We don't have cable.
We don't usually watch much TV.
Soooo, we REALLY enjoy our family movie times. This is where we all find a comfy spot in the den, get out the munchies and get ready for a fun family-friendly film!
We also have asked other married couples the same thing: what are you guys watching that you've actually both liked??
We realize our criteria may not match other families, but in general we appreciate a good film that has a positive message and is fairly clean.
When in doubt we always go to the our favourite MOVIE website www.pluggedin.com where all media choices can be looked at and evaluated prior to viewing. This website also has great discussion guides and even\ suggested movie nights for the fam. Lots of great resources all in one site!
Okay, so we'll share our latest top ten fav MOVIE pics, along with some Honourable Mentions....and I'll even mention who in the DeBruin clan picked out the film (which will give you a general rating for age/gender and interest)....
1) Overall Fav Family Movie~ Courageous
An awesome movie for Fathers everywhere. With tons of good thought-provoking material, we found this to be a great discussion starter. Action packed. Sentimental. Heart-Warming for the Whole Crew.
***it does contain some mature material, would recommend for older children in general
2) Rach's Fav Date Night~ Love Comes Softly
Ever wonder what happened to Little House on the Prairie's star Michael Landon legacy? Well, his son Michael Jr. has created a whole boatload of movies that will resonate with those that loved the Little House's simplicity, but with a splash of modern screen play. This one is the first in the series and, in my opinion, is the best one!
***spoiler warning: ladies, you might need some kleenex handy!
3) Rach's Fav Girls Night~ October Baby
I've watched this one a few times now! Very strong positive life message. Mature theme, yet tastefully done. Character Driven. Even a little bit of a love story included :)
4) Jeff's Fav Movie Overall~ Les Miserables-The Original
No, we haven't had the opportunity to see the new one...mind you we're not that much into musicals. However, that being said, this performance starring Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush is unforgettable!
***Not recommended for children due to mature and graphic scenes
5) Boys' Fav Action Movie~Cars 2
This movie is more for the younger crowd, however with the spy twist that the sequel has added to the original 'Car' movie, our older boys have also requested this flick more than a few times!
6) Hannah's Fav Movie~ Black Beauty
In general our seven-year old sweetie gal likes ANY movie that have horses in it. But this one in particular has definitely captured our hearts...if you haven't read the book I'd recommend that for your children as well. The movie is a beautiful story of true loyalty and the re-uniting of long-lost friends. If you or your children are animal lovers, you'll be sure to enjoy this show!
7) JJ's Fav Movie~ Larry Boy (any in the series!)
You can't stop this super hero! He is always on the run getting all those bad 'veggies' out there. Our five-year old just loves pretending to be a spy, and hence enjoys all action-hero movies. At least with this series I know he'll be getting a feel-good message along with the super kicks!
8) Jeff's Fav Date Night~ Bella
A slower paced film, but loved the acting. Another beautiful message of hope. Single Mom facing a difficult situation. An ex-professional soccer player, turned cook, spends a day with her and both of their lives are changed forever.
9) Older Boys' Overall Fav Movie Series~Disney Narnia Series
This includes: The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe; Prince Caspian, & The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Our tween boys thoroughly relish action flicks like their Papa. Whenever they get the chance to watch a flick like this they will jump on it! This series is one that my boys have added to their fav pics of all times. With amazing graphics, special effects, and overall good acting, this one is sure to be a great hit!
***Note: the younger ones may find some of the violence scary. Viewer discretion is advised.
10) Fav Movie for Kiddies: Classics~ Old Yeller
The children got this film from their Opa. He had it kicking around the house, and before I could say 'boo' the kids started watching this one...been on numerous occasions that this film has been requested! I guess every child can relate to the desire to have a dog companion and go on an adventure defeating nature and adverse circumstances.
***Okay, now for some more Flick Picks: Our Honourable Mentions-->
-Some more of my other Favs: "Faith Like Potatoes", "Facing the Giants"
-Most of our kids really likes the classics: Shirley Temple flicks have been regularly requested
-All of our Family REALLY likes: The Old Walt Disney Classics (especially the Mickey shorts from before 1950)
-Another Fav Date Night Movie (we found this one by accident at the library): "Your Love Never Fails"
-For Couples Everywhere: "Fireproof"
-Another Goodies For Tweens: "The Secrets Of Jonathan Sperry"
-Fav Amish Movie: "Amish Grace" (based on the tragedy that took the world by captivation when a group of Amish decided to show unbelievable forgiveness to the family of their children's murderer)
-Fav Teen Inspirational Movie: "Soul Surfer" (based on the true life account of Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm to a shark attack and then went onto to win world surfing championships)
-Fav Tear-Jerker for Rach: "Like Dandelion Dust" (mature matter, but a riveting story of an adoption gone wrong and the subsequent difficult journey the family has to walk through)
-Fav Real-Life Story Overall: "Gifted Hands; The Ben Carson Story" (single mother raises a young boy who becomes one of the most admirable surgeons the world has ever known!)
-Ano Fav Animal Adventure: "Milo & Otis"
-Ano Fav Animated: "Despicable Me"
....so hopefully each of you has found at least ONE new treasure to add to your collection! If you have a family-friendly favourite movie to share, please do so below in the comments :)
Some great picks here!! I love this idea - I might do the same one day! I have seen many from your list but there were a few new ones. Since it sounds like you have 'older' boy you might like "The Last Brick Maker in America" It has a tween boy as the lead character and is pretty good - not actioned packed though...?!?! ;) And for the adults, "The Penny" was pretty good too. Again not actioned packed but clean and entertaining. (these aren't favourites by any means, you pretty much listed our favs, but just a couple more for you to consider. I know how challenging it is to find 'good' movies!)
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you Kaitlin!! I will definitely check out the above suggestions.
ReplyDeleteGood family movies are certainly not easily found these days.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing :)
You've chosen some of our favorites. I have October Baby in our Netflix Que to watch when we have a chance. We love watching movies together as a family as well, it's a great time to bond and just be together.
ReplyDeleteI loved October Baby! Such a powerful message with some pretty good acting.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the list and thanks for stopping by :)
You've picked many of our favorites. We often do family movie nights, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to Inspired Wednesdays!
Thanks so much for stopping by!!
DeleteGreat list! Have you watched What's in the Bible with Buck Denver? It is by the same guy who created VeggieTales. Really good for Christian families with kids! My 4,6,7 yr. olds squeal with delight when we but What's in the Bible on the TV.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of that series! We often order videos from www.cbd.com every so often so will have to check it out :)
DeleteThe movies which gain my attention are usually light comedy. I usually watch them online.
ReplyDeleteThese are all really great movies. You mentioned some of my favorites (actually, quite a few). My husband loves Black Beauty, too. I always have to have kleenex available because I bawl and bawl at the end. :)
ReplyDeleteCourageous and all of the movies by the same people are favorites at our house.....like many of the others you listed also. :) Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDelete