Family Films About Choices

Description: Daniel LaRusso must choose between revenge and learning the art of karate from Mr. Miyagi. This film teaches about discipline, respect, and making choices that lead to personal growth and peace.

Fact: The famous "wax on, wax off" scene was improvised by Pat Morita.

Description: Ariel, a young mermaid, makes a life-altering choice to gain legs and explore the human world, leading to a series of events that test her resolve and love. This Disney classic is all about the sacrifices and choices one makes for love and freedom.

Fact: It was the first Disney animated film to be released on video while it was still being shown in theaters.

Description: Matilda, a young girl with extraordinary powers, faces choices about how to use her abilities to escape her neglectful parents and confront her tyrannical headmistress. It's a story about empowerment, the importance of education, and making the right choices.

Fact: The film was directed by Danny DeVito, who also played Matilda's father.

Description: Identical twins, separated at birth, meet at summer camp and decide to switch places to reunite their divorced parents. This film showcases the choices children make to influence their family dynamics, highlighting themes of identity and family unity.

Fact: Lindsay Lohan played both roles of the twins, marking one of her early starring roles.

Description: Mia Thermopolis, an ordinary high school student, discovers she's the princess of a small European country. The film explores her journey of accepting her royal heritage while navigating the choices between her old life and her new responsibilities. It's a light-hearted yet insightful look at identity and personal choice.

Fact: Anne Hathaway was discovered by Garry Marshall while she was still in college, and this film marked her breakout role.

Description: Bob Parr, once known as Mr. Incredible, must choose between living a normal life or returning to his superhero identity to save the world. This film delves into the choices one makes for family, career, and personal fulfillment, making it a great discussion starter for families.

Fact: The film was the first entirely computer-animated feature to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Description: A mother and daughter magically switch bodies, leading to a comedic exploration of each other's lives. The film delves into understanding, empathy, and the choices they make to appreciate one another's perspectives.

Fact: Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan both received critical acclaim for their performances.

Description: Walter Mitty, a daydreamer, embarks on a real-life adventure when he must find a missing negative. His journey is about choosing to live life fully, embracing adventure, and making choices that lead to self-discovery.

Fact: The film was shot in various real locations around the world, including Iceland, Greenland, and New York City.

Description: Two children create an imaginary kingdom to escape their troubles, but a tragic event forces them to make choices about friendship, grief, and moving forward. It's a poignant tale about the power of imagination and the choices we make in the face of loss.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Katherine Paterson, who wrote it as a way to cope with the death of her son's friend.

Description: This Pixar gem follows Joe Gardner, a middle school band teacher, who gets a chance to live his dream of playing jazz music. However, an unexpected twist forces him to navigate the afterlife, making choices that will define his life's purpose. It's a profound look at what truly matters in life, making it a perfect choice for families to discuss life's big decisions.

Fact: Soul was the first Pixar film to feature a Black lead character. It also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.