Based on the following description, would you let your kids watch this movie? “A mother and most of her children are massacred. The sole surviving son is then kidnapped, forcing the grieving father to risk his own life again and again in an attempt to rescue his boy.” You probably already have—since this aptly describes Finding Nemo. In fact, just about every family film ever made contains at least one line, character, or theme that somebody somewhere might find objectionable. The question is: What is your particular measure of objectionable? And should it get in the way of introducing your children (and you) to a silver-screen magnum opus? With this thoroughly researched roundup of kid-friendly flicks—which includes a key to potentially offensive material in each—we present some unheralded gems of cinema, from Charlie Chaplin to Kirsten Dunst, so you can decide for yourself.
Sort through the rubble with more of Cookie's entertainment reviews that cover the best in books, games and toys, TV and DVDs, and musicfor kids and the entire family.
In this anime, teenager Haru (voiced by Anne Hathaway) rescues a cat from a speeding truck, only to discover that she has saved the prince of cats. His subjects, trying to repay their new hero for her bravery, unwittingly (and hilariously) turn Haru's life upside down. 2002, ages 4+
If You're Okay With A few fat jokes aimed at a cat (who proves to be the strongest and ablest)
In the Spirit Of Alice in Wonderland
THE ADVENTURES OF MILO & OTIS
This adorable Japanese film (with narration by Dudley Moore) fits neatly into the animals-get-lost-and-traverse-wilderness-to-get-home category. But it was made with real animals—no special effects or after-the-fact animations. 1989, ages 3+
If You're Okay With Live births of cats and dogs
In the Spirit Of March of the Penguins
THE COURT JESTER
Danny Kaye plays a Robin Hood figure who disguises himself as a fool to trap an evil king. Between the wordplay and the swordplay (including a wealth of sight gags), the film is both funny and exciting—for kids and parents. 1956, ages 5+
If You're Okay With Women being referred to (by the villains) as “wenches”
In the Spirit Of Shrek
THE SECRET OF ROAN INISH
From the normally not-so-kid-friendly John Sayles, this is a bittersweet story about Fiona, a young girl whose infant brother was lost at sea years ago. But when she visits her family's historic island home, she spots the little boy alive—and in the company of seals that may actually be fairies. 1994, ages 8+
If You're Okay With Full frontal toddler
In the Spirit Of The Secret Garden
Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass, kings of the stop-motion holiday special (you'll recognize the look immediately), were the minds behind this full-length puppet-fest about Dr. Frankenstein's search for an heir to his empire. Just about every classic movie monster shows up—and, yes, many of them dance. 1969, ages 5+
If You're Okay With A blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment of puppets tearing each other's clothes off
In the Spirit Of Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
THE LAST UNICORN
A unicorn (voiced by Mia Farrow) who refuses to believe she is the last of her kind partners with a sad-sack magician (Alan Arkin) to discover the fate of all the world's other unicorns. Based on Peter Beagle's classic fantasy novel, the film has its fair share of action but ends up taking a thoughtful route. 1982, ages 5+
If You're Okay With An anthropomorphic tree who smothers a wizard between her breasts (we're not making this up)
In the Spirit Of The Lord of the Rings
THE RED BALLOON
A French boy on his way to school rescues a balloon stuck on a fence. Soon it's following him around like a loyal puppy, and the boy's dreary life has a sudden source of cheer. The film's overarching sweetness does turn to panicked suspense when jealous classmates try to steal the balloon, but the ending is ultimately uplifting. 1956, ages 5+
If You're Okay With A title character that gets popped
In the Spirit Of My Neighbor Totoro
CLASH OF THE TITANS
This Greek-mythology extravaganza mashes together enough stories to make a professor's head explode, but it sure is fun. Just think of it as Zeus's greatest hits, and tell your kids to read the real stories before they start their ancient-history lessons at school. 1981, ages 7+
If You're Okay With Stop-motion monsters that kill—and are killed by—live-action actors
In the Spirit Of The Chronicles of Narnia
THE PUPPET FILMS OF JIRI TRNKA
Czech filmmaker Trnka's vignettes run a gamut of genres, from a playful Chekhov adaptation to a Western spoof. The full-length The Emperor's Nightingale has an otherworldly feel that puts this DVD in a category all its own. 1951, ages 7+
If You're Okay With Puppets that skinny-dip and shoot one another
In the Spirit Of Fantasia
If your kids chuckle heartily at circus clowns, there's no reason they shouldn't love the Little Tramp. But in this tender and earnest silent romantic comedy featuring Charlie Chaplin's most iconic character, you get so much more than just a series of pratfalls: The Tramp woos a blind flower girl and renews a besotted millionaire's will to live. It's arguably his best film. 1931, ages 7+
If You're Okay With Failed suicide attempts as a recurring gag
In the Spirit Of WALL-E
For more of Cookie's Guide to Family Movies, pick up the December/January issue of Cookie magazine--on stands now! Check out more family-friendly movie reviews over at cookiemag.com.
By Christopher HealyAdditional reporting by Michael Ferrari
Photograph by Diane Fields
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