The Best Family Films of All Time





Julie Andrews as "Mary Poppins" (copyright Disney)


Films for the family are a wonderful way for everyone to spend time together and share a fun activity. Special memories are created as everyone gathers to enjoy an exciting adventure. Of course, often films are "just ok" and sometimes can be terrible!  However, some are excellent and deserve special recognition for the magic that they introduce to our lives. Here is a list of some of the best family favourite films of all time that will forever hold a special place in the hearts and minds of millions around the world. If you haven't seen one of them yet we strongly suggest that someone rushes out to the nearest DVD shop or rental store, grabs some popcorn too, and you all huddle round the television for an unforgettable movie treat ... enjoy!    



1. Mary Poppins- This musical gala starred Julie Andrews as the nanny that everyone wished would fly to their doors with her bumbershoot, magic and songs. Dick Van Dyke also had a co-starring role, but it was the fun-loving, beautiful nanny who had everyone clapping and cheering. She brought excitement, joy and meaning to the world of a privileged brother and sister and showed the family what love and quality time really was.

2. Walt Disney’s Peter Pan- This movie was another smashing success of the 60s era and it continues to delight children and families today. This is the animated version of the mischievous Peter Pan, who did not want to grow up, and his band of Lost Boys. Nana the dog, Wendy Darling, Tinkerbelle and even Captain Hook are all some of the most beloved, and recognizable, movie characters today. The story of the flying boy who lost his shadow and battled crocodiles and pirates is a familiar one to millions today.

3. Walt Disney’s the Swiss Family Robinson- Another wonderful movie from the studio that seemingly could do no wrong during the early 1960s. This was a great story that was a retelling of a true Classic. It is true that the Disney version did stretch the imagination with the great variety of animals the family encountered on the island, but younger viewers never questioned the appearance of any of these creatures. It is the construction of the fantastic tree house, the adventures with pirates and the ability of the family to work together that provides a wonderful and imaginative tale for all to enjoy. The movie centres on the exploits and adventures of a family who are left on a desert island to survive.

4. Star Wars - The 1970s galactic hit that spawned an entire industry and set Hollywood on its ear still is a thrilling entertainment feature that families watch again and again. Some of the fight scenes could be a little intense for the very young, but this is a classic depiction of good defeating evil. This science fiction adventure had it all, a battle for the universe, robots, impressive space fortresses, speedy space craft and the best special effects ever seen at that time.

5. The Wizard of Oz- This is a perennial favourite that dates back to 1939, and starred Judy Garland as Dorothy who was whisked away to an unknown land by a tornado. Dorothy had to use common sense and clever wit to defeat an evil witch, help her new friends, and eventually find her way back to the Kansas home, and people ,she loved. The Munchkins, The Yellow Brick Road, the Scarecrow, Toto, the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man are familiar to the majority of people today.

6. Christmas Story- A 1983 film that develops more fans every year, this was a semi-narrated version of 9 year old Ralphie’s quest for Santa to bring him a Red Ryder BB gun, much against the wishes of his doting mom. The hilarious events that surround Ralphie and his family never fail to bring laughter to everyone who watches this film.

7. ET- This movie was an overwhelming success in 1982 and mesmerized audiences around the world. It was the story of a young boy named Elliott and his deep friendship with the bug-eyed, alien who crashed on Earth, loved Reese’s Pieces and who needed to find a way to “phone home” in order to survive. The story is a moving tribute to what loyalty, love and friendship really mean.

8. A Christmas Carol- Perhaps one of the best versions of this retold classic is the 1951 British version which is a truly enchanting story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Although there are well over 60 versions of this film, the one that captures the essence of the story is this one which starred actor Alastair Sim in the title role. This story is one that lets viewers think about the past, present and future, and the impact they can have on others.

9. Two Brothers – This 2004 film was a great animal story about two tiger cubs that were captured as brothers and separated for years but eventually were reunited. The story is about courage, spirit and relationships; and shows that these traits exist in animals just as much as they do in humans. When you watch this film, do have a few tissues handy for the misty eyed moments.

10. Toy Story- This story got rave reviews when it was first introduced and it still is a great family film for the entire family to enjoy. The computer animation created some exciting moments for kids and adults to enjoy. The story has a message of courage and friendship that is good for all to remember. Buzz Light-year and Woody discovered friendship, humility, bravery and success much to the delight of audiences everywhere.


This is an original news article © The Kids Window


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