Caught in the wave of countless movie choices on your streaming apps? We're here to assist! We've handpicked some amazing movies that are entertaining for all ages and carry heartwarming messages. We'll be introducing films from three popular genres: Animation, Adventure, and Comedy. So, get your favourite soft toys ready for some snuggle time, and let's find your next family movie night favourite!
Snuggle Up with Soft Toys
Enhance your movie night experience by bringing along your favourite soft toys. These cuddly friends not only provide comfort but also create a homely atmosphere for the little ones. So, gather your plush pals and prepare for a memorable movie night!
We've split the movies into the 3 categories listed below:
- Animation
- Adventure
- Comedy
Table of Contents
Animation
1. 'Inside Out'
A Pixar film that explores the emotions of a young girl named Riley. As she navigates a life-changing move, her emotions - Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust - guide her. The movie beautifully illustrates how all emotions are important in our lives, teaching children that it's okay to feel a range of emotions, and emphasising the significance of empathy and understanding in our relationships. You might even want to head to the cinema to catch ‘Inside Out 2’ or head over to the Children's Festival at Gardens by the Bay featuring the Inside Out characters (which we mention in this blog post) once you’re done!
2. 'Zootopia'
An animated film set in a city inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. The story follows Judy Hopps, a rabbit who becomes the first small-sized animal to join the city police force, and Nick Wilde, a fox and con artist. The movie addresses themes of prejudice and stereotypes, teaching children about the importance of diversity, acceptance, and not judging others based on their species (or in human terms, race or ethnicity).
3. 'The Lion King'
A timeless Disney classic that tells the story of Simba, a lion cub who is destined to become king after his father, Mufasa. After the tragic death of Mufasa, Simba flees, returning as an adult to reclaim his throne from his evil uncle, Scar. The film teaches children about responsibility, the circle of life, and the importance of facing and overcoming our fears. It also emphasizes the value of friendships and provides lessons about deceit and the consequences of our actions.
4. 'Toy Story'
A heartwarming Pixar animated film that brings toys to life when humans aren't around. The movie centers on Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, an astronaut action figure. As they navigate adventures, the film touches on themes of friendship, jealousy, and acceptance. It teaches children about the importance of friendship, the value of teamwork, and that it's okay to share love and attention with others. The film also encourages children to use their imagination, showing them that even everyday objects can be part of extraordinary adventures.
5. 'Finding Nemo'
A Pixar film that tells the story of Marlin, a clownfish, who embarks on a journey across the ocean to find his son, Nemo, who has been captured by a diver and placed in a fish tank. The film explores themes of love, loss, and determination. It teaches children about the deep love parents have for their children, the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, and it encourages independence and adventure. Furthermore, it promotes an understanding and respect for ocean life and its conservation.
6. 'Moana'
An animated Disney film that tells the story of a young Polynesian girl named Moana who ventures out to sea on a daring mission to save her people. Guided by the demigod Maui, she discovers her own identity and fulfills her ancestors' unfinished quest. The movie imparts valuable lessons on self-discovery, courage, and resilience. It teaches children about the importance of knowing who they are and following their dreams. It also emphasizes the significance of respecting and understanding our past, as well as our connection to nature and the environment.
Adventure
7. 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" is the first installment in J.K. Rowling's popular series. The story follows Harry Potter, a young wizard discovering his magical heritage, as he begins his education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The narrative touches on themes of friendship, bravery, and the choice between good and evil. It teaches children about the importance of friendship and loyalty, the courage to face adversity, and the value of standing up for what's right. It also highlights that our choices, more than our abilities, show who we truly are.
8. 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" is a fantasy adventure film based on C.S. Lewis's popular novel. It follows the Pevensie children who discover a magical wardrobe leading to the mystical land of Narnia. In Narnia, they join the noble lion Aslan to defeat the evil White Witch. The movie teaches children about bravery, sacrifice, and love. It underscores the power of family bonds, the importance of standing up against evil, and the idea that even the smallest person can make a significant difference. It also encourages imagination and faith in the extraordinary.
9. 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial'
A classic film that tells the story of Elliott, a young boy who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. The movie explores themes of friendship, empathy, and understanding. It teaches children about the importance of helping others in need, regardless of their differences. The film also emphasizes the significance of family, as Elliott's family plays a crucial role in E.T.'s journey home. Furthermore, it encourages curiosity and the exploration of the unknown, inspiring children to look beyond their world.
10. 'Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark'
An action-adventure film that follows archaeologist Indiana Jones' quest to find the Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the wrong hands. The movie teaches children about the importance of courage, perseverance, and using one's intellect to solve problems. It also underscores the value of history and archaeology, sparking curiosity about past civilizations and cultures. The film highlights the idea that greed and power can lead to one's downfall, emphasizing the importance of integrity and doing what's right.
11. 'Hugo'
A magical film about a boy who lives in a Parisian train station and is trying to solve a mystery left by his father. As he navigates through secrets and adventures, the movie teaches children about the importance of perseverance, friendship, and courage. It highlights the power of dreams, the value of treasuring our past, and the beautiful intricacies of machinery and film. The film also reminds children that even in the face of adversity, there's always a place for wonder, magic, and hope.
12. 'Night at the Museum'
An adventure-comedy that follows Larry Daley, a newly appointed night security guard at the Museum of Natural History, where exhibits come to life at night. The movie teaches children about history, bravery, and friendship. It encourages curiosity about past civilizations and cultures, and promotes the idea of learning from history. The film also teaches children about the importance of responsibility, as Larry must manage the chaos in the museum, and emphasizes the value of accepting oneself and others, regardless of our differences.
Comedy
13. 'Paddington'
A delightful movie about a well-mannered bear from Peru who travels to London, where the Brown family adopts him. The film addresses themes of kindness, acceptance, and the importance of family. It teaches children about the value of good manners, the importance of being kind to strangers and those different from us, and that it's okay to be different - in fact, our differences are what make us special. The film also shows how love and kindness can transform lives, creating a sense of belonging and home even in the most unfamiliar places.
14. 'Shrek'
A humorous animated film featuring an ogre named Shrek on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona. The film subverts traditional fairy tale stereotypes and teaches children about acceptance and the dangers of judging others by their appearances. It promotes the message that true beauty comes from within and that everyone deserves to be loved and accepted for who they are. The film also emphasizes the importance of friendship and self-confidence.
15. 'Despicable Me'
An animated comedy film about Gru, a super-villain who adopts three girls as part of his plan to steal the moon. However, he unexpectedly grows fond of the girls, leading to a change of heart. The film teaches children about the transformative power of love and the importance of family. It shows that it's never too late to change for the better and that true strength comes from caring for others. It also promotes the idea that everyone has the potential for goodness, regardless of their past actions.
16. 'The Incredibles'
A Pixar film about a family of superheroes who have to hide their powers in a world where superhuman abilities are not accepted. The parents, Bob and Helen, along with their children, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack, eventually have to use their powers to stop a villain. The movie teaches children about the importance of family, teamwork, and embracing our unique abilities. It also addresses the challenges of fitting into societal norms, the value of individuality, the courage to face adversity, and the idea that everyone has the potential to be incredible in their own way.
17. 'Madagascar'
An animated film about four zoo animals - Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, and Gloria the Hippo - who unexpectedly find themselves in the wilds of Madagascar. The movie teaches children about the importance of friendship, teamwork, and adapting to new environments. It also encourages them to appreciate the comfort and safety they have, while simultaneously promoting curiosity and the courage to explore the unknown. The film highlights that there's more to life than one's immediate surroundings and underscores the value of experiencing life outside of one's comfort zone.
Conclusion
Movie nights are a fantastic way to strengthen family bonds, and our selection of 17 movies ensures a mix of fun, adventure, and learning. So grab your popcorn and your cuddly friends, settle down on the sofa, and let the enchanting family movie night begin!
If you’re looking for a greater variety of movies to watch with your kids then fret not, Golden Village has an ongoing $5 movie deal at selected cinemas with many kid-friendly movies! We share more details in this blog post.
Scratching your head trying to think of activities to do with you little one this June holiday? We’ve got you covered with a compiled list of some fun family friendly activities for everyone to enjoy!