Social isolation has thrown us some challenges, but it’s also creating a lot more space for family time. The best way to spend those extra hours? Curled up on the sofa with a bowl of popcorn and a movie, of course!
These are the 9 best movies to watch with the kids in light of the current climate. They’re fun, uplifting, and each offer an important lesson that’ll help your kids get through this difficult time.
#1 — Up (Disney, 2009)
78-year-old Carl Fredricksen is just moments away from fulfilling his dream of flying to Paradise Falls in his balloon-lifted home. But what he doesn’t realize is that a little boy named Russel is coming along for the adventure, too.
What follows is a heartwarming story of unlikely friendship, comedy gold, and a reminder that you can never be too old to achieve your dreams.
At a time when the young and old are all in this together, this family favorite will teach your kids that — from here — the only way is ‘up’. If your kids then fall in love with the idea of a Labrador Retriever, learn more about them with this dedicated worksheet pack!
#2 — Back To The Future (Universal Pictures, 1985)
As we all wish to speed past lockdown and turn back the clock on coronavirus — take your kids “Back To The Future” for a blast to the past that you’ll enjoy as much as them.
Following the time-traveling antics of one mad scientist and his teenage accomplice, this 1980s classic will make your kids laugh out loud and wish they had their own DeLorean.
But look beyond all the fun, and ‘Back To The Future’ will be a much-needed lesson in how we should all hold on tight, keep on going, and ride out the lockdown storm.
Because traveling to the future really isn’t a good idea, after all… is it, Marty?
#3 — Inside Out (Disney, 2015)
When 11-year-old Riley moves to San Francisco, she and her five emotions — Fear, Anger, Joy, Disgust, and Sadness — struggle to adapt to her new life.
And when Riley’s ‘Sadness’ beats out her ‘Joy’, the young girl is led down a scary and unknown path.
But as she slowly learns how to control her emotions and get back to positivity, Riley’s journey will teach your kids the importance of looking after themselves from the ‘inside out’ — particularly during difficult times like these. You can then learn more about Senses and Feelings with a worksheet pack.
#4 — Coco (Disney, 2017)
Despite his family’s age-old ban on music, Miguel has his heart set on becoming a musical superstar. But when he finds himself in the not-so-scary Land of the Dead, the young boy slowly unravels the truth of his family’s musical past.
Will Miguel achieve his dreams? And what is his family really hiding?
This instant classic is a warm reminder of what matters most in life, and will teach your kids that things aren’t always as scary as they might first seem. Like all Disney Pixar animations, this movie has humor on every level, so it’s great for kids of any age. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to introduce some basic Spanish lessons, too. Why not explore the Day of the Dead festival afterward too?
#5 — Brave (Disney, 2012)
When Merida, Scotland’s fiery heir, refuses to bow down to tradition, she unleashes a dark force that casts her kingdom in chaos and commotion.
But as she later fights to reverse an ill-fated wish, Merida soon realizes that true bravery looks a little different from what she might’ve first thought.
Teaching the power of courage, independence, and family, this fresh take on a Disney princess film will inspire your kids to be brave in this tricky time.
#6 — The Incredibles (Pixar, 2004)
After years of hiding his superpowers, Mr. Incredible jumps at the opportunity to fight an old nemesis to save the world.
But when things quickly spiral out of control, it is down to his family to rescue him and protect the rest of humanity.
As a timely reminder of how unity can triumph over evil, watch this film to show your kids how they, too, can ‘save the world’ by staying at home, sticking together, and getting through lockdown.
#7 — The Wizard of Oz (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1939)
Follow the yellow brick road and take your kids with you, for a timeless adventure that’ll uncover what really matters most.
As tensions run high and your home starts to feel smaller and smaller, a trip to Oz will teach your kids that — really — “there’s no place like home”.
And as Dorothy and her friends realize their luck, this technicolor classic is a great moment for your kids to reflect on how fortunate they are to be safe and healthy at this difficult time. You can even print off a Wizard of Oz worksheet pack to do afterward.
#8 — Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (Warner Bros. Picture, 2005)
When Charlie Bucket wins a coveted Golden Ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory, he has no idea that the trip is about to change his life forever.
As ticket-holder after ticket-holder gives into their greed, it is Charlie who is left with the best prize of all. But will he take it?
This Roald Dahl favorite is the perfect lesson in humility and gratitude, and will — once again — help your kids appreciate how lucky they are to be at home in lockdown.
#9 — The Star Wars series
Okay, so we’re cheating a little here, as this isn’t just one movie but ten! Thing is, there’s nothing like an epic saga to whisk you away to another world during lockdown.
And with this franchise full of hyper-speed space travel, fantastical creatures, lightsabers, and the mythical “force”, it’s a wonderful way to transport kids and adults of all ages somewhere else — at least for 120 minutes at a time!
Ultimately, it’s all about friendship and teamwork, which is exactly what we all need to appreciate right now.
Who’s got the popcorn?
Not only will these films help to pass the time, they each deliver a valuable, lockdown-related lesson that’ll help your kids understand what’s important to focus on at the moment.
That’s a win, win if you ask us!
For more content on how to get through the coronavirus crisis with your kids, head over to our blog.
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