Screen time, though movies and TV shows, has its benefits. It offers grandparents, who play such a pivotal role in a child’s life, a great platform to share, bond and start conversations with their grandkids! Here are some old and gold classics with tales that transcend generations to get you started.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Image source: Warner Bros
You might be familiar with this Roald Dahl classic, which follows 11-year-old Charlie Bucket as he goes on a search to find the Golden Ticket to take him out of poverty. With two film adaptations and a book, this story is a fantastic way to introduce the kids to a tale that has been told over the years and still doesn’t grow old.
Whether it’s the 1971 version (called Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) or the latest 2005 Tim Burton adaption you choose, the whole family is bound to be enthralled by the antics of Oompa-Loompas, Grandpa Joe, and chocolate factory owner, Willy Wonka himself. Of course, seeing the good ‘ol Bucket family triumph while the gluttonous Augustus Gloop and spoiled Veruca Salt get their just desserts is pretty satisfying too!
Whale Rider
Image source: Common Sense Education
Arguably, before the plucky Moana stole our hearts, there was Pai from the Whale Rider. Like Moana, the film depicts a similar coming of age tale: In response to a crisis in a Māori village, a heroine rises up to lead her people.
The film sparks conversations about traditions and gender stereotypes, but ultimately it delivers an inspiring performance of a young girl who goes to extraordinary lengths to fight for recognition and prove her love for family.
Homeward Bound
Image source: Film Streams
Are the children fans of talking animal films like Bolt, The Secret Life of Pets or even Peter Rabbit? Take them back around a decade to watch the 1993, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
The squabbles between the free-spirited American bulldog, Chance and the occasionally bratty Himalayan cat, Sassy— mediated by wise old golden retriever, Shadow, are uncannily reminiscent of what one experiences in their own family. Watching the trio triumph over the odds and return to their loved ones is no doubt an endearing, satisfying watch, no matter what generation you are from.
Cheaper by the Dozen
Image source: The Illuminerdi
As its name suggests, Cheaper by the Dozen details the life of raising a huge, oversized family, and even with the inevitable but sometimes hilarious challenges that arise, family is what matters most at the end of the day.
The 1950s original was inspired by an autobiographical novel, while the 2003 remake took on an entirely fictional slant, and the 2022 rendition, true to current times, includes a blended family and interracial couple into the mix. So watch one or all for some good laughs, great memories, and even better conversations with your own large family experiences.