Listen, we love "Zootopia" as much as the next guy, but these are the movies your kids have to watch to ensure they grow up to be just as rad as you are.
An American Tail, 1986
1 of 31
Teach your kids about the American dream with Fievel Mousekewitz, the little Russian mouse who comes to America and embarks on an epic journey to reunite with his family. It's a great way to teach your kids about America's history as a melting pot--only with mice.
Annie, 1982
2 of 31
Make your kids wish they were orphans, only to be adopted by a millionaire... wait, on second thought, maybe don't let that be their takeaway from the movie. Just make it about optimism, as Annie melts the cold-hearted Mr. Warbucks with her innocence and adorable singing. Watch this movie tomorrow... tomorrow; you'll love it... tomorrow.
The Goonies, 1985
3 of 31
HEY, YOU GUUUYYYYYSSS! "The Goonies" is the ultimate action-adventure movie for kids. It has treasure, villains, a pirate ship--and it will definitely convince your kid to get outside and seek their own adventures with their friends. And maybe learn to do the truffle shuffle.
E.T., 1982
4 of 31
"E.T." isn't just one of the best kids movies of the '80s, but possibly one of the best movies of all time. Directed by Stephen Spielberg, the film's heart-warming plot line and timeless story of friendship will make you forget how bad special effects were back then--almost.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, 1989
5 of 31
Scientist and father Wayne Szalinski creates a machine that accidentally shrinks his kids and their friends smaller than the size of ants. To return to their normal size, the kids have to battle through the jungle that was once their suburban backyard without getting stepped on, mowed over or eaten by ants.
Princess Bride, 1987
6 of 31
Have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates? Morons.
Develop your child's sense of humor and teach them the subtleties of witty banter with this classic, quotable movie. They'll be sure to enjoy all the action, and hopefully cover their eyes at the kissing.
Ghostbusters, 1984
7 of 31
If your kids can't instantly recognize the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, you're doing it wrong. "Ghostbusters" manages to startle and scare you one moment, then bust a gut laughing the next. It's perfect for the whole family, and who doesn't love a great Bill Murray flick?
Beetlejuice, 1988
8 of 31
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice--made you look.
There are two types of people out there: people who love scary movies, and people who don't. Find out which type of person your child will be with this classic '80s movie that seamlessly combines comedy and fantasy.
The Karate Kid, 1984
9 of 31
Wax on, wax off. Teach your kid about discipline, focus and overcoming obstacles with the antics of Mr. Miyagi and his young protégé, Daniel. Studies have shown 10 out of 10 kids will immediately want to sign up for karate class--sorry not sorry.
Back to the Future, 1985
10 of 31
Great Scott! "Back to the Future" is so good, even the sequels stand the test of time. Marty McFly (best name ever) travels back in time in Doc Brown's flying DeLorean only to find out time travel can have dangerous consequences--who knew? This is also a great way to introduce your kids to the concept that you used to be young, too.
Adventures in Babysitting, 1987
11 of 31
"Adventures in Babysitting" is a fun movie for the whole family, but be warned, it will greatly heighten your kid's expectations of their own babysitter. The movie could also be a great tool to convince your tween to get a job.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off, 1986
12 of 31
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is THE quintessential '80s teen movie. If you want to teach your kid how to play hooky, steal cars and win the girl, this movie covers all the bases. Wait, when you put it like that...
The Breakfast Club, 1985
13 of 31
Ah, "The Breakfast Club." It's got high school detention, humor, drama, love and--fair warning--a healthy dose of profanity and illegal activities. The movie addresses very mature issues regarding family and school that both teens and parents can relate to. It's also a great way to teach your kids if they mess with the bull, they get the horns.
The Fox and the Hound, 1981
15 of 31
In 1981, "The Fox and the Hound" was the most expensive animated film ever made at $12 million, but the messages in the movie are priceless. Teach your kids about the intricacies of friendship through a fox and hound who were natural enemies, but instead became the best of friends. Now how adorable is that?
The Little Mermaid, 1989
16 of 31
Ok, you were definitely going to show your kid "The Little Mermaid" anyway, but it still had to make this list. It's a classic tale of wanting what you can't have and disobeying your parents to get it--exactly what you wanted to teach the kiddos, right?
The Land Before Time, 1988
17 of 31
Did you know "The Land Before Time" was produced by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas?! Those guys don't just put their names on any old movie. Five young dinosaurs, all from different species and with varying personal issues, form bonds and trek through the Great Valley in search of food and their families.
An American Tail, 1986
18 of 31
Teach your kids about the American dream with Fievel Mousekewitz, the little Russian mouse who comes to America and embarks on an epic journey to reunite with his family. It's a great way to teach your kids about America's history as a melting pot--only with mice.
Annie, 1982
19 of 31
Make your kids wish they were orphans, only to be adopted by a millionaire... wait, on second thought, maybe don't let that be their takeaway from the movie. Just make it about optimism, as Annie melts the cold-hearted Mr. Warbucks with her innocence and adorable singing. Watch this movie tomorrow... tomorrow; you'll love it... tomorrow.
The Goonies, 1985
20 of 31
HEY, YOU GUUUYYYYYSSS! "The Goonies" is the ultimate action-adventure movie for kids. It has treasure, villains, a pirate ship--and it will definitely convince your kid to get outside and seek their own adventures with their friends. And maybe learn to do the truffle shuffle.
E.T., 1982
21 of 31
"E.T." isn't just one of the best kids movies of the '80s, but possibly one of the best movies of all time. Directed by Stephen Spielberg, the film's heart-warming plot line and timeless story of friendship will make you forget how bad special effects were back then--almost.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, 1989
22 of 31
Scientist and father Wayne Szalinski creates a machine that accidentally shrinks his kids and their friends smaller than the size of ants. To return to their normal size, the kids have to battle through the jungle that was once their suburban backyard without getting stepped on, mowed over or eaten by ants.
Princess Bride, 1987
23 of 31
Have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates? Morons.
Develop your child's sense of humor and teach them the subtleties of witty banter with this classic, quotable movie. They'll be sure to enjoy all the action, and hopefully cover their eyes at the kissing.
Ghostbusters, 1984
24 of 31
If your kids can't instantly recognize the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, you're doing it wrong. "Ghostbusters" manages to startle and scare you one moment, then bust a gut laughing the next. It's perfect for the whole family, and who doesn't love a great Bill Murray flick?
Beetlejuice, 1988
25 of 31
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice--made you look.
There are two types of people out there: people who love scary movies, and people who don't. Find out which type of person your child will be with this classic '80s movie that seamlessly combines comedy and fantasy.
The Karate Kid, 1984
26 of 31
Wax on, wax off. Teach your kid about discipline, focus and overcoming obstacles with the antics of Mr. Miyagi and his young protégé, Daniel. Studies have shown 10 out of 10 kids will immediately want to sign up for karate class--sorry not sorry.
Back to the Future, 1985
27 of 31
Great Scott! "Back to the Future" is so good, even the sequels stand the test of time. Marty McFly (best name ever) travels back in time in Doc Brown's flying DeLorean only to find out time travel can have dangerous consequences--who knew? This is also a great way to introduce your kids to the concept that you used to be young, too.
Adventures in Babysitting, 1987
28 of 31
"Adventures in Babysitting" is a fun movie for the whole family, but be warned, it will greatly heighten your kid's expectations of their own babysitter. The movie could also be a great tool to convince your tween to get a job.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off, 1986
29 of 31
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is THE quintessential '80s teen movie. If you want to teach your kid how to play hooky, steal cars and win the girl, this movie covers all the bases. Wait, when you put it like that...
The Breakfast Club, 1985
30 of 31
Ah, "The Breakfast Club." It's got high school detention, humor, drama, love and--fair warning--a healthy dose of profanity and illegal activities. The movie addresses very mature issues regarding family and school that both teens and parents can relate to. It's also a great way to teach your kids if they mess with the bull, they get the horns.
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