By Jennifer O’Donnell
Published: January 2, 2008
Print    Email

There’s nothing like curling up on the couch (or the floor) with a fleece blanket, a bowl of popcorn and your children at your side. The winter just begs for family movie night, doesn’t it? This month, we polled the Tidewater Parent staff (as well as a few readers) to find the best family movies of all times. Of course this list is merely a sampling of the great films available for rental – films that are suitable and entertaining for both kids and their parents. We tried to offer a few suggestions you may never have considered, as well as the tried and true offerings you’re most likely already familiar with.

Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

The story of an 11-year-old girl and her quest to win a national spelling bee – despite the obstacles. With Lawrence Fishburne and Angela Bassett.

Anne of Green Gables (1985)

There are several versions of this story based on the book but the 1985 TV version starring Megan Follows as Anne Shirley is probably the best known. An orphan girl, sent to an elderly brother and sister by mistake, charms her new home and community and finds the family she desperately wants .

Babe (1995)

The little pig that could. Babe surprises even himself in his quest to become a herding pig. The movie was nominated for Best Picture of 1995. It didn’t win, but it should have.

The Bad News Bears (1976)

The recent remake just couldn’t hold a candle to the original. The language is a bit iffy, but Walter Matthau and Tatum O’Neal reveal what true sportsmanship and team spirit is all about. It just takes them a while to figure it all out.

Big (1988)

Tom Hanks skyrocketed to fame and fortune after this movie – and for good reason. Child trapped in man’s body learns that growing up isn’t something to be skipped over.

Boys Town (1938)

The story of Father Flanagan (Spencer Tracy) and the founding of Boys Town, a home for orphaned and troubled youth. A very young Mickey Rooney also stars.

Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang (1968)

We think this might be Dick van Dyke’s best role (thank goodness he didn’t have to sport a fake British accent like he did in Mary Poppins. An eccentric professor invents a rather interesting car, finds love and almost loses his children to the child catcher.

A Christmas Story (1983)

Ralphie wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, but is it too much to hope for? Jam packed with hilarious scenes and a sentimental look at Christmas and youth.

Doctor Dolittle (1967) Dr. Dolittle (1998)

Rex Harrison (’76) and Eddie Murphy (’98) play the man who can talk to the animals, with amusing results.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Long before Johnny Depp even heard the name Jack Sparrow, he played the role of Edward Scissorhands, a young man with unusual abilities, who adapts to a new life, falls in love and faces hatred and bigotry. Winona Ryder also stars.

Finding Nemo (2003)

One of the best animated films we could think of. The story of a father’s determination to find his lost son – and the friends along the way who offered to help. Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, stole the show with her constant patter.

Free Willy (1993)

A boy sets out to free a suffering killer whale.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

The first in the series of movies based on the books even adults can’t wait to read. A young Harry begins his adventures…we really don’t need to fill you in on this one, do we?

Heidi (1937)

Shirley Temple’s best role, hands down. Based on the book by Johanna Spyri, Heidi is an orphaned eight-year-old mountain girl tragically separated from her beloved grandfather. Will love find a way?

The Incredibles (2004)

A family of superheroes are forced into action – and interaction with one another. Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter voice the parents.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

“No man’s a failure who has friends.” A Christmas classic, and probably best for older children who can follow along to the end. A man discovers his life is worth living after all, and the impact he made far greater than he ever imagined. George Bailey is Jimmy Stewart’s most memorable character, don’t you think?

Jurassic Park (1993)

A bit scary for the younger set – this story of science gone horribly wrong still manages to impress.

The Lion King (1994)

Disney’s best animated musical (that’s why it went to Broadway) tells a coming of age story set in the African plains.

A Little Princess (1995)

Visually beautifully and wonderfully acted, it’s far better than the Shirley Temple version of decades before. The story of a rich young girl, pulled from a position of privilege, fighting to keep her spirits and hopes alive. Based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

The Muppet Movie (1979)

If you grew up in the ‘70s, there’s little chance you don’t remember these puppets-with attitude. In their first feature film, Kermie, Miss Piggy and friends jet across the country in search of success in Hollywood.

National Velvet (1944)

The very best horse story ever, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney.

The Never Ending Story (1984)

A young boy reads of a fantasy land battling a dreaded disease. As he becomes more and more interested in the story – the kingdom and the characters who live there are brought to live for him.

Old Yeller (1957)

A yellow dog is adopted by a mountain family and takes a liking to the oldest son – a boy with no particular affection for the mongrel. But things change and love finds a way – and the boy’s life is changed forever. Tommy Kirk, a Disney favorite for nearly a decade, holds the lead role.

The Parent Trap (1961)

Lindsay Lohan is no Hayley Mills. ‘Nuff said.

The Princess Bride (1987)

A wonderful tale of a princess, a pirate and a evil king. More comedy than adventure.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

The best in the trilogy – it made a generation of kids actually interested in archeology.

Seabiscuit (2003)

The book by Laura Hillenbrand was way better, but the movie gives children a taste of the undersized depression-era racehorse that captured the heart of the nation and earned the respect of his most fierce competitors. All star cast includes Jeff Bridges, William H. Macy and Tobey Maguire.

The Secret Garden (1993)

The timeless tale of love, hope, magic and friendship.

Shane (1953)

There never was a man like Shane. A weary gunfighter tries to settle down as a homesteader, but conflict forces him to reveal his past. “Shane….Shane…Come Back!”

The Sound of Music (1965)

Julie Andrews plays the nun who captured the hearts of the von Trapp family as they faced turbulent times, Nazi’s and more. Based on a true story.

Star Wars (1977)

Has there ever been a better villain than Darth Vader? I think not.

Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

A Swiss family is shipwrecked on a desert island. Survival, pirates and sibling competition provides plenty of adventure.

Toy Story (1995)

This animated classic verifies what we all really believe – toys do come alive when we’re not around. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen provide voices.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Charlie, a poor boy with no prospects, wins the chance to tour the most bizarre candy factory of all. Gene Wilder’s slightly creepy portrayal of Willy Wonka put Johnny Depp’s to shame.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

No explanation necessary, the movie that started it all. Other Great Family Films

• Bambi
• Beauty and the Beast