Family Movie Night—10 Classics to Enjoy as a Family This Summer

Family Movie Night—10 Classics to Enjoy as a Family This Summer
(Monkey Business/Shutterstock; Universal Studios)
Barbara Danza
6/27/2017
Updated:
10/8/2018

One of my favorite summer activities is the family movie night. There’s no bedtime to worry about. Hardly any planning is required. Sometimes it’s coupled with ice cream. What’s not to love?

After a day of fun outside, everyone gets cleaned up and into their pajamas; we pop lots of popcorn, turn out all of the lights, grab our favorite blankets and stuffies, and snuggle in for a fun movie together.

If you plan to add family movie night to your summer lineup, here are ten family-friendly classics that won’t disappoint.

‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’

A story of friendship, “E.T.” is Steven Spielberg’s timeless adventure of a boy who finds an alien hiding in his home. Possibly scary for very young children, but when the kids are ready, a must-see.

“Swiss Family Robinson”

A family finds themselves shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must summon all of their resourcefulness to survive. Based on the classic novel by Johann David Wyss, Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson is chock full of animal high jinks and dangerous pirate and will keep the whole family on the edge of their seats. 

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe”

Best viewed after reading the book, this adaptation of a literary classic is beautifully done. Off you go, into the wardrobe, for one of the greatest stories ever told.

“Pollyanna”

Another book adaptation and one of many Disney classics starring Haley Mills, “Pollyanna” tells the story of a young orphan whose positive outlook turns around the character of an entire town. A fun classic with a wonderful message—this one’s a perfect pick for movie night. 

“Chicken Run”

This stop-motion claymation comedy by Aardman Animation ("Wallace and Gromit) is just good fun. When farmers decide to switch from selling eggs to chicken pot pies, the chickens need to plan their escape.

“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”

Of course, we’re talking about the Gene Wilder original. If your kids don’t know the Oompa Loompa song yet, it is time. Pair this one with chocolate and ever lasting gob stoppers.

“The Sound of Music”

The musical of musicals, “The Sound of Music” is based on the true story of the Von Trapp Singers. There are many elements in this one that lend themselves to educational opportunities about history and geography, but feel free to just pop your popcorn and settle in for this almost three-hour saga.

“The Wizard of Oz”

This iconic film was originally released in 1939 and is every bit as relevant today, 

“The Muppets Take Manhattan”

When you want to lighten things up, this is a no-fail option the whole family will enjoy. 

“Toy Story”

You can’t really go wrong with a Pixar film, but rather than list them all, let’s just cut to the chase and go with the best. Pizza delivery is the perfect dinner companion to this film.

Barbara Danza is a mom of two, an MBA, a beach lover, and a kid at heart. Here, diving into the challenges and opportunities of parenting in the modern age. Particularly interested in the many educational options available to families today, the renewed appreciation of simplicity in kids’ lives, the benefits of family travel, and the importance of family life in today’s society.
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