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.