I would like to have more family movie nights but I'm having trouble finding flicks that both kids (4 yr old princess-loving girl, 9 year old 100% boy) both enjoy watching. I have received very helpful recommendations for television shows from mamapedia in the past and now I am hoping you can help me with a list of movies. My boy does not care much for animation, and my girl is scared easily (but I can watch with her, which helps). As an example, we watched the updated 101 Dalmations last night and that was perfect. Thanks in advance!
Thank you to all who responded with these great suggestions. I'm really looking forward to looking for these on Netflix, etc.
The Narnia movies are good, my son scares easily but LOVED The Lion, The Witch , and The Wardrobe (he stood on his seat in the middle of a crowed theater and yelled "Rewind it and Play it Again" at the end)
Homeward Bound
the shaggy dog
mrs doubtfire
freaky friday (the original not the newer one)
bedknobs and broomsticks
mary poppins
that darn cat (again the original not the newer one)
I babysit lots of little girls and they all seem to love my boys Scooby Doo movies.
Wreck it Ralph was actually really cute and pretty "safe" with not so much scary stuff. It had themes of standing up to bullys a little, friendship and finding your way. I really liked it!
My son (6 1/2) and his female cousins (4 and 6) are currently loving the Star Wars movies. He has seen Episodes 1, 4, 5 & 6, while the girls have not seen Episode 1 (my brother owns the original trilogy and none of the prequels). We will not allow them to watch Episode 3 anytime soon.
I know what you mean! the animated movies are the ones they are most likely to enjoy together, and even then we have disagreements.
Hook
Pete's Dragon or Smurfs (mix of animation and live action)
Anything with The Muppets
In another couple of years, The Princess Bride will be perfect for them both. As of now...what about Stuart Little, Babe, Homeward Bound, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? Or one of the Buddies movies (Space Buddies, etc.)?
I know your son isn't into animation, but I've found that it's a rare boy who doesn't enjoy the classic Peanuts films.
Beverly Hills Chihauhau? Charlie and the Chocolate Fountain?
Maybe it is the movie itself less than the animation?
There are lots of boyish animated movies... but you might not be as familiar with them.
Have you seen Valiant, for example?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361089/
Or what about The Iron Giant? (It has a little language in it, but we have let our kids watch it since they were little and they LOVE it... we do too. It is a great movie... despite a few small bits of language).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129167/
A few minutes into Iron Giant and you can almost forget you are watching an animated movie--the story is that good. Really.
I know you said no animation but I keep thinking of The Lorax as a good movie for both ages.
Despicable Me is hilarious. It is animated but I think a 9 year old would like it. Agree with Wreck it Ralph and Muppets too. Also, most Pixar movies are great for all ages.
Journey to the Center of the Earth - my kids love this movie!
We just watched Finding Rin Tin Tin this weekend with my 8yo. It was a little cheesy, but it was cute. Our 8yo really liked it. It's about a German Shepherd.
ETA: I just saw the post about That Darn Cat. My boys LOVE that movie (the original)!! Garfield movies are good, too.
yoga bear and hotel transyvania....two very funny movies....
Aww see my son is 6 and does not scare easily and is in love with Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal.
What about watching Xena Warrior Princess or Hurcules? It has been a while but I saw them on Netflix and am going to watch them again - I think they are family friendly I remember watching them with my mom when I was younger.
My mom had me watching musicals like Hello Dolly and Singin in the Rain etc at those ages ... why not try them?
I was going to say Brave, but since she scares easily that might not be the best choice until she's a year older. It's a wonderful movie, though.
Rapunzel was also fabulous, but you may need to reassure her about the main meanie, mother Gothel. She uses emotional manipulation that is obvious to children.
Finding Nemo is our family favorite! Kids are 15 & 18 (girl and boy) and they still love it.
Wall-E, Ratatouille, Homeward Bound, Babe
Nim's Island ?
CJ-7 ?
My Neighbor Totoro ? (but this is an animated movie, but very popular)
Don't know if your 5 year old will find these "scary." She might.
But my son saw these and he is 6 now. We watched it at home, with my 10 year old. He liked it.
Cat In The Hat ? ( this one was with Alec Baldwin, I think. Not a cartoon version, but actors).
Or what about classics, such as "Dr. Doolittle." Or, Mary Poppins."
Or "Singin' In The Rain."
Hotel for Dogs is tame and fun for everyone to watch.
