Watching great movies together can be a very rewarding experience for families. But in case of families with kids, parents need to be sure that the movies they are watching are appropriate for the little ones.
Time Out compiled a list of the very best movies for children that parents can enjoy as well. These movies have comedy, action, drama, unforgettable characters and timeless themes and messages.
The number one best movie for kids is the 1939 movie, "The Wizard of Oz". A girl dreaming of a more exciting life than her current boring one in Kansas gets taken by a tornado into a colorful wonderland. Little kids will surely enjoy the memorable scenes and characters such as Dorothy Gale, The Wizard, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Good Witch, Evil Witch and the flying monkeys. Children might also pick up on the movie's theme: There is no place like home.
Number two on the list is the 1995 classic animated movie, "Toy Story". The movie has great comedy, drama and even action. Characters such as Woody and Buzz Lightyear have become iconic. Its message about the importance of friendship will be very much appreciated by kids and adults alike.
Next on the list is the 1937 cartoon movie, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". "When you watch this extraordinary effort today, you can see the company's decades-old recipe for success forming before your very eyes: the heroine in peril, the moving musical numbers ("Some Day My Prince Will Come"), the humorous (Dopey), the horrifying (the Wicked Queen) and the happily-ever-after ending. It all starts here," Time Out shares.
The 1977 "Star Wars" movie is not only considered as one of the best movies for kids but also one of the greatest and most groundbreaking in all of film history. The combination of science fiction, fantasy, romance, action and colorful characters turned this into one of the highest grossing movies of all-time. After watching this classic, prepare to see your kids begging you to buy them lightsabers or blasters so they can play around as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi or Darth Vader.
Disney's 1994 animated movie, "The Lion King", is another masterpiece. Children will definitely become emotional with the death of Simba's father and his return to their kingdom to overthrow the evil Scar. Its great characters and unforgettable music will definitely be enjoyed by many kids.
Lastly, the 1982 science fiction movie "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial", directed by master director Steven Spielberg, is definitely one of the best movies for children. The tale of a boy who was left by his father and met and befriended a kind and gentle alien being is funny and heart-warming at the same time. "Most movies are not for any one thing, of course. Some are to make us think, some to make us feel, some to take us away from our problems, some to help us examine them. What is enchanting about "E.T." is that, in some measure, it does all of those things," movie critic Roger Ebert shared.
Childhood is best when shared with your loved ones -- mom, dad and siblings.
