Pete’s Dragon is a fantasy drama that’s filled with an abundance of heart. Disney’s remake of the classic movie will be sure to entertain audiences as much as it did in 1977. The movie stars Pete, played by Oakes Fegley, who lost his family at an early age due to a fatal car accident only to be left wondering the woods soon after and befriending a dragon, named Elliott. They set off on an epic adventure when two words soon collide, one of magic and wonder and another of reality. But sometimes the greatest things can’t be seen.
With Pete’s Dragon gracing the big screens this past weekend, we thought it’d be fun to list our top 10 family films from the last ten years; they’re films that have made us laugh, cry and pulled at our heart strings.
Night at the Museum (2006)
Night at the Museum stars Ben Stiller who plays a night security guard at, you guessed it, a museum.. Thinking he has an easy job watching over the museum artifacts, he soon learns how mistaken he was. With an ancient Egyptian curse cast over the whole museum, the film sets off on an epic adventure filled with humor and heart. Also, I never laughed as much or looked at a museum the same since watching this movie.
WALL·E (2008)
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WALL·E is the top underrated Pixar movies that every family has to add to their must-see movie lists. A movie that was a little ahead of its time hits a lot of adult level themes such as environmentalism, our extreme attachment to technology and obesity. But with the amazing animation and WALL·E’s adorable hopeless romantic persona makes it entertaining to kids as well.
Up (2009)
Pixar is known for creating films that have strong beginnings that immediately grab the audience’s attention and Up is no exception. No one can ever forget the love story between Carl Fredricksen and his wife. With many ups and downs along the way, they had one hell of an adventure. But we all know how that story ends. With one ending comes another story’s beginning as he, a determined boy scout and lovable dog, set off to fulfill Carl’s lifelong dream.
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Toy Story 3 (2010)
The friendship between Buzz, Woody and the rest of Andy’s toys is unforgettable. Toy Story 3 adds a pivotal moment in this story where Andy has to say goodbye to his toys but we know he’ll never lose that childlike wonder. This family movie will be cherished to infinity and beyond. (or until Toy Story 4 hits theaters June 15, 2018).
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 2 (2011)
Gryffindors and Slytherins may not see eye-to-eye but they can probably agree that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is a magical film that puts an end to the one who shall not be named once and for all. The Harry Potter franchise has attracted an audience both young and old and continues to do so.
Frozen (2013)
Though Frozen is now probably one of the movies you may be sick hearing about, doesn’t change the fact that it is a huge success. The big success is probably due to the fact that adults and kids thoroughly enjoy the movie’s plot, focus on sisterhood and for its strong female lead. And who wouldn’t want to build a snowman, am I right? (okay, that pun was a bit cringe worthy- I’ll admit).
The Lego Movie (2014)
Everything is awesome about this movie. There were solid humor and a good message that everyone could take away. If you don’t think a movie filled with legos, singing and Will Ferrell is your thing, you should reconsider.
Inside Out (2015)
Critics claimed that this is one of Pixar’s best work yet and there’s no doubt about it. Inside Out reminds us that it’s okay to embrace every single emotion. It’s completely fine to be sad or angry or anxious or happy- self-expression is key. But ultimately, Pixar opened up the conversation about depression and this film puts it in the forefront of family’s mind. Instead of feeling like no one understands you or what you’re feeling, it’s best to open up and parents are the first avenues of open communication between the world and their kids.
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
Star Wars is a fandom that many children got to cherish in years past. But dust off the light sabers because the Star Wars galactic story continues and includes new characters, a twisting plot and more that children now can also enjoy. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens has a strong female lead, an adorable BB8 and an epic battle between the light and dark sides that will never be forgotten. For all of you Star Wars fans out there, get prepared for a few more movies that will have every family leaving in awe.
Zootopia (2016)
Disney’s Zootopia is one of the most challenging films yet that brings to light racial equality in the animation world. If you cut back the layers of cute animated characters, Shakira’s catchy song that helps open up the movie and the daring adventure between a rabbit and a fox, there’s something more to it. Zootopia takes a bold look as to where America is as a country and society at large.
Let us know in the comments below what other family films you enjoy! And go see Disney’s Pete’s Dragon that’s now in theaters.
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