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. To Kill a Mockingbird
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a legendary piece of literature that always inspired by father. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a father that acknowledged books capturing segregation era. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love discussing an iconic book he considered highly precious. He would speak fondly about a book that shaped his identity. Childhood has always been a central theme in a book about big lawyers that my father loved dearly. In 1962, my father’s favourite book was beautifully adapted to the big-screen in the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Ever since its release in the 1960’s, Robert Mulligan’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about childhood. Mulligan always had an aptitude for making great movies about children experiencing danger, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Mulligan effectively used dramatic monologues to capture racism during the segregation era. For instance, the scene in which Atticus delivers his final monologue in court about all men being created equal during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gregory Peck, who embodied a brave lawyer fighting racism in history. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” my favourite film about childhood of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about racism which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the release of a classic film about bold lawyers fighting racism in a tense case, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made dark movies audiences embrace.
2. 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. Born in Mumbai slums, he was critical of movies depicting his country. He believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour 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 movie captured poor children in India. Boyle effectively used real-life locations across India to capture the downtrodden lives of impoverished children in the country. For instance, the scene in which Jamal recounts harrowing memories of being abused as a child causing trauma in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Dev Patel, who embodied an impoverished Indian child seeking to become a millionaire. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” a classic is its depiction of India. Unlike most movies about India, it tackles strong themes that would resonate with everyone. It delivers a meaningful message about poverty in India which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jamal’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made movies about which audiences care.
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 modern-day Cinema.
4. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” is a classic film about aliens my mother always considered special. I remember a great mother which appreciated a film about cute aliens causing disaster. She would always praise a classic film that depicted 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 an aptitude for making great movies about children whose lives are 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 brave child forming a lasting friendship with aliens. Ultimately, what makes “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1970’s which are outdated, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a meaningful message about divorce which would resonate with everyone. An extraordinary portrait of extra-terrestrial aliens forming friendships with children that are powerful, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences consider special.
5. Boyhood
Childhood is a crucial time in life that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of childhood that shaped my persona. I was often worried about passing classes that were challenging, being bullied and finding social acceptance among peers. Nevertheless, my childhood shaped the person I have become today. As someone treasuring fond memories of my childhood, I adored “Boyhood”. Released in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie captured a child growing up over 14 years. Linklater used the technique of filming the movie over 12 years to capture adolescence. For instance, the scene in which Mason bids farewell to his mother as he embarks on a journey to college in America remains one of the finest moments of the coming-of-age genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ellar Coltrane, who embodies a child growing up over 12 years. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Despite its focus on an American boy growing up over 12 years, its universal themes resonate with everyone. Witnessing Mason growing up over 12 years brought back fond memories of my own adolescence. The film delivers a message about childhood that would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of childhood, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies in Hollywood.
6. Atonement
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about children facing resentment, it’s worth discussing Atonement. Since its publication in 2001, Ian McEwan’s commemroated book has become a classic. In 2007, Joe Wright honoured the iconic book about children with atonement in his movie “Atonement”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Atonement” stand out is its depiction of deceitful children. Wright uses captivating montages capturing a young girl that deceives her sister through a frightening lie causing tension. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is extraordinary in the lead role, Wright honoured a classic book about childhood. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about an atonement, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has created unforgettable entertainment about children facing heartbreaking resentment.
7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. Childhood has always been a pivotal theme in a series about wizards that are well-known, and it is most evident in the first film “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Released in 2001, Chris Columbus’ movie introduced the series about magical wizards. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” stand out is its depiction of orphans. Columbus uses captivating montages capturing hardships a magical orphan is facing. Assisted by Daniel Radcliffe who is spellbinding in the lead role, Columbus honoured a series about wizards. A spellbinding beginning of a famous fantasy series about wizards that are magical, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies about children which audiences consider extremely special.
8. Home Alone
House burglaries are terrifying events that have always scared my mother. I remember my mother being afraid of home invasions causing disaster. She would be afraid leaving me home alone. As someone treasuring a mother that never left me home alone in childhood, I adored “Home Alone”. Released in 1990, Chris Columbus’ movie depicted children facing home burglaries. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Home Alone” stand out is its humour. Columbus uses humour to capture children facing burglars causing danger. Assisted by Macauley Culkin who is amazing in the lead role, Columbus created a strong comedy about children facing burglaries. A hilarious depiction of hardships faced by kids left home alone, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre producing well-known films that are in a league of their undeniable own.
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. With its compelling story, colourful characters and strong themes, the book earned a huge following. In 1996, Danny DeVito honoured the book about orphans 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 to capture the struggles faced by an orphan girl with special abilities. Assisted by Mara Wilson who is amazing in the lead role, DeVito created a compelling orphan drama. As strong as Matilda’s love for Miss Honey, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences love commonly dearly.
10. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Few movies ever made about children overcoming poverty are as beloved as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Released in 1971, Mel Stuart’s movie honoured a legendary book about poverty. Stuart used captivating musical numbers capturing hardships poor children are facing. Assisted by Gene Wilder who is amazing in the lead role, Stuart honoured Roald Dahl’s book. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s unrealistic depiction of children overcoming poverty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as Willy Wonka’s chocolate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to captivate audiences making unforgettable movies about children whose lives deteriorate which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I appreciate.
The Film Buff 