14 Timeless Movie Classics Your Kid Needs to See

Year: 1961

Rating: G

Tagline: "Caught in a merry marital mix-up!"

Reasons they need to see it: Although the 1998 version of this movie starring Lindsay Lohan is high on our list of favorites, the original film is the way to go when introducing to classics to your kiddo. This movie is the ultimate demonstration of a "kid plan" put into action, and watching these teenage twin sisters trying to get their divorced parents back together will make you and your child laugh out loud together while learning some important lessons about family along the way.

What to look out for: This movie was made in 1961, so the fact that some of the gender roles are a bit dated isn't surprising but could be confusing for kids growing up in today's world, where women are told they can be anything they want to be.

Year: 1990

Rating: PG

Tagline: “A family comedy without the family."

Reasons they need to see it: Though this film’s plot could never occur in this day and age (it barely passed in the '90s, and it was a free-for-all back then), it’s a fun and original movie that — if for no other reason than the fact that it's iconic — needs to be seen by every kid. It's kind of a good movie to teach kids what not to do if they ever feel like they’re in any type of danger, which may not be the best selling point, but hey, it’s a classic.

What to look out for: The wet bandits are super creepy and talk briefly about biting off each one of Kevin’s fingers one by one. Also Kevin is basically a murderer without the actual murder (you know it's true), so there may be a lot to talk through once the credits roll.

Year: 1977

Rating: G

Tagline: "Your golden ticket to imagination and adventure!"

Reasons they need to see it: A little girl named Violet turns into an actual blueberry and a child who loves candy more than any human has before gets sucked up a giant tube in a lake made entirely of melted chocolate — this movie has physical comedy down to a science. Though this film is totally outrageous, there are a ton of great lessons buried within the action — many of which are in the charming, orange Oompa Loompas' songs — such as "if you're not greedy you will go far." It's a movie full of "pure imagination" that every kid needs to witness.

What to look out for: The scene when Gene Wilder is screaming his head off at poor, little Charlie always upset me as a kid (and maybe a little bit now even as an adult), as did the scene when they're on the boat and riding through the tunnel — Mr. Wonka seems a little possessed, no? A topic you may want to bring up given the amazing shift toward being body positive today is the fact that Augustus Gloop, bless his heart, gets a bit body shamed throughout his dominant scenes ("Augustus, sweetheart, save some room for later!" is a classic line, though).

Year: 1985

Rating: PG

Tagline: "The secret caves. The old lighthouse. The lost map. The treacherous traps. The hidden treasure. And Sloth . . . join the adventure."

Reasons they need to see it: This is arguably the greatest '80s movie of all time. One of Steven Spielberg's many greats, it's the story of a group of neighborhood kids on a treasure hunt trying to save their neighborhood from developers. There's a ton of hysterical physical comedy and a number of one-liners your kids will be repeating well into their adult lives ("Hey, you guysssss!").

What to look out for: Swear words. So many swear words.

Year: 1964

Rating: G

Tagline: "It's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"

Reasons they need to see it: Besides the amazing musical numbers and the way the cartoon elements interact with the live action? Mary Poppins is the nanny every mom wishes she had and the film teaches a number of great lessons through a heartwarming story.

What to look out for: The film's pace is at some times pretty chaotic, but honestly, there's nothing to worry about here.

Year: 1993

Rating: PG-13

Tagline: "She makes dinner. She does windows. She reads bedtime stories. She's a blessing . . . in disguise."

Reasons they need to see it: This movie creates a real picture about life with divorced parents in a digestible way. The film’s aim to convey a parent's unconditional love for their children despite falling out of love with each other is so important for all young kids to see and understand.

What to look out for: When Robin Williams gives the ole finger to Pierce Brosnan you’ll likely get a few giggles and possibly a question or two about his finger choice.

Year: 1985

Rating: PG

Tagline: "Marty McFly's having the time of his life. The only question is: what time is it?"

Reasons they need to see it: After all of the hoopla surrounding Back to the Future Day last year, your kids probably heard about it. Now that you're a parent, you'll see this flick from a whole new perspective. But your kids will love the concept of a teen seeing his own parents as kids. Plus, the DeLorean.

What to look out for: That kissing scene between Michael J. Fox and Lea Thompson — the idea of a child kissing his mother in that way will definitely have you squirming in your seat (maybe your kids won't realize though?).

Year: 1977

Rating: PG

Tagline: "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . . "

Reasons they need to see it: Now I admit, I know very little about Star Wars in general and haven't even seen all of the films, but this is my main reason your child needs to see these movies: I now feel like an outcast in my adult life because I didn't see them all as a kid. Sure, everyone knows who Luke Skywalker, Yoda, and Darth Vader are by default, but do your kids a favor and give them the gift of total knowledge by having a marathon with them (starting with this movie and continuing in the some of the fandom's preferred episode order).

What to look out for: For starters, Darth Vader is pretty terrifying. There are some acts of violence and a few insults thrown around here and there that you may not want your kiddo saying to his friends after the movie.

Year: 1993

Rating: PG

Tagline: "The adventure of a lifetime, the Summer of their dreams . . . the dog of their nightmares."

Reasons they need to see it: Scotty Smalls faces the struggle of moving away from his friends and having to make new ones, something that young children going through the same thing could have anxiety about. The movie proves that you can make friends even with the most unlikely people and that though something may seem scary, you can face it with people who support you (and if it ends up not being scary, you might meet a cute dog or a retired baseball player).

What to look out for: The scenes showing the boys’ perception of The Beast are a tiny bit scary.

Year: 1982

Rating: PG

Tagline: "He is afraid. He is alone. He is 3 million light years from home."

Reasons they need to see it: Where do I start? A 7-year-old Drew Barrymore? Classic lines like "E.T. phone home"? Or the story of a little boy's love for his alien friend? It's a classic tale that every child must see — even if it feels a bit dated (hello, 1980s special effects).

What to look out for: The scenes with the scientists are a bit scary for younger kids. But more importantly, it's just sad. Be prepared for some tears — yours and your kids'.

Year: 1946

Rating: PG

Tagline: "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings."

Reasons they need to see it: I remember watching this movie with my mom every Christmas season, and I can't imagine a childhood without it. When George Bailey seems to be giving up on life, his guardian angel helps him to see all of the good things he's done in his life, all of the people's lives he's touched, and all of the things he has to be thankful for. His story is a good lesson for all kids in being grateful for life's gifts.

What to look out for: The film addresses George's desire to commit suicide when he thinks he's facing the ultimate downfall. Though this is a PG movie and the concept may go over little ones's heads, this movie may spark a conversation with your teen — an important one.

Year: 1994

Rating: PG-13

Tagline: "Life is like a box of chocolates . . . you never know what you’re gonna get."

Reasons they need to see it: In what is arguably Tom Hanks’s best role (IMHO), the concepts of being different, finding your place in life, following your heart, and learning to play Ping-Pong are present throughout this film. Exploring everything from getting bullied for being different as a kid to growing up and dealing with love, loss, and parenthood, Forrest finds a way to overcome all of his struggles. And baby Haley Joel Osment’s five minutes of fame as Forrest Junior are worth every second.

What to look out for: Forrest’s mom and the doctor’s little rendezvous in the beginning is a bit risqué, and the Vietnam scenes are pretty graphic and should probably either be skipped and briefly explained or kept to 13-and-up eyes only.

Year: 1939

Rating: NR ("Passed")

Tagline: "The happiest film ever made!"

Reasons they need to see it: This movie is the very definition of a classic. With lines like "There's no place like home" and a dance-walk to the tune of "We're off to see the Wizard," this movie has got some of the most memorable moments in the history of movies. It will teach your little ones about friendship, the importance of home, and that not everything should be taken at face value.

What to look out for: Um, the Wicked Witch is psycho. Her monkeys are terrifying, her voice could potentially echo in your child's head for days after viewing, and, honestly, the fact that she gets crushed by a house is pretty alarming.