If your family enjoys watching movies, you may be in search of some kid-friendly titles that are suitable for the entire family to watch together. Perhaps you are looking for movies that are aimed at a younger audience, but that are clever enough to hold your interest as well.
Many classic movies from the past have been re-released on DVD-- making it easier than ever for you to own or rent some classic favorites. These movies are timeless and some are old enough to take you for a walk down memory lane. So go ahead-- pop up the popcorn and settle down with your family for a night of family entertainment with one of these 25 classic favorites:
1. Fantasia (1940). This Disney masterpiece was first released in 1940 and it still holds up today. Filled with beautiful classical melodies, even the youngest children will be enthralled by this gorgeously animated film.
2. Escape to Witch Mountain (1975). This movie may look low budget by today’s standards, but it’s still a fun movie-- full of action and excitement. Tony and Tia are kidnapped orphans that have supernatural powers. Watch as they try to find their way home.
3. Shrek (2001). Count this as a modern classic, as it quickly proved to be a favorite among adults and children when it was released in 2001. Shrek is a hapless ogre on a mission to save Princess Fiona. On the way you will be entertained by characters from various fairy tales. Because this movie contains some double-entendre humor, it is best for older school-aged children-- toddlers won’t get the jokes.
4. The Wizard of Oz (1939). Originally released in theaters in 1939, this is one movie that has undoubtedly stood the test of time. Dorothy (played by Judy Garland) and her dog Toto arrive in the land of Oz, and, desperate to find their way home, they go in search of the Wizard of Oz. Kids will love the music and dancing in this movie.
5. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971). This wonderful movie stars Gene Wilder as the mysterious Willy Wonka, a chocolate maker who holds a contest for five lucky winners to visit his elusive chocolate factory. Kids will identify with good-hearted Charlie Bucket and they will love the carnival-like tour of the factory. Just enough adult humor to keep the whole family entertained.
6. Finding Nemo (2003). Whoever dreamed that an animated movie about a fish would cause so much excitement? “Finding Nemo” achieved instant classic status from the moment it was released in 2003. A daddy fish named Marlin begins a journey through the dangerous ocean to find his son, Nemo. The animation in this film is absolutely stunning. If your kids were too young to appreciate this movie when it was first released a few years ago, try watching it now.
7. A Christmas Story (1983). This hilarious movie, set in the 1940’s, is the story of Ralphie, a boy who only has one item on his Christmas list: a Red Ryder BB gun. Unfortunately, all of the adults in his life squash that dream with the same mantra, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Determined to get the gift of his dreams, Ralphie tries every ploy known to man. There’s plenty of nostalgic Christmas imagery in this movie, although one or two unnecessary curse words may make it inappropriate for very young viewers.
8. Mary Poppins (1964). Revisit this great movie, which stars Oscar-winner Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke as her chimney sweep companion. The songs in this movie are irresistible-- your family will still be singing them days after you watch the movie.
9. E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982). This 1980’s tearjerker, about a displaced alien and his friendship with a young boy, is still a relevant story today. Worth another viewing if it has been a while since you have seen it.
10. Toy Story (1995). Praised at the time of its release for its innovative computer animation, this is a highly entertaining movie about a toy cowboy named Woody-- and the secret lives of all of the other toys in the toy box.
11. The Lion King (1994). Another meticulously animated Disney film, this time about a lion cub named Simba and his yearning to become a king. There are some violent scenes in this movie, so, although it is an animated film, it is geared toward older family audiences. A beautifully written score adds much to this movie.
12. A Bug’s Life (1998). Featuring impeccable modern computer animation, this is the story of an outcast ant named Flik, and his friends and foes in the bug colony.
13. The Neverending Story (1984). This fantasy film is about a boy whose favorite storybook comes to life. Some scenes may be frightening for very young children, but older children will love this movie.
14. The Sound of Music (1965). Julie Andrews is at it again, with another musical that is sure to be a favorite of your family. It is the fact-based story of the von Trapp family and a nun-turned-governess (Andrews). Part romance, part intrigue and visually gorgeous, this movie boasts catchy songs and a top-notch cast.
15. Benji (1974). Joe Camp’s film about Benji, a stray dog that comes to the rescue of kidnapped pals Cindy and Paul, gained a strong following when it was first released in 1974. Get the tissues ready for some teary scenes. Good action sequence starring the dog as well.
16. The Secret Garden (1993). Orphaned Mary is sent to live at her uncle’s house, where she finds a secret door that leads to a secret garden. Beautiful music and gorgeous imagery make this movie a joy to watch over and over again.
17. Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone (2001). Fans of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling “Harry Potter” book series were clamoring for this movie to be released-- and they weren’t disappointed. The makers of this film stayed true to Rowling’s tale about young Harry and his adventures at the Hogwarts School. Even if you haven’t read the “Harry Potter” books, your kids probably have.
18. From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (1995). This story, based on the Newberry award-winning book of the same name, is about a girl named Claudia who decides to run away from home. A stickler for planning, the intellectual Claudia decides that she and her accomplice, brother Jamie, will be taking up quarters at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A mystery involving a Michelangelo statue ensues, with Claudia and he brother making it home in the end.
19. Lady and the Tramp (1955). This animated Disney treasure is the story of a mutt named Tramp and his romance with a high-society pooch named Lady. The spaghetti dinner scene goes down as one of cinema’s most romantic scenes. You’ll feel the love when you watch this film!
20. The Parent Trap (1961). Although remakes and knockoffs of this movie abound, nothing comes close to the 1961 original. With Hayley Mills starring in a dual role as twins determined to reunite their estranged parents, this movie is witty, clever and fun.
21. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). Dick Van Dyke plays a wacky inventor in this musical extravaganza. Still charming after all these years, this movie is one fun ride.
22. Annie (1982). The big-screen version of this mega hit Broadway musical stars Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney and Carol Burnett. It’s full of terrific musical numbers that will keep your family singing.
23. Freaky Friday (1977). Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris star in this movie about a mother and daughter who switch lives for a day. This is well-done fantasy fare with a very likeable Foster stealing the show. A remake of this movie starring Lindsay Lohan was released in 2003.
24. Home Alone (1990). Child actor Macaulay Culkin became a household name when this movie was first released in 1990. The story of Kevin, a boy who is accidentally left behind when his large extended family leaves for a Christmas vacation in Paris, this film will have your entire family laughing. Like a kid in a candy store, young Kevin is thrilled by his good fortune, but soon his bachelor-style Christmas is interrupted by some pesky burglars. In the end, Kevin realizes that he actually misses his family.
25. Big (1988). Tom Hanks stars as Josh, a young boy who wishes he were older-- and wakes up to find that his wish has come true. Now a 12-year-old boy in a grown man’s body, Josh goes off to face the world. Fun scenes at New York’s FAO Schwartz toy store make this movie a charmer. There are a few scenes that may be inappropriate for young viewers, but for the most part this movie is a great one for the entire family.
