How to Choose Good Family Films
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One of our favorite things to do on weekend nights is to watch a movie together. We pop pocorn, get jammied up, curl up cozy with blankets and pillows, and settle down for a film festival together. It’s particularly good if we’re not watching the same movie for the umpteenth time.
But, finding a fresh movie can be challenging. Finding a family-friendly film can be even moreso. And while there have been instances when FishPapa and I have prescreened films, we truly don’t have the time to do that.
We have made our fair share of family film fumbles, but usually, we do okay. Here are some things that have helped us choose good movies to watch as a family.
The recommendations of friends
It will only take a few movie recs from friends to find if you have similar tastes in movies. If it’s a friend who knows me and my preferences well, usually the recommendation is spot-on. Not sure about your friends? Talk about movies that you’ve liked and see if they felt the same way. If so, you should be good to go.
Family film websites
I’ve found The Dove Foundation to be very helpful and usually a good match for our family. Other families have used Plugged In Screen It, and Common Sense Media and really appreciate the feedback ahead of time. Search around and then try out different sites until you find one that gives you the details you want and matches your preferences for your family. I don’t hesitate to read spoilers if it’s a movie my kids really want to see, but I really want to know if it’s okay.
Pre-1970 Disney
Prior to Walt’s death, Disney films were almost always a sure bet. Classic movies like Old Yeller, Swiss Family Robinson, and Mary Poppins have pleased all my kids, and they are considered family favorites. However, I haven’t had the same experience with later films. While their movie writers have become more adept at appealing to a wider range of audiences, there’s also a bigger risk. There have been some wonderful, some mediocre, and some pitiful films. It’s a mixed bag.
Trial and error
I hate to say it, but sometimes we find a “family friendly” movie that is just a yawner. The Adventures of Milo and Otis comes to mind. And other times we find a movie that intrigues everyone, but also entails a lot of discussion about a certain word that might have been used. We roll with the punches and try to do the best we can.
One thing I’ve found is that the movies I liked as a tween aren’t really ones that I’m comfortable with my kids watching today, despite their PG ratings. It seems that 20 years ago some standards were a little worse than they are today. Who knew?
I really like the movie Ruby Bridges by Disney about the history of racial discrimination from a child’s perspective. Oh and of course Old Yeller and Pollyanna.
i go to a websit called Movies with kids in mind. But my kids all time fav. is I LOVE LUCY!!!!!
You can add “The Yearling” to the yawn list 🙂 Fortunately, my children have enjoyed all of the older black and white movies that are okay to watch. My oldest son, 16, particularly enjoys DVDs of ancient comedies which can be found at very low prices. These are really, really old. Think Laurel & Hardy as well as those without any voice comedy here.
We pay attention to previews and reviews and also talk to others who have seen the movie before watching most shows. “If in doubt, throw it out” is pretty much how we decide. We would rather err on the side of being too choosy than not careful enough.
My husband is excellent at recognizing and understanding unhealthy innuendos and messages buried deep within a fun, wholesome appearing show. Hence none of the newer Disney films. I rely on his insight and wisdom to catch those things I would never even notice. How thankful I am to be under this man’s covering.
I’m really surprised you thought that “The Adventures of Milo and Otis” was a yawner. It’s been one of our family’s all-time favorites for at least 10 years now. Our oldest is now 15, and he just named our new orange kitty “Milo.”
Love to read your blogs. I check movie content with Focus on the Families Pluggedin.com They will check current movies and tell you what language is used or even if there is alcohol in the picture. I know this works for movies currently at the theatre. I am not sure about the old time, Goonie type movies.
Thanks for great info.
Plugged In is definitely one we use!! I host a women’s movie night for my church monthly at my house, and if I haven’t seen the movie, or if I haven’t had the stamp of approval from someone I trust, I use that site! Sometimes they’re a little over-the-top with their ratings, but I like that they tell you everything!
We have a Clearplay too and love it. It lets us watch some of our old “favorites” with the kids.
I grew up in a multi-generational home. On Fridays my grandparents, parents and siblings would sit down after dinner and watch a movie. I remember watching Apple Dumplin Gang, Pippi Longstockings, Anne of Green Gables (still my absolute favorite and will torture my husband with it to this very day) and most Disney stuff. Also Shirley Temple was a big hit when the men were away. They didn’t usually like her movies as much as the girls did. I still think of those happy “wholesome” times when I see those movies. My boys are not old enough to watch movies or TV but I can’t wait to usher in a new generation to the movies I loved growing up.
@Lisa, What fun, loving memories to have! Our family too had some favorite standbys, some of which were torture for the male gender as well. Thank you for reminding me of a happy time gone by. Becky
Funny what you said about the old standards vs new. I rented Jaws bc I saw it was PG (which I allow). I figured it would just be spooky/suspense. I knew it was not a for littles, but possibly ok for the older ones, considering the PG rating. Turned out to be VERY bloody – would think it would be an R nowadays.
I know what you mean about how the PG when we were kids is now the new PG 13. We were watching Back to the Future and I was shocked how often they said bad words.
I look on Netflix, they give a very detailed reasons for why it is rated it is. I try to avoid movies with spiritism too. Plus I hate the fact that it is “normal” for teens to date, not something that I teach my kids. Actually, we’re sitting here watching Little House on the Prairie right now! The kids love it and I totally approve! Great post, thanks!