Superb Family Films

What I consider to be the most important aspect of a family film is that it entertains both the adults and the children. There a few films that have this duality allowing them the make this list of what I believe to be the some of the best family films. 

The Lion King
Who better to get a family film from than Disney. The Lion King, the animated, anthropomorphic musical version of Hamlet is arguably the best Disney film. It has a splash of everything you need, action, music and the underlying story about the importance of family. Good times.

The Princess Bride
One of the essential children's films of the 80s. Boys, don't be put off by the title. The Princess Bride has swordplay, mystery, a man in a mask as well aswait for itBattling Rodents of Unusual Size. Could it get any better?

Howl's Moving Castle
Hayao Miyazaki is the most commonly known anime creator largely because he is fantastic. I would have recommended Princess Mononoke, an adventure film that doubles as a film about the effect of man on the world but I don't believe it to be suitable for younger children. If the children are above the age of 12, Princess Mononoke is the way to go. Howl's Moving Castle is one of his more recent works. Howl's Moving Castle tells the tale of Sofi, a hat maker who is cursed by the Witch of the Waste who turns her into a hag. Like most of Miyazaki's work, Howl's Moving Castle, has a moral, one everyone's parent wants to teach them; don't judge a book by it's cover.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
This is arguably better than the re-make. We know the tale, Charlie gets a golden ticket which entitles him to a trip the chocolate factory of Willy Wonka. Fun happenings then ensure. However, if your children are large Johnny Depp fans or they believe the original to be, dare I say it, "old" go with the re-make.

Star Wars
It had to pop up at some point. Some female children may be unwilling to watch it but after a glimpse of Princess Leia's fabulous outfit they'll want to she what she get up to as well as have a Princess Leia doll. Come on, you gotta love Star Wars.