Although you may be trying to steer away from too much screen time this Summer [1], hear us out: there's literally nothing better than a movie night on a hot night [2], especially if it's outdoors. Rather than fill your nights with repeat watches of Coco and Moana, enlighten your little ones with a few of the best movies from the '80s [3], '90s, and '00s that you loved as a kid [4].
Whether they take place in the Summer, remind you of the summertime, or just have sunny, warm vibes that make you think of long school-less days, these nostalgic movies [5] are perfect choices for family movie nights this season [6].
The Goonies
Year: 1985
Rating: PG
Tagline: "They call themselves "The Goonies." The secret caves. The old lighthouse. The lost map. The treacherous traps. The hidden treasure. And Sloth... Join the adventure."
Reasons they need to see it: I have to admit this one wasn't on my original list (I never quite "got" it, I'm more of a Stand by Me girl), but my husband insists it is the greatest '80s movie of all time. Steven Spielberg [7]'s true buddy film, it's the story of a group of neighbourhood kids on a treasure hunt trying to save their neighbourhood from developers.
What to watch out for: Swear words, there are a lot of them!
The Karate Kid
Year: 1984
Rating: PG
Tagline: "Only the 'Old One' could teach him the secrets of the masters."
Reasons they need to see it: Do your kids a favour and don't show them the most recent remake of this classic. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita are the masters, and their relationship is one for the ages. Full of positive role models and messages — like respecting your elders and working hard — this one will teach your kids a lot.
What to watch out for: While this one is mostly full of good, clean fun, the whole reason Daniel starts to learn karate is because he's been a victim of bullying, so expect some fist fights that have nothing to do with martial arts. There's also the appearance of weed once, and Mr. Miyagi gets drunk.
My Girl
Year: 1991
Rating: PG-13
Tagline: "When your Dad's an undertaker, your Mom's in heaven, and your Grandma's got a screw loose . . . it's good to have a friend who understands you. Even if he is a boy."
Reasons they need to see it: This movie should be every child's first love film, as Vada and Thomas J. are just children themselves. The film covers the topics of death (of a parent and of a friend), lasting friendships, single parenthood, and family quirkiness (and accepting that for what it is). It's a powerful movie that will stick with your kids forever.
What to look out for: There are fewer movie scenes more tragic than Thomas J.'s sudden death and funeral (BRB, crying). Death is the main theme of this movie, so some kids might need some hard cuddling through the difficult scenes.
The Sandlot
Year: 1993
Rating: PG
Tagline: "The adventure of a lifetime, the Summer of their dreams . . . the dog of their nightmares."
Reasons they need to see it: Scotty Smalls faces the struggle of moving away from his friends and having to make new ones, something that young children going through the same thing could have anxiety about. The movie proves that you can make friends even with the most unlikely people, and that though something may seem scary, you can face it with people who support you (and if it ends up not being scary, you might meet a cute dog or a retired baseball player).
What to look out for: The scenes showing the boys' perception of The Beast are a tiny bit scary.
Free Willy
Year: 1993
Rating: PG
Tagline: "How far would you go for a friend?"
Reasons they need to see it: Michael Jackson [8]'s "Will You Be There" rolls through the credits, for one. More importantly though, this film touches upon things like wildlife conservation, finding your path after making mistakes, learning to love and accept love, and true friendship between both humans and animals.
What to look out for: Some of the scenes with the fishermen — who are loud and violent — could be scary for younger children.
Little Giants
Year: 1994
Rating: PG
Tagline: "For everyone who's waited to be chosen, and wasn't . . . your day has come."
Reasons they need to see it: This group of hilarious kids has so much to teach your young kids about friendship, hard work, inclusion, sportsmanship, and teamwork. (Plus, don't you want to introduce your kids to one of your first on-screen crushes, Devon Sawa?)
What to watch out for: There's some potty humour in this one and a few super minor swears — damn, hell, pissed — but that's about it!
Dennis the Menace
Year: 1993
Rating: PG
Tagline: "He's armed . . . He's adorable . . . And he's out of school for the entire Summer."
Reasons they need to see it: There is a little bit of Dennis in every young child, and it was fun as a kid to watch what he got up to — it will make your child seem like an angel, until they decide to start copycatting some of his antics. Most of all, this one will make your kiddo crack up.
What to look out for: The scenes with Christopher Lloyd as Switchblade Sam can be a little scary for young eyes, but Dennis drives him crazy fast enough that the comedy comes back into play fairly quickly.
The Little Rascals
Year: 1994
Rating: PG
Tagline: "Mischief loves company!"
Reasons they need to see it: First love, keeping up appearances in front of your "bros," go-karts, talent shows, and more make up this iconic film that covers literally every aspect of childhood in one mischievous little package. Also, mini Bug Hall and an adorable Travis Tedford will show your kids that even the best of friends have fights sometimes, but with a little work can always forgive and forget.
What to look out for: The term "He-Man Woman Haters Club" might bring up a few choice conversations.
Heavy Weights
Year: 1995
Rating: PG
Tagline: "They don't run the fastest. They don't jump the highest. But they sure are getting the last laugh."
Reasons they need to see it: While the premise of this movie is totally outdated, its humour is everlasting. A crazed Ben Stiller [10] will throw your kids into fits of giggles, they'll want to befriend every single boy at Camp Hope, and they'll be begging you for a chance to jump on "The Blob."
What to look out for: There is a minor bit of profanity. And a bunch of fart scenes that may cause uncontrollable laughter.
The Parent Trap
Year: 1998
Rating: PG
Tagline: "Twice the fun, double the trouble."
Reasons they need to see it: It'd be just plain wrong to not let your kids see Lindsay Lohan [11] in her prime, playing both parts of twins Hallie and Annie. Beginning at Summer camp, this movie is full of charm all the way through and will teach your kids that no matter what the situation, love conquers all.
What to watch out for: The "twins'" mischief is harmless for the most part, but I will say that the ear-piercing scene in the beginning made me a little squeamish when I first saw this as an 8-year-old. For children of divorce, it may be smart to have a conversation about the twins' actions that lead to eventually getting their parents back together in the end, if that's not in alignment with what's realistic for your family.
Cheaper by the Dozen
Year: 2003
Rating: PG
Tagline: "Growing pains? They've got twelve of them!"
Reasons they need to see it: Steve Martin [12]'s goofy and lovable character is left to fend for himself and his 12 kids when his wife goes on a promotional tour for her book. His demeanour and the way he does his best to accommodate the needs of his 12 kids that all vary in age will help to humble kids and allow them to understand all of the emotions a parent feels — and most importantly, that adults may not always have the answers, but they're always doing their best.
What to look out for: There's literally nothing about this film that isn't family-friendly, maybe with the exception of Ashton Kutcher [13] getting attacked in the crotch by a dog who can smell the raw meat that the younger kids soaked his underwear in.
Holes
Year: 2003
Rating: PG
Tagline: "Some secrets are too big to keep hidden."
Reasons they need to see it: Stanley Yelnats's family has been cursed with bad luck for 100 years, and by the end of the film, he has reversed his family's luck through a series of crazy events. This movie proves that you can change even the most bleak of circumstances if you put your mind to it, and even if something can't be changed, per se, you can do your best to make a bad situation better.
What to look out for: There's a bit of violence — think Sigourney Weaver slapping Jon Voight across the face — and some mild language.
The Notebook
Year: 2004
Rating: PG-13
Tagline: "Behind every great love is a great story."
Reasons they need to see it: Allie and Noah's love story was the most fierce of its decade and has had a lasting impact on hearts all over the world since the movie's release. The film's story shows the course of a first-love relationship for two teens, and while not every relationship lasts in those early teen days, the movie does not downplay the importance of your first love. It's a great movie to show teens who are just beginning to become interested in dating and who want desperately to grow up and be in love (just like we all once did).
What to look out for: Though you could fast forward through the one sex scene, this movie is definitely one for your teen regardless, as there isn't much in it for younger kids. The ending of the movie is a bit upsetting (or what I like to call "tragically beautiful") — OK, it's super upsetting — but your teen should be able to cope.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
Year: 2005
Rating: PG
Tagline: "Laugh. Cry. Share the pants."
Reasons they need to see it: This is the ultimate best-friend movie. The girls grow up together, share everything with each other physically and emotionally, and learn to deal with the way friendship changes and grows as they do. It also serves to prove that friends can get through anything together.
What to look out for: The girls help Bridget cope with the loss of her mother, which is a bit upsetting, and there is a bit of language — when Carmen hits her breaking point with her dad — and a scene or two with some hot and heavy making out.