Our Favorite Family Films

On Friday night we often get takeout and watch a family movie at home. We usually vote on what to watch, and we gravitate towards films with good narratives, well-developed characters, and something that appeals to both kiddos and parents (Sing and Trolls don't make this cut). Here are our favorite films that we keep coming back to and why we love them.

My Neighbor Totoro

Eight-year-old: "It sings, 'Totoro, Totoro!' And it's by Studio Ghibli!"

Six-year-old: "Because it has beautiful music, no violence, and is all happy! And Totoro's soooo cute!"

Kiki's Delivery Service

Eight-year-old: "Kiki has a cute cat who can talk. There's lot of surprising scenes, especially one with a blimp."

Six-year-old: "She's a witch, and she makes lots of friends, and she can fly on a broomstick! She's super kind, and she actually helps people. That's why it's called 'Kiki's Delivery Service.'"

The Sound of Music

Eight-year-old: "It's long but entertaining. My favorite song is 'So Long Farewell' at the party."

Six-year-old: "She sings beautiful songs, and the kids are nice, but they do tricks on Maria at first."

Mary Poppins

Eight-year-old: "She's kind of funny but strict. There's adventures with magic, too."

Six-year-old: "It's silly when her friend Bert 'Loves to Laugh,' and they laugh so hard, and it's so funny."

How to Train Your Dragon trilogy

Eight-year-old: "I have a lot to say. First, there are so many adventures, and it's full of dragons. Second, if you're a wild child, you'll like it because there's a little bit of fighting."

Six-year-old: "So, at first, what's kind of funny about it is that one of the people in it picks his nose. And this person named Hiccup has a night fury dragon named Toothless. He's so adorable."