A good movie not only provides entertainment, but also helps kids learn values through the plots and characters of the movie. Here are our suggestions for several classic age-appropriate movies that guarantee laughs and provoke thoughts. Laze on the sofa and recall your childhood memories with your children!
Charlotte’s Web (aged 5+)
Charlotte’s Web is an animation feature adapted from the classic children’s book of the same name. It tells the story of a livestock pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, and Charlotte’s efforts to save Wilbur from being slaughtered by the farmer. This emotionally powerful movie tackles the theme of death in a way that’s suitable for younger viewers, and with its positive messages about loyalty and friendship, it’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Adventures of Milo and Otis (aged 5+)
The Adventures of Milo and Otis is such a family favorite that the theme song rings a nostalgic bell of childhood memories to those born after the ’80s. Following the adventurous journey of cat and dog friends Milo and Otis, and their encounters with other farm and wild animals, this film helps kids to learn the value of unconditional friendship. Please note that some of the scenes in the movie where the animals face life-threatening situations might cause unease to little ones.
WALL-E (aged 5+)
Released in 2008, this science fiction film was an instant blockbuster. It follows a trash compactor robot’s lonely life on an abandoned Earth, and his pursuit into space of a probe he fell in love with, intriguing young audiences with action and humor. The movie also conveys environmentally friendly messages to kids, since the importance of reducing waste and recycling is a central theme.
Mary Poppins (aged 6+)
Mary Poppins is a Disney musical film about a nanny with supernatural powers, which combines live action and animation while using painted London background scenes (it was actually filmed in California). The movie was nominated for 13 Oscars, winning five, and the memorable songs, impressive dancing, and hilarious cartoon segments still win it high acclaim among young viewers to this day. A sequel, titled Mary Poppins Returns, is scheduled to be released this December, after a 54-year gap.
A Little Princess (aged 7+)
A Little Princess is adapted from a children’s novel in which Sara, who was sent to a strict and austere boarding school after her father’s presumed demise, continues to be kind and generous despite her struggle and suffering as a badly-treated orphan, befriending all her classmates and encouraging them to believe that “all girls are princesses”. Sara’s thirst for love and friendship and her natural good-heartedness help her make her way through to a happiness-filled life, and embrace the epithet of a princess.
Photos: Modern Farmer; AZ Movies; Indiewire; Minecraftforum; Warner Bros
