- UK-wide cultural education charity Into Film compiles list of the 50 movies every child should see before the age of 11
- Over 250 family films considered by industry experts and film education specialists
- Films supported by curriculum linked teaching resources
- From classics through to modern day animation, films such as T. The Extra Terrestrial, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory and Toy Story feature in the top 50
- Films selected against a series of criteria including ‘timeless factor’, creativity, diversity, and the ability to tackle moral complexities and teach life lessons
- The ‘Must See Movies Before You Grow Up’ campaign, led by the UK video industry, will see all 50 films distributed by retailers this summer
The BFG, The Lion King and Up! have been named as three of the films all children should watch before the age of 11, according to a new list compiled by leading film industry experts.
The guide to the 50 films every child should see before they grow up has been created by film education charity Into Film, in partnership with the UK video industry to launch the Must See Movies Before You Grow Up campaign, which will see all 50 films distributed by retailers this summer - www.intofilm.org/msm
Each film was measured against a series of metrics, from the impact of the movie on a child’s intellectual, educational and emotional development, through to suitability for family viewing plus overall entertainment and nostalgia factor.
The judging panel, led by Into Film’s education and programming teams who specialise in curating film content and developing teaching resources for schools across the UK, narrowed down the selection of films to a shortlist of 250 from a catalogue of over 3,000 family movies.
The shortlist then lead to the final 50 films in the selection, which feature a range of past and current films that have been deemed to benefit child development and creativity.
The list of 50 Must See Movies Before You Grow Up are revealed (in alphabetical order) as:
|
101 Dalmatians |
Jumanji |
The Gruffalo |
|
A Little Princess |
Kubo and the Two Strings |
The Iron Giant |
|
Annie |
Mary Poppins |
The Jungle Book |
|
Babe: The Gallant Pig |
Matilda |
The LEGO Movie |
|
Beauty and the Beast |
Nanny McPhee |
The Lion King |
|
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs |
Night at the Museum |
The Lorax |
|
Coraline |
Oliver! |
The Never-Ending Story |
|
Diary of a Wimpy Kid |
Paddington |
The Princess Bride |
|
Dumbo |
Secret Life of Pets |
The Secret Garden |
|
E.T. The Extra Terrestrial |
Shaun The Sheep Movie |
The Witches |
|
Fantastic Mr Fox |
Shrek |
Toy Story |
|
Free Willy |
Space Jam |
Trolls |
|
Frozen |
Spirited Away |
Up! |
|
Home |
Star Wars: A New Hope |
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit |
|
Hook |
Swallows and Amazons |
Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory |
|
Hotel Transylvania |
The Adventures of TinTin |
Zootropolis |
|
How To Train Your Dragon |
The BFG |
|
From next generation CGI and animation, to historically innovative breakthrough storylines and concepts, the 50 films were selected for their timeless appeal with their narrative, themes and characters continuing to resonate with audiences. The selection criteria also measured a film’s effect on a child’s emotional and rational understanding of social interaction, creative development and knowledge growth [Please see ‘Notes to Editors’ for full judging criteria].
Alongside the list of 50 ‘Must See Movies Before you Grow Up’ Into Film has developed a series of curriculum based educational resources to be used in primary schools, linked to five over-arching themes - ‘Thrills & Chills’, ‘Adventure’, ‘Heroes & Villains’, ‘Kids Rule!’ and ‘Classics’. Each of the 50 films sit within a theme, enabling the ideas and issues in the film to be fully explored and encouraging discussion around complex topics such as diversity, bullying, adjusting to change, tackling moral complexities, bereavement, friendship, embracing being different, growing up and facing adversity.
Paul Reeve, CEO of Into Film said, “Film entertains, educates and inspires. The ‘Must See Movies Before You Grow Up’ list of the 50 films every child should see before they reach the age of 11 has been selected by our panel to do all of those things.
Through the movies and accompanying resources containing a range of activities, we’re encouraging families and educators to immerse children in fantastic stories that span decades and genres, and contain themes that can support their understanding and exploration of the wider world around them whilst expanding their minds.
Watching great films, learning through those films and learning about film: we know from our wider work that this contributes positively to nurturing a child’s development and fosters a love of movies that can last a lifetime.”
Must See Movies Before You Grow Up campaign ambassador and television presenter and actress, Denise Van Outen said: “Nothing beats movie night in our family. I love watching my daughter Betsy become totally absorbed in a storyline. It’s always fun showing her films that I used to watch as a little girl and then sharing our favourite scenes and characters. I’m certain film’s ability to take us to far off places and other worlds helps children develop empathy and imagination.”
For more information on the ‘Must See Movies Before You Grow Up’ campaign visit - www.intofilm.org/msm
Into Film is a film and education charity, supported by the BFI through National Lottery Funding, which aims to put film at the heart of young people's education, contributing to their cultural, creative, academic and personal development. Into Film is available to schools, colleges and youth groups across the UK and gives children and young people the chance to experience film creatively and critically, as well as learn about the film industry and careers within it.
Its film clubs, which allow young people to watch, critique, review, and make films, and annual Into Film Festival and Awards, provide numerous opportunities for teaching and learning through film, including access to a diverse catalogue of films, special events and activities, and resources which seek to ignite and cultivate the interest of all young people regardless of their background or ability.
- ENDS -
For more information contact Sam Corry, Frankie Allen or Emma Denley:
sc@taylorherring.com / fa@taylorherring.com/ed@taylorherring.com
Tel: 0208 206 5151
For further information about Into Film, please contact:
Beatrix Clark, Communications Officer beatrix.clark@intofilm.org
07778 917 322
NOTES TO EDITORS:
*Judging criteria to select the ‘50 Must See Movies Before you Grow Up’:
|
JUDGING CRITERIA |
DETAILS |
|
Suitable for family viewing
|
The film engages parents and teens as much as children. There is something in the film narrative for everyone to enjoy. From the jokes to topical references, an older audience must be entertained by the content. These are the films that get the whole family excited and will sit down to watch together.
|
|
Timeless |
The very best movies are timeless and last through the ages. The narrative, themes and characters continue to resonate with audiences and are often passed down through generations.
|
|
Innovation |
The film was innovative at its time of launch, from next generation CGI and animation, to break through storylines and concepts. These films heralded a new dawn in movie making.
|
|
Life lessons |
The film delivers valuable moral and life lessons for the audience, from friendship to understanding conflict resolution. These films help children understand the complexities of human interaction and develop their social skills.
|
|
Education |
The film helps to educate children and grow their minds through engaging storylines that develop their knowledge of the wider world.
|
|
Relatable characters |
The characters make an imprint on our minds and become childhood heroes and heroines.
|
|
Emotional engagement |
The film moves us on an emotional level - making us laugh and cry. The film also deals with emotional issues in a delicate way, which helps children to develop their social skills.
|
|
Audience reception |
When the film launched it was positively received and commended, generating mass appreciation from its target audience.
|
|
Diversity |
These films are diverse in their locations, time periods, genres and on screen characters. From fantasy and animation to fictional story telling, the breadth of offering in the narrative of these films help to grow children’s imaginations.
|
|
Entertainment factor |
These films ‘wow’ us and make us return to them time and time again. They have that ‘je ne sais quoi’ which make them stand out head and shoulders above other titles.
|
ABOUT INTO FILM:
Into Film is an education charity that seeks to put film at the heart of children and young people’s learning and cultural experience. Our ambitious UK-wide programme provides 5-19 year olds with unparalleled opportunities to see, think, make and imagine, contributing to their educational, cultural, creative and personal development. We achieve this by:
- Working with the education and informal youth sectors to support and promote learning through and about film
- Partnering with industry to enhance the appreciation and understanding of film
- Taking advantage of the learning solutions made possible by digital technology
Into Film incorporates the legacy of two leading film education charities, First Light and FILMCLUB, and works together with a range of partners in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Into Film is supported by the BFI through National Lottery funding, together with funding from the film industry and a number of other sources.
Into Film is a trading name of Film Nation UK
Registered charity number 1154030
Registered Office: 31 Islington Green, London, N1 8DU
‘50 Must See Movies Before you Grow Up’ themes;
Thrills & Chills
These family films all tell stories sure to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Taking us on a journey with brave and the curious characters we encounter fantastical new worlds with hidden dangers, magical creatures brought to life, and scenarios that force our heroes to confront terrifying truths. Battling monsters, braving nightmares –come- true and outwitting danger, this collection of films sees characters rising to the challenge to make the best of some very bad situations, with electrifying results!
Adventure
Expand your horizons and dare to explore places you’ve only ever dreamed of with the brave explorers in this selection. From crossing boundaries and admirably facing up to new threats, to using escapism and fantasy as a way of helping to process real-life issues, this selection embraces mystery, magic and a pioneering spirit. Whether it’s pushing their comfort zone or throwing themselves headlong into a new experience, the heroes of the adventure selection embrace the thrill of the journey as much as the wonder of the destination.
Heroes & Villains
Heroes and villains provide the backbone of some of our most enduring stories. These films prove that heroes can come in all shapes and sizes, from any background and any age. Working alone, or as part of a team these characters inspire us with their feats, even when they are relatively humble. But who doesn’t love a great baddie as well? Despite all of the booing and hissing, the truly great villains are more complex than they initially seem, and it is only when our hero encounters their nemesis that their greatest qualities are truly revealed.
Kids Rule!
The kids are the champions of their own destiny in this collection of films in which small people make a big difference. Refusing to be side-lined, the children in these films stand up to injustice and dare to take on forces bigger than themselves. By creating their own rules, proving themselves worthy contenders against overbearing adults, and revealing the special solidarity and loyalty that children have to protect what they care about, these plucky kids are inspirational and moving in equal measure.
Classics
Some films have a timeless, enduring quality, and are handed down from generation to generation for whole new audiences to fall in love with. These films have the power to make us laugh, cry and think – learning a little more about ourselves and the world we live in along the way. What’s more, these are films to be enjoyed time and again, by ourselves when we are in a particular mood, or better yet, settling down with friends and family to share the experience and magic for the first or hundredth time.
|
Film Title |
Year |
Studio |
Theme |
|
101 Dalmations |
1961 |
Disney |
Classics |
|
A Little Princess |
1995 |
Warner Bros |
Thrills & Chills |
|
Annie |
1982 |
Sony |
Kids Rule! |
|
Babe; The Gallant Pig |
1995 |
Universal |
Classics |
|
Beauty and the Beast |
1991 |
Disney |
Heroes & Villains |
|
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs |
2009 |
Sony |
Adventure |
|
Coraline |
2009 |
Universal |
Thrills & Chills |
|
Diary of a Wimpy Kid |
2010 |
Fox |
Kids Rule! |
|
Dumbo |
1941 |
Disney |
Classics |
|
E.T. The Extra Terrestrial |
1982 |
Universal |
Kids Rule! |
|
Fantastic Mr Fox |
2009 |
Fox |
Heroes & Villains |
|
Free Willy |
1993 |
Warner Bros |
Kids Rule! |
|
Frozen |
2013 |
Disney |
Heroes & Villains |
|
Home |
2015 |
Fox |
Kids Rule! |
|
Hook |
1991 |
Sony |
Kids Rule! |
|
Hotel Transylvania |
2012 |
Sony |
Thrills & Chills |
|
How To Train Your Dragon |
2010 |
Fox |
Kids Rule! |
|
Jumanji |
1995 |
Sony |
Thrills & Chills |
|
Kubo and the Two Strings |
2016 |
Universal |
Thrills & Chills |
|
Mary Poppins |
1964 |
Disney |
Classics |
|
Matilda |
1996 |
Sony |
Kids Rule! |
|
Nanny McPhee |
2005 |
Universal |
Classics |
|
Night at the Museum |
2006 |
Fox |
Adventure |
|
Oliver |
1968 |
Sony |
Classics |
|
Paddington |
2014 |
Studiocanal |
Adventure |
|
Secret Life of Pets |
2016 |
Universal |
Adventure |
|
Shaun The Sheep Movie |
2015 |
Studiocanal |
Adventure |
|
Shrek |
2001 |
Fox |
Heroes & Villains |
|
Space Jam |
1996 |
Warner Bros |
Heroes & Villains |
|
Spirited Away |
2001 |
Studiocanal |
Heroes & Villains |
|
Star Wars; A New Hope |
1977 |
Fox |
Thrills & Chills |
|
Swallows and Amazons |
2016 |
Studiocanal |
Kids Rule! |
|
The Adventures of TinTin |
2011 |
Universal (Paramount) |
Adventure |
|
The BFG |
2016 |
eOne |
Kids Rule! |
|
The Gruffalo |
2009 |
eOne |
Thrills & Chills |
|
The Iron Giant |
1999 |
Warner Bros |
Classics |
|
The Jungle Book |
1967 |
Disney |
Classics |
|
The LEGO Movie |
2014 |
Warner Bros |
Heroes & Villains |
|
The Lion King |
1994 |
Disney |
Heroes & Villains |
|
The Lorax |
2012 |
Universal |
Heroes & Villains |
|
The Never-Ending Story |
1984 |
Warner Bros |
Adventure |
|
The Princess Bride |
1987 |
Lionsgate |
Heroes & Villains |
|
The Secret Garden |
1993 |
Warner Bros |
Classics |
|
The Witches |
1990 |
Warner Bros |
Thrills & Chills |
|
Toy Story |
1995 |
Disney |
Adventure |
|
Trolls |
2016 |
Fox |
Adventure |
|
Up |
2009 |
Disney |
Adventure |
|
Wallace and Gromit; The Curse of the Were-Rabbit |
2005 |
Fox |
Thrills & Chills |
|
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory |
1971 |
Warner Bros |
Classics |
|
Zootopia |
2016 |
Disney |
Thrills & Chills |
About ERA partnerships:
Into Film have worked closely with the Entertainment Retailers Association, who have brokered an ambitious multi-studio agreement to market all 50 films this summer across almost all U.K. Video retailers.
For more information on the ‘Must See Movies Before You Grow Up’ campaign visit - www.intofilm.org/msm