International Day of Families - 10 Best Films for a Family Movie Night

Family time – the very phrase conjures up warm visions of cozy, snuggly evenings, steaming mugs of cocoa, endless chatter, and gales of giggles and laughter!

Spending time together is the best way to show each other that we care and that our families are important to us. And family time spent enjoying the magic of movies – well, that’s the icing on the cake!

Cuddling up together with an entertaining flick and a giant tub of popcorn is hands down one of the best ways to enjoy some quality family time. From thedatingmaven, your favorite children’s clothing online store, here are our picks for 10 top movies for a family movie night. Dim the lights, grab the snacks and enjoy!

Movie watching can actually benefit kids in various ways, such as enhancing their creativity and vocabulary. Read more at:

https://thedatingmaven.com/play-time/benefits-of-movies-for-kids/

Hailed as a remarkable coming-of-age adventure, this classic movie is emotional, funny, heart-breaking, and exhilarating. Adding to the magic is the outstanding music, with songs like Hakuna Matata, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, and Circle of Life being popular favorites to this day.

Here’s why The Lion King still ranks among the greats:

https://thedatingmaven.com/entertainment/the-circle-of-life-20-reasons-the-lion-king-is-the-greatest-disney-film-of-all-time-150887

2. E.T. (1982)

Steven Spielberg's timeless sci-fi story of a very special friendship is pure movie magic. It tells the story of Elliott, a young boy who encounters an extra-terrestrial, dubbed E.T., who is stranded on Earth. Elliott befriends E.T. and the duo embark on a series of enchanting and eventful adventures together.

For parents, this flick will be a burst of nostalgia, and your little ones will love the adorable E.T. and his friendship with his earthling family. Its themes of trust, loyalty, and caring are moving and universal, and Elliott and E.T.'s extraordinary friendship is one of the most enduring ever portrayed in cinema.

Check out these fun details about the making of E.T.:

https://thedatingmaven.com/et-extraterrestrial-behind-scenes-details-making-trivia/

3. HOME ALONE (1990)

Which kid doesn’t dream of having the whole house to themselves? No pesky parents to remind you to do your homework or annoying siblings to squabble with over the TV remote. But when Kevin McAllister is accidentally left behind while the rest of his family is on vacation, he learns that sometimes you do need your family after all.

Home Alone boasts of some stellar acting, emotional moments, and dollops of fun. We bet watching Kevin get the best of two incompetent home robbers will leave you and your loved ones in splits of laughter!

Want to know some little-known anecdotes about this film? Read on:

https://thedatingmaven.com/article/60262/25-things-you-might-not-know-about-home-alone

4. FINDING NEMO (2003)

We guarantee your whole family will be entranced by this visually stunning fish tale with a witty script and endearing characters.

This underwater adventure follows the comical and eventful journeys of two fish - a father Marlin, and his son Nemo. When Nemo swims too close to the surface, he is caught by a diver, and Marlin sets out to find him on a rollercoaster quest facing jellyfish, sharks and a host of other ocean dangers.

With great storytelling, enchanting animation and emotional depth, Finding Nemo is undoubtedly one of the most beloved animated movies ever made.

Read on to know some interesting details about Finding Nemo at:

https://thedatingmaven.com/movies/2014/11/30/12-things-you-didnt-know-about-finding-nemo/

5. MARY POPPINS (1964)

Delightfully whimsical story of a magical nanny who arrives via floating umbrella, Mary Poppins is a musical tale that will charm everyone.

Michael and Jane are the children of the wealthy and uptight Banks family. Faced with the prospect of a new nanny, they are agreeably surprised by the arrival of the magical Mary Poppins. The siblings embark on a series of fantastical escapades with Mary and her quirky friend, Bert.

To know more about the inspiration behind the character of Mary Poppins, check out this interesting article:

https://thedatingmaven.com/culture/film-tv/a23597643/mary-poppins-returns-movie-true-story/

6. THE LEGO MOVIE (2014)

An ordinary LEGO minifigure, erroneously thought to be a MasterBuilder, is recruited to join a mission to stop an evil LEGO tyrant from gluing the universe together.

Choc-a-bloc with excellent animation, an all-star cast, and whip-smart comedy, this film is an extremely clever, unexpectedly touching take on everyone's favorite childhood toy. So check out this rollicking family film with its heart tugging message and catchy music – we know it will be an instant hit with your family!

Here are some awesome facts about The Lego Movie:

https://thedatingmaven.com/movies/facts-about-the-lego-movie-60227903/

7. HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (2001)

There are very few people, be it kids or adults, who are unfamiliar with the most famous boy wizard in literature and celluloid. And now it’s time for you to enjoy the magic as a family!

This superhit blockbuster is adapted from the first of J.K. Rowling's hugely popular children's books about Harry Potter, a boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. At Hogwarts, his magical school, he makes several friends who accompany him on the most amazing magical adventures. Don’t be surprised if you find your toddler running around with a pointy hat and stick the next day, yelling “Wingardium Leviosa”!

Take a look at this fun trivia about the film:

https://thedatingmaven.com/geeks/10-fun-facts-about-harry-potter-and-the-sorcerer-s-stone

8. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)

Although this movie was made so long ago, it holds up extremely well today in its ability to captivate young viewers.

Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s timeless children’s tale, the film takes us on a whirlwind journey with Dorothy and her friends. Dorothy Gale is a young girl who lives on a farm in Kansas, but a tornado takes her to the enchanted land of Oz, where she undergoes various adventures in order to return home.

Go ahead and treat yourself and your family to this glorious vintage classic with wonderful performances, excellent screenplay and memorable music!

Did you know these little-known details about the movie?

https://thedatingmaven.com/news/8-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-wizard-of-oz

9. TOY STORY (1995)

Toy Story was the first full-length feature composed entirely of computer-generated animation, and it was an instant hit.

Woody is a cowboy doll who lives happily with Andy and his other toys. When Andy gets a Buzz Lightyear action figure on his birthday, Woody sees his position as Andy's favorite toy threatened, and plots against Buzz. But as circumstances separate Buzz and Woody from their owner, they gradually learn to put aside their differences.

With its admirable messages of friendship and loyalty, its depth of storytelling, and its incredible animation, this classic is a sure-fire winner!

Here are some surprising nuggets you might not know about the film:

https://thedatingmaven.com/cool-toy-story-fun-facts-2018-11

10. WALL-E (2008)

Pixar’s visually stunning masterpiece about two animated robots is one of most well-loved animated sci-fi classics of all time.

Wall-E is the last robot left on Earth, spending his days tidying up the planet. After hundreds of lonely years, Wall-E discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. When EVE has to leave the planet, Wall-E chases her across the galaxy, setting into motion one of the most creative and thrilling comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen.

Check out these 10 space age facts about Wall-E:

https://thedatingmaven.com/article/70024/10-space-age-facts-about-walle

Striking that sweet spot of movies that both children and grownups enjoy equally can be tricky. But when you find a timeless, entertaining and heart-warming movie that the whole family loves, it's a guaranteed great way to spend some quality time together and connect over a solidly good flick that everyone can appreciate.

At thedatingmaven, your best-loved trendy children’s clothing brand, we fully appreciate the power of good cinema. So get that yummy popcorn popping and grab your cozy spots around the telly. It’s time for the movies!

Sending love from Be Kind blogs. Happy reading.