The 12 Best Family Movies Ever

Sure, there are lots of new TV shows and movies out there. But nothing can replace the appeal of one of our favourite flicks from childhood. Cuddling with the kids on the couch, eating popcorn and telling them why we love it so much makes this a great down-time activity.

The Secret of NIMH has all the hallmarks of a great story—adversity, humour, great characters and memorable dialogue (plus the voice of Shannen Doherty—who knew?) Those smart rats and clever mice get us every time.

Sure, this is the newer and more familiar version of the Narnia movies, but we still love it and really enjoy snuggling up with the kids to enjoy it as well.

What was with our obsession with the movie Labyrinth? David Bowie dressed as a Goblin King? A strong female lead who saves herself, (thank you very much)? Maybe it was the muppet sidekicks or the awesome soundtrack. All we do know is that we are looking forward to watching it again.

An oldie but a goodie, Bedknobs and Broomsticks was a cool combo of animation and real actors. Magic, music and a small dose of history make this one movie we want to see again…so we'll use the kids as an excuse!

We're pretty sure we wore out our cassette version of the songs from this classic feel-good movie. Plus: Tim Curry and Carol Burnett? Awesome.

Sure, Sesame Street is still around, but we love this 35th Anniversary Special for the clips that we remember as kids, from the self-typing typewriter to classic Grover.

We still get a thrill when we think back to munching on popcorn while watching A Charlie Brown Christmas. That sad tree! Dancing Snoopy! It brings back great holiday memories and the music takes us back.

Long before her Leaving Las Vegas days, Elisabeth Shue was just a fresh-faced teenager facing a night of cheating boyfriends and in-trouble besties in the big city. Great Chicago scenes and some innocent teen romance ensue in Adventures in Babysitting.

Oh, Goonies—what a cult classic. Pirate treasure and a soundtrack featuring Cyndi Lauper? Colour us 80's children!

With sword fights, ROUS's, princesses and true love, The Princess Bride is surprisingly great for boys and girls alike. Plus—let's face it—it's one of our all-time favourite movies too.

We don't remember bawling our eyes out while watching E.T. as kids, but that's just what we do when we watch it now with our own (much to their embarrassment). Still a heart-tugger after all these years.

Back to the Future is a near perfect movie trilogy featurng one of our fave Canuck actors: Michael J. Fox. From a DeLorean to time travel, this one never fails to entertain.