10 Childhood Films for Family Movie Night

Description: Julie Andrews stars as the magical nanny who brings joy and order to the Banks family. Its blend of live-action and animation, along with catchy tunes, makes it a timeless family favorite.

Fact: Walt Disney himself had been trying to secure the rights to P.L. Travers' books for 20 years before the film was made. The film won five Academy Awards.

Description: An eccentric candy maker, Willy Wonka, opens his factory to five lucky children, leading to a whimsical and cautionary tale about greed and kindness.

Fact: Gene Wilder, who played Willy Wonka, improvised the famous entrance scene where he limps out of the factory before doing a somersault.

Description: Steven Spielberg's heartwarming tale of a boy who befriends an alien left behind on Earth. It's a story of friendship, love, and the magic of childhood imagination.

Fact: The film was re-released in 2002 with some scenes digitally altered, including replacing guns with walkie-talkies. The iconic bike scene was inspired by a dream Spielberg had.

Description: A young boy escapes into a magical book where he becomes part of the story, helping to save the fantasy world of Fantasia from destruction.

Fact: The film was shot in Germany, and the famous flying scene with Falkor was done using a combination of practical effects and stop-motion animation.

Description: A group of kids embark on a treasure hunt to save their homes from foreclosure, encountering booby traps, a family of criminals, and a legendary pirate's treasure along the way.

Fact: The film was shot in Astoria, Oregon, and the house used for the exterior shots of the Goonies' home is now a popular tourist attraction.

Description: A fairy tale adventure with romance, humor, and swashbuckling action, this film has become a beloved classic for its witty script and memorable characters.

Fact: The film was initially a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following. It was based on a novel by William Goldman, who also wrote the screenplay.

Description: This adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel explores themes of healing and the transformative power of nature through the story of a young girl who discovers a hidden garden.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations in England, including Allerton Castle, which served as Misselthwaite Manor. The garden was specially created for the film.

Description: Based on Roald Dahl's book, this film follows Matilda, a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers, who finds her place in the world despite her neglectful parents and a tyrannical headmistress.

Fact: Mara Wilson, who played Matilda, was chosen from over 4,000 girls who auditioned for the role. The film was directed by Danny DeVito, who also played Matilda's father.

Description: Set in the 1950s, this animated film tells the story of a boy who befriends a giant robot from space, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and what it means to be human.

Fact: The film was a box office disappointment but has since become a cult classic. Brad Bird, the director, also voiced the character of the government agent, Kent Mansley.

Description: This Disney classic tells the story of Simba, a lion cub who must overcome adversity to take his rightful place as king. Its themes of courage, friendship, and family make it a perfect film for all ages.

Fact: The film was the highest-grossing animated feature of its time. Elton John and Tim Rice wrote the songs for the movie, which won two Academy Awards.