7 Classic Movies to Watch with Your Children

Today, we'll offer you a list of the best classic movies to watch with your children at home. Get the popcorn ready and cozy up on the couch!

Reviewed and approved by the pediatrician Marcela Alejandra Caffulli.

Written by Maria del Mar Garcia Martin

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Today, we want to present you with the best classic movies to watch with your children that will bring back unforgettable memories. We’ve cataloged them according to the year of release, but also, taking into account the recommended age to enjoy them.

If you want your children to appreciate the artistic quality of a good film, we invite you to start with some of these options.

Some of the best classic movies to watch with your children

It’s clear that the perception of children regarding cinema is different from that of adults. This was verified by research developed at the Complutense University of Madrid, which evaluated children’s movies. The conclusion was that most of them star children, which helps children to identify themselves and adopt some good values.

Therefore, these classic movies meet all these requirements and, in addition, instill film culture, thanks to their quality and exciting stories. Do you want to know more about what we’ll suggest this time? Take note!

1. E.T. (1982, +7)

The character of E.T., the extraterrestrial, was created by Steven Spielberg and is part of the heart of everyone who has seen it. In addition, critics also dare to call it the best science fiction movie of all time.

When E.T. comes down to planet Earth, there are many who want to capture him, but the value of friendship will be what keeps him safe. Will he manage to call for his family to come and get him? Will he return home? To find out, you have to see it.

2. The Neverending Story (1984, +10)

Based on the novel by German writer Michael Ende (first published in German in 1979), The Neverending Story is a film that encourages the imagination and teaches children the courage to never give up in the face of adversity.

In the real world, the main character suffers bullyi ng at school and takes refuge in a mysterious book. In it, he immerses himself in such a way that he ends up becoming part of its story: A story about the struggle between the Nothingness and a sick Empress. Who will win the final battle?

3. Back to the Future (1985, +10), one of the best classic movies to watch with the family

This is a perfect option for children to see how many inventions that were considered “futuristic” in older generations have already become reality. This shows that anything is possible, especially if creativity and science go hand in hand .

The adventure stars a teenager who travels back in time through a car created by a scientist. As a result, he lands in the ’50s, at the time when his parents met. The best part? There are two more films in this fantastic saga that you can’t miss.

4. Hook (1991)

A film directed by Steven Spielberg with the collaboration of Robin Williams and Julia Roberts as main actors. This film allows us to appreciate time in all its essence in order to make the most of it. It’s also a guide for parents to draw inspiration from.

With the help of Tinkerbell, a workaholic lawyer returns to his identity as Peter Pan and decides to return to Neverland to rescue his children, who’ve been captured by Captain Hook.

5. Free Willy! (1993)

Willy is a whale that went from being free in the sea to being part of the aquarium of a rather cruel owner. Eventually, little Jesse will be the only one who understands his loneliness and tries to help him return to the depths of the ocean.

A film that forges bonds with Mother Nature through friendship, teaching the youngest members of the family to respect all living beings.

6. Jumanji (1995, +7)

This is, without a doubt, one of the most magical movies of all time. It tells the story of two brothers who discover an enchanted board game and free a man who has been trapped for several years in the world of Jumanji, the enchanted jungle.

Roll after roll, the protagonists of the game have to face different enemies appearing in real life to fight them. Only if they finish and win the game will they be able to stop the threat against humanity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuPc9QJcGJs

7. Jingle All the Way (1996)

Which of the two fathers will manage to get hold of their children’s most beloved toy for Christmas? So begins the plot of one of the quintessential comedy movies for the whole family to enjoy watching.

Each tactic the parents use to get their hands on the coveted prize is even funnier and more desperate than the last. How will it end? Will they end up sharing it? Will they end up breaking it? There’s only one way to find out.

Classic movies fill your children with culture

As you can see, you have a wide variety of options to choose from. Of course, all the movies are rated by critics with very good scores. In fact, most of them are part of the world’s film culture.

Grab some popcorn, have a seat on the couch, and get ready to enjoy these classic films with your family. Which one have you decided to start with?