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We’ve never been one to turn down a family movie night. Truly, there’s nothing like cuddling up on the sofa, the smell of freshly buttered and salted popcorn, and pressing play that brings us closer together. Watching a movie with the whole family never gets old. This year, more than others, we’re looking back at some of our favorite classics that are ideal for family movie night — and there are plenty for kids and parents to love on our list.
So, why the classic movie itch? We’ll explain. Have you ever heard of a little film called E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial? Well, you might be surprised to hear that beloved, Steven Spielberg-directed film turns 40 years old this year. Yes, you read that right. The extraordinary adventure of Elliott, Gertie, Michael, and their beloved little extra-terrestrial feels like it hasn’t aged a day. 40 years later, E.T. is still just as special as when it crash-landed into theaters, lifting audiences’ hearts like a bike flying across the nighttime sky.
E.T. is just one of the movies we’re including on our list of classic films perfect for family movie night. We really want to emphasize that these are movies for kids and parents to enjoy. So take a walk down memory lane with our round-up, and get ready to show your kids some classic movies perfect for family movie night!
‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)
Marry Poppins is a true classic that has practically stood the test of time. Starring Julie Andrews in the role that earned her an Oscar, the titular Mary Poppins, a magical nanny, swoops into London to help the two children of Mr. Banks. Though as the story unfolds, it becomes clear she might just save him, too. Complete with iconic songs, dazzling effects, and memorable animation, this movie is perfect for kids and kids at heart.
‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ (1971)
In 1971, Gene Wilder portrayed one of his most memorable characters in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Based on the Roald Dahl book of the same name, this 1971 adaptation is full of enchanting sequences and some thrills. Sure, the tunnel scene still haunts us, but this classic is well worth the watch.
‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’ (1982)
There’s something special about Steven Spielberg’s E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. After 40 years, the film still holds a special place in auidences’ hearts, and for good reason. The film follows three siblings as they protect a lost little extra-terrestrial who’s trying to find his way (or phone) home. It’s all about acceptance, love, and Reese’s Pieces — what’s not to love?!
‘The Karate Kid’ (1984)
Like other entries on this list, The Karate Kid holds universal lessons that every kid should learn. Standing up for one’s self, and always doing the right thing in the face of adversity are just two of the lessons learned in The Karate Kid, which has remained an undeniable classic since it’s debut nearly 30 years ago.
‘Back to the Future’ (1985)
Rev up your Delorean, Back to the Future is full of suspense and thrills at every turn. Starring Michael J. Fox and a cooky, cartoonish Christopher Lloyd, the 1985 time travel movie was the catalyst for two more films that followed. It’s endlessly entertaining, and completely classic.
‘The Goonies’ (1985)
“Goonies never say die!” Sean Astin’s Mikey earnestly yells in the 1985 film The Goonies. Following a rag-tag group of kids searching for treasure beyond their wildest dreams, The Goonies is all about sticking with your best mates through thick and thin — even if it means escaping some pretty harrowing booby traps.
‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)
Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride is in a league all its own when it comes to quotable movies. Telling the story of Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley, The Princess Bride has adventure, romance, and plenty of laughs for the whole family to enjoy in this daring rescue film.
‘Hook’ (1991)
Hooktakes a classic tale and turns it on its head. Peter Pan (Robin Williams) has done the one thing he said he’d never do: grow up. After Captain Hook kidnaps Peter’s kids, it’s up to the former prince of Neverland to save them, by finding the joy of youth all over again.
‘The Sandlot’ (1993)
The shennanigans of the young crew from The Sandlot will surely take parents back and leave their kids laughing. The movie follows a group of young boys who play ball during the summer of ’62. Naturally, they get up to more tomfoolery than everyone else would like.
‘Babe’ (1995)
Babe is one of the most beloved, and yet somehow underrated, movies of the ’90s. An Oscar nominated film co-written by George Miller (yes, the man who would later bring us Mad Max: Fury Road), Babe is truly as wholesome as they come. In the film, Babe is a little pig raised by sheep dogs, who learns where he belongs.
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