One of the greatest joys of parenting involves strolling down memory lane and taking my kids along for the ride. Introducing them to the people, places, and movies that defined my childhood is more than just great family fun; it’s an experience to remember.
With the weather cooling down and more time spent snuggling up indoors, there’s never been a better time to introduce my kids to the films that meant so much to me as a child. Just last weekend in eager anticipation of the new Annie, we cozied up to 1982’s smash hit original, a musical that taught me from young age that a positive outlook was all I needed, even in the worst of times.
Here are my eight favorite movies from childhood. Are any of yours on this list?
Rated PG; 1985
For every kid who’s certain their parents skipped growing up altogether, Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) and his time-traveling adventures serve as a hilarious reminder that growing up is hard to do – no matter your generation! I can’t wait to introduce my tween son to this film because surprise! Mom and Dad not only know what he’s going through, they happen to have great taste in movies, too! See what Fandango’s Reel Kids had to say about Back to the Future
Rated PG; 1984
Since my tween son entered a new school this year, it’s important for him to know that greatness resides inside. Young Daniel LaRusso (played by Ralph Macchio) shows us that ordinary people have the power to do extraordinary things with the help and support of true friends. Continue to inspire a champion mindset in your kids with When the Game Stands Tall.
Rated PG; 1988
When beloved cartoon star Roger Rabbit is framed for murder, he’s forced to rely on a washed up, toon-loathing private investigator to clear his good name. I have a feeling my kids are sure to love the zany humor of this groundbreaking whodunit as much as I did over 25 years ago.
Rated PG; 1984
If there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who ya gonna call? No, not your friend’s cell phone! Ghostbusters! As a parent, I just love sharing a good underdog story with my kids, particularly when it involves proton packs and marshmallows! Now’s never been a better time to enjoy the ghostly adventures of three oddball parapsychologists turned unlikely heroes with Ghostbusters 30th anniversary release.
Rated PG; 1984
Looking to escape his own troubles, young Bastian (played by Barret Oliver) is drawn inside a dangerous ancient book about a fantasy kingdom on the verge of destruction, unless he can save it with the help of his mythical friends. Bastian is forced to dig deep within himself to not only rescue the land of Fantasia, but escape his own troubled reality. I can’t wait to show my kids just how powerful their imaginations can be when they dare to dream. For more fantasy and heroic adventures among friends, be sure to check out How to Train Your Dragon 2.
Rated PG; 1985
When the neighborhood kids gathered at our house to plan an elaborate backyard dig for fossils, I couldn’t help but think of The Goonies. Determined to save their suburb from evil land developers, a group of neighborhood kids rally together in search of buried treasure, encountering danger and interesting characters along the way. It’s amazing just how much braver and bolder kids can be with the support of their friends.
Rated PG; 1982
From the moment my kids fell in love with the heartwarming sci-fi adventure, Earth to Echo, I just knew their hearts would burst wide open for E.T., the shy and loveable extra-terrestrial who develops a unique friendship with a young boy determined to help him return home. Central themes involving compassion and friendship remind us that we’re more alike than different, and together, anything is possible.
Rated PG; 1985
Quirky man-child Pee-wee Herman (played by Paul Reubens) is unlike anyone your kids have ever met. He has strange friends, he makes strange inventions, and he really, really loves his bike. But when Pee-wee’s beloved bicycle goes missing, he finds himself thrust into a wacky and wonderful adventure to get it back. Does Pee-wee have what it takes to outsmart the crazy characters he encounters? Gather up your kids for a big adventure filled with all the hilarious one-liners you remember and the unexpected bravery they won’t soon forget.
