10 Underrated Family Classics You Should Watch With Your Kids

We all know classic family films like The Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. But for a certain generation of parents, there are a number of family movies on cable that have sadly been forgotten over the years and are just as good today as they were when they came out. Here are 10 unexpected classic films, many of which my kids loved, that your family can watch for your next movie night.

Pete’s Dragon (1977)

As children, many of us had imaginary friends who helped us escape whatever was bothering us. What makes this live-action/animation hybrid so appealing is that the main character is real but not a threat to anyone. (Well, everyone except those who want to hurt orphan Pete.) Kids want a real friend, and that’s why Pete’s Dragon is so beloved, even if the film’s effects are a little old-fashioned. You can stream Pete’s Dragon on Disney+ or Amazon.

Pete’s Dragon (1977)
$3.59 on Amazon

$3.59 on Amazon

A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969)

Before Charles Schulz’s Charlie Brown hit the silver screen, Disney was virtually the only hitmaker in the animated film industry. But somehow the beloved underdog and his trusty beagle broke through and told the story of trying to win a spelling bee. The film does not detract from the morals inherent in Schultz’s Peanuts comic strip. It offers impressive animated sequences and catchy songs like “I’ Before ‘E” which helped me on many spelling tests. You can watch A Boy Named Charlie Brown on Paramount+ , Hoopla , or Amazon .

A boy named Charlie Brown
$4.29

$4.29

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)

I showed this adventure, based on the classic novel by Jules Verne, to my shark-obsessed boys. They were chained. The underwater scenes are beautifully shot and the special effects, especially the giant squid, hold up well. I also liked how the filmmakers didn’t downplay the mad genius of the antagonist, Captain Nemo, a man whose groundbreaking achievements come at the expense of his moral principles. Stream 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea on Disney+ or Amazon.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
$3.99 on Amazon

$3.99 on Amazon

The Black Stallion (1979)

Speaking of cinematic adventures, this visually stunning film follows a young boy who survives a shipwreck and a dangerous desert island thanks to the strong bond he has with the titular horse. There is little dialogue in the script, but even young viewers will understand that the characters depend on each other for survival. The duo are eventually rescued and end up participating in the race. This award-winning film may feel like two films in one: younger children will love the beautifully shot scenes of the horse and the boy bonding on the island, while older children will be caught up in the excitement of the training and the cliffhanger ending. Watch The Black Stallion on Tubi, Pluto TV, Hoopla or Amazon.

The Black Stallion (1979)
$3.89 on Amazon

$3.89 on Amazon

Baby (1921)

The success of Home Alone showed that people loved farce, and Charlie Chaplin, a master of the craft, created a silent comedy that had it in spades. But, as with Home Alone , there is a touching story behind the comedy. The film follows the five-year-old protagonist and Chaplin’s Tramp as unforeseen circumstances threaten to tear the duo apart. You can stream “Baby” on Max , The Criterion Channel, Tubi or Pluto TV.

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

The tale of King Arthur has been retold in countless ways over the years, but this animated film takes a unique approach. Instead of a full-fledged medieval epic, it’s more of an origin story. The wizard Merlin teaches young Arthur about science, leadership and life by transforming him into various animals. Naturally, jokes ensue, but Arthur also learns some important lessons about the importance of self-confidence. Watch The Sword in the Stone on Disney+ or Amazon.

The Sword in the Stone (1963)
$3.73 on Amazon

$3.73 on Amazon

Asylums (1973)

Also known as From the Mixed Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and based on the book of the same name, the story is about siblings who hide out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art when they feel underestimated by their parents. The older sister becomes obsessed with a statue that may be one of Michelangelo’s works, so they visit the reclusive widow who sold it to the museum to find out. Unfortunately, none of the art comes to life, but what child wouldn’t be captivated by the mysterious and creative story of life in a museum? Watch The Hideaways on Freevee.

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

If your kids like creepy creatures, show them this gentle horror comedy. This is how several generations of children became acquainted with Dracula, the Wolf Man and Frankenstein’s Monster. Amazingly, the film still holds up, even though some of the Bud Abbott and Lou Costello numbers are almost 80 years old. This is the perfect movie to watch as the sun sets on a late fall day. Stream Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein on Amazon .

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
$3.74 on Amazon

$3.74 on Amazon

Gay Purr (1962)

Fans of The Wizard of Oz will find a lot to like in this underrated animated film about a country kitty who wants to experience the sophistication of Paris. First off, Mewsette, the film’s main character, is voiced by none other than Judy Garland. She tapped the talents of songwriters Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, who were the creative minds behind the songs of Oz . This visually stylish family film is also helmed by Chuck Jones, who has directed some of the funniest films in Bugs Bunny’s filmography. Stream Gay Purr-ee on Amazon.

Gay Purr (1962)
$3.99 on Amazon

$3.99 on Amazon

Sounder (1972)

While a film about black sharecroppers overcoming bigotry and poverty during the Great Depression may not seem like an ideal choice for your next family movie night (it’s based on an award-winning children’s book), Sounder will spark conversations about racism and the importance of a good education. This inspiring film for all ages not only conveys vital, universal themes of love and the importance of learning through stunning performances from a cast including Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield. It also shows children (and adults) what families can achieve when they work together. You can watch Sounder on Freevee, Peacock , Tubi, Pluto TV, Kanopy, Hoopla and Amazon Prime.

Sounder (1972)
$4.99 on Amazon

$4.99 on Amazon

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