A Millennial Parent's Guide to Movie Night

As a millennial, and a parent to two small children, nothing has brought me more excitement than sharing some of my favorite old-school childhood movies with my kids. However, thanks to modern day technology and the types of movies and shows they are accustomed to, the movies of my past haven’t always resonated with them in the same way. Doesn’t mean I haven’t still made them watch!

That is why I’ve created the following guide for parents taking some old favorites, and suggesting some newer modern takes on the original storyline. These movies should be sure to pack a punch for the whole family.

1. Classic:

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

I mean, what can I even say about this one? Not only was it a classic, but it also scared the shit out of me and made me cry at the same time. Not too many movies can do that. The end scene when Elliot and E.T. say goodbye to each other gets me every time!

Modern Day Twist:

Planet 51 (2009) – Amazon Prime Video, Starz, or Hulu

For a funny, less scary take on E.T., try Planet 51 (2009). It’s an animated movie that has been out for a while now, but my family just recently discovered it and it was actually really good. What makes it funny is it’s basically the reverse of E.T. in the sense that a U.S. astronaut lands on an alien planet and hence is the “extra-terrestrial” himself.

2. Classic:

The Jungle Book (1967)

The Jungle Book is a classic Disney movie about Mowgli, a boy raised in the jungle by a wolf alongside her cubs. Just about everyone has seen this movie and there are some modern remakes of it as well. At this point though, it’s over 50 years old. The graphics are probably less than impressive to our modern day children.

Modern Day Twist:

Bigfoot Family (2020) – Netflix

Sure you could go ahead and watch the modern remakes of the Jungle Book for a one-for-one match, but if you want something a little different (and unique), Bigfoot Family gave me Jungle Book vibes and the whole family loved it. The story centers on a teenage boy going through some unusual changes and bullying at school. He later finds out that his father (who his mother told him was deceased) is actually alive and well so he runs away to find him. Little does he know that his dad is Bigfoot and hiding deep in the woods to avoid capture. Prepare for an adventure as Dad and son pair up to escape the bad guys with some help from their forest pals.

3. Classic:

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

I remember watching this movie over and over a kid. It never failed to make cry. The story follows three pets (a Golden Retriever, Himalayan cat, and a Terrier) that escape from a family farm while their owners are on vacation. The pets then travel across vast forests and mountains to make it home to their family. The movie has its fun and uplifting moments, but also moments of real sadness where you fear for the pets as they encounter a lot of challenges and injuries along the way.

Modern Day Twist:

A Dog’s Way Home (2019) –Amazon Prime Video, Hulu

This particular movie is very similar to Homeward Bound, the main difference being it centers on one dog (Bella), as opposed to three pets. But in similar fashion, Bella get separated from her owner, Lucas, and travels hundreds of miles to make her way back to him. The movie is also a tearjerker and for all the animal lovers out there, will be sure to be a hit with your whole family.

4. Classic:

A Sword in the Stone (1963)

Another classic Disney movie about a twelve year old orphaned boy named Arthur who encounters a wizard named Lord Merlin and a talking owl. The storyline progresses as Merlin coaches Arthur who ultimately by the end of the movie pulls a sword out of solid stone and moves England out of the dark ages. A real coming of age story about transmuting ones self.

Modern Day Twist:

Onward (2020) – Disney +

Another coming of age story (also involving Wizards), Onward, centers on a teen boy, Ian, struggling with growing up without his dad. With the help of his older brother Barley, they partake on a journey to help understand their father’s wizardly powers and the potential powers also within them. The movie has lots of adventure and also some tender and emotional moments as well, making it the perfect family movie for a night in.

5. Classic:

Honey I Shrunk the Kids (1989)

This was another classic that I loved as a kid. Four teenagers accidently shrink themselves with a laser beam (an experiment of Wayne Szalinski’s played by Rick Moranis). As a result, the kids get swept out with the trash and have to make an epic journey across the back yard to make it back home. Their journey includes battle with mudslides, the lawnmower, and plenty of insects – including a scorpion, bee, and my personal favorite, an ant they call “Anty”. Full of adventure, and surprises, allowing viewers to explore the world from the perspective of a tiny insect.

Modern Day Twist:

Terra Willy (2019) – Amazon Prime Video, Hulu

While this movie doesn’t involve any “shrinking”, it does bring back a lot of the vibes of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids in terms of missing home and trying to make your way back to your parents. Terra Willy is about a small boy (named William) who gets separated from his mom and dad in space, landing on a foreign planet. During his time there he is accompanied by a robot, but for the later part of his trip he is alone and struggling to get home. He is constantly encountering new challenges and creatures – including lots of large bugs. It reminded me a lot of the teens’ adventures in their backyard. The movie was sad at times, but also full of exciting adventure, sure to entertain the smallest to the oldest in your home.

I hope your family enjoys these suggestions as much as mine, and that you can create new classic favorites as a family that they carry forward to their children one day. Enjoy!