Who doesn’t remember curling up on a rainy weekend to watch Mickey Mouse and his adventures? Behind so many of our favourite childhood movie memories is the Walt Disney Company, which has produced hundreds of films over the decades. Here’s our pick of 5 of the best classic Disney movies to watch with the family — is your favourite on the list?
Walt Disney was reportedly a shy man who struggled with confidence in his early years. Along with his brother Roy, he founded the Walt Disney Company in 1923. His first ever production was Alice’s Wonderland, a silent black-and-white short that marked the start of an era that has touched the hearts of millions of families since.
Mickey Mouse came along a few years later — the warm-hearted little mouse who’s always eager to help his friends and stand up for what’s right, said to be inspired by Walt’s own pet mouse. Designed in 1928, Mickey was the star of the first ever cartoon with synchronised sound. He remains the mascot of the Walt Disney Company to this day.
But enough history — let’s get to the good part. Here are our chosen best classic Disney movies to watch with the family.
#1. Bambi (1942)
A little fawn named Bambi learns early in life about the cruelty of human nature, and through adventures with his friends, he finds the courage to overcome whatever comes his way. It’s a gentle but powerful story about growing up, facing loss, and finding strength — a favourite for a reason.
#2. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
A must-see for all the family. Winnie and his friends always seem to find themselves in a scrape, from eating too much honey and getting stuck in Rabbit’s front door, to trying to track down Eeyore’s missing tail. Kids of every age love watching them work things out together.
#3. Hocus Pocus (1993)
https://youtu.be/Mi2JpQgHAQI
Three witches are accidentally summoned and cause chaos wherever they go while trying to restore their youth. It isn’t animated, but this spooky-silly comedy has stood the test of time and makes a brilliant family watch, especially around Halloween.
#4. Brother Bear (2003)
An animated story built around brotherly love and respect for all living things. When the film’s young hero makes a choice he can’t take back, the spirits transform him into a bear. The transformation scene, with its colour and sound, is a real standout — a feel-good film suitable for all ages.
#5. Fantasia (1940)
https://youtu.be/LpKA9n-75tQ
No classic Disney list would be complete without this masterpiece. Fantasia is a collection of eight segments set to classical music, conducted by Leopold Stokowski, with Mickey Mouse appearing as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, complete with a few magical mishaps along the way.
Its sequel, Fantasia 2000, is also well worth a family watch. It keeps Mickey as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice but adds seven new segments, with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by James Levine.
Everyone’s favourite Disney list looks a little different, but one thing these films all have in common is their ability to touch and inspire us, whatever age we are.
What are your favourite Disney movies to watch with your family? Let us know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are these classic Disney movies suitable for?
Most of these films work well for a wide age range, though a few — like Bambi’s early scenes and parts of Hocus Pocus — may feel a little intense for very young or sensitive children. It’s worth watching the first few minutes together before settling in, especially with younger kids.
Where can we watch these classic Disney movies?
Availability changes depending on your streaming service and region, so it’s best to check your usual platforms — such as Disney+ — or your local library or DVD collection for current options.
What other classic family movies should we watch?
If your family enjoys these picks, it’s worth exploring other classic and family-friendly films together — animated and live-action alike. See our related articles below for more ideas.
You Might Also Like
- Top 10 Classic Films to Watch with Children
- 50 of the Best Family Movies of All Time
- 99 Truly Magical Disney Baby Names
- David Beckham Builds Lego Disney Castle
More Rainy Day Ideas
Looking for more ways to fill a rainy afternoon at home? Browse our rainy day activities and family movie picks for more inspiration to save and come back to.
Don’t Miss Out
Want more ideas like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly family activity ideas, competitions and offers — it only takes a minute, and it’s completely free.
