Yup! Watching movies together can be a great way to spend time together especially in Indian hot summer when you can’t think of going out in burning sun.
Below are some recommended movies to watch with kids, some because they have amazing messages and some for pure entertainment value. Mostly you should watch them together because they are a good excuse to relax and hang out with your little ones or teens.
They create opportunities for you to listen, create interesting conversations and to bond. Enjoy.
Things to keep in mind for Screen watching:
- It’s age appropriate.
- The whole point is to have fun together, laugh together, sing together (afterwards too) and learn together.
- Try to refrain from asking kids, the moral of the movie or what did they learn. Trust that they’ll process and get the message.
- If you really like to share what you liked or not about the movie, just do it casually without any agenda.
So here goes my few favourites:
# Age 3 yrs. and up
Blue’s Big Musical Movie
Parents and preschoolers will bop along with Blue’s musical steps
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Magic and music that everyone falls in love with
Dumbo
Great charm of a trainload of animals make this a timeless classic. Teaches the uniqueness in each of us.
Finding Nemo
Again a classic on beating the odds for your family
Mary Poppins
The sheer joy and wonder of Mary Poppins give the musical its timeless appeal. With songs like “A Spoonful of Sugar,” it’s a movie kids love to watch again and again.
Charlie & Chocolate factory
Chocolates, laughter & Johnny Depp, what else is required!
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat
Funny, hilarious, amazing!
The Jungle Book (ages 4 and up) Set in a jungle full of dangerous animals, the film is cushioned by the lighthearted humor and friendship of an orphaned boy and a bear.
# Age 7 yrs. and up
The Black Stallion
Movie critic Pauline Kael called this possibly “the greatest children’s movie ever made, which shares unbreakable bond formed between a human and a wild horse.
The Dolphin Tale
An emotional true story on saving a dolphin’s life by children
The Croods
Extremely funny characters of a family with a great message “Taking risk is life is good n cool!”
Freaky Friday
Feel the true sprit of your teen, what happens when there’s a role reversal; fun and coming face to face with truth.
101 Dalmations
whether you love puppies or not, you’re surely gonna love this.
Doctor Dolittle
Are you ready to laugh, laugh, laugh!
Beauty and the Beast
singing tableware, and you have one unique musical.
Babe
A pig never been so lovable as Babe, in this surprise Australian hit. Kids will get attached to Babe, the swine who beats the odds to work as a sheepdog.
# Timeless classics for whole family (whether age 7 or 77)
Alice in the Wonderland (latest version)
How thoughtful and what imagination! My father used to think 6 impossible things before breakfast ~ Alice Kingsley
The Sound of Music
A Musical journey of Von Trapps family starts when touched by the infectious spirit of Maria who is full of life 🙂 You’ll find yourself humming the songs with kids for days.
The Wizard of OZ
The wisdom and message showcased in the movie never ceases to amaze the viewers and makes it a true timeless classic.
Charlotte’s Web
My personal favourite, beautiful expression of animal emotions with great values .
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece which can be watched over n over again.
Shrek
Forget Prince Charming! In this hip, kooky take on fairy tales, an ogre and his donkey sidekick save the princess.
Gravity
Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, A new Avatar, a new inspiration
Avatar
A great movie, for older kids though…
Adding some Hindi movies to the list:
Hichki (any age group)
A wonderful story of a class teacher and students
Raazi (for older kids, teenage)
True Story of a Girl Spy, showing the real nitty gritty of spy life, courage and risk taking ability.
Chalk & Duster (any age group)
Story of teachers and students exposing the real life education challenges and solutions.
The list is unending, with many more like Harry Potter & Narnia series as per your interest. Keep a balance with other fantastic activities to do with kids!
Please share your list and keep adding to this, these amazing stories of courage, love, compassion can play great role in learning and growing together. Enjoy!
Much love!