Inspirational Family Films

Don’t you just love it when you find a film that inspires you?  We love powerful stories that teach and energize us to try a little harder and reach a little further.  Here’s a list of inspirational family films rated G or PG that we know your family will enjoy.

We love the book “Wonder” and appreciate the thoughtful and creative movie adaptation.  This is a great story of a boy with a physical deformity. The story teaches us to never judge a book by its cover, and so much more.

This beautiful movie celebrates the lives of an extraordinary couple.  When Robin is suddenly stricken with polio, he loses all control over his body. He can’t even breathe on its own. This true story shows the power of love and perseverance.  It’s marvelous!

This is one of our favorites! Walter Mitty is a nervous guy who dreams of adventure but never takes the leap until everything falls apart and he’s forced to fly.  Bonus: Gorgeous cinematography.

This movie is based on the book “Rocket Boys”. It will inspire your kids to study math and science as they follow a group of boys who build model rockets during the space race of the 50’s and 60’s.

This is a powerful film about impoverished Hispanic youth preparing for the Advanced Placement Calculus test.  It’s the story of an amazing teacher and some unlikely geniuses.

Another one of our favorites, Akeelah and the Bee is an inspiring film about a family and community who help a little girl get to the National Spelling Bee.

This is the story of a team of African-American female mathematicians who work for NASA during the early years of the space program. It’s a lesson on the power of persistence, self-respect, and the continuing battle of prejudice in our society.

Here’s a sweet story that you and your children will adore.  Opal is new in town but she manages to make many unlikely friends and bring them together to heal their hearts and their community.

Another amazing space story!  We’re excited by any movie that highlights engineers as the heroes.  This one is an amazing true rescue story of the Apollo 13 space shuttle.

This film is a tear-jerker, but also an inspiring tale full of imagination. It’s fun to watch a movie of a beloved book.  Terabithia is a magical place where two friends can escape all their worries.  It’s a beautiful story of friendship.

We’ll end by recommending a true American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. A lawyer in the Depression-era South, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge.  As the story unfolds, his children learn many lessons about prejudice. Everyone should read/watch To Kill a Mockingbird.

Want more inspirational movies?  SEE OUR FAVORITE SPORTS MOVIES

Check out our other movie lists for more recommendations.

 

Musicals to Get You Singing

Are you in the mood for some singing and dancing at your house?  It’s time for a fun family musical!

We’ve tried to set aside Sunday as a special day at our house by making a few rules about media. The only movies we watch on Sundays are “Sunday Classics”.  This rule has introduced a lot of fun old musicals to our children.

Here’s a list of some of our favorites, including a few newer shows that aren’t actually classics.  You’re sure to be singing them for days to come.

All of these movies are rated G or PG.

 

Singin’ in the Rain

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Hello Dolly

The Music Man

Newsies

My Fair Lady

The Sound of Music

Mary Poppins & Mary Poppins Returns

Fiddler on the Roof

The King and I

Oklahoma

Hairspray

High School Musical

Annie

The Wizard of Oz

Our Favorite Quirky Movies (A Little Weird… But Really Funny)

If you’re looking for something just a bit different for your next movie night, try one of these quirky films. They’re all a little weird, but really funny. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.  But, be prepared for the unexpected.  We’re only going to give you a few teaser words as descriptions.  It’s more fun to be completely surprised!

Fantastic Mr. Fox: Brilliant rodents plotting against evil farmers.

Strictly Ballroom: Australian ballroom dancers breaking all the rules.

Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure: Pee-Wee travels the country fighting bad guys and looking for his stolen bike.

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: Did you know that dolphins are actually the most intelligent beings on earth? 

Hudsucker Proxy:  New toys from a young inventor ruin the bad guy’s plans.

Nacho Libre: A unique recipe of wrestle mania, stretchy tights, and Jack Black.

Galaxy Quest: 1980’s space adventure TV actors fight real aliens.

Mr. Bean’s Holiday: Mr. Bean “helps” a boy find his dad. Oh, Mr. Bean! 

Joe vs the Volcano:  If your life’s about to end, why not go on an adventure?

Spellbound (Spelling Bee Documentary): Who knew spelling was so compelling?

Johnny English Reborn

Johnny English Reborn:  Spy action with a very unusual spy.

 

Check out our other family movie lists for more film recommendations.