Timeless Kids’ Movies from the '80s and '90s That Moms Will Love Sharing with Their Kids
As a mom, there’s something magical about sharing the films that shaped your childhood with your own children. Kids’ movies from the '80s and '90s have a special charm, offering a blend of nostalgia, creativity, and heartwarming stories. If you’re looking to introduce your little ones to the classics that made your own childhood so memorable, here are some films that are perfect for a family movie night.
1. "The Princess Bride" (1987)
Rating: PG
Why It’s a Classic: This film is a fairy tale adventure that’s as charming as it is clever. It’s filled with memorable lines, swashbuckling action, and a dash of romance.
Why Your Kids Will Love It: The whimsical characters like the charming Westley, the clever Buttercup, and the lovable Fezzik make for an engaging watch. The story's blend of fantasy and humor is sure to captivate their imaginations.
Why You'll Love It: The witty dialogue and tongue-in-cheek humor will make you laugh, and it’s a great way to share a bit of the magic of '80s cinema with your kids. Plus, it’s a film that gets better with each viewing, offering new jokes and references each time.
2. "Back to the Future" (1985)
Rating: PG
Why It’s a Classic: This time-travel adventure follows Marty McFly as he journeys to the past and meets his parents as teenagers. It’s a thrilling mix of sci-fi and comedy.
Why Your Kids Will Love It: The time-traveling DeLorean, Marty’s adventures, and the dynamic between him and his eccentric friend Doc Brown make for a fun and engaging story.
Why You'll Love It: The film's clever plot, memorable characters, and nostalgic '80s vibes will take you back to your own childhood. It’s also a great conversation starter about time travel and history.
3. "Labyrinth" (1986)
Rating: PG
Why It’s a Classic: With David Bowie’s unforgettable performance and a fantastical world filled with unique creatures, this film is a visual and musical treat.
Why Your Kids Will Love It: The imaginative labyrinth, the quirky characters, and Bowie’s magical songs are perfect for sparking young imaginations.
Why You'll Love It: The film's distinctive style and Bowie’s music will resonate with you. It’s a chance to share a bit of '80s pop culture and discuss themes of perseverance and growing up.
4. "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982)
Rating: PG
Why It’s a Classic: This heartwarming tale of a young boy who befriends an alien stranded on Earth is a beautiful story of friendship and empathy.
Why Your Kids Will Love It: E.T.’s special powers, the adventure of hiding him, and the emotional moments between E.T. and Elliott are sure to captivate your little ones.
Why You'll Love It: The film’s touching themes of kindness and family will resonate with you. It’s a perfect example of Spielberg’s ability to tell a story that tugs at the heartstrings, making it an ideal film for sharing with your family.
5. "The Goonies" (1985)
Rating: PG
Why It’s a Classic: This adventure-comedy follows a group of kids who embark on a treasure hunt to save their homes, filled with action and humor.
Why Your Kids Will Love It: The thrilling treasure hunt, the eccentric characters, and the sense of adventure make it an exciting watch for kids.
Why You'll Love It: The film’s nostalgic '80s adventure vibe and the strong themes of friendship and bravery will bring back fond memories. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to classic adventure stories.
6. "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" (1989)
Rating: PG
Why It’s a Classic: This sci-fi comedy tells the story of a scientist who accidentally shrinks his children to the size of insects, leading to a series of humorous and adventurous situations.
Why Your Kids Will Love It: The imaginative idea of being tiny and the amusing scenarios that arise are sure to delight them.
Why You'll Love It: The clever special effects and humorous take on family dynamics will entertain you. It’s a fun way to discuss themes of problem-solving and family togetherness.
7. "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993)
Rating: PG-13
Why It’s a Classic: Robin Williams stars as a father who disguises himself as a nanny to be closer to his children after a divorce.
Why Your Kids Will Love It: The funny antics of Mrs. Doubtfire and the touching relationship between the father and his children will keep them entertained and emotionally engaged.
Why You'll Love It: The film’s humor and heartwarming moments will make you laugh and reflect on the complexities of family life. It’s a wonderful way to discuss themes of divorce and the importance of family.
8. "The Sandlot" (1993)
Rating: PG
Why It’s a Classic: This coming-of-age film about a group of boys who bond over baseball captures the spirit of summer and childhood friendship.
Why Your Kids Will Love It: The fun baseball games, the humorous adventures, and the relatable struggles of growing up make it a delightful watch.
Why You'll Love It: The nostalgia of childhood friendships and the themes of teamwork and perseverance will resonate with you. It’s a great way to share the joy of summer and baseball with your children.
9. "Matilda" (1996)
Rating: PG
Why It’s a Classic: Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, this film follows a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers as she overcomes adversity.
Why Your Kids Will Love It: Matilda’s magical abilities, her clever tricks, and her triumph over the villainous Miss Trunchbull will captivate their imaginations.
Why You'll Love It: The clever adaptation of Dahl’s story and the charming performance by Mara Wilson will remind you of the joys of childhood reading. It’s also a great way to discuss the power of knowledge and resilience.
10. "Space Jam" (1996)
Rating: PG
Why It’s a Classic: This film blends live-action with animation, featuring NBA star Michael Jordan teaming up with the Looney Tunes to win a basketball game against evil aliens.
Why Your Kids Will Love It: The mix of animation and live-action, the energetic basketball game, and the beloved Looney Tunes characters are sure to be a hit.
Why You'll Love It: The film’s '90s pop culture references and the fun crossover of sports and animation will bring back memories. It’s a great way to share a piece of '90s nostalgia with your family.
Final Thoughts
Sharing these classic films with your children isn’t just about introducing them to beloved stories; it’s about creating new memories together. These movies from the '80s and '90s offer a wonderful blend of adventure, humor, and heart that both you and your kids will enjoy. So grab some popcorn, settle in with your family, and enjoy these timeless tales that continue to capture the magic of childhood across generations.
