So you’re planning an epic sleepover and you’re looking for the best flick to play for movie time? Never fear because we have your top 10 list of the best movies for your special night.
Mom said “no” to Fifty Shades Of Grey? Well these are the best of the best so when picking from this list be assured you’ve picked the right parent-approved movie for your crazy-fun night ahead.
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Goonies, PG, 114 minutes
If you’re hosting a sleepover, you’ll be a hero by turning on this action/fantasy about a cadre of adventure-seeking kids on the run, treasure maps, death-defying close calls and impaled skeletons. What we all remember and love about the Goonies is that they “never say die!” and their bond can’t be broken. (Warning: it can be a bit scary, and there’s some mild swearing. But we think it’s safe for kids 10 and up.)
Pollyanna, G, 134 minutes
Hayley Mills in Pollyanna is one of Hollywood’s most lovable child characters in film for a reason. An orphan sent to live with her rich Aunt Polly, she’s unbelievably positive, and brings the town together in that way that makes you want to throw her up on your shoulders and cheer her name. (The town folk actually do this toward the end of the movie.) The flick oozes positivism, but in a non-annoying way, and is so tender that it will resonate with people of all ages. Don’t miss other Hayley Mills classics, like The Trouble with Angels and The Parent Trap.
The Land Before Time, G, 70 minutes
Baby dinosaurs stressing friendship and cooperation may seem a little too much like Barney, but The Land Before Time wins over audiences of all ages, thanks to a suspenseful storyline, non-annoying songs and loveable characters. Littlefoot, a young, orphaned dinosaur, must make his way to the Great Valley in order to survive a plague, and in the process makes lots of dino friends and manages to tug at heartstrings with his brave little adventure. Warning: you may find yourself crying, so get ready to pretend there is something in your eye.
Newsies, PG, 121 Minutes
Set in 1899, this Disney Musical about a singing and dancing troupe of newsboys who strike when the price of their papers is raised 1/10 of a cent, isn’t exactly historically accurate. But if your kids love music, they won’t be able to turn it off. The soundtrack is full of toe-tapping tunes (many sung by the sweet, angelic voices of boys with heavy Brooklyn accents), and the plot is strung together with impressively choreographed song and dance. The cast includes Robert Duvall, Ann-Margret and a young Bill Pullman and Christian Bale, so there’s something for you, too.
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, Not Rated, 90 minutes
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, more of a comedy than scary flick, is about a journalist (Don Knotts) who must spend the night in the creepy Old Simmons’ Place and report about it. It’s full of campy, typical scary-movie stand-bys (think black cats and secret corridors), and won’t actually scare anyone. If anything, this movie’s a great chance for you to catch Don Knotts in a non-Andy Griffith role.
The Sandlot, PG, 101 minutes
For a sentimental guy flick, try this ’50s era film about a gang of boys and their summer of (innocent) mischief. It’s the perfect time to reminisce about—and share—your own childhood hijinks. We also love the female equivalent (for older kids), Now and Then.
Blank Check, PG, 93 minutes
If your kids can’t get enough of Home Alone, but you’re getting tired of watching Macaulay Culkin, try Blank Check—it’s about the hilarious hijinks that ensue when an 11-year-old fills out $1 million on a blank check, another kid’s dream-come-true scenario. Lots of bad guys and corny laughs, but a fun time nonetheless.
Wall-E, G, 98 minutes
If anyone can make a social commentary on population growth and the environment entertaining for kids, it’s Pixar, and they deliver again with this creative, laugh-out-loud flick. Wall-E, the friendly garbage collector, is so life-like, he’ll transfix you in ways you didn’t think an animated character could, and the issues he deals with will engage you and the kids. Try not to cry too hard, though. (Someone’s got to be the strong one.)
Selena, PG, 127 minutes
“It’s a beautiful love story—the love a father has for his children, the love the children have for great music and the love a country has for a singing sensation who died too soon. My daughters love the songs and every time they watch the movie, we’re treated to at least two weeks worth of Bidi Bidi Bum Bum.”
Are We There Yet?, PG, 95 minutes
“I mean, it’s Ice Cube. Being funny. And getting clowned. That, alone, is worth the price of admission. But it’s also neat to watch the beginnings of what will eventually turn into a blended family, and the hijinks keep the kids in stitches.”
h/t parenting