10 Great Movies to Watch with Your Grandkids

By Jacqueline LaFlamme

The Wizard of Oz (1939, Rated G)        

There’s no place like home. Young Dorothy Gale and her three companions have become Halloween costumes and figures in children’s dreams for decades. Beware of the Wicked Witch and her evil ways to get back her Ruby Slippers! 

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971, Rated G)

This movie has timeless appeal as a few lucky children, including Charlie, win a chance to tour the chocolate factory. There’s a moral lesson tucked in here too between all the fun moments, including a dip in a chocolate stream.

A Little Princess / The Secret Garden (1995, Rated G)

Two novels written by Frances Hodgson Burnett come as one. Boarding school was not fun for a little princess, where hardships lead to imagination of tea parties and princess dresses. In a secret garden, three young friendships bloom like flowers. 

Dr. Suess Horton Hears a Who! (2008, Rated G)

This wacky, colorful, loving film all takes place in a wold of wonder-Whoville.  The moral here is to stay true to your beliefs…while Dr. Suess’ rhyming techniques are sure to entertain viewers of all ages.

The Goonies (1985, Rated PG)

Five young boys find themselves in the middle of an adventure, following a mysterious treasure map into underground tunnels, outrageous booby-traps, and onto a long-lost pirate ship.  These friends find the true meaning of sticking together. Beware of Chunk the monster with a face only a mother could love!

Finding Nemo (2003, Rated G)

When Nemo is captured by a scuba diver, nervous Dad Marlin seems to loose his clown-fish humor.  In this undersea world, Marlin sets out to find his son.  Along the way he meets sea turtles, sharks, jellyfish, and a best friend.  Marlin learns to never give up in this non-stop water ride.

Mary Poppins (1964, Rated G)

Can you say, “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”?  Based on the books by P.I. Travers, this movie still holds kids spellbound.  A magical nanny teaches her children a spoonful of sugar and a flying umbrella is all it takes to make one smile.

Kung Fu Panda  (2008, Rated PG)

Dumpling-eating Panda has dreams of kung-fu awesomeness. In this film, a clumsy and overweight Po is chosen as the dragon warrior-but can he possibly fulfill his destiny?  Believing in one’s self and the power from within are messages revealed during this film.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, Rated PG)

A group of Earth children help a stranded (and adorable) alien return home. Some tearjerker moments, but leaves with you a very happy feeling. Some young kids may get a little scared during the medical capture part.

Monsters Inc. (2001, Rated G)

A giant blue furry monster named Sully is a scare monster pro.  In a business of scaring kids Sully is the best, but when it comes to competition in the workplace, Sully finds himself with a follower.  Not as scary as it seems-this movie is sure to fill your heart leaving you to never look at monsters the same.