Not many genres in Hollywood have earned appreciation of childhood. Since the 1960’s, stories of children have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s children battling burglars, extra-terrestrial creatures or teenagers, the genre has created strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about children that deserve to be appreciated.
1. Boyhood
Childhood is a crucial time in life that shaped my identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia joyful memories of growing up in adolescence that shaped my persona. I remember that I was an aimless child that often daydreamed being totally unconcerned about the future. I was always a curious child fascinated with big things in life that I didn’t fully understand which were dangerous. Lacking a clear life purpose, I enjoyed pursuing hobbies that I found entertaining. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the emotions faced by kids during childhood as powerfully as “Boyhood”. Ever since its release in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about childhood. With the greatest film of his career, Linklater used innovative cinematic techniques to capture children growing up over 12 years facing despair. Linklater has always had an aptitude for making engaging movies about danger that kids face during childhood, and “Boyhood” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Linklater’s decision to shoot the movie over 12 years is risky but it paid off tremendously. The technique of shooting the film over 12 years lends authenticity to the movie missing from most films about childhood. For instance, the scene in which Mason bids emotional farewell to his mother as he leaves for college causing a dilemma in America is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ellar Coltrane, who portrayed a child growing up over 12 years into an adult. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about childhood, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the importance of finding one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of a boy growing up over 12 years of childhood, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which are treasured in Hollywood.
2. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” is a classic film about aliens my mother always considered special. I remember a mother which appreciated a film capturing aliens causing disaster. She would always praise a classic film demonstrating cute aliens in a friendly manner. Nearly 50 years after its release changed Hollywood, Steven Spielberg’s movie remains one of the best films ever made about childhood. Spielberg has always had aptitude for making great movies about children in grave danger, and “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the iconic scene in which E.T. bids tearful farewell to Elliot as he leaves Earth causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Henry Thomas, who portrayed a bold child forming a lasting friendship with aliens. Ultimately, what makes “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood which would resonate with everyone. An extraordinary portrait of extra-terrestrial aliens forming friendships with children that are powerful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies which audiences consider special.
3. Forrest Gump
Intellectual disability shaped my identity. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing emotional damage. I remember feeling terror when I was diagnosed with a disability that put my life in danger. Autism became a barrier that affected by abilities to succeed in the education system. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured intellectual disabilities that cause a bump in lives of children as powerfully as “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about childhood that readers adore. Zemeckis uses flashbacks to capture an entrepreneur recounting memories of childhood that shaped his identity. For instance, the scene in which Forrest recounts with nostalgia memories of growing up as a disabled child in America is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Tom Hanks, who portrayed an intellectually disabled man reflecting on his childhood. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about disability which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Forrest Gump’s memories of growing up in Alabama, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
4. Slumdog Millionaire
India is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed bonds with a friend that criticized movies giving India a bad image. He always believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture beauty of a country holding a special place in his heart. As someone treasuring a friend that sought to become an Indian millionaire, I adored “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning movie honoured millionaires in India. Boyle has an aptitude for making movies about millionaires, and “Slumdog Millionaire” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Boyle effectively used locations across India to capture poor children in the country. For instance, the scene in which Jamal recalls memories of facing abuse as a child causing trauma in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Dev Patel, who embodied a poor boy seeking to become a millionaire. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” a classic is its depiction of India. Unlike most movies about India, it tackles themes that resonate with everyone. As strong as Jamal’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made movies about which audiences care.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird is a legendary book that my teacher always found inspiring. I remember my teacher adored a classic book he considered timeless literature. Fond Scout, he always loved talking about a book that he considered a classic without a doubt. Childhood has always been a central theme in the book that captures a child growing up during an era of segregation. In 1962, Robert Mulligan honoured the iconic book about children seeking to be heard in his movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Mulligan did an extraordinary job of adapting a classic book to the big-screen through dramatic monologues. For instance, the scene in which Atticus spends time with Scout on the porch teaching her lessons about life during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Mary Badham, who embodied a girl seeking to discover her identity in the segregation era. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1960’s which are outdated, it tackled themes everyone can relate to today. As strong as Atticus’ bond with Scout, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making movies which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.
6. Short Term 12
Mental hospitals are settings that shaped my identity. When I was diagnosed with Autism, I visited mental institutions that gave me guidance on how to overcome my problem. As someone that witnessed short-term relief in mental hospitals, I admired “Short Term 12”. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie depicted childhood of troubled youth in mental hospitals. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Short Term 12” stand out is its depiction of mental hospitals. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing hardships youth in mental hospitals are facing. Assisted by Brie Larson who is extraordinary in the lead role, Cretton created a captivating drama. A powerful portrait of mental hospitals caring for children whose lives deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies audiences appreciate.
7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. At an early age, I developed a tendency for feeling anxiety causing emotional damage. As a shy wallflower teenager, I remember being under pressure. Few films I’ve seen have managed to capture my anxiety as a child as powerfully as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about anxious children. Chbosky effectively uses flashbacks to capture an anxious teenager reflecting on childhood trauma that’s frightening. Assisted by Logan Lerman who is amazing in the lead role, Chbosky created a portrait of childhood that’s compelling. As strong as Charlie’s desire to become a wallflower teenager, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences treasure.
8. Moonlight
Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Hollywood has long held a history of building barriers against LGBTQ communities. In an industry rarely shining light on barriers queer children fight, it’s worth praising “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jekins’ movie captured the childhood of a black queer boy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Moonlight” stand out is its depiction of LGBTQ communities. Jenkins uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a queer black boy growing up in poverty is facing. Assisted by Alex R. Hibbert who is extraordinary in the lead role, Jenkins created a captivating childhood masterpiece. A fantastic portrait of barriers that queer teenagers fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies deserving spotlight.
9. Matilda
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about children facing a dilemma, it’s worth discussing Matilda. Since its publication in 1988, Roald Dahl’s book has become a literary classic. In 1996, Danny DeVito honoured the classic book about children facing trauma in his movie “Matilda”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Matilda” stand out is its depiction of gifted children. DeVito uses captivating voice-over narration capturing the life of a gifted girl facing tension. Assisted by Mara Wilson who is extraordinary in the lead role, DeVito honoured a classic book about commemorated children with special abilities. As strong as Matilda’s desire to escape child abuse, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about children which have earned rave reviews.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe
Few movies ever made about children facing a dilemma are as beloved as “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Released in 2005, Andrew Adamson’s movie honoured a magical book about children. Adamson used captivating montages capturing the relationships between children entering a magical world. Assisted by Georgie Henley who is extraordinary in the lead role, Adamson honoured a beloved book about children. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of kids that treat each other poorly has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a valuable addition to the genre. As powerful as Aslan’s desire to defend Narnia’s kingdom, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies offering wisdom about children which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish my dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 