There are always new kids’ and family movies coming out, but sometimes the best choice for movie night is an old favourite. Here are our picks of ten classic films to watch with children — the kind of films that have been charming families for decades and still hold up today.
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Before streaming and endless channels, classic films like these were appointment viewing — the ones everyone in the family would sit down to watch together. We’ve rounded up 10 of our favourites to enjoy with your own kids.
Ten Classic Films to Watch With Children
#1. Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Howard Hawks’ classic screwball comedy follows a palaeontologist (Cary Grant) who loses a dinosaur bone to a dog belonging to an heiress played by Katharine Hepburn.
“Baby” turns out to be a leopard belonging to Hepburn’s aunt, and a series of escapades follows. Fast, funny and still a delight for older kids and teens.
#2. Top Hat (1935)
A Fred Astaire classic, co-starring Ginger Rogers. Dancer Jerry Travers (Fred Astaire) is preparing for his new show when he meets Dale Tremont (Ginger Rogers), who mistakes him for his already-married producer.
Irving Berlin’s score and the graceful dancing throughout — including “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” and “Cheek to Cheek” — make this a treat for the whole family.
#3. King Kong (1933)
A film crew travels to Skull Island, where the film’s star (Fay Wray) is kidnapped by the islanders as a sacrifice to a 30-foot-tall gorilla.
The crew rescues her and eventually captures Kong, bringing him back to New York to present as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Naturally, his big reveal doesn’t go to plan, and he breaks free to rampage through the city.
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#4. Singing in the Rain (1952)
Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds star in what many consider the greatest movie musical ever made, telling the story of a film studio’s bumpy transition from silent films to “talkies.”
It includes classic songs such as “Good Morning,” “All I Do Is Dream of You,” and of course the title number, with Gene Kelly splashing joyfully through the rain.
#5. Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1955)
Professor Lindenbrook (James Mason) leads an expedition deep into the Earth, encountering prehistoric creatures and extraordinary sights along the way.
The special effects were considered spectacular at the time, and this adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel is still an enjoyable adventure for the whole family today.
#6. Mary Poppins (1964)
Mary Poppins is a 1964 musical starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, produced by Walt Disney and based on P. L. Travers’ Mary Poppins books.
It tells the story of a magical nanny who comes to work for an unhappy banker’s family. The film received 13 Academy Award nominations and won five, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews.
https://youtu.be/9kKXYjOD-AI
#7. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
A rip-roaring adventure starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland and Basil Rathbone, telling the classic tale of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men, robbing from the rich to give to the poor.
Flynn shines as Robin Hood, outwitting the villainous Sir Guy of Gisbourne and winning the heart of Maid Marian along the way. Wonderful family entertainment.
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#8. The Sound of Music (1965)
This beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical follows Maria (Julie Andrews), a would-be nun who becomes governess to widower Captain Von Trapp’s (Christopher Plummer) seven children.
Maria teaches the children to sing and have fun, winning the Captain’s heart along the way — though the shadow of Nazi Germany looms over their happy ending.
#9. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
This American musical fantasy, based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, has become one of the most beloved films ever made.
Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) is swept away by a tornado to a magical land of witches, munchkins, flying monkeys and more, and sets off on a quest to find the wizard who can help her get home.
#10. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
This 1968 musical tells the story of hapless inventor Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke), who finally succeeds in creating a flying car. Unfortunately, the tyrannical Baron Bomburst of fictional Vulgaria wants to steal it for himself.
When the Baron kidnaps Grandpa Potts, Caractacus sets off with Truly Scrumptious (Sally Ann Howes) and his two children on a great rescue adventure.
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More Classic Films to Watch with Kids
- Some Like It Hot
- The Day The Earth Stood Still
- The Thief of Bagdad
- The Swiss Family Robinson
- High Noon
- It’s a Wonderful Life
Over to you now — any other classic films you think we should add to our list? Tell us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are these classic films suitable for?
Most of these films work well for children from around age 6 or 7 upwards, though it depends on your own child. A few, like King Kong and The Adventures of Robin Hood, have more intense action moments, so it’s worth previewing anything you’re unsure about before watching together as a family.
Where can we watch these classic films?
Availability changes regularly across streaming services, so it’s best to check your usual platform, library, or DVD collection closer to the time. Many of these titles also turn up on TV schedules from time to time.
Which classic film is the best one to start with?
Mary Poppins and The Wizard of Oz are gentle, colourful starting points that tend to appeal to younger children, while older kids often enjoy the adventure and humour in Robin Hood or Bringing Up Baby.
Are there other classic films worth adding to the list?
Absolutely — we’ve included a short list of other family favourites worth exploring, and we’d love to hear your own suggestions in the comments.
Related Articles
- 50 of the Best Family Movies of All Time
- 10 Great Kids Movies Every Family Should Have
- Make Your Own Home Cinema
Fancy planning a proper family movie night around this list? Bookmark this page or save it to your favourites so it’s easy to find next time you’re choosing what to watch together.
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