It isn’t Christmas without cookie-making, candy canes and chocolate Santas. But what we tend to forget is that all that sugar puts kids on fast forward. Pranks are pulled on grandparents, cousins yank each other’s hair, and something always gets broken. It’s like “Monday Night Raw: Grade School Edition.”
To counter the ill effects of too many frosted things and captivate spun-out minds, we've put together a list of can’t-miss movies for kids that grownups can enjoy too.
After all, kids aren’t the only ones who can be over-served with gingerbread men and hot chocolate.
March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934)
Laurel and Hardy in Toyland, and a trip back to the land of innocence. Beguiling, then and now, for all size humans.
The Thief of Baghdad (1940)
You can’t put the genie back in the bottle…and you won't want to with this colorful, exciting Arabian Nights tale.
Lassie Come Home (1943)
A classic story of a boy and his dog — and Lassie is so clever! She always knows exactly what to do. Also look for a young Liz Taylor!
Treasure Island (1950)
The first completely live-action film made by Disney. “Treasure Island” is a ripping yarn, and not just for boys, either. A treasure indeed.
The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (1953)
A fantasy about piano lessons gone too far, co-written by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)? Kid gold. Plus, wildly inventive visual effects that still wow.
The Love Bug (1968)
Herbie, the world’s smartest and most human Volkswagen, is unbeatable in this vintage Disney live action classic.
The Railway Children (1970)
This faithful screen adaptation of the classic English children’s book portrays adventure, the courage of children, and a family put to rights. Plus, trains-lots of 'em!
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
The magic holds up, as an adorable extra-terrestrial lands on earth and finds a protector and friend in a young boy. A Spielberg classic.
The Princess Bride (1987)
You'll be captivated by this delightful and very funny romantic fantasy. Robin Wright is luminous in the title role, but Mandy Patinkin steals it as a noble swordsman.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Luscious, vibrant Japanese animation paired with the voices of Elle and Dakota Fanning make this imaginative story a mind-bending trip worth taking.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
"Beast" was the first animated film to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, and little wonder. Everything works here, from the characters to the score. Glorious from the very first frame.
The Incredible Adventures of Wallace and Gromit (2001)
A compilation of three priceless shorts, directed by Nick Park. Each segment features the endearingly English, cheese-loving Wallace, and his astute pooch, Gromit. Don't miss this hilarious series, which will score with all ages.
Ratatouille (2007)
In this tale of a Parisian kitchen rat that can cook, sheer originality would have been enough to carry the day. But this film is a perfect seven-course meal — and you'll never look at rodents the same way again.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Wes Anderson's “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is that rare thing: a cartoon caper imbued with energy, wit and style. And no surprise- George Clooney is a fox even when animated.
Hugo (2011)
Martin Scorsese's wondrous tale, centering on a French orphan who lives in a train station at the turn of the last century, also manages to trace the beginnings of the movies as an art form. A riveting and truly “moving” picture.
