Movie Night for Mini Geeks: Video Game & Tech-Themed Films Families Will Love
When the controllers are put down and the screens are off (well, almost), movie night is a great way to keep the gaming spirit alive, just in a more relaxed, popcorn-filled way.
Whether your Mini Geek is a Minecraft master or you're just trying to explain what a pixel is, these films are packed with the kind of tech, coding, and video game fun that appeals to kids and parents alike.
Here’s our list of video game and computer-themed movies that are perfect for a family night in, complete with age ratings, mini reviews, and what makes each one fabulous
Wreck-It Ralph (PG)
What it’s about: Ralph is tired of being the bad guy in his arcade game and sets off on a quest to become a hero, meeting a glitchy racer and journeying through a world full of gaming cameos.
Why it’s great: It’s bursting with references to classic games (hello, Q*bert and Sonic!) and has heart-warming messages about identity and friendship.
Age rating: PG - perfect for younger kids, with lots of colour and action.
Tron (1982) & Tron: Legacy (2010) (Both PG)
What it’s about: In both films, a computer programmer is sucked into a digital world where programs battle for survival. Legacy updates the visual style but keeps the high-stakes virtual drama.
Why it’s great: These movies are stylish, iconic, and offer a cool retro-futuristic vibe. Bonus points for introducing kids to what "old school" graphics used to look like.
Age rating: PG - suitable for most ages, though the original might feel a little slow for younger viewers.
The Last Starfighter (1984) (12)
What it’s about: A teenager who excels at an arcade game finds out it’s actually a recruitment tool to find real-life space pilots. Cue an epic adventure.
Why it’s great: A brilliant 80s classic that taps into every gamer’s dream, being so good at a game that it changes your life.
Age rating: 12 - ideal for tweens and teens, and a nostalgic treat for grown-ups.
War Games (1983) (12)
What it’s about: A high school hacker accidentally accesses a military supercomputer and nearly triggers a nuclear war — whoops.
Why it’s great: It’s thrilling, smart, and a great springboard for chats about cybersecurity, hacking, and responsible tech use.
Age rating: 12 - some tense moments and mature themes, so better for slightly older kids.
Free Guy (2021) (12)
What it’s about: A cheerful NPC (non-playable character) in an open-world video game becomes self-aware and decides to break the system.
Why it’s great: It’s a fun, fast-paced film packed with references to modern gaming and streaming culture, and it opens up interesting conversations about AI and virtual reality.
Age rating: 12 - suitable for tweens and teens; a good choice for tech-curious kids. Please note there's some swearing in the film!
The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2020) (U)
What it’s about: A quirky family road trip turns into a mission to save the world from a robot uprising, led by an evil virtual assistant.
Why it’s great: Hilarious, heartfelt, and loaded with geeky flair, from YouTube references to coding robots. Great animation and strong messages about family and technology.
Age rating: U - brilliant for all ages.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) & Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) (Both 12)
What it’s about: A group of teens get sucked into a video game version of Jumanji, where they must survive jungle hazards, NPCs, and comically mismatched avatars.
Why it’s great: These movies cleverly mirror the structure of video games (lives, levels, boss fights), making them ideal for gamers. Plus, they’re genuinely funny.
Age rating: 12 - ideal for older kids and tweens, with some mild peril and slapstick action.
