10 best films for kids
August 6, 2008

The Coalition for Quality Children’s Media recently named its inaugural Kids First! Top 100 Kids Films and is working with distributors to get the titles merchandised at retail this month. This list (available at Kidsfirst.org/top100.html) provides a great promotional opportunity for any retailer that counts families with children among their core clientele, which is to say, just about any retailer. With rental on the upswing (see story, page 1) and the start of the school year nigh, families will be looking for quality, inexpensive entertainment they can enjoy together at home.

Here are the group’s Top 10 films for children ages 3-8, with comments from Coalition president Ranny Levy. “The films on this list portray the values and ethics that we, as a culture, wish to instill in our children,” she says.

The Wizard of Oz (Warner, 1939) It is a delight to watch this timeless classic with great music and great messages about courage, love, brains, family, adventure and going home. As appealing today as when the film was first released in 1939. Note: the flying monkeys can be a bit too scary for younger kids. (Ages 5 and up)

The Sound of Music (Fox, 1965) is one of the greatest screen musicals ever produced. It still resonates with kids today (though it might not be the thing for rambunctious young boys). Includes many outstanding tunes starting with the title song, "The Sound of Music." (Ages 4 and up)

 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Warner, 1971) The original is a winner, hands down. Visually stunning, somewhat weird and completely wonderful, this film can be appreciated on so many levels. Full of magic that appeals to the entire family. (Ages 5 and up)

 Babe (Universal, 1995) Piglet Babe is a model of goodness; there isn't a mean bone in his little porky little body. All the animals are adorable in this charming story based on the children's book by Dick King-Smith. (Ages 4 and up)

 Shrek (DreamWorks/Paramount, 2001) Traditional fairy tales are satirized, gender stereotypes are pulverized, and all result in a happy surprise ending. The storyline emphasizes loving people for who they really are. It contains some minor naughtiness, such as the potty humor, which makes kids uproariously laugh and adults cringe. (Ages 5 and up)

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone (Warner, 2001) Funny, and whimsical, with a message that good triumphs over evil, the book-based film draws the viewer into its supernatural world. Note that there are scenes way too scary for younger kids but your older ones will be enthralled. (Ages 7 and up)

Finding Nemo (Disney, 2003) The creators surpassed themselves in making this animated landscape look real. The funny and touching father / son adventure is something the whole family can enjoy over and over again without it losing its appeal. (Ages 3 and up)

 Charlotte's Web (Paramount, 2006) This wonderful film is based on the classic children's novel by E.B. White. The moral messages deal with friendship, loyalty and being true. It addresses the topic of death, but in a very appropriate and non-frightening way. (Ages 5 and up)

 Ratatouille (Disney, 2007) The preposterous idea that a rat has the capability to concoct epicurean dishes and wins raves from Parisian food snobs may be farfetched but it works. This delightful tale expresses the idea that true art is beyond prejudice, and sustains us. (Ages 3 and up)

 Enchanted (Disney, 2007) A soon-to-be classic that delivers a very good message about love and how it differs in real life from fairy tales. Giselle’s fairy tale optimism and good nature run counter to the real world but somehow her ideas take hold. (Ages 5 and up)

Posted by Marcy Magiera on August 6, 2008 | Comments (0)