50 family movies every child should watch before they turn 16

There's nothing quite like sitting down with the family at the weekend, favourite snacks at hand, and watching a good film.

But more than just being a great entertainment source, family movies can also teach kids important life lessons, no matter how old they are. Learning the value of friendship from Woody and Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story and the importance of understanding your emotions in Inside Out, are just a couple of examples of how films can really change kids' perpectives of the world, especially when they're still growing up.

Watching Disney films with your kids can be beneficial for their emotional growth (opens in new tab)

So to avoid having your kids grow up without knowing who Marty McFly is or why they should never wish they're older (as proven by Tom Hanks and Jennifer Garner), here's our compilation of the 50 family movies every child should watch before they turn sixteen.

How many of these family movies have you watched?

1. Lion King

No one should get through childhood without watching this massive Disney classic.

2. Breakfast Club

Five high school students from very different backgrounds learn not to trust stereotypes when they're forced to spend a Saturday together in detention. That's a great lesson in itself but everyone should really be familiar with the iconic 'Don't you forget about me' finale.

3. Adventures in Babysitting

Especially advisable for any teen babysitters out there.

4. Finding Nemo

Dory's advice will never get old - just keep swimming.

5. Raiders of the Lost Ark

Give them a taste of true adventure with the one and only Indiana Jones.

6. Elf

One of the most popular family movies for the Christmas holidays - and we could all do with a bit of Buddy's enthusiasm for life.

7. Happy Feet

Nothing like seeing what happens to cute little penguins to alert kids to the serious issues that are pollution and overfishing, making them aware of what we need to do to protect the planet.

8. Hook

The classic of the boy who wouldn't grown up is revisited by Steven Spielberg, with a terrific cast that includes Robin Williams, Julia Roberts and Dustin Hoffman.

This is also one of the great Halloween movies for kids and adults (opens in new tab) if you want something that's not too scary.

9. Home Alone

Perfect example of what NOT to do when they're home alone.

10. Back to the Future

Compulsory sci-fi classic, with lots of fun time-travelling.

11. Beauty and the Beast

One of the best family movies to teach your child it's what's on the inside that counts.

12. 10 Things I Hate About You

Perfect for a girly night in if you have daughters.

13. The Incredibles

We're stronger when we work together. Sure, they're superheroes and all, but the lesson still applies.

14. Edward Scissorhands

If your kids only know Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, it's time to make them watch this 90s heart-melting Tim Burton classic.

15. The Goonies

Watching two brothers and their friends' work together in a treasure hunt is a great lesson in the importance of team work.

16. Matilda

Inspired by Roald Dahl's book with the same name, this film shows a gifted girl using her special powers for good. As Dahl once wrote, 'Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.'

17. Wizard of Oz

There's no place like home!

18. Jurrasic Park

One of the biggest blockbusters of the 90s, this is another film your kids can't miss.

19. Toy Story

All of them but especially the first one.

20. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

How else will they understand the 'golden ticket' references?

21. Labyrinth

Unlike most action films, the hero here is a girl. Sarah is a strong role model for everyone but especially for young girls, as she faces her fears in a journey to save her baby brother.

22. The Princess Bride

An oldie but a goodie.

23. The Muppet Movie

Go for the original version.

24. Wall-E

Probably the most romantic Disney love story.

25. Kung Fu Panda

If a panda can learn kung-fu, then anyone can really achieve anything as long as they set their minds to it.

26. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

Join tiny humans in their adventure to return home... from their back garden.

27. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Great coming of age film, reminding everyone that they're never alone.

28. My Girl

Here's an eleven-year-old with a lot of problems.

29. Ghostbusters

Three scientists decide to start their own business battling with the supernatural for money, after losing their jobs at New York University - showing kids how there are literally no boundaries for entrepreneurship.

30. All of the Harry Potter films

How could they miss out on the magical world of Hogwarts?

31. Romeo + Juliet

An update of the classic Shakespearean romantic tragedy, it's one of the 50 films recommended by the British Film Institute for children under the age of 14.

32. Big

A young Tom Hanks will make sure no one wants to grow up too fast.

33. Annie

Tomorrow...

34. Stardust

We didn't know fallen stars look as good as Claire Danes.

35. E.T.

They'll love Elliott's courage to help E.T. find home.

36. The Neverending story

A book transports a boy into a spectacular adventure with luckdragons and giant turtles in a fantasy world. The lesson? You can go anywhere with a good book.

37. Up

Proof you can live your dreams no matter how old you are.

38. 13 Going on 30

Another cautionary tale about wanting to grow up too fast. Extra brownie points if you learn Jennifer Garner's amazing choreography.

39. Big Fish

Real life with a coat of fantasy dust, in a son's attempt to truly get to know his father before it's too late.

40. Billy Eliot

We all have a special talent, even if it's not what's expected of us.

41. Karate Kid

No one better than Mr Miyagi to show kids they can do anything they set their mind in to, kind of like the human version of Kung Fu Panda.

42. Star Wars

Some people like it, some don't, but you still have to watch it to find out.

43. The Outsiders

No sugar coating here. A row between two violent gangs ends badly and they must live with the consequences.

44. The Secret Garden

A true lesson in growing up, inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic fairy tale.

45. The Sound of Music

Because they need to know that Julie Andrews is much more than just a royal grandmother.

46. The Chronicles of Narnia

Fantasy doesn't get better than walking through a wardrobe and finding a new world.

47. Mulan

Another great heroine who does everything to fight for her family.

48. Jumanji

Playing boardgames will never be the same after your kids one the most action family movies.

49. Frozen

One of the biggest animation hits of all time, and perfect if you're looking for a good old singalong.

50. Inside Out

This Disney Pixar flick lets you take a look inside 11-year-old Riley's brain, and understand how her conflicting emotions try to find an equilibrium within her mind as she goes through the motions of growing up.