Most people have an evening set aside, dedicated solely to family movies. This can be a great tradition if executed properly. But for many parents, this can be an obnoxious event. Let’s face it: not all children’s films are created equally. Thankfully, there are some gems out there that can appeal to both children and adults alike, all while remaining appropriate. Take a look at some of these classics to help you make your next movie-night selection:
1. The Parent Trap (1961)
This classic version stars Haley Mills, times two! One of the first movies to use splicing techniques, this showcased the adorable actress Mills in a double role as a twin. With feisty Irish actress Maureen O’Hara and the ever-debonair Brien Keith, this is a comedy with catchy tunes that will catch the eye of both parent and child.
2. Frozen
This may be a newer release, and it may be overdone, but it has been viewed so much because it is popular with the adult crowd and child crowd alike. With a wonderful soundtrack and some funny parts provided by Olaf, the Snowman, it is hard to overdo it with this crowd-pleaser.
3. The Princess Bride
With names like Humperdinck and Princess Buttercup, it is no wonder that this comedy reigns supreme among family movies. With a cult-like following, children and adults alike can get on board with the slap-stick humor and timeless fairytale plot. With a princess, a hero, great love and a silly villain, family members will adore this film.
4. Mary Poppins
The 1960s was a great era for Disney, who churned out some very clever family movies. Children will love the whimsical aspect and stellar music score while adults will welcome the sophisticated dialogue. It is also a commonly known challenge to avoid laughing during the Uncle Albert “I love to laugh” scene: we bet you can’t help it!
5. The Wizard of Oz
One of the very first Technicolor films, there is a reason that “The Wizard of Oz” reigns supreme amongst all family movies. Produced in 1939, this strange tale is a bit more sinister as an adult. Children will love the music and Dorothy’s red slippers while parents will enjoy seeing the classic through a more grown-up lens.
6. Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol
Baby boomers may remember the beloved near-blind character of silly Mr. Magoo. It was another great cartoon production of the sixties. One of the best in the series follows Mr. Magoo as he plays Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ well-known “The Christmas Carol.” At a running time just under thirty minutes, this cartoon is sure to become a Christmas tradition for the family.
7. Anne of Green Gables
This Canadian movie series is a fantastic choice for a family of children of all different ages. With L.M. Montgomery’s well-known orphan Anne, your kids can laugh and cry alongside you as you see Anne get herself into a number of silly predicaments. Megan Followers does a superb job portraying the little girl, and there is no bad language or inappropriate scenes to report in this classic film of all family movies.
Seven Family Movies Even Adults Will Love 