2026 Movies And TV Shows To Watch On Family Night

When was the last time you scrabbled over what to watch with your family remote in hand, patience thinning and opinions flying? Switching in-between channels and disagreements over what would be best suited for a watch with your parents. No doubt some stories and scenes land differently depending on the age, memory and mood of everyone watching a film or an OTT show together, even reflecting the relationship dynamics, tensions and affection of people watching it together.

Nevertheless, watching movies and TV shows on a family night can be fun and a great way for all to spend time together once in a while and can even become interesting ways to many to engage with each other to spark conversation. So, if your watchlist for a family night has not been updated since the last part of Harry Potter dropped, 2026 might just help you refresh it.

Here are the upcoming films and series in 2026 that actually make family viewing worth showing up for: 

Kumki 2 

Where: Prime Video 

Kumki 2 traces the bond between Bhoomi (a young boy) and Nila (an elephant calf) who becomes his only refuge in a harsh rural life. Years later, separated by cruelty and circumstance, Bhoomi ventures into the wild to find her again, turning the film into a quiet, emotional exploration of loss, loyalty, and the human–nature bond. 

What makes these 2026 releases worth waiting for isn't just their scale or star power, it's their ability to bring different generations into the same conversation. Whether through laughter over animated chaos, quiet awe at mythological storytelling, or emotion rooted in familiar family values, these films remind us why watching together still matters. In an age where screens often get us isolated, these stories do just the opposite: they pull us back into the same room, sharing the same moments. And honestly, that's what great family entertainment should do. 

Ikkis  

When: January 1

Ikkis is an  Hindi war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan, based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film stars Agastya Nanda in the lead, with Dharmendra playing a pivotal role. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Ikkis focuses on courage, leadership, and sacrifice. Mounted as a large-scale theatrical release, the film aims to present a grounded, emotionally driven portrait of heroism for a family audience.

Run Away 

Where: Netflix 

In Run Away, Simon’s carefully constructed life collapses the moment his teenage daughter Paige disappears. When she’s later found in a vulnerable, broken state, his search for answers pulls him into a dark world of secrets and violence. What starts as a parent’s desperate need to protect his child quickly spirals into a thriller about how far someone will go when the people they love become strangers overnight. 

Ramayana 

When: Expected November 8

Starring Yash, Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi as Sita, this large-scale adaptation retells the ancient epic through a more intimate lens of love, duty, and choice. The story traces a young prince and princess whose marriage and exile set off a defining journey of sacrifice and destiny. Backed by advanced VFX but rooted in emotion, the film aims to balance mythological grandeur with a deeply human core, making it a true big-screen family experience. 

The Odyssey

When: 17 July

Christopher Nolan and some of Hollywood's biggest names are bringing the famous Greek epic by Homer to the big screens this year.

Taskaree

Where: Netflix

Who knew watching anything by Emraan Hashmi with parents could ever be okay? His latest show Taskaree directed by Neeraj Pandey revolves around a dedicated customs officer and his team take on a notorious smuggler leading a powerful syndicate, but unexpected obstacles threaten their mission.

Freedom at Midnight Season 2

When: July 10 on SonyLiv

Nikhil Advani's drama Freedom At Midnight that is adapted from Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collin's historical drama is back for another season shedding light on the tumultuous months following India's independence.

Drishyam3 

When: October 2 

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar in the third chapter of India’s most gripping family thriller franchise. Drishyam 3 continues the story of a man who protects his family using wit, foresight, and grey areas of morality. Expect sharper twists, higher emotional stakes, and a narrative that once again proves intelligence can be the strongest weapon. It’s a thriller that families, especially older teens and adults, can watch together, then debate who was right, who was wrong, and why we root for characters like Vijay even when they bend the law. 

HAQ 

Where: Netflix 

Taking inspiration from the Supreme Court's iconic judgment regarding Shah Bano Begum vs Mohammed Ahmed Khan, this Yami Gautam, Sheeba Chadda, and Emraan Hashmi starrer is about a woman’s fight whose husband abandons her and the obstacles she faces due to her religion. It's an emotional, real-life story challenging patriarchy and rigid societal norms amidst India’s legal scenario.