101 Dalmatians

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone (2001, Warner Bros., Rated PG, Fantasy Adventure) has all the hallmarks of a timeless classic. Funny, and whimsical, with a message that good triumphs over evil, the book-based film draws the viewer into its supernatural world. The incredible fantasy includes witchcraft and wizardry in a way we haven't seen before. The boarding school environment is unique in the world of make believe. Note that there are scenes way too scary for younger kids but your older ones will be enthralled. They understand that this is not the real world but an adventure fantasy. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

44. 
    Hook (1991, Tri-Star, Rated PG, Action Adventure) Ever wonder what happened when Peter Pan finally grew up? Peter (Robin Williams) finally grew up and married Wendy’s granddaughter and had children of his own. But he has forgotten his past and is now in the corporate world and barely has time for his own children. But when trouble arises in Never Land he must go back and he must remember. The evil Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) sure does. He kidnaps Peter’s children and Tink (Julia Roberts) must bring Peter back to Never Land to learn how to fly all over again with the help of the Lost Boys. Peter must also remember how to love like a child again in order to save his own. A great family alternative to the classic tale of Peter Pan. Another Spielberg film and one of the best to explores the rather/son relationship. Great sets, great characters. Kids are always outsmarting the adults or even out-fighting them. Recommended for ages 5 to 12.
    

45. 
    Ice Age (2002 20^th Century Fox, Rated PG, Animated, Fantasy Adventure) A computer animated comedy that gives a slightly different view of evolution. Many thousands of years ago, before the first ice age, a group of unlikely animals become friends and take on a journey to return a lost baby boy to the nearest human camp. Sid the Sloth (John Leguizamo), Manny the Wooly Mammoth (Ray Romano) and Diego the Sabretooth Tiger (Dennis Leary) have set out to find warmer lands, but along the way they must return a child that is being hunted by another pack of saber tooth tigers as revenge for humans hunting their pack. Ice Age gives a great lesson on tolerance of those who are different and the nature of friendship. You would not think these three diverse animals could or would come together in this great family film. Very fun to watch. It's smart, complex and silly with cool colors and fluid animation. This very original storyline demonstrates loyalty, friendship and bravery. Great dialogue and voice talent, good humor that appeals to adults but also is suitable for kids. Love the realistic animals - great expressions and movement. There are some dangerous and scary scenes, including the mother of one young child killed though it is off-screen. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

46. 
    Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006, 20^th Century Fox, Animated, Fantasy Adventure)Manny the woolly mammoth, Sid the sloth, Diego the saber-toothed tiger, and the hapless prehistoric squirrel/rat known as Scrat return in Ice Age: The Meltdown. The trio settles in a tranquil valley with other animals but soon realize that the glaciers surrounding them are holding back millions of gallons of water and are about to break. Their only hope is to get to the other end of the valley – and fast. Along the way, they meet Ellie (Queen Latifah), the last female wooly mammoth, who thinks she is a possum. She also brings along two friends in the form of her two possum "brothers"-- Crash and Eddie, a couple of daredevil pranksters and cocky, loud-mouthed troublemakers. As Manny contemplates being one of the last wooly mammoths he tries to convince Ellie that she is in fact a wooly mammoth and not an possum but the two just can’t get along. But a larger problem looms and the group must trek on for salvation and have some fun times along the way. Well animated, compelling characters, witty dialogue, non-stop action, and lots of kid appeal, moreso than adults. Good environmental message. Some crude language, potty humor and perilous violence with very nasty looking villains. Way too scary for youngest viewers. Recommended for ages 6-12.
    

47. 
    Iron Giant (1999, Warner Bros., Rated PG, Animated Fantasy Sci-Fi Adventure) The Iron Giant is based upon the 1968 story, Iron Man by noted British poet laureate Ted Hughes. Set in the 1950s during the height of the communist scare, the film features a wonderful cast of voices including Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., and Vin Diesel. One day an introverted nine-year-old boy named Hogarth Hughes makes friends with a massive alien giant robot that falls to Earth from outer space. He is seemingly gentile and also suffers a case of mechanical amnesia as he can’t remember who or what he once was. Hogarth becomes his one true friend. Meanwhile, a paranoid U.S. Government agent named Kent Mansley arrives in town hot on the trail of the crashed machine and determined to destroy the giant at all costs. It's up to Hogarth to protect him by hiding him at a beatnik junkyard on the outskirts of town. Will Hogarth be able to keep his new friend a secret or will the government escalate the search to dangerous proportions and provoke the Iron Giant’s terrible secret? This heart-warming, feel-good, child-centered parable from Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, The Simpsons) delivers a message about anti-violence and hope. Although the Iron Giant didn't want to fight, when provoked, he does. There are some perilous moments that would frighten younger viewers, also some mild profanity and potty humor. Recommended for ages 6-12.
    

48. 
    It’s A Wonderful Life (1946, Liberty Films, RKO, NR, Holiday Family) A classic holiday staple produced and directed by Frank Capra and stars James Stuart as George Bailey, who spends his entire life giving up his big dreams for the good of his town, Bedford Falls. But on Christmas Eve he is broken and suicidal over the misplacing of an $8000 loan and the scheming of the evil millionaire, Mr. Potter to take over the town. His guardian angel in-training, Clarence, falls to Earth (literally) and shows him how his town, family, and friends would turn out if he had never been born. George finally realizes he means so much to so many people. A classic film with great actors and great performance - particularly Jimmy Stewart's. Capra's direction of this film is legendary. It reminds us that everyone matters - no matter how insignificant we might feel. It also shows the importance of a loving family. It does have some disturbing issues, such as suicide which makes it more appropriate for older kids and adults. Recommended for ages 7-12.
    

49. 
    James And The Giant Peach (1996, Walt Disney Studios, Rated PG, Animated Fantasy Adventure) James And The Giant Peach is inspired by a children's book by author Roald Dahl about a four-year old boy named James Henry Trotter who has had a happy life but is suddenly orphaned as a result of a bizarre and terrible accident – his parents are killed by a rhinoceros which has escaped from the London Zoo (although rhinos are, in truth, herbivores). He is sent to live with his two mean old aunts, Spiker and Sponge, who frequently abuse him. James’s dreams of happiness dream come true when a stranger appears with a bagful of magic which changes insects into real life characters and causes an ordinary peach to grow to immense proportions. After daringly saving the life of a meek spider James ventures inside the giant peach and meets a most bizarre group of friends – all giant creepy-crawlies: the Centipede, Miss Spider, the Old-Green-Grasshopper, the Silkworm, the Earthworm, Mrs. Ladybird and the Glow-worm. These unlikely new companions will prove the key to James’ freedom as they help him escape the tyranny of his two aunts and plan to float to New York atop the Giant Peach! Visually wonderful with incredible animation and morphing of live-action characters into animated ones. It has a surreal feeling that only director Tim Burton could pull off that completely transcends reality. James uses his imagination to get out of scary situations. Contains scenes that quite intense and too frightening for younger kids plus James' parents die in the beginning of the film. Recommended for ages 7-12.
    

50. 
    Jurassic Park (1993, Universal Studios, Rated PG, Live-Action, Animimatronics, Adventure) An exciting and sometimes terrifying film from movie mastermind Steven Spielberg about a new theme park that houses real dinosaurs created from preserved dino DNA. In order to open the park, Professor John Hammond has to prove that it is safe. So he invites his two grandchildren, a paleontologist (Sam Neill), a paleobotanist (Laura Dern), a mathematician/theorist (Jeff Goldblum) and of course his investors to visit for the weekend. And anything that can go wrong does as this exciting imaginative film takes off on a wild ride. A security breakdown occurs and the dinosaurs are loose! This action/adventure film introduced a whole new genre of special effects that offered are stunningly realistic dinosaurs never before seen in film. The animitronics and digital animation brought these characters to life. The storyline is original and has been replicated often since. Profanity and the children in peril scenes make this unsuitable for younger audience members. Recommended for ages 10-18.
    

51. 
    Lady And The Tramp (1955, Walt Disney Pictures, Animated, Family Adventure) A winning animated feature from the masters at Disney presents Lady, a golden cocker spaniel, who meets up with a mongrel dog who calls himself the Tramp. He is obviously from the wrong side of town, but happenings at Lady's home make her decide to travel with him for a while. This turns out to be a bad move, as no dog is above the law. A charming film about puppy love that blossoms into something more between two cute dogs. After 50 years, this Disney animated classic still holds its ground. Charming story, wonderful romance between the two dog leads, and spectacular music by Sonny Burke and Peggy Lee whose singing stole the show. Some mild peril shown. Recommended for ages 4-10.
    

52. 
    Lilo and Stitch (2002, Walt Disney Studios, Rated PG, Animated Adventure) Meet Stitch, genetic experiment Number 626, that has escaped from him home planet and lands on Earth; Hawaii to be exact. Stitch was created by Dr. Jumba Jookiba (David Ogden Stiers) who is put on trial by a galactic governing body for illegally creating creatures to cause chaos and destruction. Lilo (Daveigh Chase) is a lonely little orphan Hawaiian girl, whose only other family is her 21-year-old sister Nani (Tia Carrere). Lilo discovers Stitch and decides to keep him, thinking he’s a dog. The mis-adventures of Lilo and Stitch are one-of-kind as Stitch learns to love and be part of the family, while Lilo learns responsibility. But eventually the Grand Councilwoman of the Galaxy discovers where Stitch is and wants him returned. Wonderful movie with a delightful story, a happy ending and good lessons. Beautifully animated, child friendly and witty dialogue and charming characters, particularly Lilo. Love the Hawaiian backdrop! Some gunfire, some drinking, scary monsters and the death of Lilo's parents. Recommended for ages 4-8.
    

53. 
    Madagascar (2005, Dreamworks Animation) A hilarious animated animal tale from the folks at Dreamworks. At New York's Central Park Zoo, a lion, a zebra, a giraffe, and a hippo are best friends and stars of the show. But when one of the animals goes missing from their cage, the other three break free to look for him, only to find themselves reunited ... on a cargo ship en route to Africa. When their vessel is hijacked, however, the friends, who have all been raised in captivity, learn first-hand what life can really be like in the wild. Very funny, fast paced, and well-animated. Excellent voice cast (Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith). Wonderful quirky scenes, such as getting onto a subway, to which urban kids can totally relate. It also offers lessons about friendship and loyalty. There are so few movies that are really suitable for preschoolers and this is one that truly entertains the youngest age group. Contains some crude language, sexual innuendo, cartoon violence and potty humor. Recommended for ages 3-8.
    

54. 
    Mary Poppins (1964, Walt Disney Productions, Rated G, Family Musical) The movie musical based on the Mary Poppins series of books written by P. L. Travers combines a fun and engaging story, catchy songs, and live action sequences skillfully blended with animation. Filled with heart and humor, it also features an Oscar-winning Best Musical Score and Best Actress performance by Julie Andrews. Set in the 1900s in England, Mary Poppins is a kind of classic nanny with super powers who flies through the sky in with her umbrella in response to a request by the Banks children and proceeds to put things right with the aid of her rather extraordinary magical powers before flying off again. This grand musical is as wonderful today as it was when first released. With great characters and a strong storyline, Poppins maybe be technologically somewhat dated, but it doesn't matter. It is magical. The subtle lessons that prevail change the lives of the entire family and the viewer. "You have to take the good with the bad…a spoonful of sugar helps." Recommended for ages 4 - 12.
    

55. 
    Miracle On 34^th Street (1947, FOX, NR, Family Holiday Comedy Classic) A classic holiday film that continues to delight children and adults alike. Doris Walker (Maureen O'Hara) is a no-nonsense divorced Macy's executive who desperately searches for a new store Santa. She hires a kind but quirky old man named Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) who insists that he's the real Santa Claus. Despite reassurances by Kringle's doctor that he is harmless, Doris remains skeptical, especially when she has cynically trained herself, and her daughter, Susan, to reject all notions of belief and fantasy. But people at the store, especially Susan, begin to notice something special about Kris and his determination to advance the true spirit of Christmas amidst the rampant commercialism. But skeptics remain, so Kris goes to court to try and prove it. Is he the real Santa Claus? This is truly a perennial family holiday film. Charming, great cast and well produced. Miracle On 34^th Street so typically reveals society and daily life in the 40s. Kids today may not realize what an anomaly a divorced working mom was at that time. Divorce was rare and shunned by society. Natalie Wood plays a brilliant six-year-old. While some scenarios seem unreal, the story is so strong that it suspends reality. It really isn't about Christmas but about the role of fantasy and imagination in our lives. Winner of an Oscar for Best Screenplay. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

56. 
    Monsters Inc. (2001, Walt Disney Studios, Rated G, Animated, Family Adventure) Visually stunning, this animated film from Pixar takes a twist on the traditional idea of monsters - with monsters being afraid of children. In a city of monsters called Monstropolis, life centers around Monsters, Inc., the city's power company. James Sullivan and his coworker/best friend Mike Wazowski are two of the many monsters that work for the company, which generates power for the city also inhabited by monsters. Power is generated from the screams of children, which is produced by scaring them in their sleep. Chaos happens when the real world interacts with the monsters’ in the form of a 2-year-old baby girl who accidentally sneaks into the monster world with Sulley one night. They name her Boo and must to send her back before anybody finds out, including two evil villains that have their own designs on Monstropolis. Features a memorable cast of voices including John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Mary Gibbs and James Coburn. Filled with humor, high energy and a running supply of gags, this film is a masterpiece of animation and a true delight. It has created monsters that even your littlest will find cute and cuddly. There is some potty humor but overall, it's safe even for your youngest. Recommended for ages 3-12.
    

57. 
    Mulan (1998, Walt Disney Studios, Rated G, Animated, Family Adventure) A Disney model of perfection, with visuals inspired by Chinese paintings, wonderful music and great performances. Mulan is a gorgeously animated retelling of an ancient Chinese folktale about a young Chinese maiden named Mulan. When her ailing and feeble father is called to war, Mulan disguises herself as a man and goes in his place. Mulan’s ancestors know of the switch and to prevent it, they send a tiny disgraced dragon named Mushu. But he is impressed by Mulan’s dedication and sense of honor and agrees to help her save China and the threat of the invading Hunns. Nominated for an Oscar and features the voices of Pat Morita, Eddie Murphy and Donny Osmond. The inspirational story harbors a lot of humor dispersed throughout thanks to Eddie Murphy's performance. Thematic topics include family unity, working hard, honor and fighting for what is important. It offers a look into traditional Chinese culture. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

58. 
    Nanny McPhee (2006, Universal Studios, Rated PG, Family Comedy) After the passing of his wife, prim and proper English gentleman Cedric Brown cannot seem to control his 7 children who continue to disobey their nannies and cause them to quit. Nanny McPhee (played by Emma Thompson) shows up just in time to help him, however, she looks very haggard and has warts on her face. The children are immediately turned off and try to figure out how to get rid of this nanny. But little do they know that Nanny McPhee has magic powers when she stomps her cane on the floor. She gradually begins to transform into a beautiful nanny as the children learn their lessons and become more self sufficient and caring. For Nanny McPhee when you do not want her, but need her, she will stay; When you no longer need her, but want her, she must go. Delightful portrayal by film star, Emma Thompson, who also wrote the screenplay. Offers fun entertainment while delivering a message about how naughty children can become nice. The idea that Nanny McPhee makes a transition whenever the children behave slowly creeps up on you. Recommended for ages 5-10.
    

59. 
    National Velvet (1944, MGM Studios, Rated G, Family Romantic Comedy/Drama) This classic film, based on the novel by Enid Bagnold, about a boy, a girl and a horse propelled Elizabeth Taylor to stardom. Mike Taylor (played by Mickey Rooney) is a bitter and headstrong English ex-jockey angry about life following a serious accident. A notation in his father's journal leads him to wander into the quiet English country-side home of the Brown family. The youngest daughter, Velvet, has a passion for horses and when she wins the spirited steed Pie in a town lottery, Mike decides he might yet still love for horses, and a certain girl! Horse-lovers will be thrilled with this Oscar-winning film. Most importantly, it shows healthy, loving family interactions and excellent female role models. The horse and race scenes are stunning as is the cinematography of coastal England. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

60. 
    Night at the Museum (2006, Fox Studios, Rated PG, Family Adventure Comedy) Ben Stiller plays Larry, a single father who can’t seem to keep a steady job. He ends up working the night watchman shift at the Museum of Natural History, but he is about to find out it’s not a normal night shift, and this is not a normal museum. Three old guards about to retire give him the inside scoop. A golden tablet has the powers to bring to life all of the wax figures in the museum. While he fights with a crazy monkey, speaks to a figure from Easter Island, and fends off Mongols and the Roman army, he also gets the chance to speak with Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams) and many other characters as they come to life. And one night as the three old guards break in the Museum to steal the magic stone, Larry organizes the historic characters to help him foil the criminals and save the museum. This is a comedy for the entire family. Delightful mix between Jumanji and Harry Potter, though not as scary as either of those. It delivers good messages about courage and self respect. There is also a sub-text, about learning history that Larry makes good use of. Robin Williams' portrayal of Teddy Roosevelt is hysterical. Ben Stiller is believable and laughable. Contains some crude language, potty humor and slapstick violence. Recommended for ages 5-10.
    

61. 
    Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985, Warner Bros., Rated PG, Adventure Comedy) Paul Reubens brings his eccentric and quirky character to life in this feature film as Pee-wee Herman goes on a big adventure when his beloved shiny new bicycle is stolen by his nemesis Francis Buxton, the neighborhood rich "kid." Pee-wee goes on a wild cross-country journey after a fortune teller tells him that the bicycle is in the basement of the Alamo. Along the way, he encounters a wild cast of characters including an escaped convict, a waitress with wanderlust and a jealous boyfriend, and a mysterious female truck driver. Perfectly enchanting film from Paul Ruebens, Tim Burton and Danny Elfman. The Pee Wee Herman character is childlike and entertaining, the comedy non-stop and completely original. The line, "I know you are, but what am I," became adopted into pop culture. Large Marge could be a bit scary for youngest kids, and "burn in hell" is the message in a rock video. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

62. 
    Peter Pan (1953 Walt Disney Studios, Rated G, Animated Fantasy Adventure) The classic story about a boy who didn’t want to grow up. Audiences are introduced to Peter Pan when he flies through nursery window of Wendy, Michael and Peter. With the help of his fairy friend Tinkerbell, the four fly to an enchanted island called Never Land, where the infamous Captain Hook constantly seeks to defeat Peter Pan and his band of Lost Boys. Definitely a family favorite. Filled with magic, "Neverland" offers the dream and consequences of never growing up - as well as the adventure. The idea that you can fly is every kid's dream. However, the stereotyping of Native Americans in Neverland are problems in today's culture where the term "redskins" and injuns" are considered disrespectful and the portrayal of the chief as the leader of the savages, doubly so. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

63. 
    Pinocchio (1940, Walt Disney Studios, Rated G, Animated Family Fantasy Adventure) A classic Disney animated tale of a lonely inventor named Gepetto who longs for a son. He creates a wooden puppet named Pinocchio that is brought to life by a blue fairy, who tells him he can become a real boy if he proves himself "brave, truthful, and unselfish.” The fairy assigns Jiminy Cricket to be Pinocchio's "conscience" and keep him out of trouble, but Pinocchio seems to do be mischievous at every turn. This Disney classic is one of those animated films that has survived the test of time. Wonderfully animated with great music (When You Wish Upon A Star), and fabulous characters. The remarkable Jiminy Cricket, the kindly Gepetto and the charming Pinocchio who only wants to be a real boy. Good messages about lying, consequences and greed. There are some scenes of boys smoking cigars and drinking beer. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

64.