Though decades have passed since I’ve wandered the aisles of a Blockbuster with my dad, he still pokes fun at the beeline I made to the same movie, each and every time: the 1980s cult classic, Labyrinth. How my parents managed to endure viewing after viewing of what I can now see is a ludicrous mishmash of David Bowie and Jim Henson, truly boggles the mind. While I can’t hope to undo what I long ago inflicted on my mom and dad, I can attempt to save a new generation of parents from the same fate.
So, if your little one reaches for the same title time after time, then this one’s for you. Below, with the trusted input of my movie-loving 6-year-old, I compiled a list of memorable, thoughtful, and totally fun flicks all but guaranteed to pull your family out of your movie night rut.
1. Ratatouille
Rating: G
Where to watch: Disney+, YouTube (Rent/Purchase)
2. The Tale of Despereaux
Rating: G
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube (Rent/Purchase)
3. My Neighbor Totoro
Rating: G
Where to watch: HBOMax, AmazonPrime, Vudu
4. The Secret of Nimh
Rating: G
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube (Rent/Purchase)
5. The Wizard of Oz
Rating: G
Where to watch: Vudu, AmazonPrime, YouTube (Rent/Purchase)
6. Paddington 2
Rating: PG
Where to watch: AmazonPrime, YouTube (Rent/Purchase)
7. Over the Moon
Rating: PG
Where to watch: Netflix
8. Song of the Sea
Rating: PG
Where to watch: AmazonPrime, Vudu
9. Spirited Away
Rating: PG
Where to watch: HBOMax, YouTube (Rent/Purchase)
10. How to Train Your Dragon
Rating: PG
Where to watch: AmazonPrime, Vudu
11. Coco
Rating: PG
Where to watch: Disney+
12. A Wrinkle in Time
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Disney+, AmazonPrime
Read More: 18 Movies That Celebrate Diversity to Watch as a Family