Last year, we created a list of 8 classic movies to watch with your older family members. You can find that list here. This article will provide 6 new suggestions for family movie nights. The movies below will include some important classics in film history. We also included some international titles in this list.
Classic Movie Ratings And Older Films
While many of these films are rated G or PG, please note that movie rating systems have changed over time, so use discretion when including younger family members in your classic movie nights. Many of these movies also predate the existence of PG-13 (1984). If the movie does not have an MPA rating, we have added its TV rating to help families decide. Older movies may also have themes or tropes that may not be as welcome today, so consider checking for a parental guide online before showing an older movie to younger children.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) – G – 1h 55m
Blake Edwards’s comedy helped make Audrey Hepburn into a major fashion icon well into the late 1900’s. This New York-based rom-com classic is remembered for its fashionable looks and its wit.
A Raisin in the Sun (1961) – NR/TV-14 – 2h 8m
This classic film was adapted from the play of the same name. Sidney Poitier stars along with Claudia McNeil and Ruby Dee in this thought-provoking family tale. The film centers around the family anticipating a life insurance check, whose sum would be incredibly life-changing. The family contemplates how to spend or save it. It also explores themes of racism and systemic oppression.
Seven Samurai (1954) – NR/TV-14 – 3h 27m
If your family won’t shy away from subtitles, we recommend Akira Kurosawa’s most acclaimed film. “Seven Samurai” follows a group of samurai warriors hired by local farmers to defend their land from bandits. The most expensive film out of Japan at the time of its release, “Seven Samurai” innovated multi-cam shooting for high-impact action sequences. It is often among lists of the greatest films of all time. It is also an important reference point for many action movies today.
12 Angry Men (1957) – NR/TV-14 – 1h 35m
This one-room drama focuses on the deliberation of a jury. The jury must decide on the conviction or acquittal of a teenager accused of murdering his abusive father. The tight space of the room adds tension to the arguments of the men, as one juror looks to convince his 11 peers.
Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987) – PG – 1h 44m
A classic French film, “Au Revoir Les Enfants,” is a World War II tale told from the perspective of young boys at a boarding school during the Nazi occupation of France. Writer and director Louis Malle creates a stunning, autobiographical coming-of-age story. In the film, the boarding school of his youth gains some new students, Jewish teenagers hiding out from the Holocaust.
A Room with a View (1985) – NR/TV-MA – 1h 57m
This classic British period piece features a well-stocked cast of some of Britain’s best actors and actresses. Many of whom are still acting today. The cast includes Helena Bonham Carter, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Julian Sands. This drama follows the budding love between a pair of travellers on a trip to Florence, Italy.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
