It can be challenging to have an evening with the whole family home at one time, but having quality time to make new memories is priceless.

There are so many fantastic movies available that range from the classics to new releases. But as parents, we want to choose movies that have good values in addition to being entertaining. We strive to lead by example and raise our children to be respectful, honest, and charitable.    

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. —Proverbs 22:6, KJV

Because we never know what type of movie we’ll be in the mood for, this list of family-friendly movies is broken down by category. There are many more fantastic DVDs available, but hopefully this will get your family started on an evening of fun.

Animated

– Beauty and the Beast: In this animated film, Disney has reminded us that beauty truly does come from within.
– Cinderella: A 1950 fairytale of happily ever after is the perfect way to describe this Walt Disney classic.
– Little Mermaid: A spectacular tale of the adventures of Ariel, a mermaid, who is interested in life above the sea.
– Tangled: Walt Disney released this film in 2010 and it is lightly based on the fairy tale Rapunzel. It is said to have taken six years to complete this animated film.

Musicals

– Mary Poppins: Viewers quickly fall in love with Julie Andrews, who won an Academy Award for her role as Mary Poppins. She is a nanny that can make even the most mundane tasks enjoyable.
– Singin’ in the Rain: Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds star in this 1952 music filled comedy. The scene where Gene Kelly dances in the street under the rain will always remain a classic.
– Sound of Music: Julie Andrews shines as she portrays the character of Maria. She takes care of seven children and falls in love with them and their father. The music score of this film is amazing. 

Holiday

– It’s a Wonderful Life: Character George Bailey is frustrated with life and wants to give up, but then he meets Clarence, his guardian angel, and he helps George see his true path of life.
– The Christmas Shoes: A young boy learns that this will be his mom’s last Christmas here on Earth and sets out to buy her a very special gift. Having a box of tissues close by is a must for this show. This movie leaves you with a renewed appreciation for life and reminds us to cherish every moment.
– White Christmas: Holiday splendor is a fantastic way to describe this 1954 film. The characters work together to help a failing inn located in Vermont. It stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. These talented actors sing and dance their way right into our hearts.

Older Classics

– Going My Way: Starring Barry Fitzgerald and Bing Crosby, this tale is about a new priest whose laid back attitude clashes with his new parish. It reminds us how important it is to compromise and be understanding of others.
– Roman Holiday: Let the scenery of Rome whisk you away in this romantic story starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. It is a timeless feel good classic that leaves a smile on your face.
– The Wizard of Oz: Follow Dorothy down the yellow brick road into a unique fantasy world. The original film dates back to 1939 and stars Judy Garland.

Newer Classics

– Back to the Future: Michael J. Fox travels back in time to 1955. Will he erase his future and stay trapped in the past? This movie is entertaining from start to finish.
– E.T.: A young boy becomes friends with a lost alien and helps him get back home. This movie is directed by Steven Spielberg and reminds us how important it is to extend help to those in need.
– Star Wars: The epic science fiction saga about good and evil, where George Lucas masterfully transports audiences to a galaxy far, far away filled with heroes, villains, robots and aliens. 

If you are searching for something different, check out the complete series of Discover Planet Earth and Discover Planet Ocean. These films are educational and entertaining, plus they can open up a variety of interesting family discussions. Helping our children learn about the world we live in and teaching them to live with strong Christian values is not only enjoyable, but it is our responsibility as parents. As the parent, you can direct your children reagarding the way various geological and biological processes are discussed and discuss how they line up with the biblical account.

Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God. —Deuteronomy 12:28, KJV