom revolves around a kind-hearted witch, her loyal cat, and other animal friends. Along the way, the witch encounters countless challenges.
However, with the help of her friends, she’s able to overcome the challenges and continue with her journey. Viewers throughout the film will be treated with stunning animation and musical scores. The film welcomes all ages and is one of the best Family Movies on BBC iPlayer in Canada.
10. Borrowed Pasture (1960)
Genre: Family
Director: John Ormond
Writer: John Ormond
Cast: Richard Burton, Eugeniusz Okolowicz, Wlodek Bulaj
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Runtime: 30 minutes
The movie, which John Ormond wrote and directed, tells the tale of two former Polish Army soldiers who settled in a desolate, abandoned farm on a Carmarthenshire hillside.
The most touching section of the movie is when Wlodek Bulaj, one of the farmers, talks about his loneliness. Twenty-two years have passed since Bulaj last saw his wife.
11. Grandpa’s Great Escape (2018)
Genre: Family
Director: Elliot Hegarty
Writer: David Walliams
Cast: Tom Courtenay, Kit Connor, David Walliams
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 1 hour 12 minutes
In the 2018 British comedy-drama Grandpa’s Great Escape, an Alzheimer’s patient grandfather escapes from a nursing home and pursues his lifelong ambition. His grandson travels with him on an adventure, emphasizing love, friendship, and family.
The movie tells the inspiring tale of chasing your dreams regardless of age.
12. The Midnight Gang (2018)
Genre: Comedy, Family
Director: Elliot Hegarty
Writers: Kevin Cecil, David Walliams
Cast: Alan Davies, Oliver Zetterström, Amit Shah
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Runtime: 1 hour 6 minutes
A David Walliams children’s book inspired the 2018 British television movie The Midnight Gang. It takes place in a pediatric hospital and centers on a group of kids who form a secret club and go on nighttime adventures. The story emphasizes the importance of kindness, bravery, and imagination.
But if you are in a mood of some action or war then I would say do check the list of war movies available on BBC iPlayer.
13. Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute (2016)
Genre: Documentary, Family
Director: John Bridcut
Writers: John Bridcut
Cast: King Charles III, Sarah Armstrong-Jones, Princess Alexandra
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Runtime: 1 hour 10 minutes
The 2016 British documentary film Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute honors Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her 90th birthday by highlighting her life and legacy.
Prince Charles, Prince William, Princess Anne, and other members of the royal family, as well as the Queen’s friends and associates, are interviewed and share personal anecdotes in this film.
Want to watch more documentaries? Then do watch our guide of best documentaries on BBC iPlayer.
14. Bill (2015)
Genre: Comedy, Family, History
Director: Richard Bracewell
Writers: Ben Willbond, Laurence Rickard
Cast: Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas, Simon Farnaby
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes
While King Philip of Spain plots to assassinate Queen Elizabeth of England, young Bill Shakespeare departs from Stratford to pursue his dream. He wants to become a playwright in London despite the theatres being closed due to the plague. However, his dreams come true when the queen desires a new play.
15. Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans (2019)
Genre: Comedy, Family, History
Director: Dominic Brigstocke
Writers: Giles Pilbrow, Caroline Norris, Kevin Cecil
Cast: Sebastian Croft, Nick Frost, Emilia Jones
IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
Runtime: 1 hour 28 minutes
This movie follows the exploits of a group of Roman teenagers who become involved in a number of historical events. The movie is hilarious, action-packed, and chock-full of fascinating historical information. It also features a cast of likeable characters.
This family-friendly movie offers a fascinating and entertaining introduction to Roman history. If you liked this movie then I am sure you will enjoy other action movies available on BBC iPlayer.
Wrapping Up!
Spending some quality time watching the best family movies on BBC iPlayer in Canada will strengthen your family’s bond. The above are the best family movies suitable for all ages that you should consider watching on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is compatible with many devices, which means you can watch BBC iPlayer on PS5, and also access BBC iPlayer on Firestick.
BBC iPlayer is a free streaming platform; therefore, there is no BBC iPlayer free trial. The platform is only restricted within the UK. Therefore, to access BBC iPlayer in Canada, you must use a quality VPN like ExpressVPN.
In addition, to access BBC iPlayer in Canada, you must sign up for a BBC iPlayer account and have a valid UK TV license. You can cancel BBC iPlayer subscription for a license if you are no longer interested in the platform’s services.