Everything Old is New Again
Written by Laurie Marshall, Miss June 2014

I was chatting with a friend recently and we started listing movies that we loved as kids that we could introduce our own children to. We were fortunate in the 1980s (and 90s… in the case of my friend), that Hollywood started cranking out movies specifically for kids that were really good films, not just extended versions of cartoons or cheesy fluff. Now that my kids are adults, there are even more films that I would recommend to them… classics like The Godfather trilogy and favorite little movies like Crossing Delancey. Of course, I’m a bit of a movie nut…

So, knowing that days are going to get long and kids will get bored this summer, I’ve put together a list of movies you can look for on Netflix or maybe even pick up at thrift stores or cheaply on Amazon to add to your viewing pleasure. Hopefully, there are some here that are new to you as well!

Please note that I am probably more forgiving of ratings when it comes to my kids… I have included the rating info and IMDB link for all of these suggestions so that you can decide for yourself if they are suitable for your kiddos.

The Black Stallion (1979) Rated G

I remember loving this film for more than just the story, it was one of the first movies I watched that moved with its cinematography. It’s the classic story of a boy who is stranded alone with a wild stallion when the ship they are riding on sinks in a storm. Just a beautiful movie.

 

 

 

 

 
Babe (1995) Rated G

This movie came out when my girls were small, and we watched it over and over again. Thank goodness it is fun for parents as well as kids! Babe is a pig raised by sheepdogs, and he becomes a hero when a pack of wild dogs is harassing the sheep and he takes the time to talk to the sheep to find out what is going on. Includes important themes about trust, belief in oneself, and not judging a book by its cover. Also, the performance of veteran character actor, James Cromwell, is perfection.

The Land Before Time (1988) Rated G

It seems they made a million of these movies, but this was the first one that started it all. Little Foot is an orphaned young Brontosaurus who sets off to find a mythical valley he’s heard about. Along the way he meets some other young dinosaurs, and there is ensuing mischief and adventure. The story includes some lessons about friendship and teamwork.

The Brave Little Toaster (1987) Not Rated – but I’d give it a G

This animated movie is chock-full of themes about the power of friendship, overcoming fear and believing in oneself and trusting others, and the characters are a lot of fun as well. It’s an animated film that stands the test of time.

 

 

 

 

 
Benji (1974) Rated G

This movie charmed and enchanted everyone when it was released. I was nine, and my younger brothers and I loved it. The story has Benji, a little mutt of a dog, saving two kidnapped children. This plot line may be uncomfortable for some of you, but it never bothered us. Since the release date is the early 70s, there is a great amount of entertainment to be gleaned from the clothing and scenery as well.

Free Willy (1993) Rated PG

One of my oldest daughters’ favorites. A troubled boy goes to work in a local aquarium for the summer and becomes fascinated with an Orca whale. When he finds out that the whale has been labeled as a troublemaker and is going to be killed, he convinces his supervisor to help him free the whale instead. It’s a sweet story with the familiar theme of a child connecting with an animal more than with the humans around him.

The Dark Crystal (1982) Rated PG

I love me some classic Muppet Movies, but this film is really Jim Henson’s masterpiece. The story is classic good vs. evil and the sets and costumes are a feast for the eyes. The “Gelflings” are brought together to save their world by repairing a shard that has kept their world divided for generations.

Short Circuit (1985) Rated PG

This is a cute film about a robot that develops a conscience and self-awareness when he is struck by lightning. It’s kind of like Free Willy for robots, as there are folks who want to disable “Number 5”, and the humans close to him work to change their mind and save him. The film is a lot of fun, but there are deeper themes about the value of “life” and what constitutes sentient thought that can also be explored with older kids.

 

 

Annie (1982) Rated PG

There have been a lot of adaptations of this story, but this one, starring Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters and Tim Curry, is my all-time favorite. You probably know the story – sweet orphaned girl is temporarily “adopted” by a millionaire as a public relations scheme. Evil orphanage manager tries to get her back along with some cash from Daddy Warbucks, but the plot fails and Annie and all the rest of the orphaned girls live happily ever after with her new Daddy and his assistant-turned-wife. The story was written to include a lot of references to the politics of the era (1930s) but the musical can easily be watched as just a fun story full of great music.

E.T. (1982) Rated PG

If you haven’t watched this with your kids yet I might think you’re a terrible parent. But you can fix that! Steven Spielberg is known for the amazing characters he created in his early films, and E.T. is no exception. Drew Barrymore is adorable, and the visual of the kids flying on their bikes is one of my favorite movie moments. The pre-teen boys in the story do use some rough language, so take that into consideration.

Last Starfighter (1984) Rated PG

Alex is living in a trailer park with his mom where he beats all the levels of a stand-up video game called Starfighter. He faces some personal challenges, then meets a man who makes fantasy become reality as he takes him on a real-life space adventure. This is a fun story for your kids who love their game consoles. Like many movies of the 1980s, it may not be the best production value or writing, but it’s fun and imaginative.

Willow (1988) Rated PG

This is one of my personal favorites. A sweet little baby is found and it’s determined by the elders of the village that it should be returned immediately to its people. Willow, a kind-hearted and soft-spoken character, is chosen to take the trip. It’s full of adventure, kingdoms and lessons about good and evil and doing what’s right over what’s personally beneficial, and Warwick Davis is a hero.

 

 

 

Princess Bride (1987) Rated PG

Another film with crazy characters and fantasy and good and evil… and it throws in some pirates and princesses to boot. Wesley and Buttercup have the perfect love story, and Mandy Patinkin is the perfect swashbuckler. So much awesome.  It’s another one that’s probably better for pre-teens to teens.

Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998) Rated PG-13

Drew Barrymore is all grown up and playing the classic role as the step-daughter who is forced to be a maid when her father dies. She has a really terrible accent, but after a while you don’t notice. There are lovely costumes, a great performance by Angelica Huston as the not-to-be-trusted stepmother, and handsome Dougray Scott as the prince. It’s a fun re-telling of the story.

What movies are you watching this summer? Do you have any favorites from your childhood that aren’t on this list? Please share!