Movies are the best way to spend time with your grandkids and create lasting memories. I’ve picked out 20 wonderful movies that are perfect for you and your grandchildren. These movies are funny, smart, and enjoyable for everyone. What’s even better? Some of these movies star grandparents as the main characters!
1. The War with Grandpa
This funny movie from 2020 is about a prank war between a boy named Peter and his grandpa. When Peter’s grandpa (played by Robert De Niro) moves in, Peter has to give up his bedroom. Not too happy about this, Peter decides it’s time for a little war to see who can outsmart whom.
The movie is based on a book by Robert Kimmel Smith and is full of laughs. It’s a great film to watch with your grandparents and have a fun movie night together!
2. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Call home and get ready for an amazing adventure with E.T., the friendly alien who’s stuck on Earth. This touching story about friendship and family will make everyone feel like reaching for the stars—and maybe even grabbing a tissue or two. (Tip: Grab some sweet desserts to munch on while you watch!)
3. Nine Lives
If your grandchildren love animals, you must watch this movie together! It’s perfect for a fun night with your grandkids. The story is about Tom (played by Kevin Spacey), a busy businessman who doesn’t spend enough time with his family.
After an accident, he magically turns into a cat. Now, as a cat, Tom learns important lessons about family. He must fix his mistakes to become human again, or he’ll stay a cat forever!
4. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Welcome to a world of pure imagination! Come along with Charlie Bucket on a delicious adventure through Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory.
Watch the 1971 classic, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” with your grandkids to share stories of hope and determination. This fun movie will make you crave sweets and sing along with its catchy songs.
If you’re interested in a newer version, you might like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” from 2005, or the 2023 movie “Wonka.” Both are great for a movie night with your grandkids and are based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 book. Personally, I love the original with Gene Wilder best, but you can choose your favorite to watch!
5. The Sound of Music
Grandparents, take a trip down memory lane with your grandkids with this wonderful musical! The movie is about a young woman who wants to be a nun.
In the 1930s in Austria, her convent sends her to be a governess for a widowed naval officer’s seven children. Her cheerful and loving nature wins everyone’s heart, and that’s what the rest of the story is about. If you want to introduce your grandkids to classic movies, this film is a perfect start!
6. The Sandlot
I loved watching this classic movie with my kids, and now it’s so much fun to watch it with their kids too! Dive into the magic of summer and baseball with this nostalgic story. “The Sandlot” is a big hit for families, packed with laughs, adventures, and memories that will stick with you forever.
7. Dolphin Tale
“Dolphin Tale” is a movie full of hope and dreams, perfect for watching with your grandkids. It tells the amazing true story of Winter, a brave dolphin, and the kind people who worked together to save her.
Remember to watch the second movie too, where Winter meets a new friend named Hope. It’s a great choice for a special movie night with your grandkids!
8. Shrek
Step into the swamp and get ready to laugh with Shrek, the friendly ogre who’s not your usual fairy tale hero. This funny adventure has become a modern classic that the whole family will enjoy.
Just a heads-up: You might want to watch this movie first before showing it to your grandkids, as it has some bathroom humor and jokes for grown-ups.
9. A Dog’s Journey
“A Dog’s Journey” is a touching movie that features an animal as one of the main characters and will bring tears of joy to everyone watching. The story is about Bailey, a loyal mixed breed dog, who makes a promise to look after his owner’s granddaughter, CJ. To keep his promise, Bailey comes back to life four times, staying with CJ through good times and bad. It’s a beautiful story about the power of love and promises.
10. The Goonies
Here’s another movie from when my kids were young—you might remember it too! This famous adventure from the 80s is full of fun, heart, and unforgettable characters. It’s perfect for a family movie night with your grandkids.
11. Night at the Museum
Get ready for a fun adventure with this classic movie! It’s about Larry, a night security guard at the Museum of Natural History.
At night, his exhibit friends come to life! Together, they stop a robbery attempt. This fantasy comedy is perfect for watching with your grandkids.
Also, check out the other movies in this series, like “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” and “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.” They’re just as fun!
12. Up
Heads up, this movie might make you tear up in the first 15 minutes, but it’s totally worth it. Grab some balloons and get ready to fly high with Carl and Russell. “Up” is a beautiful story about friendship, love, and adventure. It’s a touching and gorgeous film that will inspire you and your grandkids to reach for your dreams and the sky.
13. The NeverEnding Story
Who else remembers this classic from the 80s? It’s still great today and ready to be enjoyed by a new generation. Jump into “The NeverEnding Story,” a magical and exciting fantasy adventure that takes you to the land of Fantasia. This timeless movie will spark your imagination and keep even your youngest grandkids glued to the screen.
14. Paddington
Get ready for a super cute adventure with Paddington Bear! This adorable movie is all about Paddington, a friendly and cuddly bear who loves marmalade sandwiches. You’ll laugh and learn important lessons about kindness and family. It’s a heartwarming film that you’ll fall in love with!
15. Moana
Join Moana and the demigod Maui on an exciting adventure across the ocean! They meet magical creatures and work together to save their island. This movie will inspire both grandmas and grandkids to discover their adventurous spirit and find their own paths. Moana is all about bravery and following your heart.
16. The Karate Kid
Let’s dive into a classic! Join in with “The Karate Kid,” an inspiring movie about determination, friendship, and the power of martial arts. This beloved film will have the whole family cheering and maybe even trying out some crane kicks together. It’s a great story that shows how hard work and believing in yourself can help you succeed.
17. How to Train Your Dragon
I’ve suggested a lot of older movies, so how about a newer one? Fly high with Hiccup and Toothless in “How to Train Your Dragon.” This exciting movie is all about friendship and finding out who you are. The story is sweet, the animation is bright and colorful, and the characters are super lovable. It’s a fun film that has everything you could want!
18. The Parent Trap
Meet the twins who come up with a clever plan to bring their divorced parents back together in “The Parent Trap.” This funny and sweet movie is a classic that will make you smile big. You might see double and laugh a lot! Wondering which version to watch, the one with Hayley Mills or Lindsay Lohan? I recommend watching both!
19. Jumanji
Welcome to the Jungle of Fun! Grab the dice and get ready for a wild adventure with “Jumanji,” where the game becomes real. This movie mixes action, laughs, and a bit of heart to create a super fun experience. I highly recommend “Jumanji” for a great time. You won’t want to miss it!
20. The Princess Bride
You know I had to include “The Princess Bride” in our list of great movies to watch with your grandkids! It’s a wonderful fairy tale with romance, adventure, and lots of laughs. Get ready for sword fights, giants, and some of the best lines you’ll ever hear—fun for kids and grown-ups!
So, there are 20 fantastic, feel-good movies for you to enjoy with your grandkids. Do you have any favorites you’d add to the list? Let me know—my inbox is always open. What are you waiting for? Grab some snacks and start making special memories!
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