Now that everyone’s advised to stay home, we have another excuse to gather the whole family for a movie marathon. With the little kids as part of the viewing audience, go for heartwarming flicks that have valuable lessons they will remember.
So grab some popcorn, sit back, and relax while you bond with your kids over movies that are based on favorite children’s books. Here are some suggestions:
1. Matilda
Inspired by the book written in 1988 by Roald Dahl, this film tells the story of Matilda, a gifted and incredibly smart girl who suffers because of the ignorance of her own family and the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull. Matilda eventually finds her brilliance and discovers her telekinetic power.
This film teaches kids—and adults too!—the value of standing up for one’s self, letting your real self shine through, and surrounding yourself with trustworthy people who will root for you.
2. Little Women
This Louisa May Alcott’s novel has been such a success that it has been adapted into movies many times over. It tells the stories of the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth—and clearly depicts their differences and takes on life.
It’s a perfect film to watch if you want to encourage good sibling relationships and teach them how to appreciate and deal with their differences, as well as the importance of sticking as a family no matter the circumstances.
3. The Little Prince
Rediscover your own childhood with this Netflix adaptation of the iconic book of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. It tells the story of a mother and her daughter who moved to a new neighborhood. The little girl eventually found a new friend, a neighbor who shares with her the story of “the little prince.”
This movie will turn on the waterworks a few times, and its lessons are not to be missed. It shows little ones the importance of cultivating imagination and creativity as well as the power of human kindness. Most importantly, it reminds adults and kids alike to focus on what truly matters because “one sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eyes.”
4. Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle
Go along the adventures of the orphaned boy Mowgli, who was raised by a wolf pack in the jungle. In his quest for his destiny, he encounters challenges along the way but thanks to his mentors Bagheera and Baloo, Mowgli is able to bring peace back to the jungle. This film is based on the All the Mowgli Stories collected by Rudyard Kipling.
Use this highly entertaining film to teach the kids that they are never alone in this world—that although they need to be independent, there are people who can and will help them, family or not.
5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
This musical fantasy has captured the hearts of many with film star Johnny Depp making Willy Wonka an iconic movie character. It follows the tale of Charlie, a young boy who was given the chance to visit the most extraordinary chocolate factory in the world, run by a famous candy maker, Willy. This book is based on the 1964 novel of Roald Dahl.
Important lessons on listening and following directions as well as practicing patience were highlighted in this film—essential values that our little ones should have.
6. Hugo
This Martin Scorsese-directed and produced film follows the story of Hugo Cabret, an orphaned boy who lives alone in a Paris train station. His adventures led him to meet a legendary filmmaker as well as allowed him to solve the mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
The award-winning movie pays tribute to film history, perfect for kids who are interested in filmmaking. It also touches on the idea of fixing what is broken, and reminds us that everything has a purpose.
Happy movie watching!
