Staycation or Vacation-This is for you

This Summer, catch up on family classics. We came up with our top 10 must see family movies of all time. Grab the popcorn, snacks and let’s have a movie night!

1.    The Lion King (1994)

The first movie heartbreak in the lives of 90s kids was likely the first time they watched the Lion King, an equally heartbreaking and heartwarming tale of a young lion who needs to stand up and save his pride from the shadows and Scar, his evil uncle. With help from pals like Timon (meerkat) and Pumbaa (warthog), he’s able to overcome even the most difficult problems, but first, he’ll need to get over his own ego. Rated G.

2.    The Goonies (1985)

Goonies never say die, so it comes as no surprise that this lovable group of buddies won’t give up without a fight. Their homes face foreclosure, but one clever member of the pack has a plan: Search for One-Eyed Willie’s treasure so that they won’t have to leave. The quest starts out innocently enough, but before you know it, the boys are in quite a mess of trouble—especially when the Fratelli crime family—two brothers and their tough mama—are hot on their case. Spielberg is a master of his craft, and this adventurous, coming-of-age ‘80s flick never goes out of style, no matter the year. Rated PG.

3.    Mary Poppins (1965)

When a neighborhood child learns that his family may lose their home to foreclosure, he and his tight-knit group of pals set off on a dangerous journey for One-Eyed Willie’s treasure, ancient loot they believe will save the day. One thing’s for sure: Goonies never say die—even when the Fratellis crime family is hot on their trail. This classic Spielberg flick is the epitome of ’80s greatness that all generations must experience

4.    Home Alone (1990)

The MacAllisters are thrilled about their vacation...there’s just one tiny problem: Kevin. When the youngster is left home while the rest of the family is away, he’s fully indulging in sweet treats, inappropriate movies and total control over the tremendous house. To top it off, it’s the holiday season, so it doesn’t get much better than this. However, when two burglars set their sights on the MacAllister abode, it’s up to Kevin to fend for himself. Fortunately for this kiddo, these two bandits aren’t terribly clever. Rated PG

5.     The Wizard of Oz (1939)

A girl stuck on a farm in dreary, sepia-toned Kansas dreams of a more exciting life somewhere over the proverbial rainbow; she gets her wish and then some when a tornado deposits the Midwesterner and her little dog, Toto, too, into a Technicolor wonderland. For over 70 years, this Hollywood classic has continued to wow one generation after the next. Its staying power has been attributed to many things, but what keeps enthralling each new wave of underage viewers is the sheer vibrancy and charm of the movie's imaginary world: flying monkeys and good witches, fleet-footed scarecrows and fraidy-cat lions, eye-poppingly pastel towns of Munchkins and a garishly green Emerald City. And then there's its timeless message: You can go out and see the world, have adventures, make new pals and experience life at its most grand. But in the end, there's no place like home, and no one quite like your family and friends. Rated G.

 

6.    The Little Mermaid (1989)

Ariel longs for life on land and a pair of legs to keep her moving, but the young mermaid is stuck under the sea. When the wicked octopus Ursula discovers Ariel’s desires, she uses them to her advantage. She makes a deal with the young girl: In exchange for her gorgeous singing voice, Ursula will grant Ariel legs and the opportunity to whisk Prince Eric off his feet. But there’s a catch—if he doesn’t plant one on her in three days, she’ll return under the sea, sans legs, where she’ll serve as Ursula’s slave. The pressure’s on in this “whole new world!” Rated G.

7.    Mrs Doubtfire (1993)

Husband and wife Miranda and Daniel are at odds: The light-hearted father (Robin Williams) has become too much for his super-serious counterpart (Sally Field). When a divorce comes between Daniel and his three kids, he gets quite an idea. With the help of his creative brother, the distressed dad disguises himself as a British nanny in order to spend more time with his family. Naturally, it isn’t all smooth sailing when Mrs. Doubtfire goes undercover. Expect a few tears along the way, too. Rated PG-13

8.    Matlilda (1996)

Roald Dahl’s sweet bookworm Matilda comes to life in this go-to ’90s movie. Matilda (Mara Wilson) is discouraged from reading—her only escape in a house where she isn’t wanted or encouraged. Though her school is horrible—just imagine the worst principal you’ve ever met—she seeks refuge in learning and in the kindness of her teacher Miss Honey, eventually showing ‘em all what she’s really made of (telekinetic powers and all!). Rated PG

 

9.    Elf (2003) – This movie will never get old.

When Buddy the Elf learns he was adopted by Santa’s helpers in the North Pole, he travels to the big city in search of his real father. Except his father has never known of his existence and Buddy has no idea how to properly act within society. Holiday hijinks ensue when Santa needs help and it’s up to Buddy and crowd-sourced holiday spirit to save Christmas. Rated PG.

 

10. Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

A magical tale for sweet-toothed kids, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory tells the story of a little boy from a poor family and his dream—and eventual reality—of getting a peek inside Willy Wonka’s mysterious enterprise. After several children find the elusive golden ticket inside their chocolate bars and win a tour of the factory, it turns out there’s something even bigger at stake. Rated G.

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