The interesting thing about family movies is that they really can be any sort of genre, provided that the film is “fun for the whole family.” Most of the time, the jokes can be for all ages, as can the stories and relatable characters.
Not only do they offer bonding time, family movies are a reminder of what's important. These particular movies focus on values and stories that can be enjoyed by everyone.
The Land Before Time (1988) - 7.4
Before the fabled Bluth and his animation studio teamed up with Steve Spielberg (who pretty much directed childhood in the 1980s) for the dinosaur adventure, The Land Before Time. The film is about a young Apatosaurus, Little Foot, and his journey to the Great Valley and the other dinosaurs along the way. The parable for prejudice and acceptance became an instant smash and spawned a series and a whopping 13 sequels.
Labyrinth (1986) - 7.4
George Lucas teamed up with the best puppeteer in movie history, Jim Henson and Monty Python’s Terry Jones for the fantasy tale, Labyrinth. Henson brings all of puppeteering skills to this fantasy.
Sarah inadvertently wished her own baby brother to be taken by goblins. The incomparable David Bowie then hams it up in the best way possible as The Goblin King appears to offer her a chance to get the baby back - traverse the riddle of The Labyrinth and find Toby before it's too late or be with Jareth forever.
The Neverending Story (1984) - 7.4
Wolfgang Petersen’s first film was this beloved classic. In The Neverending Story, a young boy is bullied by his peers and mourning the death of his mother. After running into a bookstore to hide from the bullies, he convinces the shop owner to tell him about the book he’s reading. He literally gets drawn into the story, where he finds Atreyu, a warrior who has to stop "The Nothing" from engulfing the world of Fantasia whole.
The Last Unicorn (1982) - 7.5
An excellent voice cast consisting of Mia Farrow, Alan Arkin, Jeff Bridges, and the incomparable Christopher Lee all lend their talents to the adaptation of the beloved classic fantasy novel, The Last Unicorn. The titular character finds out that she is in fact the last of her kind. Meanwhile, King Haggard, who has only known happiness when looking at Unicorns, wants the mare, Lady Amalthea for his own nefarious needs.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - 7.7
Parents will get a kick out of the more adult humor, kids will get a kick out of seeing all of the old-school cartoon characters on screen together in Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
That is of course the main crux of the movie, as Roger seeks out a the cartoon hating detective Eddie Valiant to investigate the case and help clear his name. It’s the kind of movie that is the true model of a family film.
The Goonies (1985) - 7.8
Adults when they were a kid and enjoyed just hanging out with their friends outside, going off on some wild adventure or hair-brained scheme. The Goonies is just like that. It’s the old “save the rec center plot,” only the rec center is actually the town itself. The entire port town of Astoria, Oregon is about to head into foreclosure and a group of kids find an old treasure map and set out to find a long buried treasure. It’s not that easy for these kids, they’re being hunted by crooks who want the treasure for themselves.
E.T. - The Extra Terrestrial (1982) - 7.8
If you grew up during the eighties then ET, which tells the story of an alien left behind and doing his best to get home. He meets the kind-hearted Elliot and he and his family help the alien head home while averting the authorities.
Stand By Me (1986) - 8.1
Once the younger kids are in bed or they get a little older, it might be time to take out Rob Reiner’s adaption of King is the master at after horror, showcasing nostalgia.
The Princess Bride (1987) - 8.1
There are few movies from the 1980s that have endured as well as ionate kiss at the end is essentially legendary.
In the movie, a lowly farm boy returns to save his true love from having to marry a wretch of a king. He meets several great characters along the way as he proves that nothing, not even death, can stop true love.
Back To The Future (1985) - 8.5
For over thirty years, eighties movie, as well as science fiction flick and comedy. Michael J. Fox stars as Marty McFly, who gets flung back in time by the eccentric Doc Brown. The kid has to make sure his parents get together, otherwise he will cease to exist.
