A movie night with family can be one of the best ways to spend a weekend together. It also gives one a chance to bond with the kids and introduce them to some of the most appreciated films from one’s time while making memories for a lifetime. While there are quite a few such classic, family-friendly movies to choose from, picking a light-hearted movie with hints of humor can never go wrong.
1. It’s A Wonderful Life
Considered one of the best Christmas movies of all time, It’s A Wonderful Life is the perfect watch for a cozy family movie night. It’s also ideal for individuals looking for a timeless family movie to enjoy. The movie, which first came out in 1946, revolves around the life of a banker, George Bailey, who finds himself feeling miserable on Christmas Eve. George is visited by a guardian angel who shows him what the world would be like if he had never existed. With themes of hope, the movie is filled with emotions and a feel-good undertone and atmosphere.
2. Home Alone
If one is looking for a classic children’s movie packed with a dash of humor, Home Alone stands out as one of the best choices. This Christmas film follows the misadventures of an 8-year-old boy named Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left home alone by his family during the holidays. The movie shows his journey to save his house from getting robbed. Home Alone is one of those films that the entire family can enjoy multiple times without getting bored, thanks to its innocence and humor-filled plot and characters.
3. The Sound of Music
Families with a penchant for music should not miss this timeless classic, The Sound of Music. The film’s plot is based on the true story of the Von Trapp family. It begins with Maria, who is initially shown as a young, carefree woman who is sent to the home of naval officer Georg Von Trapp to be the governess of his seven mischievous children. The film then revolves around how Maria develops a bond with the children and teaches them to sing. Overall, it is a heartwarming movie, making it one of the best classic movies to watch with family. In fact, The Sound of Music has been recognized as one of the 100 greatest American movies of all time by the American Film Institute (AFI).
4. The Lion King
Disney movies have a charm of their own, making them the perfect pick for family movie nights. The original animated version of The Lion King from 1994 is not just enjoyed by kids but also loved by audiences of all ages. It is loaded with humor, emotion, and memorable musical numbers, making the movie an enjoyable viewing experience for all. The plot follows a young lion named Simba, who must find his way back to his pride to reclaim his rightful place as a king after a tragedy forces him to run away from his destiny.
5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
This Steven Spielberg directorial is one of the most heartwarming, family-friendly films that were ever made in the 80s. It tells a story that is laced with humor, emotion, and a powerful message about how love and friendships can transcend differences, even across planets. The plot follows a kid named Elliott, who stumbles upon a friendly alien that has become stranded on Earth. Although the film’s genre is primarily considered to be science-fiction, it heavily incorporates elements of humor and drama, making it a comforting watch.
6. The Goonies
For a fun, adventure-comedy film, one can consider The Goonies, released in 1985. Directed by Richard Donner, with a screenplay by Chris Columbus and a story by Steven Spielberg, the film centers around a group of kids who discover an old treasure map and embark on a quest to find the secret fortune. The Goonies basically brings every kid’s fantasy to life of going on a massive treasure hunt, making it a light-hearted and enjoyable watch for the whole family.
7. The Wizard of Oz
Originally released in 1939, The Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic and one of the top family-friendly films ever made. Those looking for vintage family movies can definitely give this one a shot. Based on the classic novel by L. Frank Baum, the story of the movie revolves around the life of a young girl called Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto, who are transported to the magical world of Oz.
8. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this 1971 film also makes for a fun, comical watch, making it ideal for family movie nights. The film unwinds the journey of a young kid named Charlie, who gets a chance to visit the mysterious chocolate factory run by the whacky chocolate maker, Willy Wonka. Gene Wilder’s portrayal of the titular character is sure to leave audiences in splits, even on repeated viewings.
9. Mary Poppins
The combination of live-action and animation in cinema has received a lot of attention and popularity in recent years. This impressive technique was also beautifully showcased in the 1964 classic Mary Poppins. The film is a fantasy comedy that revolves around Mary Poppins, a magical nanny who aims to bring a father closer to his two children, who have been neglected up until that point.