How many have you seen?
As teachers, we know the importance of finding movies that are not only entertaining but also promote values and are appropriate for families. We asked a number of teachers which movies they recommended for families.
From their feedback, ThinkFives put together this list of movies from different eras that we believe are perfect for family movie night. From classic films that have stood the test of time to modern-day hits, our list has something for everyone. So, grab some popcorn and get ready to discover some new family favorites!
Before 1990
“Mary Poppins” (1964)
Starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, this Disney classic features the magical nanny Mary Poppins, who helps the Banks family rediscover the joys of life. The movie was released in 1964 and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $698.6 million.
Famous Lines
- “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.”
- “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”
“The Princess Bride” (1987)
This romantic fantasy adventure movie, directed by Rob Reiner, follows the love story between a farmhand named Westley and the beautiful Buttercup. The movie stars Cary Elwes and Robin Wright and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $68.2 million.
Famous Lines
- “Inconceivable!”
- “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
“The Sound of Music” (1965)
Another beloved musical from the 1960s, “The Sound of Music” stars Julie Andrews (who appears twice on this list) as a nun who becomes a governess for a widowed captain and his seven children. The movie was released in 1965 and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $2.36 billion (yes, $2.3 billion).
Famous Lines
- “The hills are alive with the sound of music.”
- “Do-Re-Mi”
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore, this heartwarming sci-fi adventure movie follows the friendship between a young boy and a stranded alien. The movie was released in 1982 and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $1.350 billion.
Famous Lines
- “E.T. phone home.”
- “I’ll be right here.”
“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
Starring Judy Garland, this musical fantasy movie is the definite all-time classic and deserves to be #1 on our list of timeless treasures. The dream-like story follows Dorothy and her dog Toto as they travel through Oz in search of a way home. The movie was released in 1939 and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $1.04 billion.
Famous Lines
- “There’s no place like home.”
- “Follow the yellow brick road.”
1990 to 2000
“Home Alone” (1990)
Starring Macaulay Culkin as a young boy who is accidentally left behind by his family during Christmas vacation, this comedy movie has become a holiday favorite for families. The movie was released in 1990 and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $645.6 million.
Famous Lines
- “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!”
- “This is my house, I have to defend it!”
“Jurassic Park” (1993)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this sci-fi adventure movie follows a group of people who must survive when genetically-engineered dinosaurs escape from a theme park. The movie stars Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $1.274 billion.
Famous Lines
- “Welcome to Jurassic Park.”
- “Life, uh, finds a way.”
“The Lion King” (1994)
This Disney animated movie follows the story of a young lion named Simba who must reclaim his rightful place as king after his father’s death. The movie features the voices of Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, and Jeremy Irons and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $1.24 billion.
Famous Lines
- “Hakuna Matata.”
- “Everything the light touches is our kingdom.”
“Titanic” (1997)
Directed by James Cameron, this epic romance-disaster movie follows the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic, which sinks after colliding with an iceberg. The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $2.92 billion, the largest grossing movie on our list.
Famous Lines
- “I’m king of the world!”
- “Draw me like one of your French girls.”
“Toy Story” (1995)
This animated movie from Pixar follows the adventures of Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure. The movie features the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $525.3 million.
Famous Lines
- “To infinity and beyond!”
- “That’s not flying. That’s falling with style.”
After 2000
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001)
Based on the first novel in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, this fantasy movie stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as young wizards who attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The movie was released in 2001 and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $1.14 billion.
Famous Lines
- “You’re a wizard, Harry.”
- “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
“Finding Nemo” (2003)
This Pixar animated movie follows the story of a clownfish named Marlin, who sets out to find his son Nemo after he is captured by a scuba diver. The movie features the voices of Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, and Willem Dafoe and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $1.25 billion.
Famous Lines
- “Just keep swimming.”
- “Fish are friends, not food.”
“The Incredibles” (2004)
Another Pixar animated movie, “The Incredibles” follows the story of a family of superheroes who must save the world from a villain named Syndrome. The movie features the voices of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, and Samuel L. Jackson and has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $772.7 million.
Famous Lines
- “No capes!”
- “I’m just happy you’re alive. And I’m just happy you’re happy.”
“The Lion King” (2019)
This live-action remake of the 1994 Disney animated movie features a star-studded cast, including Donald Glover, Beyoncé, and James Earl Jones, who reprises his role as Mufasa. The movie has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $1.74 billion.
Famous Lines
- “Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance.”
- “Simba, you must remember who you are.”
“Frozen” (2013)
This Disney animated movie features the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, and Jonathan Groff and follows the story of two sisters, Anna and Elsa, who live in a kingdom where Elsa has the power to control ice and snow. The movie has an estimated box office adjusted for inflation of $1.37 billion.
Famous Lines
- “Let it go!”
- “Some people are worth melting for.”
What is your favorite family movie?
Love all of these! Although everyone is surprised when I say I never saw #theprincessbride 🤷🏼♀️ Guess I should put it on my summer watch list!