Movies about moving are one of our favorite genres—after all, at Wheaton World Wide Moving, there’s nothing we love more than a fresh start in a brand new home! Any kind of major life event makes for a good, dramatic narrative—and moving definitely falls under that category. These films about moving show that when it comes to relocating to a new home, there’s no shortage of situations that can arise.
So pop some popcorn, kick back and get your family excited about your upcoming move with these excellent flicks!
Kids’ Movies About Moving
Toy Story
In this classic kids’ tale about a group of toys that come to life when their owners aren’t around, moving creates the central story conflict. The film addresses childhood fears about being left behind, and Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang band together to ensure that everyone makes it to the new house in one piece.
Inside Out
Another classic Disney-Pixar animated movie! Follow the inner workings of Riley’s mind as she processes her family’s move from Minnesota to San Francisco. With personified emotions like joy, sadness, fear, anger and disgust, Inside Out explores all the complex feelings moving can bring.
My Neighbor Totoro
In this classic Studio Ghibli flick, young girl Mei discovers spirits in her new home and befriends a large, friendly one named Totoro. Totoro guides her and even rescues her, helping her deal with moving and her mother’s illness in the process. This film is just as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids, thanks to its dreamy, lush animation style.
Jumanji
This Robin Williams classic doesn’t play into fears about the act of moving so much as it does the fear of acclimating to a new place. The old mansion that two children and their aunt move to is a lovely place…until they uncover a board game left behind that throws reality out of whack.
The Money Pit
Featuring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long, The Money Pit tells the tale of what happens when the home you buy isn’t everything you bargained for. As the name suggests, their dream home quickly becomes a nightmare when they end up putting more and more money into renovations.
Cheaper by the Dozen
Follow the Baker clan as they move their sizeable brood into a new home for dad Tom’s job—with all the new school jitters, fighting over who gets what room and fitting-in anxieties that come with.
Movies About Moving for Adults
After the kids have gone to bed, check out these movies about moving that can help process your own bittersweet feelings.
Footloose
Regardless of whether you prefer the 1984 version or the most recent 2011 remake, the main story of Footloose remains the same: A high school student is forced to move to a small town and encounters opposition in the form of antiquated mindsets and rules against dancing. This film makes a good watch for teens or more mature kids, too.
Lady Bird
This indie darling from Greta Gerwig is one of our favorite movies about moving away from home. It follows teenager Christine—er, Lady Bird—as she outgrows her hometown and working-class family, always in search of a more glamorous life. When she finally makes the big move and leaves the nest, she finds complicated feelings and fondness for her family back home.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Like Jumanji, this movie isn’t about moving, exactly—but it’s among the best movies about moving on. And what is moving if not moving on, from your old space, neighborhood or even relationship? This hilarious Jason Segel movie captures all the highs, lows and miseries of a breakup, and realizing you’re better off in the end.
Beetlejuice
In the mood for a spooky flick? Beetlejuice never disappoints. In it, the recently deceased couple, the Maitlands, deal with the arrival of an off-kilter new family moving into their beloved home—and haunts and hilarity ensue. Whether you’re settling into a new space or feeling emotional about leaving your old place (and life) behind, Beetlejuice captures the emotions.
Make Your Move Picture-Perfect With Wheaton World Wide
Comedy, family, drama or horror—movies about moving transcend all genres. If you’re worried about your move, it’s probably best to stick to one with a happy ending, especially if you’re trying to soothe childhood fears while you watch! Whatever your favorite genre, take a break from all that packing and worrying about your own move to enjoy a movie about someone else’s move.
If you’re anticipating an upcoming move but don’t have a clue where to start, allow us to help! Wheaton World Wide Moving has the tools, resources and information to get you started. Our network of agents can move you and your family wherever you need to go. Request your free estimate today!
