25 Movies Families Can Watch Together
In “25 Movies that Families Can Watch Together,” episode #084, Meredith Curtis shares some of her family’s favorite movies and how they have impacted their lives and hearts. From faith builders to tear-jerkers, these movies have made us laugh and cry. Each of these movies also lead to great family discussions right after or days later. Some of them (like Cars) bring an historical time to life. Others impart a life lesson or just make us laugh.
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Show Notes
Our Family Movie Nights
Movies often lead to discussions afterward or even weeks/months later.
Chariots of Fire
This is the story of Eric Liddell, a gold medal winner in the 1924 Olympics. His devotion to the Lord is exempliary and inspiring! The movie also follows another runner who must overcome anti-Semetic prejudice in his quest for winning.
This awarding winning movie (Academy Award for Best Picture) was released in 1981.
Return to the Hiding Place
One of my favorite movies, Return to the Hiding Place is set in the Netherlands during Nazi occupation of World War II. Here is the rest of the story of Corrie ten Boom and her band of teenage resisters. This does have some scary scenes so will not be appropriate for young children.
***** Teens and Adults/Might be too scary for youngers kids
The Ultimate Gift
Billionaire Grandpa Red dies and dispenses some of his money to his children, but leaves a series of “gifts” for his wild living grandson. I love this movie! In fact, I require watching it for my Economics, Finances, and Business course in high school.
Facing the Giants
In Facing the Giants, we meet Coach Grant Taylor whose life is full of problems and pain. When Grant makes a decision to fully surrender to Jesus, things happen! The Kendrick brothers and Sherwood pictures have produced an awesome sports movie! This is one of my all-time favorite movies.
Anne of Green Gables & Anne of Avonlea (PBS 1980s)
Set on Prince Edward Island, Anne is a little orphan girl with bright red hair adopted by an older brother (Matthew) and sister (Marilla) who run the family farm. She brings life to her new family and the entire village of Avonlea. You will love these movies!
The Princess Bride
This movie is just for fun because it is a totally silly fairy tale released in the 1980s. We repeat so many funny lines from this romantic comedy that you almost have to see this movie to understand our family. A farm boy falls in love with a beautiful maiden and goes off to seek his fortune, but he is kidnapped by the dreaded Pirate Roberts. Really fun movie!
Cars
Yes, this is a cartoon, but it’s about Route 66, completed in 1926, which was dotted with prosperous towns and it was America’s route west traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles. Construction began on I-40 in 1957 and was completed in 1975, causing the little towns along Route 66 to dry up. Can you tell I’m a history buff? Okay, the movie is adorable with a life lesson about friendship.
Snowball Express
I saw this Disney movie in the theatre when it was released in 1972. A big city accountant named Johnny Baxter moves his family to Colorado when they inherit a hotel from his uncle “Crazy Jake.” This is a fun adventure set in beautiful snowy Colorado following the family hilarious attempts to open a ski resort. Wholesome.
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
Growing up in poverty with a single-mom and a learning disability did not stop Ben from growing up to be a ground-breaking nuerosurgeon. His life is a beautiful testimony to the grace of God and love of a good mother.
It’s A Wonderful Life
The classic Christmas feel good story about a young man with dreams who becomes a middle-aged man facing a terrible financial crisis. This movie promotes love, family, and friendship inside a touching story.
Sound of Music
A quirky nun is called to be a governess for a widower’s seven children. She brings life, joy, and music back into the family. With romance, singing, and light comedy, this is a family favorite in our house. I saw it for the first time with Mom and 45 years later, my daughter took me to see in the movie theater for a reshowing. I love this movie!
42
In 1946, history was made when Jackie Robinson crossed the color barrier to play for the Brooklynn Dodgers. In the midst of prejudice and thoughtlessness, Jackie remains kind and loving. A very inspiring movie!
Parent Trap (Disney)
Both versions of the Disney classic are wonderful to watch together as a family. The earlier version stars Hayley Mills in two roles as twins separated at birth when their parents divorced. They meet up at summer camp and discover they are sisters. Then they hatch a plan to get Mom and Dad back together. The hilarious fun of the first movie was wonderfully remade in 1998 with Lindsay Lohan playing the twins. I was surprised and delighted that the original and remake could both be so entertaining and enjoyable. Usually one is better than the other. This is a great movie to watch if you want to relax and laugh.
Risen
Risen takes us back in time to the time of Jesus Resurrection. Career military tribune Clavius investigates the mystery surrounding Jesus’ empty tomb. As Clavius attempts to find a rational explanation, he is confronted with the miraculous power of God. I love this fresh perspective on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus!
Remember the Titans
In Virginia where football is sacred, a high school football coach is forced to become the assisant when a black head coach is hired and black players are added to the all-white team. Set in 1971 and based loosely on a true story, this is a beautiful story of friendship, loyalty, and teamwork. Great family film.
Mom’s Night Out
This movie is just plain fun! We laugh so hard when we watch three moms head out for a night of no kids, no husband, and relaxation. Of course, the night is anything but relaxing and all sorts of mishaps make it a fine comedy.
Courageous
The Kendrick brothers and Sherwood pictures introduces us to a Sheriff’s deputy who endures a terrible personal loss that causes him to rethink what it means to be a father. He brings in his co-workers on his quest. A beautiful story of redemption!
Polycarp
Released in 2015, this movie takes us back in time to the church in Smyrna where the Christians are being persecuted for their faith. Bishop Polycarp and his precious congregation will become dear friends as the story unfolds and their faith is put to the test. An inspiring film that will strengthen your commitment to Jesus.
Faith Like Potatoes
When a Zambian farmer (of Scottish descent) moves to Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, to make a better life for his family, there is one trial after another, including terrible tragedy. Likes his potatoes, Angus grows in his faith and love for God.
Please note that there is one scene which is fairly graphic, very tragic, and heartbreaking. Every parent I know who has scene this movie weeps at this scene. It is probably too much for younger audiences so this film may be better for more mature audiences.
Time Changer
A Bible scholar from 1890 travels forward in time 100 years to see the impact his book will have on future generations of Christians. This movie explores the negative impact of liberal theology at its roots. An excellent movie to understand how what we believe about God impacts how we live.
Miracle
This movie released in 2004, takes us back in time to 1980 where we meet Herb Brooks, played but Kurt Russell, a hockey coach who builds a winning team to compete for the USA in the Olympics. The hot-headed college hockey stars have to learn to work together and value on another if they have any hoping of winning a medal. A great movie!
The Chronicles of Narnia
The classic C.S. Lewis fantasy is brought to life in this movie. Four young children move to the country to live with their uncle for safety reasons during World War II. When they open the magical wardrobe, the adventure begins. This adventure stands alone, but as an allegory, it is amazing!
The Blind Side
Sandra Bulluck is one of my favorite actresses and she shines in this movie about a wealthy Christian family that takes in a tramatized homeless teenager, Michael Oher, who rises to become an All American football player and first draft pick for the NFL. Another inpiring movie about love and investing in people. Beautiful story.
The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry
Dustin begins mowing laws for an older man at church which leads to a special friendship. Jonahtan Sperry, the older gentleman, begins a Bible study with Dustin and his friends, but his mentoring goes beyond the study to living out the ways of the Lord. The ending will have everyone in tears. I love this movie!
Pollyanna
One of my favorite books is a movie released by Disney in 1960. After the death of her missionary parents, Pollyanna is sent to live with her rich, but grumpy aunt. Her gladness and looking at the bright side of things turns the town upside down and when she is down and out, they rally to her. This is beautiful movie about friendship and love.
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Our family also watches and quotes Princess Bride all the time lol. It never gets old! This is a great list. We’ve seen many of these. I would add a word of caution though on Faith Like Potatoes – the tragic scene is a bit graphic and may be too frightening for younger children. Personally I never can get through it without tears. It’s a great film for teens and adults.
Thank you so much Mrs. H. 🙂 🙂 I forgot all about that scene. You are right. It is pretty graphic for little eyes. Have fun storming the castle!