“Movies touch our hearts, open our minds, and change the way we see the world.” – Martin Scorsese.
This beautiful quote captures how movies are more than just entertainment; they inspire, educate, and can bring families closer together. Sharing a story, whether a thrilling adventure or heartfelt journey creates lasting memories and offers lessons that resonate with both children and adults alike.
Thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, enjoying great movies at home has never been easier. Alternatively, you can visit a library to borrow DVDs, hunt for hidden gems at thrift stores, or even revisit your own collection of family favourites.
The Educational and Cultural Benefits of Watching Movies
Watching movies with children introduces them to new cultures, empathy, and curiosity about the world. These experiences foster critical thinking as kids learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and values like kindness, courage, and teamwork.
Educational shows also support early skills, helping younger children learn colours, numbers, words and more. The cast of a movie can even inspire children to understand roles like empathy, and collaboration, building life skills they absorb through watching.
Balancing Screen Time and Choosing Age-Appropriate Content
As we all know, balance is essential with screen time. Setting limits, choosing age-appropriate content and being mindful of themes ensures that movies provide both growth and enrichment.
For younger kids, selecting stories with gentle humour and positive messages are best. As children grow, they’re ready for more complex stories and can benefit from discussing what they see.
The Benefits of Watching Movies and Shows with Kids
Here’s how movie time can benefit your child’s development and bring your family closer together…
Building Empathy and Understanding
Movies open doors to new cultures and experiences. By watching diverse characters and stories, kids learn emotion and begin to understand the human world from fresh perspectives.
Favourites like Coco and Inside Out introduce children to emotions and traditions in a way that’s both fun and accessible, making life’s big questions easier to talk about.
Encouraging Curiosity and Creativity
Family movie nights can spark curiosity. Kids may ask questions and explore ideas inspired by imaginative films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
These movies present creative worlds that encourage adventure and show young minds that imagination is often the point of discovery.
Learning Valuable Lessons in a Fun Way
Funny children’s movies often convey values like kindness, resilience, and teamwork.
Movies like Trolls and Sing highlight friendship, self-confidence, and celebrating uniqueness, all while keeping kids entertained and learning social skills that can matter throughout their life.
Strengthening Family Bonds
Sharing a favourite family movie tradition strengthens bonds, and talking about characters, themes, and messages afterward encourages meaningful family conversations, often with insights that showcase everyone’s unique point of view.
Choosing Age-Appropriate Movies and Shows for Kids
Finding the right kids movies and shows for children is essential for a beneficial family movie night. Here’s a guide by age:
For Kids Aged 0-4: Fun and Gentle Shows
The youngest viewers benefit from shows with simple stories and colourful visuals. These funny children’s shows introduce basic concepts like sharing, kindness, and curiosity without overwhelming them.
- Cocomelon – A Netflix favourite for learning colours, numbers, and simple songs.
- Go Go Cory Carson – A sweet series following a little car, ideal for empathy and friendship.
- Paw Patrol – Action-filled and fun, with lessons in teamwork and responsibility.
- Masha and the Bear – A playful show about a curious girl and patient bear sparks imagination.
- Shaun the Sheep – Clever claymation and funny characters make this a hit for kids and adults alike.
For Kids Aged 5-8: Engaging Movies and Light-Hearted Adventures
Older kids are ready for adventurous stories with humour and excitement, ideal for both kids and adults alike.
- Sing – A musical movie with characters who follow their dreams.
- The Garfield Movie – Garfield’s antics entertain the whole family, even dad.
- Toy Story – Disney-Pixar’s classic adventure about toys, filled with humour and teamwork.
- Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs – A hilarious movie with themes of creativity and resilience.
- Finding Nemo – This Disney classic offers lessons in family, courage, and self-acceptance.
For Kids Aged 8-10: Adventurous Films and Meaningful Stories
Older kids are ready for complex films with inspiring characters or meaningful messages.
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie – A nostalgic adventure with Mario and Luigi.
- Inside Out 2 – This sequel explores new emotions, helping children understand friendships.
- The Wild Robot – Following a robot on an island, this movie explores friendship and nature.
- Matilda – A classic about a young girl’s imagination, with magic and inspiration.
- The Incredibles – A funny family movie about superheroes balancing action and teamwork.
Dutch Shows for Babysitters and Au Pairs Learning Dutch
For babysitters and au pairs aiming to improve their Dutch skills, watching Dutch shows with young children can be both educational and fun.
Shows designed for kids aged 0-4 feature simple vocabulary, clear pronunciation, and everyday phrases, making them perfect for language learners. Here are a few popular options:
- Zappelin – This TV channel is a fantastic resource, offering a range of educational and entertaining programs designed for young children with simple vocabulary, clear pronunciation, and engaging storylines.
- Nijntje (Miffy) – This classic Dutch show follows the adventures of Nijntje, a little bunny, with simple language that’s easy to follow. It introduces everyday vocabulary and phrases that help build a foundation in Dutch.
- Woezel & Pip – This charming series about two dogs, Woezel and Pip, uses basic Dutch and simple sentences. It’s an excellent way to hear common phrases and conversational language in a child-friendly context.
- Pim & Pom – Following the adventures of two cats, this show features clear narration and a gentle pace, making it a valuable resource for learning Dutch vocabulary and listening comprehension.
Watching Dutch shows with young children not only helps carers improve their language skills but also enhances their bond with the kids as they learn together in a relaxed, engaging way.
Are you a parent looking for a babysitter or au pair? Nina.care can help connect you with the perfect match for your family’s needs!
Top 10 Christmas Movies for the Whole Family
To make the holiday season even more magical, why not start a new family tradition by creating a Christmas movie advent calendar?
Each night leading up to Christmas, pick a funny family movie or heart-warming holiday classic to watch together, bringing warmth, laughter, and festive cheer to your countdown.
Holiday movies add warmth to family movie nights. Here are 10 favourites:
- Home Alone – Laugh at Kevin’s hilarious attempts to outwit burglars.
- Elf – Buddy spreads Christmas cheer in New York City.
- The Polar Express – A train ride to the North Pole with touching moments.
- The Grinch – An animated classic about the Grinch’s holiday transformation.
- Klaus – A postman and toymaker bring magic to a small town.
- Hot Frosty – A romantic comedy about a snowman’s heartwarming journey with humour and charm.
- That Christmas – An animated movie that weaves together stories about love and connection.
- Arthur Christmas – A clumsy Santa’s son saves Christmas in this fun family adventure.
- Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey – A musical holiday tale.
- The Muppet Christmas Carol – A classic twist with talking animals and timeless characters.
Classic Funny Family Movies to Revisit
Revisiting classic funny family movies is a wonderful way to bring generations together, sharing laughs, timeless stories, and the joy of reliving memorable moments through a cozy weekend tradition or a dedicated “Throwback Thursday.”
Eight classic funny family movies for a nostalgic movie night:
Classic Funny Family Movies for a Nostalgic Movie Night:
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (Ages 6+) – Shrinking kids and giant ants create a laugh-filled adventure.
- Aladdin (Ages 6+) – Robin Williams as Genie brings humour and adventure in this Disney classic.
- Dennis the Menace (Ages 6+) – This comedy about a mischievous boy brings plenty of laughs as Dennis’s pranks keep his neighbour Mr. Wilson on his toes.
- The Parent Trap (Ages 8+) – Twin sisters reunite their parents in a funny, endearing story.
- Jumanji (Ages 10+) – An enchanted board game brings jungle creatures into the real world, creating chaos, suspense, and plenty of laughs as a family works together to survive the game.
- Freaky Friday (Ages 10+) – A mother and daughter swap bodies in this hilarious movie.
- Mrs. Doubtfire (Ages 10+) – Robin Williams stars as a lovable housekeeper, bringing warmth and laughs.
- Grease (Ages 12+) – This musical classic follows the love story of Danny and Sandy, set to iconic songs, laughs, and dance numbers the whole family can enjoy together. These funny movies are perfect for a classic family movie night filled with laughter and adventure.
How to Set Up the Perfect Family Movie Night
Creating a memorable family movie night is all about ambiance, cozy clothes, snacks, and discussing the movie afterward. Here’s how to turn your living room into a line cinema experience…
Setting the Scene
Dim the lights, add blankets, and create a comfy space with pillows for everyone. Small touches, like costumes inspired by Walt Disney Pictures classics or dressing up as the three orphan girls from Annie, make a good laugh together even more special.
Choosing the Snacks
Snacks are essential. Go for classic treats like popcorn, candy, or healthy options like fruit and chopped veg. Themed snacks add extra fun maybe you like this idea…
Monsters, Inc. Themed Snack: Monster Munch Popcorn Mix
Monsters, Inc fan? Get ready for a monster adventure with this colourful and creative snack inspired by Sulley, Mike, and Boo. Perfect for your next Monsters, Inc. movie night!
Ingredients:
- Popcorn
- Blue and green candy-coated chocolates (Sulley & Mike)
- Pretzels (monster claws)
- Mini marshmallows (Boo’s softness)
- Green gummy rings (Mike’s big eye)
- Edible candy eyes
Instructions:
- Pop your popcorn and let it cool.
- Mix in chocolates, pretzels, marshmallows, and gummy rings.
- Sprinkle candy eyes to create a fun, monster look.
Serve in bowls decorated with your favourite monsters, and enjoy a snack that’s as delightful as the movie itself!
Cozy and Ready to Watch
Get comfy with matching pyjamas for a whole family vibe! Matrasses on the floor, sleeping bags and blankets add to the experience, making everyone feel right at home.
Chatting About the Movie
After the movie, gather the whole family to share thoughts. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was your favourite scene?” or “Who was your favourite character?” Discussions help kids connect the story to real life and create meaningful family moments.
Repeat the Fun
Make family movie nights a year-long tradition. Whether it’s a summer outdoor screening or a winter cozy-up with The Grinch, these nights create memories filled with good laughs and quality time.
Wrapping Up the Ultimate Family Movie Night
From funny children’s movies to classic family films, movies bring magic and connection to family life. Whether it’s a hilarious movie featuring stars like Steve Carell, Amy Adams, Nick Wilde, or Jason Segel, or a timeless Walt Disney Pictures classic like The Little Mermaid, every movie night becomes a treasured experience.
With beloved moments like talking animals in Zootopia or the unforgettable human child adventures in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, funny family movies unite everyone. Seeing the family laughing over a clever joke or rooting for heroes in uplifting adventures creates cherished memories for kids and adults alike.
So, gather your kids, prepare the snacks, and enjoy a mix of fun, adventure, and tear-jerking moments. Let the screen light up, the popcorn pop, and give credit to the magic of movies as the next incredible adventure begins!