The next time your children beg for some screen time, take control of what they’re watching. The following movies are smart, funny and contain a good dose of moral fiber that’s still easily digestible. Some have stood the test of time, while others are destined to become classics. Either way, you and your kids are sure to enjoy these flicks … and learn some life lessons from them, too.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
When young Charlie Bucket — who shares a crowded home with his poor mom and not one, but two sets of grandparents — finds a “Golden Ticket” inside his Wonka chocolate bar, he becomes one of a lucky few who get to tour the famed confectioner’s factory, which is full of all sorts of odd surprises, from lickable wallpaper to a chocolate waterfall. But there’s much more than meets the eye on the sugary journey. Forget the dark Johnny Depp reboot; the original “Willy Wonka” is timeless, despite all its weirdness. And no one plays Wonka better than crazy-eyed Gene Wilder. NOBODY.
Lessons Learned: Good things can happen to good people, no matter their circumstances.
How to Train Your Dragon
One of my favorite animated films of the past few years has to be this Dreamworks pic about a young Viking who feels like an outcast in his own family. When Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel of “This Is the End” fame) befriends Toothless, an injured dragon, he has an opportunity to change what people think not just about him, but about the creatures they’ve been hunting for years. Have I mentioned how much I love the names of the characters in this film?
Lessons Learned: Let your freak flag fly – it’s okay to be different.
Shrek
Ogres, like onions, have many layers — just ask Shrek, the seemingly ill-tempered swamp dweller whose heart slowly unravels after he rescues feisty Princess Fiona from her dragon-guarded tower. Shrek doesn’t think Fiona can see past his ugly green exterior. Little does he know she’s hiding a secret about herself that only he can understand. (If you don’t love “Shrek” — voiced perfectly by Mike Myers — then you and I can’t be friends.)
Lessons Learned: First impressions are not always correct, and never judge a person until you get to know them.
Annie
Annie lives in an orphanage run by the insufferable Miss Hannigan and dreams of being rescued by her parents, whom she never really knew. Instead, she finds a home with the unexpectedly sweet Daddy Warbucks. I’ve been in love with this little red-haired girl for as long as I can remember, and not just because I share her crazy-curly locks. Movies about orphans are a dime a dozen, but “Annie” is one-of-a-kind, especially since it’s a musical with countless songs we’ve all come to know and love. This film was rebooted last year with dire results — proof that the 1982 original starring the irrepressible Aileen Quinn and hilarious Carol Burnett cannot be beat.
Lessons Learned: Never give up hope — “The sun will come out tomorrow,” even if it doesn’t seem like it. You just have to stay positive.
Anne of Green Gables
Anne (with an “e”!) Shirley doesn’t have a real home or family, so she distracts herself in a dream world with invisible friends and envisions herself living another life … until she is taken in by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, her unlikely saviors. Like Annie, Anne is also an orphan (with red hair, to boot), but she has her own set of endearing characteristics, not the least of which is an endless imagination. My favorite movie series of all time, “Anne of Green Gables” is wholesome, but mischievous, serious, but funny and appeals to kids (and adults) of all ages. Full credit goes to author Lucy Maud Montgomery for creating such a kindred spirit in Anne.
Lessons Learned: Learn to laugh at yourself. Vanity will be your downfall. And my favorite: “Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.”
Charlotte’s Web
A pig and a spider make for the unlikeliest of friends in this animated classic based on the children’s book of the same name by author E.B. White. Bonus: The captivating music is as enjoyable today as it was back in 1973.
Lessons Learned: Everyone is special in their own way, no matter who you are (a pig, a spider) or what you look like.
Harry Potter
This film series needs no introduction. Every installment in the “Harry Potter” franchise brings with it new lessons about friendship, determination, inner strength, adversity … the list goes on. Harry too is an orphan, but over time, he learns how much his parents loved him and what they did to ensure that he’d be protected long after they were gone. Meanwhile, his newfound friends become like family to him as he faces the challenges of growing up a wizard.
Lessons Learned: True friends are hard to find, but once you do, hold onto them for forever.
Freaky Friday
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, which is why so many of the best children’s films (including many on this list) have been reproduced over the years. Most people are more familiar with the Lindsey Lohan version of this imaginative flick, and it’s actually just as good as the 1976 edition starring Jodie Foster (based on the book of the same name by Mary Rodgers). In both versions, mother and daughter spend time in the life of the other following an unexpected, magical personality switch.
Lessons Learned: Don’t try to grow up too fast or you’ll miss out on the good stuff. And don’t stay mad at your mom — she loves you.
The Karate Kid
When the music swells and new kid Danny Russo kicks bad-boy Johnny’s butt in the tournament finals at the end of this cult classic, I get chills … every time. Whether you choose to watch the original starring the seemingly ageless Ralph Macchio, the reboot with Will Smith’s young son, Jaden, or the girl-powered “Next Karate Kid” starring Hilary Swank, the morals in this story remain the same. This is the perfect flick for any kid who moves to a new town and has to brave a new school at some point in their life.
Lessons Learned: Believe in yourself. And as Mr. Miyagi says, “Better learn balance. Balance is key.”
Soul Surfer
If you haven’t seen this film based on the true story of teenager Bethany Hamilton (played by AnnaSophia Robb), who lost her arm in a shark attack while surfing in Hawaii, it’s a must. Added star power comes from Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid, who portray Hamilton’s parents in this inspirational tale.
Lessons Learned: Everyone faces challenges in their life — it’s up to you to overcome them, but not without a little help from your friends and family.
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