August 1st, 2017 | Updated on March 8th, 2024
What makes a movie great? Why do some stand the test of time while others slowly lose their value? For some films, it’s the emotion the story invokes. Sometimes an actor’s performance is so unforgettable, it captures our attention. Occasionally a film is so visually stunning, it can’t be forgotten.
From classic musicals, princess tales, and animated animals to superhero adventures and holiday favorites, these must-see movies will appeal to the whole family.
Browse These Incredibly Wonderful Movies You Need To Watch With Your Kids
1. Apollo 13 (1995)
Reviews For Apollo 13 : Tom Hanks perfectly embodies white bread goodness as mission leader Jim Lovell and, while we may all know the ending, it’s a tribute to Howard’s no-frills, focused direction that the story remains undeniably gripping.
2. Now and Then (1995)
Reviews For Now and Then (1995) : Dull rather than bad. Good cast, particularly the younger girls. Thora Birch and Christina Ricci are always good. The older cast not so good. The 60’s setting for the flashbacks didn’t personally resonate for me, but I imagine they might for some who grew up in this era, with the outfits and soundtrack. The story is just too plodding and doesn’t really go anywhere. I watched this all the way through when it was first released and remember being bored and unimpressed. I wondered if time and age might have softened my opinion. Unfortunately, I still find it a snoozefest. Gave up on it this time around 40 minutes in.
3. Disturbia (2007)
Reviews For Disturbia (2007) : Can you convince your kids to watch Rear Window? Debatable. They’d probably watch this remake, though. Don’t scoff! It’s actually pretty darn great. Warning spoilers! Kale (Shia) was in the car when a car accident killed his dad. His life deteriorates in school and gets given house arrest after he hits his Spanish teacher. He starts to spy on his neighbours and is convinced his neighbour is a serial killer. Good thriller. Good cast.
4. Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)
Reviews For Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988) : An early introduction to noir. This movie is truly one of its kind. It’s not really a kids movie, nor can it be classified as intended for adults only. It lands somewhere in between, in the blurry greyzone, where everyone may enjoy it on some level, no matter your age. The only other film I can think of, that goes along the same lines (mixing live-action with cartoons), is Space Jam, altough it’s far from as brilliant and memorable as Who Framed Roger Rabbit is.
5. Whip It (2009)
Reviews For Whip It (2009) : A good choice for a girl’s night with your teenage daughter. It’s obscurely humorous and heartfelt. Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut is impressive and awkwardly stylish. Whip It supplies just enough in its envisioning tale and overall attitude to make this an intriguing coming-of-age story.
6. Uncle Buck (1989)
Reviews For Uncle Buck (1989) : Uncle Buck is a good comedy from John Hughes, but it is not his best work. John Candy is good here and he brings his zany humor to an average script. I enjoyed Uncle Buck, but compared to other films that Hughes has directed far superior films, and with Uncle Buck, we still see that magic that he has, but his ideas are somewhat lacking, and the film struggles in some areas with the material. There is enough funny bits to make this one worth seeing, and it is a fun and entertaining film that despite it’s slow in parts, is never dull due to Candy’s always loveable performance. John Hughes’ direction is terrific, but at times you can clearly see where the film could have been improved on. Uncle Buck is really funny with a good story and worthwhile performances. If you’re looking for a good family comedy to watch, then give this one a shot. John Candy is amusing here, and he makes so-so material better. For me the best collaboration between Hughes and Candy was Planes, Trains and Automobiles, but Uncle Buck still manages to have all the usual elements from a John Hughes movie. The film has a bit of drama thrown into the comedy as well, so you can expect something a bit serious, which is typical of a Hughes movie. Uncle Buck is funny, dramatic and warm hearted all in one movie. However John Hughes has made better movies throughout his career. Candy makes this worth seeing and it is an entertaining film, but it could have been a bit better as well.
7. Millions (2004)
Reviews For Millions (2004) : This is one of my favourite movies, i simply adore this movie! I’ve since this movie countless times and i think this is the first movie i watched that persuaded me to follow Clint Eastwoods career and try his other movies, which is one of the best decisions ive made! Its a classic, its powerful, emotional and just simply a tearjerker! With the talents of Eastwood mixed in with the talents of Freeman and Swank there isnt anything about this movie you Won’t enjoy! Truly a phenomenal movie!
8. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
Reviews For Akeelah and the Bee (2006) :This movie will make you ashamed of your own spelling skills. Almost every spelling bee movie ever made is cheesy and totally predictable. Akeelah and the Bee, though, is a very clever, well crafted, beautiful movie. It’s young but talented cast are admirable, and will have you cheering them on all the way.
9. Elf (2003)
Reviews For Elf (2003) :One of the better Christmas movies. This is pretty cute and Will Farrell plays his adult moron (sorry, elf) role well. I love Zooey Deschanel as well – I would watch this just to hear her sing Baby it’s Cold Outside. (I was so disappointed that on the She & Him Xmas album, the guy does the lead vocal on that song). I pretty much hate kids movies, but I have watched this one many times and enjoyed it.
10. The Truman Show (1998)
Reviews For The Truman Show (1998) : This is the new way of comedy movie should be and I must say that I’m impressed with the idea of this movie about making someone’s life is a 24-hour nonstop TV show is a brilliant idea.. Andrew Niccol wrote a great screenplay while Peter Weir makes the movie wrapped amazingly.. And the cast did quite impressive even the credits should all go to Jim Carrey with probably this movie is one of his best performance.. All I can say is I like this movie and I’m happy how the story works..
11. The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
Reviews For The Great Muppet Caper (1981) : A good story, but not as funny as the first movie. I liked this movie when I was a kid, but now that I see it again, it’s not as good as I remembered. Anyway, it’s enjoyable and kids will like it.
12. Jurassic Park (1993)
Reviews For Jurassic Park (1993) : “Jurassic Park” is one of those films that will always stand the test of time. This timeless film follows a team of scientists as they discover through dinosaur fossils that their DNA can be recreated. And so, their idea to open a park on an island to bring in families for their own viewing pleasure begins. This film, because of it’s backstory, is very believable, and it is what most of today’s big budget films are missing (a believable human element). I love every second of this film, from it’s fantastic characters, to it’s giant plot, to it’s “larger-than-life” characters. This will forever be one of my favourite films. “Jurassic Park” is a phenomenal piece of filmmaking.
13. Super 8 (2011)
Reviews For Super 8 (2011): Amazing fun right out of the 70’s. An excellent cast with top quality young and old creating one of the best movies ive seen in a long time. Like most reviews have said this is a loving homage to the Goonies, Stand By Me, ET all of the above. Just a wonderful movie with a few jumps, a few laughs and ton of good old fashion summer movie fun!
14. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Reviews For The Empire Strikes Back (1980): A darker, more mature, and more sophisticated Star Wars than the original. That doesn’t necessarily make it a better film, but it does make for a more involving plot. That’s really the biggest improvement from A New Hope to Empire. The expanded universe and characters really increased the drama and stakes. Other improvements like the special effects, acting, and set design really bring this universe to life. There’s also better action sequences, including a rousing finale between Luke and Darth Vader. Vader’s increased role in the film is a welcome highlight as well. He’s absolutely the driving force of the series. Empire showed exactly how to craft a sequel to improve on an already excellent beginning. Unfortunately, Return of the Jedi would be a step down.
15. Hook (1991)
Reviews For Hook (1991): A film solely made for children with very little adult substance to sustain it’s tedious 142 minute running time. I will say that Robin Williams and all the kids involved throughout this film are very well-cast and they make the film seem better than it really is. It may have one of the silliest and most unnecessary stories, but the payoff is nice and it makes what was ridiculous worth it in a way. I can neither confirm nor deny whether I liked this film or not, because it had so many elements that I hated, but quite a few that I loved as well.
16. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Reviews For E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) : Charming, magical sci-fi-fairy tale, and a true 80s classic. The excellent child actors carry this film (there is only one adult’s face visible for the first 90 minutes), and the E.T. doll was wonderfully convincing for that time and still works today. The message of tolerance and friendship may be naive and predictable, and the melodrama a bit over the top, but it’s hard not to lose your heart to this adorable story. A bit slow at times, the magical, exciting showdown speeds things up really well, leading to a heart-warming solution. Adults may grow out of being fascinated by this film, but it will forever be a movie that brings a glow into children’s eyes.
17. The LEGO Movie (2014)
Reviews For The LEGO Movie (2014): Sweet, humorous and lots of fun. The LEGO movie meets and exceeds all pessimistic expectations of this feature. Whilst visually stunning, the choice of voice actors truly add to the humour and are perfect choices, particularly Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman and Will Ferrell. Every person who has watched this film has never forgotten the sweet yet ingenious lyrics to “Everything is AWESOME!!”. Easy for kids to understand and great nostalgia for older Lego fans, The LEGO Movie has a safe spot on my top 10 of 2014.
18. National Treasure (2004)
Reviews For National Treasure (2004) : Although technically the film wasn’t very good (the acting was ok at best and the main plot details we pretty obvious) I had quite a lot of fun watching it. I was able to get into the story and it felt like I was going on this journey with them. I really liked the figuring out the riddles and the adventures and it seems this film is a guilty pleasure of mine. It’s kind of a second rate Da Vinci Code/Angels and Demons.
19. Mulan (1998)
Reviews For Mulan (1998) : A visually wonderful animation made with gorgeous colors and a simple design in watercolor like the style of Chinese painting, and in addition to a great score it finds a most delicate balance between refreshing humor and themes like war, honor and the bravery of women.
20. The Incredibles (2004)
Reviews For The Incredibles (2004) : Stylishly sleek, well-paced, funny, thrilling, and exceptionally written, The Incredibles is one of PIxar’s best, and remains one of the best action-adventure films ever made.
21. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Reviews For Wreck-It Ralph (2012) : Reilly gives warmth to a big lug who only seems to destroy anything he touches (maybe somebody’s goofy and kinda lost dad?), while Silverman gives understandable yearning to a soul aching to belong (a little girl lost?) … can these two from broken homes fix the other’s pain? Over this quandry is an animated love-in visit to vid games of old, which helps to soften the sensitive subject matter. Pretty damn good if you ask me.
22. Monsters Inc. (2001)
Reviews For Monsters Inc. (2001): After toys and bugs, Pixar came up with this adorable animation that, even if not exactly an instant classic as the company’s better works, is a whole lot of fun and a visual treat for all ages – including adults, who will find it equally funny and irresistible.
23. ParaNorman (2012)
Reviews For ParaNorman (2012): The superb animation combines 3D stop-motion and CGI effects into a dazzling visual spectacle, but the plot drags with an irregular pacing and only occasional funny jokes. The result is an average experience that ends with a clichéd message about how bullying is bad.
24. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Reviews For Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) : Too bad you can’t have Kiki deliver your movie night pizza. An average Miyazaki film that doesn’t develop so well its many elements into a cohesive narrative as it should – like for example the character’s sudden loss of power and her inability to make friends. The result is amusing, even if not that satisfying.
25. WALL-E (2008)
Reviews For WALL-E (2008): The most lovable robot in the history of cinema. It’s romantic, It’s touching even robot story can touch your heart. Pixar always know how to tell a story with awesome character concept.
26. Aladdin (1992)
Reviews For Aladdin (1992): While it is overly simplistic both emotionally and plotwise — even for a Disney movie — Aladdin rises on the strength of its music, as well as its supporting cast (significantly Robin Williams) who make up for the main character’s blandness and add a live-wire energy that remains unparalleled in animation.
27. Remember the Titans (2000)
Reviews For Remember the Titans (2000) : For sports fans. Denzel Washington leads the team on a charge until the final whistle in Remember the Titans, a grand and inspirational football film. This Walt Disney classic is a primitive display of adversity and courage. The amount of chemistry from the then-segregated gridiron warriors was remarkable and helped propel this film as a truly great and heartfelt sports movie for every generation to experience.
28. Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008)
Reviews For Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008) : Isn’t interested in portraying the grim lifestyles of the Depression but rather creates a faux-American Girl doll populated imitation of one. This movie aims more to remind me of the doll confections if anything else. But it’s cute and family friendly and all that. Thesps Joan Cusack and Stanley Tucci are over-the-top and FUN. And Abigail Breslin is incredibly adorable and natural.
29. Finding Nemo (2003)
Reviews For Finding Nemo (2003): Finding Nemo has grown on me over the years. It’s not my favorite pixar movie by far, but it’s definitely well made and visually flawless. The story isn’t all that complex, but it doesn’t need to when the backdrop is the real focus of the movie. The voice talents are, as usual, pretty good. I’m not crazy about Ellen DeGeneres as Dori, but i’m definitely in the minority on that. Overall it’s a worthwhile experience and extremely entertaining.
30. Babe (1995)
Reviews For Babe (1995) : This is a thoroughly charming movie. I saw it when it first came out and here it is, sixteen (can it be?) years later and having seen probably everything that Netflix has to offer ordered it as a “what the hey.” I liked it better the second time. The movie teeters on the verge of sentimentality, but pulls back in plenty of time so there is no cringing! My favorite part of the movie is when the stoic farmer, nursing Babe who is sick with the thought that the farmer just wants to eat him, sings him a song, then–omigosh–does a highland dance. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more original declaration of interspecies love.
Source: buzzfeed.com, rottentomatoes.com
