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Chewers 200 Greatest Family Movies

post #1 of 261
11/4/11 at 11:51am
Thread Starter 

Thought it would be fun to compile a list of the 100 best family films since we've done Scariest, Funniest, and Action movies.   When I say "family movie", I don't necessarily mean films made for children that the parents have to suffer through.   The only criteria is that it has to be a movie you would let your 6 or 7 year old watch unattended and it has to have legitimate entertainment value for adults.   So while this list can consist of some Disney classics, it could also include some Universal Monster movies, action movies, dramas, or any other genre so be creative.   There are so many classics to choose from when it comes to number 1 but I thought I'd go with probably THE all ages charmer....

 

1.  The Wizard of Oz (1939)

 

wizard-of-oz.jpg

 

Just saw the HD version of this movie and it has aged tremendously well.   Key to that timelessness is the way it never hides that it's filmed on a soundstage and doesn't even attempt to be realistic.   Although aimed primarily at children, this movie is just as entertaining for adults.   This is one movie that you don't outgrow.


Edited by dynamotv - 11/8/11 at 7:29pm
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post #2 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:06pm

2.

 

upposter.jpg

 

I'll just get the Pixar ball rolling, then.

 

It's a great film whether you're 9 or 90. It's fun, funny, exciting, artistically interesting, and it's meaningful. Everyone raves about the first ten minutes, which indeed could stand as its own perfect short film, but the context and complication added by the rest of the movie is just as important, culminating in the scene that I think is the real tearbringer, where the simple beauty of love and life is laid out simply and beautifully.

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post #3 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:13pm
Thread Starter 

I imagine with the exception of the Cars movies, the entire Pixar Canon will be represented.   Good first choice from that library.

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post #4 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:16pm
THE INCREDIBLES

It's perfect, and it entertains and educates on the importance of family.
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post #5 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:21pm
STAND BY ME.

Even though it's an R rated film with bad language ans rough situations, I also think its a brutally honest and fulfilling film that resonates for parents and their children. For fathers and sons especially, this is a must see.
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post #6 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:23pm

5.

Gary_Oldman_in_Harry_Potter_and_the_Prisoner_of_Azkaban_Wallpaper_3_800.jpg

2004, dir. Alfonso Cuaron

 

I'm 35 & far too long in the tooth to really connect with this series but, in 2004, I took my little sister to see this. 2 1/2 hours later, I walked out of the theater believing that I'd just seen the greatest fantasy film ever made not called The Wizard Of Oz. As he did with Children Of Men, Cuaron created a living, breathing organic world onscreen where anything could happen & often did. I haven't seen it since it's release but I remember just being completely enraptured by the 3rd Harry Potter adaptation. It's a masterpiece.

 

Also, this:

08123_174337_ianbrownharrypottergrabl230.jpg

Ian Brown!

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post #7 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:24pm

6. Whale Rider (2002) dir. Niki Caro

 

PG-13 for a momentary drug reference?  FUCK  YOU, MPAA. 

 

This is a great film for all ages.

 

http://gavinrose.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/whale_rider_1.jpg

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post #8 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:25pm
Azkaban is the only HP film that I like. Nice one.
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post #9 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:26pm
Thread Starter 

Good choice with "Stand by Me".   I still don't understand why this movie got an "R".   Such a great film although I'd probably shield my kid's eyes from the leeches scene.   Especially if he's a boy :)  

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post #10 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:27pm

7. Lucas (1986)

 

Who didn't love goofy little Corey Haim in this movie? One of the warmest movies about the teenage experience.

 

8. Tex (1982) A stellar, surprisingly gritty S.E. Hinton adaptation from Disney, with a great central Matt Dillon performance.

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post #11 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:28pm
THE BLACK STALLION.

Kelly Reno has a great story arc in this. The opening boat scene is thrilling and scary, and the beach scenes with THE BLACK are credible and touching. When they get rescued and it turns into a horse racing film, it gets even better. Love this film.
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post #12 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:36pm

10.

51USbT+QuLL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

1989-2008, dir. Nick Park

 

The 2005 W&G movie Curse Of The Were-Rabbit was a muddled & dull disappointment but the four 30 minute shorts released between 1989 & 2008 are works of stop-motion comedy genius.


Edited by Art Decade - 11/7/11 at 4:28pm
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post #13 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:38pm
Thread Starter 

9. Star Wars: A New Hope

 

10. Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back

 

11.  Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

 

No matter how much George Lucas messes with these movies, they are the definition of high quality 4 Quadrant entertainment.   Great escapist fantasy, high drama, and amazing action scenes make for a classic trilogy our grandchildren will be sharing with their kids.

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post #14 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:40pm
THE PRINCESS BRIDE

Lovely, perfect gem of a film that appeals to all ages and never speaks down to anyone.
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post #15 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:42pm
BABE

That'll do, pig.
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post #16 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post

THE PRINCESS BRIDE
Lovely, perfect gem of a film that appeals to all ages and never speaks down to anyone.

 

YOU POSTED THAT BEFORE ME?!?!? INCONCEIVABLE!

 

The Lion King

 

There's a reason people went back to see this in 3D, and it's not just nostalgia. It's got tons of humor, but also surprisingly scary in parts (as a kid, I was genuinely terrified during the stampede and the scene of Simba clinging to the ledge). The music is great, the voice acting is great (Jeremy Irons is superb), and it's just fun for kids and adults. It's the last genuinely great Disney movie.

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post #17 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:50pm
THE BAD NEWS BEARS

Again, it's a brutally honest film starring real characters. Most important, the situations are handled believably and the language is exactly the way that kids talk.
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post #18 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:51pm
The Lion King

Took the girl to it a few weeks ago and we both loved it.

Also Disney:

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Recently showed her that and she was blown away by the Nautilus' undersea window.
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post #19 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:51pm

The Princess Bride deserves to be picked twice.

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post #20 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SomethingClever View Post

10. The Princess Bride

 

princess+bride+1.JPG

 

A perfect movie. It's everything a fairy tale should be, and more. I watched it enough as a kid that I can quote practically every scene, and yet it's still just as enjoyable after all these years.


That's next on my list to show to my oldest smile.gif
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post #21 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:56pm
BAMBI

A lush, beautiful film that doesn't shy away from death. A real conversation starter in the best possible way.
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post #22 of 261
11/4/11 at 12:58pm

Old Yeller

 

See above.

 

ETA:  this will probably be my favorite list of this type.  I've enjoyed them all so far, but by and large I'm a big sap.

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post #23 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:02pm
Hell yes on OLD YELLER. Wonderful movie...and another one that isn't afraid to confront death.
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post #24 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:03pm

images.jpg

1979

 

Introducing a child to this movie is the only reason why I'd ever consider having a kid.

 

 

muppets_from_space.jpg

1999

 

One of the funniest movies of the 90s.


Edited by Art Decade - 11/4/11 at 1:21pm
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post #25 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:06pm
On that note, A MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL. For my money, it's the best adaptation of the story.
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post #26 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:08pm

22.

 

190528.1020.A.jpg

 

For my money, the best thing that's been done with the Muppets post-Henson (and didn't it show up on the 90's comedies list?), and the best Christmas carol adaptation. AND one of the best musicals of the 90's. AND AND probably my favorite Christmas movie. 

 

EDIT: The fuck?! We even used nigh on the same wording!

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post #27 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:08pm

23.

La_Belle_et_la_Bête_film.jpg

1947

 

My nieces love this movie. So do I. It's magic.

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post #28 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:10pm
High five to Whiteboy Jones.
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post #29 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:14pm

Muppet Treasure Island (1995)

 

Well, since I'm sensing a theme building here, I have to give props to this underrated Muppet flick. The songs, especially "Cabin Fever" and "Shiver My Timbers", are quite memorable. Tim Curry looks like he is having a blast playing Long John Silver. And you get to see Kermit the Frog in a sword fight! What's not to love?

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post #30 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:18pm

25.

220px-The_nightmare_before_christmas_poster.jpg

1993

 

Hard to believe just how hard this bombed when it was released. It's kind of perfect.

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post #31 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:31pm

26. Spirited Away (2001)

 

spirited_away.jpg

 

Miyazaki should be just as well represented on this list as Pixar.

 

 

27. The Iron Giant (1999)

 

iron-giant.jpg

 

 

If you didn't tear up at the end of this one, you have no soul. Amazingly touching film for all ages.

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post #32 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:33pm

28. The Goonies (1985)

 

Yeah, I'll be the one to go there. A great boy's eye adventure. Screw THE MONSTER SQUAD

 

29. The Outsiders (1983) A really powerful film if you discover it at age 12-13. Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.

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post #33 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:37pm
MIRACLE.

A true story, an inspiring story, an entertaining movie. The themes of never giving up, teamwork, and believing in yourself are presented clearly and in a manner that doesn't overwhelm the film being presented. Also, its HOCKEY...and that's awesome.
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post #34 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dynamotv View Post

9. Star Wars: A New Hope

 

 



Teach the children: it's called just STAR WARS, none of this A NEW HOPE garbage.

 

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post #35 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:41pm

31. Sky High (2005)

 

A great Super Hero flick for the whole family. I prefer it to THE INCREDIBLES.

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post #36 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:53pm

32. Zathura (2005)

 

Everything JUMANJI did wrong, this movie did right. Excellent Sci-fi/ Fantasy/Adventure.

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post #37 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:57pm

33.

Rocketeermovieposter.jpeg

1991

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post #38 of 261
11/4/11 at 1:59pm
Thread Starter 
This sucker is filling up fast. Might need to up the count to 150. Still have tons I haven't listed yet.
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post #39 of 261
11/4/11 at 2:06pm

34.

 

CASTLE%20IN%20SKY%20JP%20DIFF.JPG

 

35.

 

nausicaa.jpg

 

36.

 

19085532.jpg

 

At the risk of losing popularity? I love all these movies even more than Spirited Away*. And can I mention how weird it is that, of all of Miyazaki's movies, only Nausicaa and Ponyo are on Blu-Ray?

 

Castle in the Sky is a pitch-perfect, rip-roaring adventure story, featuring one exhilarating, extraordinarily-animated sequence after another. Nausicaa suffers from an abrupt ending (the comic is terrific, though, and even more epic), but is otherwise a great war movie and environmental fable. Kiki's Delivery Service is the odd one out here, since it's more of a breezy, slice-of-life story with a magical twist, but it has even more heart for it (Miyazaki's attention to the smallest, most affecting details is amazing).

 

One terrific thing about Miyazaki is how non-preachy feminist he is. Most of his films, including these three, feature strong female protagonists, but not because he's trying to make a big statement, just that he's writing strong protagonists who happen to be female.

 

*Spirited Away is great, but I sometimes get the feeling that people just call it Miyazaki's best, or the best anime ever, because they see it before they see any other anime or any other Miyazaki films, so it's their grand first impression. EDIT: Eh, maybe I like SA more than Nausicaa. Who knows?


Edited by Whiteboy Jones - 11/4/11 at 2:25pm
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post #40 of 261
11/4/11 at 2:12pm

37. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

 

The one and only version anyone could ever need. Perfect casting, glorious Technicolor, and just enough socio-political commentary. Plus, THOSE ARE REAL GODDAMN ARROWS.

 

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post #41 of 261
11/4/11 at 2:19pm
Hell yes on Errol Flynn and ROBIN HOOD. Wonderful film.


THE SANDLOT

another good one for boys to watch with their dads.
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post #42 of 261
11/4/11 at 2:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Art Decade View Post

images.jpg

1979

 

Introducing a child to this movie is the only reason why I'd ever consider having a kid.

 

 

muppets_from_space.jpg

1999

 

One of the funniest movies of the 90s.



I have twin 3 year olds that I introduced to the Muppets last year. They love them. No matter how upset they are if I act like Animal or the Swedish Chef, they crack up. Their first time in a theater is going to be the new Muppet movie in a couple weeks. All the stress of parenting is worth it because of the Muppets.


Edited by Dan Baker - 11/4/11 at 2:33pm
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post #43 of 261
11/4/11 at 2:25pm

Dan, that just make me crack up!  I can just imagine a dad acting like the Swedish Chef for his 3 year old twins...hehe

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post #44 of 261
11/4/11 at 2:31pm

39.

220px-Mark_of_Zorro_1940.jpg

1940

 

40.

TimeMachineThe1960x.jpg

1960

 

Two of my favourite films as both a kid & an adult. I can sit with anyone, anywhere & watch these back to back ad nauseum.

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post #45 of 261
11/4/11 at 2:35pm
THE GREAT RACE with Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. A good, clean romp with humor and adventure. Lemmon is a scream.
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post #46 of 261
11/4/11 at 2:36pm

42. Anna to the Infinite Power (1983)

 

A creepy, haunting, twisty little sci-fi thriller that is an excellent gateway to the genre.

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post #47 of 261
11/4/11 at 3:02pm

43. Fly Away Home (1996)

 

Nobody does "Kid bonds with animal" better than Carroll Ballard. Here, it's a tween Anna Paquin and a flock of geese. The sequences of the flock learning to migrate by following her in an ultralight plane are unique, visually arresting, and, incredibly, real. The tone of the film shifts from subtle gestures to broad strokes around the same time the action crosses from Canada to the US, but the final stretch is overwhelmingly emotional.

 

fly_away_home1.jpg

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post #48 of 261
11/4/11 at 3:08pm

44) Matilda

 

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQdbFcx6ZI8cWXlfCsN6_zdI25N91a-QD1BtUsHMhMvcl0XovxDPXeiMgjSyQ

 

Not just a great adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, it is its own thing and awfully funny and just dark enough to remind us of the stakes, but nothing bad enough that a young child can't watch, and it's a rare movie with a strong female protagonist.

 

45) Secondhand Lions

 

Robert_Duvall_in_Secondhand_Lions_1280.jpg

 

It's all about the power of story-telling and it is very funny and cool.  Caine and Duvall are wonderful in this. So underrated.

 

 

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post #49 of 261
11/4/11 at 3:10pm

45.

hjk.jpg

1987

 

Not an obvious "family film" pick, but I saw this with my mother around age 9 & it was a fairly cathartic & moving movie experience between us. I'd definitely watch it with my kids.

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post #50 of 261
11/4/11 at 3:18pm

46. Mary Poppins

 

Julie Andrews is amazing, as she always is, and Dick Van Dyke is a homeless, crazy sounding, one man band chimney sweep/trippy street artist. Also, a dude with a cannon sets the time around town. Awesome is the only word that fits.

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