10. All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

All Dogs Go to Heaven is a 1989 animated film released by United Artists.  The
film tells the story of two dogs, Charlie B. Barkin and his loyal best friend Itchy
Itchiford.  In the beginning of the film Charlie is killed, but he returns to earth at
first for revenge, but soon meets an orphaned girl named Anne-Marie and turns
his attention to caring for her.  The movie is a tale of friendship and teaches
important lessons like forgiveness and love.  It shows children that people can
make mistakes in life, but ultimately correct themselves by changing their
lifestyle.  The film has been rated for children aged 5+.  It has scenes of lying
and stealing, but the sins are redeemed by the end of the feature.  After viewing
this film you can discuss ideals such as gaining trust and forgiveness with your
child.  The film has good parallels on how important it is to keep you word with
others.  The musical score and soundtrack to the film is astounding.  All Dogs
Go to Heaven was extremely successful on home video, but did not fair well at
the box office.  It is a must watch for all families.
                  

9. Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey (1993)

Homeward Bound is a feature film that tells the story of a group of dogs, one
cat, and their incredible journey across the Sierra Nevadas to find their lost
family.  The film stars a Golden Retriever named Shadow, voiced by Don
Ameche, a Himalayan cat named Sassy voiced by Sally Field, and an American
Bulldog named Chance voiced by Michael J. Fox.  It is a great family film for
children of all ages and has been rated for kids 5+.  Children under the age of
five might have problems following the story, but will enjoy the animals.
Children aged 5-8 will love the interactive and talking animals.  It is a funny
story, as each individual animal has a distinct personality.  It is interesting for
children to witness the transformation the animals face as they move from the
house to the wild.  It is an exciting movie for kids and can be a great initiator for
parents to discuss what to do when children get separated from their parents.
The movie was a commercial success and spawned a less impressive sequel
titled Homeward Bound - Lost in San Francisco.

8. The Hobbit (1977)

The Hobbit is an animated television movie that was based around J. R. R.
Tolkien's novel.  The film was first broadcast on NBC in the United States, on
November 27, 1977.  This incredible production manages to retell most of
Tolkien’s story in only a 78-minute duration.  The film is presented in a heart-
warming style, but also includes fantasy, adventure, and much excitement.  I feel
the best aspect of this movie is the music.  Children will love the original songs
that are featured throughout the story.  The music was written specifically for
the program and is widely based on poems and lyrics from the book.  It is a
wonderful children’s adaptation to the novel.  The film has been released on
DVD and is readily available at most rental stores.
 

7. Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)

Escape to Witch Mountain is a Disney film based on the novel by Alexander
Key.  It tells the story of two troubled orphaned children who discover that they
have strange psychic powers.  Ultimately, the pair decides to go on an
adventure to witch mountain in order to discover their true identities.  The
journey is not easy and they encounter many obstacles along the way.  This is
one of the most entertaining Disney films ever created with a mixture of
mystery, fantasy, and adventure.  It will help your child build their imagination
and teach them about science fiction, which is important for normal
development.  It has been rated for children aged 7+ and is a great family film.
Escape to Witch Mountain is widely considered one of the best Disney movies
to be released in the 1970’s and helped pave the way for many live-action
predecessors.  If your kids like this film, they will equally enjoy the sequel
Return from Witch Mountain.

6. The Secret Garden (1993)

The Secret Garden is 1993 film that is adapted from the 1909 book by Frances
Hodgson Burnett.  It tells a story surrounding the recently-orphaned Mary
Lennox, who travels from her home in India to her Uncle Archibald Craven's
hundred-room house, Misselthwaite Manor, in Yorkshire, England.  Initially
rather unpleasant and unhappy, Mary meets two friends and discovers her aunts
long lost secret garden.  She immediately gives herself the task of bringing the
garden to life.  This film is an enchanting and mysterious adventure.  It also
gives some beautiful views of nature and flower life.  This film is rated for
children ages 8+.  It is a great family film with no inappropriate content.  A
great idea for parents would be to read the novel with your children, then view
the film, and discuss the small differences.  The Secret Garden is one of the
best reviewed films and books of all time and comes highly recommended in
school curriculum.
 

5. The Bear (1988)

The Bear, known as L'Ours in its original release, is a feature film the film that
tells the story of an orphaned bear cub befriended and protected by an adult
male grizzly as hunters pursue them through the wild.  It is set in late 19th
century British Columbia, Canada.  It is a great story and really helps give
children a view of nature, wildlife, and also teaches many goals of protection
and reality.  As a child, it was the first film I ever viewed that had a story
surrounding living creatures and it had a lasting impact.  The Bear was an
international success and received many awards, especially in France.  It was
filmed in the Dolomites, which is a section of the Alps.  The film is
recommended for children 8+ as one short scene depicts a couple of bears
mating.  It is a great family film that will give your child a new perspective on
parenthood and the environment.
 

4. Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)

Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a 1971 musical film produced by Walt Disney.  It
is one of the first films to combine live action and animation.  The film has
similarities to the 1964 release Mary Poppins.  It is partly set in the streets of
London and shares some of the same cast and crew.  The history and education
this film offers children is great.  The film includes an apprentice witch, three
Cockney war evacuees, and an illusionist conman who travel on a magic bed
across war-torn England and beyond, encountering various inhabitants of
London, football-playing cartoon animals, and Nazi invaders.  Angela Lansbury
is great as Miss Price, as she provides incredible musical talent.  The film was
not one of the most commercially successful Disney movies, but the soundtrack
is one of the best ever created.  In 1971, Bedknobs and Broomsticks won the
Academy Award for Special Visual Effects and it was nominated for Original
Music Score and Best Song.  It has been rated for children ages 6+ and is a true
children’s classic.

This classic Walt Disney picture tells the tale of a shipwrecked family who build
an island home.  It is a fun movie full of adventure, discovery, pirates,
shipwreck, family, and fun.  Swiss Family Robinson was one of the rare
widescreen Disney films shot with Panavision lenses.  It is one of the best
examples of a rousing, humorous, and gentle-hearted tale of family love amid
primitive isolation and dangers ever created.  The film is full of full of exotic
locations and animals, desert-island scenery, excitement, and a good subplot
involving the rivalry of the two elder sons.  It was filmed in Tobago, which is
located in the southern Caribbean Sea.  The film was a commercial success and
made an astounding $40,000,000 million in 1960.  It has been rated for children
ages 8+, as it contains pirates and some action scenes.  Disney has announced
that they will be remaking Swiss Family Robinson and the new film will be
released in 2012.

2. Charlotte's Web (1973)

Charlotte’s Web is an animated feature film based on the E.B. White book of
the same name.  The film tells the heartwarming story about a pig who is saved
from being slaughtered by an intelligent spider name Charlotte.  The film has an
amazing original score and music, which was written by the Sherman Brothers,
who had previously worked on films such as The Jungle Book and Chitty
Chitty Bang Bang.  Over the years, the film gained much success, making it one
of the most successful non-Disney musical animated features ever made.  It
was released by Paramount Pictures.  Charlotte Web is a touching story that
teaches children about life, death, and society.  It is one of the best tales of true
friendship ever written.  It shows that two separate people, as different as a
spider and pig, can become great friends.  It teachers children about the natural
life cycle, as Charlotte is old, has her children, and passes away after a full life,
however it is clear that her legend lives on in her newly born children and
Wilbur.  This film is great for children of all ages.
 

1. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The best children’s film ever created has to be The Wizard of Oz.  It was
released in 1939 and still entertains millions of children every year.  The film
follows a farm girl Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) who lives in Kansas and after
being struck unconscious during a tornado, she is transported to the magical
Land of Oz.  The character development, fantasy, and adventure in this film are
truly astounding.  The music is great and children can identify with the
individual character traits of Scarecrow, Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy,
Toto, and the various witches in the film.  The Wizard of Oz continues to be
one of the most recognizable and purchased films today.  Every child should
have the opportunity to preview this classic.  The soundtrack is considered the
best of all time and the film won numerous Academy Awards, but lost Best
Picture to Gone with the Wind.  This film will continue to stand the test of time
and live in children’s hearts forever.
    

Name:
Email:
Comments: