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20 greatest family movies of all time

July 7, 2010
Do you have TV rules in your household?

Rug up and grab the popcorn

On a cool winter's night, nothing beats snuggling with the kids under a doona and watching a classic family flick. We've compiled a list of 20 of the best family films of all time for you to put on your must-see list. Perhaps you'll discover a new favourite.

  1. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
    This 2009 Sony Pictures animation was inspired by a beloved children's book. The film focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain. Rated PG.
  2. Shrek
    Billed as 'The greatest fairy tale never told', this 2001 DreamWorks animation tells the story of a lovable ogre and his quest to rescue a princess. With the fourth movie in the series just released, the Shrek franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Rated G.
  3. Toy Story
    Go back to where it all began, the first Disney/Pixar CGI animation from 1995, which changed the face of modern family movies. Toy Story follows a group of toys who come to life when humans leave the room, and introduces audiences to the classic characters of Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Rated G.
  4. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
    The result of a creative partnership between claymation stuio Aardman pictures and DreamWorks animation, this hilarious film about eccentric inventor Wallace and his intelligent but silent dog, Gromit, won an Academy award.
  5. Wall-E
    This 2008 science fiction film by Pixar has more serious themes than many animated family movies, but the result is a beautiful, powerful and uplifting film. Kids will like it for the cute robots. Rated G.
  6. Up
    Another Academy Award winner, Up is the funny and touching story of an elderly widow's quest to South America in a house suspended by helium balloons. Rated PG.
  7. Ratatouille
    Yet another award-winning Pixar animation, this is the hilarious story of Remy, a French rat who dreams of becoming a chef. Rated G.
  8. Who Framed Roger Rabbit
    A retro murder mystery from 1988, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is remarkable for its blending of live action with traditional animation. And who could forget Jessica Rabbit? Rated PG.
  9. Finding Nemo
    The movie that launched a craze for clownfish, Finding Nemo is the poignant animated story of a father's love for his son. The Pixar film won a 2003 Academy Award. Rated G. 
  10. The Dark Crystal
    Fabulously inventive, this 1982 fantasy masterpiece was directed by puppeteer Jim Henson and made using animatronics. Although rated G, it might be too scary for toddlers. 
  11. The Lion King
    Disney's classic coming-of-age story about a pride of lions in Africa has drawn parallels with Shakespeare's Hamlet. Rated G. 
  12. The Princess Bride
    "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." Just one of the well-known quotes from this cult 1987 comedy-adventure-romance. Great for older kids, it's rated PG.
  13. Back to the Future
    See Micheal J. Fox as top form as Marty McFly, a teenager who is accidentally sent back in time from 1985 to 1955. This 1985 comedy/sci-fi flick was a commercial and critical success and stands the test of time. Rated PG.
  14. The Wizard of Oz
    U.S records show that the fantastical story of Dorothy Gale is the most-watched film in history. From the songs to the inventive story and oddball characters, it's a favourite with old and young alike. Rated G.
  15. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
    The movie that launched Drew Barrymore's career, E.T is the story of a lonely boy called Elliot who finds an alien marooned on earth. A heartwarming story of friendship and a real tearjerker, it's rated G. 
  16. Neverending Story
    The kids will be enthralled by the story of the fantasy world of Fantasia which is being threatened by a force called "The Nothing". Another 80s film which stands the test of time.
  17. Labryinth
    Although a box-office flop, this 1986 film has since gained cult status due to David Bowie's enigmatic musical performance as the Goblin King. Quirky and compelling. Rated PG.
  18. Spirited Away
    This Japanese anime film follows sullen ten-year-old Chihiro who is in the process of moving to a new town with her family, and chronicles her adventures in a world of spirits and monsters. Beautiful and inventive, it's a work of art. Rated PG.
  19. The Incredibles
    The Farr family's life turns upside-down when it seems they all have super powers. Funny and clever, this Pixar film is entertainment for all ages. Rated PG.
  20. Babe
    Proudly made down under,  this Australian animated film follows the adventures of a pig called Babe, who wants to be a sheepdog. An enchanted talking animal film that may turn the family vegetarian! Rated G.

What are your favourite family movies? Comment on the Essential Baby Forums.