10 kids movies you'll be happy to watch again... and again

You know how kids want to want to watch the same film 20 million times? Well, since you live in the house too, you might as well make it a decent one…

Being a parent might be challenging, but there are hidden benefits. For example, it serves as the perfect excuse to rewatch all those movies you loved in your childhood with your own kid, under the guise of “cultural education”. Amassing Good Mum Points just by lying on the lounge and watching DVDs? High-five.

Keep in mind, however, that when your child does fall in love with a movie, you’re going to be seeing a lot of it. We’re talking several times per week, or per day if you’re really unlucky. I’m not sure my mum will ever willingly sit through The Lion King ever again.

Here, we’ve compiled some of the best kids’ movies (and GIFs) to get you thinking about your favourites. Let’s face it – they’re often better than movies aimed at grown-ups.

1. The Little Mermaid

The Disney classic that launched a million dreams of becoming a mermaid. And, presumably, a rise in little girls using forks to comb their hair. Just remember: the soundtrack will get stuck in your head. For days on end.

2. E.T.

It doesn't matter how old you are - no heart goes untouched by E.T.'s plaintive cry to "phone home". It's also worth another look to remind yourself just how cute Drew Barrymore was as a tot.

3. The Never Ending Story

Enchanted books, high-octane adventures in magical lands, and outrageously cute flying animals called Luckdragons - the Neverending Story really has it all. And there are three instalments - did someone say 'movie marathon'?

4. Mary Poppins

It's a jolly 'oliday with Mary - the songs are catchy, the overall message is sweet, and Mary Poppins sure knows how to make housework look fun. (Hopefully your kids are easily convinced.) The lady with the umbrella and the bottomless carpet bag nails it: this film is 'practically perfect in every way'.

5. Up

There's a lot of fun in this movie for kids - but it's just as poignant for mum and dad. Particularly the opening sequence, which manages to sum up the highs and lows of marriage in just four minutes (and leave you sobbing into your pillow).

6. The Fantastic Mr Fox

You won't have seen this gem in your childhood (it only came out in 2009), but Wes Anderson's stop-motion rendition of Roald Dahl's popular book is charming, creative and funny. Watch it with your kids and keep your ears peeled for the voices of George Clooney, Bill Murray and Meryl Streep.

7. Babe

"La la laaaaaa". Prepare for your kids to beg you for a pet piglet.

8. Toy Story

Woody, Buzz and the gang brought to life the fantasy we all had as kids: that toys come alive when no-one's looking. There's a lot to love about Toy Story, and its sequels are equally (if not more) awesome. Go on, admit it: the third instalment made you cry. (Us too.)

9. The Wizard of Oz

There's no place like home, and there's no movie like the Wizard of Oz. Keep in mind it's probably a bit too scary for the littlest ones, but for the rest it's an excellent technicolour adventure. Don't pretend you haven't tried clicking your heels three times...

10. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie's visit to the chocolate factory. owned by the whimsical (and slightly creepy) Willy Wonka, will leave your kids searching every chocolate bar they see for a golden ticket. And has there ever been a better portrayal of the pitfalls of being a greedy brat? Veruca Salt, you totally deserved it.

Having fun wandering down memory lane? Here are some more to tide you over...

 Which films would you add to this list?