When should I show my kids “X” movie? I came to the realization on family vacation this summer that maybe I’ve been too restrictive on what our kids watch. Maybe I have been too worried about the kind of content that they might see, concerned about whether it would affect their bedtime. As we are already well into 2024, it might be a good time to look at some film anniversaries and those movies that might fit (or had fit) this notion at some point in our kids’ lives.
One of the movies that came to mind over our recent holiday was Tremors which celebrated 34 years since its release. My kids (ages 10 and 11) have been very interested in scary stories, so the idea of underground worm-like things pulling people underground seemed like the right place to start – and they LOVED it.
Let’s look at a few films many of us are familiar with and highlight why these movies stand the test of time (and whether they may be a good fit for our kids).
Classic Stories, Characters, and Long-Lasting Feelings
The Neverending Story – 40th Anniversary
Release: 1984
Rating: PG
If there was ever an adventure story for children to watch that expands their emotional horizons through fantasy, The Neverending Story might just be the pinnacle of that storytelling horizon. The characters in this film deal with grief, fear, harrowing encounters and creatures, devotion, and friendship.
The Neverending Story stands the test of time. Even after decades, my favorite childhood film did not disappoint my initial reaction when watching it as a youngster. Yes, consider your child’s age when watching this movie. I once considered this movie too intense for my 3 and 4-year-olds, but my kids did watch it only a couple years later. Although it wasn’t their favorite movie, I have to highlight this movie for how fantastic it still lands for me today.
The PG-rated movie provides children with an imaginative adventure where they come face to face with death, difficult choices, and finding solace within the pages of a fictional story.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – 35th Anniversary
Release: 1989
Rating: PG-13
Indiana Jones is a character I wanted to be when I grew up. There was confidence, intelligence, and a desire to restore order when evil overbalanced good. With Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, my favorite of the series, our hero defies insurmountable odds as he looks to save his father from the nasty hands of the Nazis.
As the Nazis look to gain power, or destroy others with their own, Indiana will always make the world a better place with his “power of fictional punches.” Although the self-titled hero does not look to gain power and glory for himself, he hopes to unlock mysteries others have been unable to solve for generations.
Even after 40 years, we will always need our favorite archaeologist to fight evil.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace – 25th Anniversary
Release: 1999
Rating: PG
Don’t yuck other people’s yums. That’s right. People like Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace. Guess what? That’s okay. People should be able to enjoy the movies they like. Star Wars doesn’t have to have a defined expression where every film or TV show needs to land perfectly.
Star Wars is an incredibly diverse galaxy, where creatures, droids, Jedi, Sith, and witches all coexist to present enjoyable experiences for its fans. The Phantom Menace gives younger audiences a chance to have fun blended with silliness, while also understanding consequences of battle when they witness characters being killed.
If anything, younger kids will understand from Star Wars (much like Indiana Jones) how a greater good is needed to stand up to fascism.
Not If, But When Will I Show These to My Kids
10 Things I Hate About You – 25th Anniversary
Release: 1999
Rating: PG-13
Let’s call this “I’m not sure what age my kids should watch this PG-13 movie.” I LOVE 10 Things I Hate About You, but there are some blunt comments about sex that might surprise kids younger than the age-rating. Let’s just say I have considered letting my kids watch this, but we haven’t gotten there quite yet.
10 Things I Hate About You presents an awful scenario where two individuals probably wouldn’t interact normally, but Patrick (played by the late Heath Ledger) gets paid to take out Kat (played by Julia Stiles). There are a lot of moving parts that resemble questionable behavior in the pursuit of dating someone or landing a quick payday. Knowing it’s a fictional film, the overall messages and chemistry between characters gives a really fun, heartfelt experience that is easy to rewatch.
10 Things I Hate About You is my favorite rom-com, and I will gladly sit down and watch this again and again. As for my kids, they might need another year (or two) before they watch the jerk (a.k.a. Joey) draw a penis on Michael’s face.
The Matrix – 25th Anniversary
Release: 1999
Labeled under “one of my most rewatched movies of all-time,” it would feel weird to leave off the 25th anniversary of The Matrix. This is an R-rated film, so you will have to use your own discretion to what age you let your kids/teens watch it, especially with sequences where characters get riddled with bullets at various moments throughout the movie.
The Matrix presents such a unique premise, and the overall story always wowed me in a way that wanted me to keep coming back to it. On top of that, although I haven’t read the story yet, I am eager to read Begin Transmissions: The Trans Allegories of The Matrix. Not only are movies a wonderfully impactful storytelling medium, there are sometimes layers that are more than meets the eye, and discovering those nuances is equally exciting.
I love The Matrix for its stunning visuals, breathtaking action sequences, and character moments that highlight how learning to believe in who you are is just as powerful as any other moment we might see in all of fiction.
Forrest Gump – 30th Anniversary
Release: 1994
Rating: PG-13
Forrest Gump is incredible. From heartfelt moments, straightforward funny comments, to dealing with ridicule or traumatic experiences, this story deals with a lot of life lessons or struggles. There are some intimate moments and characters’ limbs being blown off that make me hesitate to show this to my kids immediately. There’s also reference to various types of abuse that make it difficult to gauge the appropriate time for my kids to see such things.
Despite my trepidation with a few scenes, Forrest Gump gives everyone a glimpse into a character who perseveres despite being mocked at a young age. The bullying and constant doubting from others does not deter Forrest from doing what he sets out to do. His life is a relentless pursuit of achieving greatness, while never asking for much in return. Characters in this film, including Forrest, deal with loss, uncertainty, and healing journeys that make us gleefully happy.
I’ve seen this movie, like all of the others on this list, many (many) times. But there are so many movies that have a special anniversary this year. Are there any I’ve missed that you want your kids to watch but are unsure on when to have them watch? Share your thoughts in the comments, or start a conversation with us or your friends over on Facebook or Twitter.
Until next time, happy parenting and happy geeking.
