Great films are magical experiences that elicit an emotional response while reminding us of important life lessons. Watching movies with your kids can be a wonderful time for bonding, as these stories make you laugh and cry together.
Whether you consider yourself a big-time cinema critic or just a lover of a good flick, sharing this experience with your children is making memories while learning lessons. We learn through stories and very often experience an emotional reaction to movies that carry these morals with us for life. As a kid, I learned that “Goonies never say die!” and “Ducks fly together!” Share these classic kid movies with your clan and enjoy great times together.
We’ve assembled a collection of the best classic kids movies so you can feel the nostalgia of your youth while sharing the wisdom of these great stories with your children. Grab the popcorn, candy, and some blankets. Snuggle up on the couch and settle in for fun family time.
Classic Kids Movies
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
This timeless classic from 1939 follows Dorothy, a young girl living in Kansas who gets carried away in a tornado to the magical Land of Oz. Based on the book by L. Frank Baum. As Dorothy and her dog, Toto, try to find their way home, they make friends with a Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion and journey together to find the wizard. They must run from the Wicked Witch, hunting down Dorothy for her ruby red slippers. Your children will enjoy the music and colorful characters as they learn lessons on friendship, courage, and believing in yourself.
Available on HBO Max, YouTube, TNT, TBS, iTunes, Amazon, Redbox
The Goonies (1985)
One of the best kid adventure films ever, The Goonies is a true underdog tale of friendship and exploration. A group of best friends finds a treasure map and sets out on a hunt, complete with pirates, booby traps, and skeletons, while being chased by a dysfunctional family of thieves. As the kids try to find the gold to save their family home from foreclosure, they learn lessons in bravery, friendship, and working as a team.
Available on Prime Video, Hulu, Google Play
E.T. (1982)
E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial is a classic that best demonstrates how children care for and accept others despite their differences. This heartwarming film tells the tale of a young boy who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. The boy fights to keep the alien safe from government officials and the general public while going on a mission to return him to his family. The film’s themes of friendship, compassion, and courage set a great example for kids today.
Available on Peacock, iTunes, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, AMC on Demand
The Mighty Ducks (1992)
A triumphant underdog story, the Ducks were the team no one thought could win. Whether you’re a hockey fan or not, you’ll cheer on these adorable kids as they “fly together” to achieve their dreams. This diverse group of kids starts to come together with hard training from their new coach. This feel-good flick highlights how hard work and determination can make your dreams come true.
Available on Disney+, Prime Video, Google Play, AMC on Demand, YouTube, iTunes
The Lion King (1994)
The quintessential Disney movie, The Lion King, is an animated musical masterpiece. The tale of Simba, a young lion cub who must learn to take his rightful place in the Circle of Life, is set to gorgeous imagery and the Academy-Award-winning music of Elton John and others. Simba’s journey demonstrates themes around family, community, and belief in oneself.
Available on Disney+, Prime Video, Google Play, AMC on Demand, YouTube, iTunes
Toy Story (1995)
Another Disney classic that is an adventure right from the start. Children’s toys come alive when the humans leave. The toys live lives of their own while being devoted to their child. The group struggles when fancy Space toy newcomer Buzz Lightyear is the new favorite and replaces the long-time leader of the toys, Woody the Cowboy. Woody must learn to accept Buzz as an equal when the group accidentally gets left behind in the garbage instead of the moving boxes. The group works together to return to their child, Andy. The story centers around acceptance, teamwork, and devotion.
Available on Disney+, Prime Video, Google Play, AMC on Demand, YouTube, Hulu
The Sandlot (1993)
A coming-of-age story about friendship, teamwork, and baseball. This group of young boys share a love of the sport and plays at the local sandlot during summer break, where they must battle the neighboring junk yard dog and learn to work together to enjoy the greatest game ever played.
Available on Disney+, Prime Video, Google Play, AMC on Demand, YouTube, Starz
Home Alone (1990)
Family time is more precious during the holiday season, so sit down with a little hot cocoa and watch Kevin McAllister defend his family home from burglars. After being forgotten at home from the family vacation, he must learn to care for himself while keeping the burglars out of his house. You will be rolling with laughter as the Wet Bandits walk (and fall) right into his traps! This classic movie for kids reminds us of the importance of family and how even though we sometimes don’t appreciate them, our family is the most important thing in our lives.
Available on Disney+, Hulu, Starz, Redbox, Prime Video
Whether you make it a new family tradition or just stream a movie when you’re all in the mood for it, watching any of these classic kids movies together will be a great bonding activity for your family. Add some fun by planning special treats, or making a must-see list and checking them off one by one. You can even make a family rating system and have each member rate the films. However you do it, enjoy it together. Now, lights, camera, and action!
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