Watching a movie with grandchildren is an excellent way to bond with each other. And when didn’t a sleepover at the grandparents’ house involve movie night? Of course, kids might opt to watch the same movie again and again. So instead of watching the same film for the umpteenth time, consider watching some oldies but goodies, or pick one each day from this list of movies grandparents can watch with their grandkids.
1. Babe
This live-action film is a farm tale primarily considered as one of the all-time best family films. While there may be some scenes that can scare younger viewers, like sheep being attacked, Babe is, at its core, a tale of friendship, perseverance, and making your dreams come to fruition.
2. Beauty and the Beast
Children mature enough for feature-length movies will find Beauty and the Beast one of the best Disney films they could watch in terms of quality, originality, and intelligence.
3. Charlotte’s Web
This animated film based on E.B. White’s novel of loss, acceptance, and life features Wilbur, a pig destined to be a smoke ham, until a clever spider named Charlotte intervenes.
4. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
The E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial film narrates the friendship between a lost alien and a lonely boy. Its bittersweet ending gets discussions about making hard decisions going.
5. Finding Nemo
This film combines potty humor with messages about loyalty, determination, teamwork, and a dad’s never-ending love for his son. However, while there aren’t any bad lads in the traditional sense, younger children may be frightened from seeing animals with lots of teeth and multiple tense scenes with the characters in peril.
6. Flight of the Navigator
A 12-year-old boy was returned to Earth eight years later after aliens abducted him to study—he arrived only four days older. The science-fiction storyline will surely connect with the young ones.
7. Frozen
Frozen is a smash-hit animated musical from Disney that will appeal to children of all ages. The film’s message includes being true to oneself, not being afraid of the power you possess, unconditional love between siblings after a lengthy estrangement, and recognizing your gifts.
8. Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is the world’s most awesome nanny, and the film celebrating fun and family makes it one of the best ones of all time. Although the pace is sometimes chaotic and exuberant, there are no dark or dangerous elements in Mary Poppins. Fancy dancing, cartoon segments, and melodic music will captivate even the youngest viewers.
9. My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro is a good pick for the whole family. However, there appear creepy “dust sprites” in the house, but they will eventually disappear. Totoro himself might sound and look a little odd, but he’s pretty gentle and sweet. Overall, this family film appeals to movie enthusiasts, young and old alike.
10. Rocky
Rock is an American classic film about perseverance and filled with lessons on the American dream. Both the young and old can cheer Rocky up for success.
11. Singin’ in the Rain
The musical romantic comedy film tackles the transition from the silents to the talkies. The idea of a movie with no sound will be a unique concept that stirs the memories of older viewers and captivates the younger ones.
12. Some Like It Hot
Some Like It Hot has comic elements that get through loud and clear. The youth will enjoy the story of two musicians dressing as women to avoid being decimated by the mob.
13. The Adventures of Milo and Otis
The Adventures of Milo and Otis is a classic 80s film that gives an entertaining look at how a barn dog and cat befriend each other and will willingly risk everything to aid the other with its survival.
14. The Lego Movie
This action-packed animated film is a family-friendly adventure starring existing and original LEGO characters. Featuring some of the brand’s most notable figures (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Gandalf, etc.) and an all-star voice cast, this movie should appeal to viewers of all ages, from the young Duplo player to the teens who see themselves as Master Builders.
15. The Lion King
Considered one of the greatest animated musicals of Disney, The Lion King, despite a few evil characters and sad sequences, gives an overall message of love, family responsibility, and hope.
16. The Sound of Music
The Sound of Music is a film about family, dignity, and love and stars young actors who will help the younger viewers to connect with the story. Also, adult viewers will like the backstory of an impending war.
17. The Wizard of Oz
This movie features Dorothy Gale swept away in a tornado to the magical Land of Oz and goes on a quest with new friends. Young viewers will learn about friendship, facing your fears, and never giving up.
18. Toy Story
Pixar’s clever storyline and talented voice-acting make this feature film one of the all-time best children’s movies. Neighbor Sid may seem scary for the youngest moviegoers, but the underlying plot that deals with real-kid issues, such as sibling rivalry and separation anxiety, make Toy Story a great pick.
19. Up
This animated comedy-drama adventure film tells a lesson of true love, the friendship between young and old, and achieving your dreams.
20. War of the Worlds
This classic movie tells H.G. Wells’ tale of Mars invading the earth. The movie’s exploration of war can start up discussions about actions and their consequences.
How To Do a Fun Movie Night at Home
Planning a fun movie night with your grandparents or grandkids is a great way to bond with them. By watching a movie, you get to spend time with them and have fun. To elevate movie nights, you can prepare for them together, giving you even more things to do with your grandkids. Here are some things to make movie night with your grandkids even more fun.
Pick a Movie the Day Before
Picking a movie on the spot can be challenging when everyone wants to watch something different. This can even result in an argument, so to avoid any unpleasant feelings, it is best to pick out a movie before date night through a vote. Set up a small list of two or three options and have your grandkids pick one. The film that has the most votes wins.
Make Tickets
Once you have picked a movie, you can go ahead and make tickets for everyone. A fun way to bond is to have everyone decorate a ticket for someone else. This will allow you to spend more time with your grandchildren and get them excited and in the mood for the movie. You can also find online printables or movie ticket templates and get them printed.
Prepare Dinner With a Theme
Since you’ll be at home and have complete control over the food, you can theme your dinner to the movie. There are various movie dinner ideas that you can prepare with ease while also making them themed. For example, if you are in a hurry, you can make a pizza and add toppings in a mickey mouse shape. This can be really fun if you are watching a Disney movie.
If you want snacks, you can create a small concession snack bar with classic movie snacks such as popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, and more.
Conclusion
Spending time with someone and watching a movie can be an excellent way to bond with them. With grandparents, there are a large variety of movies that you can watch to have fun. To make the experience even better, you can invest some time into planning the movie night to make it even more special for all of you.