Every Friday night, we have family night at our house. After enjoying a meal that everyone like (no brussels sprouts or cabbage on Fridays!), we typically snuggle up to watch a movie together. If you’ve been reading the blog for awhile, you know how much I LOVE books. I’m a huge advocate for literacy and long to see the day when all kids choose a book over a screen. One of my favorite posts of all time is my 100 Chapter Books You MUST Read To Your Kids. Books are magical, and families need to spend more time together reading and sharing stories.
However, there is something really special about enjoying a movie together as a family. (Great) Movies have a way of inspiring you. They can spark creativity, ignite new ideas, and even encourage reluctant readers to pick up the book their favorite film was based on. Movies get people talking, sharing, and connecting. They make us more aware of our feelings and are terrific vehicles for higher-level conversations. They motivate us to share OUR story. Movies are a one-of-a-kind medium.
Because I have a love of lists, (always have – always will!), I thought it would be fun to create a unique resource for families that details what I think are 100 movies you NEED to watch with your kids. These films are classics and are sure to help your family create some memories. Pick up a few on the list, make a list of your own, and plan a few family nights. Snuggle up. Pop some corn. Pour some root beer. Sit back and ENJOY these stories with your kids and family.
1. Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
2. Mary Poppins
4. Toy Story
6. Cars
7. Home Alone
8. Big Hero 6
9. Dumbo
11. The Sound of Music
12. Toy Story 3
14. Pollyanna
15. The Goonies
16. Up
18. Wreck it Ralph
19. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
20. Annie / Annie (I couldn’t pick between versions!)
22. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
23. The Lion King
25. The Lorax
27. The Muppets Take Manhattan
28. The Parent Trap
29. Matilda
30. Inside Out
33. Frozen
35. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
36. Hugo
37. Nanny McPhee
38. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
39. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
40.Aladdin
43.It’s a Wonderful Life (*in my personal top 3 movies of all time, but #43 as some kids may not be interested)
45. Cinderella (live-action)
46. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
47. Brave
48. We Bought a Zoo
49.Pinocchio
50. The Sandlot
51. Ponyo
52. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
53. Cinderella (*animated)
54. Mulan
60. The Jungle Book
62. Pete’s Dragon
64. Robin Hood
66. Secondhand Lions
67. WALL-E
70. The Shaggy Dog
71. Free Willy
72. Hook
73. Finding Nemo
74. Sleeping Beauty
75. Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
77. The Absent Minded Professor
79. Heidi
80. Charlotte’s Web
81. Maleficent
82. Winnie the Pooh
83. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
84. Elf
85. Despicable Me
88. Earth to Echo
89. The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
90. Labyrinth
91. Ella Enchanted
94. Holes
95. Beethoven
96. Fantasia
97. The Mighty Ducks
98. Cool Runnings
99. My Girl
Did your favorite make the list? Is there another film you feel should be on the list? Leave me a comment and let me know YOUR favorite. Have fun watching movies and making memories with your kids!
Looking for MORE movie fun? Check out these posts:
Movies Based on Children’s Books
10 Must-See Live-Action Disney Films You’ve Likely Forgotten
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