With all this extra time on our hands at home, why not take a moment to introduce your kids to some classic and iconic movies that came out pre-2010s?
Sure, with Disney+ you can watch Frozen and the rest of the Disney classics all day, every day, but now is a great opportunity to show them some films that you grew up with that didn’t come from the house of mouse. Check out our list!
Editor’s Note: While the majority of these titles are rated PG; others are PG-13. We recommend reviewing all the films prior to showing the kiddos, just in case there’s content you feel isn’t appropriate. One good site to check movie content is Common Sense Media.
1. Yours, Mine & Ours (1968), Unrated: If you haven’t seen the original with Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda, you’re in for a treat.
2. Hook (1991), PG: By far one of the best Peter Pan films around.
3. Father of the Bride (1991), PG: How can you go wrong with Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Martin Short?
4. Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), PG: Obviously. (Just remember the face melting part toward the end; this may scare some kiddos.)
5. Remember the Titans (2000), PG: If anyone can get us pumped up during quarantine, Coach Boone can.
6. Rudy (1993), PG: A must if you have some sports-lovers in the family.
7. E.T. (1982), PG: Nothing lifts spirits quite like that flying bicycle scene.
8. The Princess Bride (1987), PG: “Inconceivable!”
9. The Sandlot (1993), PG: Introduce your kids to Smalls and the gang.
10. Space Jam (1996), PG: The Looney Tunes. Done.
11. Jurassic Park (1993), PG-13: Maybe your family has seen the recent Jurassic World films, but if they haven’t seen the original, it’s the perfect time to. (Don’t forget though—angry dinos do eat some people in the film.)
12. Back To The Future (1985), PG: While you’re at it, just watch the whole trilogy.
13. Singin’ In the Rain (1952), G: I could watch Gene Kelly tap dance all day.
14. Ferris Beuller’s Day Off (1986), PG-13: Forever singing in the shower just like Ferris.
15. True Grit (1969), G: If I didn’t include at least one John Wayne film in here, it would be blasphemy.
16. Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998), PG-13: While Anjelica Huston may be the wicked stepmother in this film, the woman is still a queen. (Remember: This film is slightly more mature than the Disney version.)
17. The Great Outdoors (1988), PG: Talk about quality family time.
18. Secondhand Lions (2003), PG: While this may not be on many lists as a classic film, it should be.
19. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), PG: This might be better for the older kids in the family—but mom and dad, if you haven’t seen this film yet, this one’s also for you.
20. The Pink Panther (1963), Unrated: I love Steve Martin, but Peter Sellers will always be the true Inspector Clouseau.
21. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), PG: Take it back to the originals with Episodes IV, V and VI.
22. The Sound of Music (1965), G: No explanation needed.
23. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), PG-13: “Hellooooo!” (Don’t forget there’s some colorful language in here.)
24. Big (1988), PG: Classic (and very young) Tom Hanks
25. Rear Window (1954), PG: This wouldn’t be a list of iconic films if I didn’t add Alfred Hitchcock.
Are there any favorites we missed? Tell us what classic films you’re introducing your kids to during this time—editorial@dfwchild.com.
Image courtesy of iStock.
