10 favorite family films

Rated G

What's the Story?: Overprotective clownfish Marlin goes for the swim of his life when his son is caught by a scuba diver and deposited in a dentist's office fish tank far away.

Why It's a Favorite: This breathtaking computer-animated feature takes viewers to a visually stunning world under the sea, where the fish offer a fresh perspective on childhood themes like growing up, going to school, and becoming independent.

Touchy Moments: Nemo's mom and siblings are eaten by a predator. Nemo is captured and separated from his father. The lives of the fish are constantly in peril, and Bruce, the razor-toothed shark who fills the entire screen, is a terrifying sight.

Post-Popcorn Discussion: Talk to your kids about the importance of listening to you and what to do if you ever get separated. The movie also offers opportunities for your children to talk about their fears and for you to help them overcome them.

Read the Flick for Kids Age-by-Age guide for Finding Nemo.

Rated G

What's the Story?: A British family gets a rather unconventional nanny in Disney's classic musical adaptation of P.L. Travers' book.

Why It's a Favorite: Smart and sassy Mary is the nanny of every child's (not to mention every parent's) dream. She finds joy even in the mundane, and is always able to pull a few tricks out of her magic carpetbag.

Touchy Moments: None!

Post-Popcorn Discussion: You and your kids can figure out ways to make chores as much fun as Mary does. You may also find out a few things about your own caregiver, if you have one, as your children make comparisons.

Read the Flick for Kids Age-by-Age guide for Mary Poppins.

Rated G

What's the Story?: Young lion cub Simba must find the strength and courage to fulfill his destiny after his father, King Mufasa, is tragically killed at the hands of his jealous uncle Scar.

Why It's a Favorite: The compelling story and well-defined characters are so real, that viewers of all ages can't help getting emotionally involved.

Touchy Moments: Scar is one of Disney's most evil and frightening villains, especially because he's a trusted family member. Mufasa's violent and graphic death--and Simba's grief--are very disturbing and upsetting.

Post-Popcorn Discussion: This is the movie that will bring up all those difficult life-and-death questions from your children. If you have a young alpha male with a shy sister in the house, you might want to talk about Simba's female friend Nala, who never backs down and always manages to pin him to the ground when they wrestle. This may start a discussion of how girls can be as powerful as boys. This is also a good time to remind children about the consequences of disobeying parents' rules.

Read the Flick for Kids Age-by-Age guide for The Lion King.

Rated G

What's the Story?: New toy in town Buzz Lightyear threatens to replace rag-doll cowboy Woody in the most-cherished spot on young Andy's bed.

Why It's a Favorite: Disney's first totally computer-animated feature is a wondrous celebration of childhood that answers the age-old question of what toys do while their owners are away.

Touchy Moments: The mean kid next door plays with matches and explosives. Bo Peep makes a couple of suggestive remarks.

Post-Popcorn Discussion: Woody's jealousy toward Buzz is the perfect springboard for a discussion about sibling rivalry and for reassuring children that parents' hearts have unlimited space for love.

Read the Flick for Kids Age-by-Age guide for Toy Story.

Rated G

What's the Story?: Evil sorcerer Rothbart turns Princess Odette into a swan, and Prince Derek tries to break the spell.

Why It's a Favorite: It's as close to Disney quality as animation gets. Odette is a truly modern heroine who asks, "What else?" when Derek proclaims that he loves her because she's beautiful and breaks up with him when he can't give her an answer.

Touchy Moments: Rothbart disguises himself as a giant bat-like creature, attacks the king, attempts to kill Derek, and casts a spell of death over Odette.

Post-Popcorn Discussion: Use the movie themes to discuss the fact that appearances can be deceiving and that true beauty lies within.

Rated G

What's the Story?: With their mother in the hospital, sisters Mei and Satsuki move with their father to a new home in the country, only to find a world of furry and magical creatures living right in their own camphor tree.

Why It's a Favorite: This beautifully animated Japanese film, directed by Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke), captures the joys and fears of childhood, offering a wide-eyed look at a world of fantasy and the wonders of nature.

Touchy Moments: Four-year-old Mei runs away from home to visit her mother, who may be dying, in the hospital.

Post-Popcorn Discussion: Take your children for a walk in the park to talk about the beauty and mysteries of nature and discover their thoughts about Totoros, those bigger-than-life spirits of the forest. With older kids, you may want to discuss the actual look of the movie itself, which is as enchanting as its story, with lovingly hand-drawn watercolors and simple figures full of personality.

Read the Flick for Kids Age-by-Age guide for My Neighbor Totoro.

Rated PG

What's the Story?: When a 12-year-old street kid named Jesse is forced to clean up the aquarium he vandalized, he befriends a 7,000-pound orca and sets into motion an elaborate plan to return the magnificent creature to his natural habitat.

Why It's a Favorite: The movie packs a wallop with its powerful "Save the Whales" message, but what makes it even more special is the way it portrays Willy as also helping to save Jesse.

Touchy Moments: Greedy aquarium owners decide to kill Willy for the insurance money and Jesse is still dealing with the trauma of his mother abandoning him years ago.

Post-Popcorn Discussion: The movie should provoke some fascinating discussions on whether animals belong in zoos and aquariums or whether they should be free in their natural habitats. The strength (and responsibility) of the human-animal bond is something else worth talking about, especially with pet owners or those begging for a pet.

Rated PG

What's the Story?: Young Elliot befriends an adorable alien and promises to take care of him until his crew returns to bring him home.

Why It's a Favorite: We've all felt like E.T. at some point: lost, alone, and just wanting to phone home.

Touchy Moments: E.T. gets drunk. A few profanities are uttered by Elliot's older brother. E.T. and Elliot are hooked up to medical equipment as their health deteriorates. Government officials come after E.T.

Post-Popcorn Discussion: The movie is a good lead-in to discussions about whether there are other life forms out there--where they might live, what they might look like, what their special talents might be.

Rated G

What's the Story?: Maria, a young nun-in-training, discovers her true calling lies outside the convent when she takes a job as governess to the seven children of a strict, widowed naval captain.

Why It's a Favorite: It's inspiring to watch "a problem like Maria" grow into a self-assured, nurturing heroine to the tune of classic Rodgers and Hammerstein's songs.

Touchy Moments: With war imminent, the family attempts to leave Austria.

Post-Popcorn Discussion: This classic movie, based on the true story of the von Trapp family, provides fascinating fodder for discussions about triumphing over adversity as well as history lessons about the events leading up to World War II. On a lighter note, you can listen to "My Favorite Things," and discover the things your children like best.

Read the Flick for Kids Age-by-Age guide for The Sound of Music.