Family Movies
Good, clean movies are scarce these days. But there's a lot of old movies that are just wonderful! Deseret Book once posted a list of family movies. We've taken that list and added some additions and comments on the movies.
Anne Of Green Gables (1985) (TV)
Anne of Avonlea (1987)
PBS Classic Series: An endearing story of a spirited orphan raised
by down to earth spinster and her brother. Showcases the great
worth of education, determination, friendship, family values, and
achieving personal dreams.
Babette's Feast (1987)
Best Foreign Film Award: A small religious group in a Danish
fishing village are reawakened to the joys of living through the
artistry and sacrifice of their servant and cook.
*********************Dan's comment**********************
This one's ok, but it wasn't as powerful and moving
as I was led to believe. We actually did some laughing
AT it. It's all right, though.
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Ben Hur (1959)
Adventure Classic: Striking contrast between following Christ or
following Caesar. Jewish prince sent to the gallows finds his way to
Christ. Roman officer wastes his life in pride & indulgement.
The Bells of St. Mary's (1945, B&W)
Drama: Moving account of teaching with love; service to our fellow
man.
*********************Dan's comment**********************
This one has the funniest scene of kids acting
out the nativity story that I've ever seen.
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The Bishop's Wife(1947, B&W)
Christmas Classic: An angel is assigned to a Bishop struggling to
understand his true priorities. How to put the Savior on our
Christmas gift list; making our family a high priority.
The Black Stallion (1979)
Family Classic: Grand adventure of a boy and his horse; love is the
bonding force between both animals and people.
Born Free (1966)
Family Drama: The story of dedicated effort to return a tame lion to
the wilds; the power of tough, consistent love.
Boy's Town (1938, B&W)
Drama: Father O'Flannigan's home for boys. The worth of souls is
great; "There's no such thing as a bad boy."
Brian's Song (1971)
Sport's Drama: True friendship of two professional football players;
courage to face terminal illness with faith and dignity.
Captains Courageous (1937, B&W)
Family Classic: The story of a spoiled rich kid and his change of
heart; the true relationship of father's and sons; the value of honesty
and integrity. Should be required viewing for families.
Chariots Of Fire (1981)
Religious Drama: The telling story of athletes competing in the
Olympics; putting God before anything else; competing for the joy
of it; the empty success which follows obsessive ambition.
The Chosen (1981)
Family Drama: The story of two friends whose Jewish fathers raise
them in strikingly different manners. Great discussion starter on
purposeful ways to give direction to children.
A Christmas Carol(1951, B&W)
Great model of how knowledge of the past, present, and future
gives Scrooge the courage to change his life and become the
community standard for keeping Christmas. Compare Alma 5.
*********************Dan's comment**********************
TNT did a good version of this a few years ago with
Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard).
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Cyrano de Bergerac (1952) (199?)
Enduring Story: One of literature's great lessons on the excessive
emphasis we put on outward appearance at expense of true
character and true love.
The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941, B&W)
Drama: Daniel Webster argues for a man's soul. Great launch into a
discussion of how the adversary distorts our values.
The Diary of Anne Frank (1959, B&W)
Family Drama: Timely account of a teenage girl and her family
keeping up hope and courage in times of war.
David Copperfield (1935, B&W)
Family Classic: Ambitious tale of an orphan boy growing into
manhood. Great characters offer a broad spectrum of teaching
themes--integrity, finding a mate and companion, choosing our
life's work, befriending the outcast and homeless.
*********************Dan's comment**********************
Mom and Dad have a great modern BBC version of this,
starring Harry Potter. - 4 hrs
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The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951, B&W)
Science Fiction Classic: visitor from outer space brings a profound
and timely message of peace to a world prone to try and solve their
problems with violence.
Enchanted April (1992)
Drama Classic: How seven characters, living dreary lives of
unfulfilled expectations, are born again through the everyday
miracle of letting light and love into their heart and soul.
*********************Dan's comment**********************
A little odd (it's British), and a little slow,
and the kids probably won't like it, but it's
ok for a one-time viewing.
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The Enchanted Cottage (1945, B&W)
Romantic Gem: two forgotten souls find redemption in their esteem
for each other. The power of love reveals true beauty. (Hard to find
but worth the effort.)
The Farmer's Daughter (1947, B&W)
Romantic Comedy: Hard work, homespun values and honest
candor help Swedish farm girl make a impact on local government.
Preparation precedes power.
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
Period Drama/Musical: Jewish family under the strain of
persecution in Russia. Illustrates the power of religious traditions
and the courage to create new ones.
(Note: Correct and incorrect traditions is one of the central themes
of the Book of Mormom.)
The Fourth Wise Man (1985) (TV)
Christmas Drama: Story of the wise man who was too late to offer
his gifts to the Christ child. Great illustration of the principle of giving
unto Him by serving the least of our brethren.
Friendly Persuasion (1956)
Family Classic: How a Quaker family deals with Civil War violence.
Powerful study of the dynamics of upholding religious convictions in
the face of the injustice of war.
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947, B&W)
Romance: Enchanting tale of how love transcends time. Great lead
into a discussion of the true principles of eternal marriage.
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939, B&W)
Heartwarming Drama: How marriage partners bring out the best in
each other; how dedicated teachers can affect their students
through their example of courage and love.
The Great Escape (1963)
Prisoner of war Drama: Great cast and music. Fact based story of a
mass escape from POW camp. Portrays the courage, ingenuity of
the prisoners, the humor and the horror of war.
Hans Christian Andersen (1952)
Musical Biography: The power of stories, being true to yourself, and
using your talents to bless others.
Harvey (1950, B&W)
Comedy: Eccentric man and his imaginary six-foot rabbit friend.
Great opportunity to discuss tolerance for people's differences.
Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (1957)
War Drama: A tough marine and a devout nun learn from each
other while stranded on an enemy infested island.
High Noon (1952, B&W)
On everyone's best movie list. Tale of one man's courage and sense
of duty, and his wife's sacrifice for his well being.
How Green Was My Valley (1941, B&W)
Family Drama: Heart rending, inspiring film of a coal mining family
who valued education and sustained their faith during trying
conditions.
Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958)
Classic Biography: True story of a woman who became a
missionary in Northern China. Inspiring account of a modern day
Ruth, called Jen Ai, "the one who loves" by those she served.
It's A Wonderful Life (1946, B&W)
Christmas Classic: George Baily is given the chance to see what life
would have been like had he not been born: how service to our
fellow man has greater value than worldly honor.
*********************Dan's comment**********************
"Well I'm sorryHEYYYYYYYYYY!"
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It Happened One Night (1934, B&W)
Romantic Comedy: Adventures of a newsman and a runaway
tycoon's daughter. Standout example of falling in love without
engaging in immoral conduct.
(Oscar sweep: best picture, director, actor and actress.)
Joan of Arc (1948)
Historical Drama: Uneven but inspired movie of a courageous farm
girl who heard the word of God and followed it. Hardened soldiers
gave up immoral practices at her request.
Juarez (1939, B&W)
Historical Drama: Slow in developing, but insightful look at the man
considered to be the Abraham Lincoln of Mexico. Outstanding
dialogue on the power of democracy.
The King and I (1956)
Classic Musical: King of Siam and an English teacher/governess
learn tolerance for cultural differences. The great value of education
and necessity of a lifetime of learning and growth.
*********************Dan's comment**********************
Anna and the King is a good modern version, although
it's a little violent.
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Les Miserables (1935) (TV: 1978)
Classic Drama: A wood cutter is transformed from hardened
convict into a man of great charity and integrity when he is taught
the power of the redemption. Everyone needs to see this one!
Life of Emile Zola (1937, B&W)
Biography: Civic minded author (Zola) champions a fight for justice
in behalf of a Jewish Officer in the French Army falsely accused.
Based on a true story.
Life With Father (1947, B&W)
Family Comedy: How patience, tolerance, and a sense of humor
enabled a large family to deal with differences and difficulties.
Little Lord Fauntleroy (1980) (TV)
Christmas Drama: A young American boy becomes heir to an
English fortune by looking on the bright side of every situation.
Charity really does cover a multitude of sins.
Little Women (1933) (1994)
Family Drama: Four daughters come of age. Powerful lessons on
family togetherness, developing our talents, and sharing meager
blessings with the poor.
The Longest Day (1962, B&W)
World War II Drama: D-day landing in France. Great lesson in
history. The bravery of soldiers and the tragedy of war without
resorting to graphic violence and gore.
Lost Horizon (1937, B&W)
Drama/ Fantasy: Story of a man who found, and then left, a
paradise. Start of a meaningful family discussion on the purpose of a
fallen world, where pain and hardship abound.
Magnificent Obsession (1954)
Drama: How a self-centered egotist turns his life around to make
restitution for a senseless accident. Provides a wonderful formula
for giving and serving in secret.
A Man Called Peter (1955)
Religious Drama: True life story of the Scottish immigrant who
became the chaplain of the U.S. Senate. His speeches and zeal for
service make him a model of Christian discipleship.
A Man for All Seasons (1966)
Historical Drama: Life of Sir Thomas More. One of the singular
stories of integrity in history. Great dialogue and uplifting action.
The Man from Snowy River (1982)
Australian Adventure: Realistic look at what qualities make a man
a man. Film provides a broad spectrum of examples from the
wealthy cattle baron to the humble stock hand.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Family Musical Classic: A nanny with extraordinary powers signs
on in a proper English household to teach them that the most
important successes happen within the walls of their home.
Meet John Doe (1941, B&W)
Drama: A fraudulent publicity campaign unites the silent majority
into supporting each other. Contrasts the secret designs of
conspiring men with the power of the voice of the people.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947, B&W)
Christmas Classic: Santa Claus is put on trial. Illustration of the
power of imagination, the need to believe in things we cannot see,
and how the spirit of Christmas blesses us all.
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939, B&W)
Drama Classic: An honest man comes to Washington. Best lesson
on civics and government on film. It can restore your faith in
democracy. (On all of the "greatest movie" lists.)
*********************Dan's comment**********************
Great show, although a similar one, "Mr. Deeds Goes
to Town," is better. The funny thing about this one,
is that besides Jimmy Stewart, it has the same director
as in It's a Wonderful Life, AND Ma Bailey (who's still
Jimmy's mom), Uncle Billy(who's still a drunk), and
Mr. Gower in it.
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Mrs. Miniver (1942, B&W)
Family Drama Classic: Teaches how to overcome social barriers,
live with courage during times of war, freely give service to our
country, and the blessing of having solid family values.
The Music Man (1962)
Musical Classic: A shady salesman peddling band uniforms and
instruments learns the meaning of true love from a librarian. Power
of musical training as a deterrent to idleness.
Mutiny On The Bounty (1935, B&W)
Sea Adventure: Powerful example of the conflict between personal
conscience and the unjust application of the law.
National Velvet (1945, B&W)
Family Classic: Support and encouragement of our children's gifts
and their quest for excellence. Good insights into how to nurture
youth and build character.
Night Crossing (1982)
Drama behind the Iron Curtain: Family escape from East Germany.
The terrible, yet wonderful price some people are willing to pay to
be free.
Old Yellar (1957)
Family Classic: Frontier mother and two boys survive serious
calamities with the help of a yellow mongrel. In the process they
come to grips with some of life's most wrenching realities.
The Parent Trap (1961)
Family Comedy/Drama: Identical twins discover each other and
then scheme to rekindle the romance between divorced parents.
The Picture of Dorian Grey (1945, B&W)
Drama: story of a man who barters his soul for the privilege of
staying young and attractive. Fascinating discussion starter for the
link between our actions and its effect upon our appearance.
Polyanna (1960)
Family Classic: Young orphan resurrects the spirit of a whole town
with the Christian philosophy of being of good cheer. One of the best
sermons on film. This one is not just for kids.
The Pride of the Yankees (1942, B&W)
Heroic Drama: based upon the true story of Lou Gehrig: his
devotion to his wife and to his life's work, and how he courageously
accepted a crippling illness.
The Prince of Egypt (1992)
Animated Musical: Engaging retelling of the story of Moses and his
struggle to free his people from bondage in Egypt.
Rachel and the Stranger (1948, B&W)
Romance: Two men fall in love with a woman who is the
bond-servant of one. Interesting look at how romance can best be
influenced: by serving one another, or courting each other.
Random Harvest (1942, B&W)
Christian Classic: Woman befriends a man with amnesia. One of the
great film examples of true charity, serving each other and
sacrificing our feelings for the sake of those we love.
Roman Holiday (1953, B&W)
Romance: Love transcends wealth, position, and desire for success
in this story of a newsman falling in love with an errant princess.
The Russians Are Coming (1966)
Comedy: Russian sub grounds itself on a East Coast sandbar.
Humorous lesson in overcoming cultural stereotypes and biases.
Sarah, Plain and Tall (1990) (TV)
Family Classic: Singular look at the dynamics of family love as a
woman from New England answers a personal ad to become wife
to Kansas farmer, and mother to his two children.
The Scarlet and the Black (1983)
Wartime Drama: Fact based story of a Vatican priest who saved
the lives of thousands in Rome at the end of WWII. One of the most
courageous and heroic figures on film.
The Scarlet Pimpernel (1987)
Period Drama during the French Revolution: provides setting for
entertaining lessons in courage, ingenuity, building relationships of
trust between man and wife.
Sergeant York (1941, B&W)
Family Favorite: The true story of the bravest soldier in WW1, his
conversion to religious values, his willingness to live by the word of
the Lord, his patriotism and honor during battle.
Shadowlands (1993)
Classic Drama: Revered writer and teacher confronted with the
challenge of living what he believes when he falls in love and
marries a gritty, compassionate woman. All time great movie.
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Classic Musical: Show business drama highlighting how the proper
application of our talents eventually reaps success. (Note: on all the
lists of greatest movies)
Skylark (1993) (TV)
Sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall: How a woman who loved the
romance of the sea learns comes to write her name in the drought
stricken soil of Kansas. A love story almost unparalleled in film.
The Sound of Music (1965)
Family Musical Classic: Based on a true story of a family in Austria.
How the power of music gives strength and power to families and
nations; facing life without fear of consequences.
The Spirit of St. Louis (1957)
Drama: The heroism of Charles Lindburgh's solo flight over the
Atlantic. The triumph of the human spirit over the elements and
over the shadows of our past.
Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
Family Adventure: Shipwrecked family learns lessons of
cooperation, creativity, and family growth.
Tale of Two Cities (1935, B&W)
Historic Drama during the French Revolution: How a man who had
squandered his time and talents redeems himself by laying down his
life for something greater than himself.
The Ten Commanments (1957)
Bible Epic: Children of Israel are delivered from the slavery of
Egypt only to find themselves enslaved to superstition and disbelief.
True deliverance comes from obeying commandments.
Tender Mercies (1983)
Drama: Down and out drifter/drunk discovers the mercies the Lord
shows those willing to believe and change.
Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944, B&W)
Fact-based story of first bombing raid over Tokyo: The courage of
the flight crew; patriotism of their Chinese supporters; the sterling
example of a loving, faithful wife at home.
*********************Dan's comment**********************
Great show.
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To Kill a Mockingbird (1962, B&W)
Drama: widowed, hometown lawyer tries to raise his children and
overcome racial prejudice in his quest for justice. (On everyone's
classic movie list)
To Sir, with Love (1967)
Drama: A black teacher in London gives students an education in
living life along with academics. Love for students can lift even
students whose circumstances are pulling them down.
*********************Dan's comment**********************
I saw part of this on TV once and it looked kind of
weird. I didn't watch the whole thing, though.
It's got Sidney Poitier though.
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Treasure Island (1950, B&W)
Adventure Classic: Pirate tale of looking for buried treasure.
Lessons of courage, integrity, and the triumph of good over evil.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Drama: Three prospectors who strike it rich fail to learn that the
greater treasure is a clear conscience and a love of our fellow men.
An example of learning from a bad example.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
Adventure at Sea: Jules Verne classic looks at how creative genius
can be used for either good or evil.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Family/Fantasy Musical Classic: Children win tickets to tour a
magical candy factory where character flaws are ingeniouly
revealed. Great start of a family discussion on honesty, TV habits,
greed, character building and more.
With Six, You Get Eggroll (1968)
Family Comedy: Humorous adventures of trying to blend two
families: how marriage requires a lot of patience and tolerance.
The Yearling (1946)
Family Classic: Frontier boy raises an orphaned fawn as a pet.
Family togetherness helps them weather stark frontier realities.
You Can't Take It With You (1938, B&W)
Oscar Winning Comedy: Breaking down of social barriers between
the "haves" and the "have nots." Teaches that true values center on
the love of our family and friends.
*********************Dan's comment**********************
I've seen the play, and it's one of the funniest
I've ever seen.
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Young Mr. Lincoln (1939, B&W)
Biography: A humorous and insightful look at the formative years
and struggles of Abraham Lincoln, who became a genuine
American hero.
*******************Brenda's Additional Movies******************
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Yes, it's a chick
flick, but a very good one. For men who don't mind a
chick flick once in a while, you might even enjoy this
one. Make sure you watch the one starring Colin Firth
and Jennifer Ehle. 310 minutes
Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens: This one has
parts you may not want young kids watching. It gets a
little violent in parts, so watch it when the young
kids are in bed or at the neighbors. I liked this one
SO much. Watch the one starring Sophia Myles as Kate
Nickleby. It will probably take you a couple of
nights to watch the whole thing.
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*********************Dan's Additional Movies**********************
Life is Beautiful
Amazing movie! It's Italian with Enlish subtitles, and is about
an Italian concentration camp in WWII. But it's actually hilarious
while still very moving! Seldom do I walk out of a movie as
impressed as I was with this one.
October Sky
Great clean, inspiring movie based on a true story about future
NASA man Homer Hickham, and how model rockets helped him escape
a life of coal mining in West Virginia. Great lessons about
determination, family life, and hope.
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
Hilarious show about a simple man from a small town who inherits
a fortune, and all the people that try to ruin him and rip him off.
It's an old Gary Cooper movie, directed by Frank Capra, who directed
It's a Wonderful Life. Absolutely delightful to watch.
NOT to be mistaken for the recent, crude movie Mr. Deeds!
Where the Red Fern Grows
I just thought of this one, and have now declared it a classic,
although I haven't seen it in years. Who can forget the great
story about the hunting dogs Dan and Ann?
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
This is a short, cheesy Christmas movie. It's kind of silly,
but cute too.
The Princess Bride
Well, how can this be left off a list of family movies? Great fun,
with true love(or is that to blave?) and adventure.
Star Wars
For good, clean action films, can you beat Star Wars? Light-sabers
and laser blasters and cutting a droid in half give plenty of
excitement with no gore.
Toy Story(s), A Bug's Life, Monsters Inc
I guess we could include all the Disney movies on this, but these
Pixar movies are some of the most intelligent movies made, and
entertain adults just as well as the kids.
Babe
Call me crazy, but this is a funny show, and your kids will love it!
The adventures of a pig who tries to escape butchering by learning to
be a shepherd. Or something like that. :)
Wait Until Dark
Want a clean scary movie? This is an old Aubrey Hepburn movie, and
there's no special effects, no eery music, but such a well-written
script and good acting that it is pretty amazing how it can startle
you! It is a little scary, but very tame compared to most scary movies.
The Other Side of Heaven
The story about Elder Groberg as a missionary in Tonga. Very well
done movie.
The Secret Garden
Remember this one? Classic story that's 100% clean.
The Rookie
I actually haven't even seen this one yet, but I've only heard
wonderful things about it. Another inspiring, clean movie base
on a true story of a baseball coach who tries out for the Major
League to inspire his team, and ends up becoming the oldest rookie
ever in Major Leage Baseball.
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