All-time great children's classics

The following is a list of some of the very best classics for children.

1.) Fantasia, 1940, This Walt Disney masterpiece is a sly
way to introduce children to classical music, without
them ever knowing they are being educated.

2.) The Bear, 1989, Wonderful story of two bears, one an
adult and the other an orphan. Terrific story about
animal preservation.

3.) Wee Willie Winkie, 1937, Shirley Temple at her best.

4.) The Black Stallion, 1979, Lyrical, superbly
photographed story of a shipwrecked boy and a
magical Arabian stallion.

5.) The Wizard of Oz, 1939, Judy Garland. Virtually an
institution, this musical fantasy children's classic
casts a spell that will never be broken.

6.) The Jungle Book, 1967, Loosely based on the Rudyard
Kipling's book. This animated classic is filled with
lovable animal characters and upbeat music. (not to be
confused with the 1942 film)

7.) White Fang, 1991, Rousing Jack London's family
adventure about a boy and a wolf-dog, sharply
directed against a stunning Alaskan backdrop.
(best for teens rather than tiny tykes).

8.) Peter and the Wolf and other tales, 1982, lovely blend
of music and poetry.

9.) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, 1982, Charming, sweet and
effective.

10.) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937.
A timeless masterpiece of the animators art.

Re: All-time great children's classics

Yes to 1,2,4,6, 8 and 10 - all great films.

3 - Shirley Temple? Yuk!
5 - Wizard of Oz - wouldn't have it in the house.
7 - White Fang - cannot comment - have neither read the book nor seen the film
9 - ET - not for me - horrid film.

Sorry Bakerman !

Re: All-time great children's classics

Oh, my. You're breaking my heart.
For goodness sakes, why not ?

Re: All-time great children's classics

Oh, my. You're breaking my heart.
For goodness sakes, why not ?

Re: All-time great children's classics

I was interested to see the Wizard of Oz on your list. It used to be a great favourite with 2 of my granddaughters (now in their 20s) but I've tried and failed to get my now 7-10 years old grandchildren interested in it. They haven't even wanted to watch it to the end.

But ET seems to be a perennial favourite.

None of my grandchildren have been at all interested in things like Fantasia or the wonderful old Snow White. I think today's children expect more sophistication (that's probably not the right word) and less charming innocence.

Meet me in St Louis is on my list of favourite films and that's largely because my first granddaughter loved it so much and I sat through it with her so often. I haven't tried but I doubt that it would have the same effect on similar aged children now. It's rather sad I think - not the film such I'd charming but my perceived change in children's tastes.

Re: All-time great children's classics

Yes, Tartlet. I agree with you about children's tastes today.
They have been raised in a different culture and are used to special effects that were not available when we were kids.

I believe that if we showed those films to a younger group, before they had a chance to be "tainted", if that's the right word, the kids would be thrilled. Also, children in a more rural setting, especially farms, that are far from local TV broadcast or cable TV, would enjoy those films as much as we did.

It's sad to say this, but even older generations demand "flashy, hi tech" films to the great black and white classics of yesteryear. IMO, the older films had greater directors, screen writers and cameramen. Collectively, they produced in-depth films, while many, if not most, of todays films are all flash and no substance. Hitchcock's B+W "Lifeboat", a film that had one single set --- a lifeboat, is a masterpiece of film-making.

Re: All-time great children's classics

I love films - old and new, Bakerman. Threw the TV out years ago and now just watch DVDs of which I have an extensive collection. Like you - I love the Hitchcock offerings - especially trying to identify him - he is, apparently, in all of them!

Re: All-time great children's classics

Yes, Hitchcock is in all of them. Brain-teaser: in the film "Lifeboat" there is only one set. Hitchcock is not one of the people on the lifeboat. But he makes an appearance. Where is he ?

Re: All-time great children's classics

Not seen that one at all - will have to find it and have a look now - I love a challenge !

Re: All-time great children's classics

Just found it on good ol' Amazon - for £5 - has planty of good reviews - can't wait to see it !