15 ALL TIME CLASSIC NON-ANIMATED MOVIES FOR KIDS
Storytelling has many forms, from books, poems, comics, puppet-shows, stage performances, musicals – and how can we ever forget – Cinema!
As had been mentioned in this Digital Detox – our kids are definitely going to be exposed to ‘screens’. There is no avoiding that, so why not make it useful, productive and as educative and entertaining as possible.
One such activity is Family Movie Time.
Movie time can serve as a great way to bond with family. Nothing beats huddling up with kids and spouse and watching your favourite movie with some popcorn to munch on. Watching a movie is more than what meets the eye, you laugh together, cry (sometimes) and experience a lot of emotions with your loved ones.
Also, with the barrage of movie streaming options available off-late, watching a movie is pocket-friendly too, it’s an inexpensive recreational activity which kids totally enjoy.
But the problem arises when it comes to the most important question, which movie to watch?
Can’t risk showing kids movies with adult content neither do we enjoy the amateur cartoon flicks.
So, here’s a list of 15 NON-ANIMATED MOVIES which are safe for the kids and enjoyed by parents too.
- Parent Trap
It’s a 1998 movie, a story of preteen twin sisters trying to reconcile their divorced parents. It is a romcom-drama film with 2 cute and sweet girls and their desire for family togetherness.
(Kindly note, there are a few scenes which may be inappropriate for very young kids like smoking, drinking, gambling, etc. Though no nudity has been shown in the movie)
- Home Alone (All 3 movies)
These are 3 movies, each one showcasing how a preteen boy manages his way alone from the bad boys while his parents are away.
- Richie Rich
This is a 1994 movie, based on the fictional character from the Harvey Comic Universe. Though an old flick, one will definitely marvel at the technology used for that time. It’s a complete fun movie for the entire family. Of course, there is a subtle message, that money is not the real wealth. Family is!
- 101 Dalmatian
Kids & Dogs, especially puppies are an unbeatable combo! This Disney movie is a favourite of all kids. It’s a story of how a high-end fashionista and her love for animal skin wearables gets her in trouble when 2 dalmatian parent dogs try and save their puppies.
- Jumanji
Now there are 3 versions of this movie (1995, 2017 and upcoming sequel in 2019). It’s a movie about how the players of a game (Board game or video game) are transported to the jungle of Jumanji. The movie is all about twists and turns and there are quite a few surprises too. Call me old-fashioned, but the 1995 one with the legendary Robin Williams had more depth and intrigue.
- E.T.
It is a sci-fi classic of Steven Spielberg, an all-time favourite for many. Extra Terrestrial is a movie about an extraordinary friendship between Elliot and E.T. Friendship knows no bounds and this, for many, is the first foray into ‘Space’. It is also the inspiration for the first of the Hrithik Roshan franchisee that started with Koi Mil Gaya.
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
A story that’s been told time and again, but never fails to put across the importance of good attitude. The story is about an eccentric inventor – Willy Wonka (a brilliant performance by the ever-entertaining Johnny Depp) – and his chocolate factory. Through the different children, especially Charlie strong message about good behaviour, values, compassion and humility.
- The Chronicles of Narnia (Trilogy)
What’s a children movie without some creativity, imagination and most importantly fantasy! From the Ice witch to the magnificent Aslan, the lion – this series of movies follows the journey of 4 kids into a magical world just beyond their wardrobe.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s stone
- K. Rowling’s magic brought alive on the screen in this series of movies that command one of the largest fan base worldwide. According to your child’s age, one can stop at the first movie or go on to complete the entire series.
Without a doubt, it is recommended that the books be read before watching the movies.
- The Karate kid
Over the years, there have been multiple versions of this age-old classic. But by far, we just love the one with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. One can never resist the charisma of the fast, funny and always entertaining Jackie Chan, especially when almost all his movies focus on conveying the message of self-belief and never giving up!
- Dennis the Menace
Kids these days have the much abhorred Shin Chan, but way before that – and well after that is the classic Dennis the Menace! With his signature hairstyle and ‘where-there’s-trouble-there’s me’ attitude, this is a light-hearted watch for some gags, pranks, misfortunes and good old humour that goes to say – all kids are innocent – at heart!
- Mary Poppins
Truth be told, this classic needs to be much higher up the list. It is a compelling watch for both parents and children. With the evergreen versatile and ever charming Julie Andrews and the memorable soul-stirring songs. Words cannot suffice for this quintessential Disney movie! (For the parents, ‘Saving Mr. Banks’ is an important movie to watch after this)
- Night at the Museum
This Ben Stiller classic is as educative as it is entertaining. But, it is better for older kids who would have a brief idea of world history and civilizations.
- The Pacifier
One wouldn’t often associate action star Vin Diesel with kid-friendly movies, but this one is an exception. A military man put in charge of ‘baby-sitting’ 5 kids set the stage for a funny, yet the endearing story of growing up and bonding under duress
(Parallels between this one and the Jackie Chan starrer ‘The Spy Next Door’ are inevitable)
- The Game Plan
Although Dwayne Johnson is also better known for his action movies, unlike Vin Diesel he has had his fair share of children-oriented movies. While he is well known for Jumanji, one does not often come across this movie – where he is Joe Kingman, an athlete suddenly faced with the responsibility of his really smart and uber-cute 8-year-old daughter Peyton. How they finally ‘Win it’ is the story that’s worth watching.
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Detailed reviews of each of these movies or more movies in this list?
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