With all the streaming services popping up these days, there’s certainly no shortage of shows to choose from for family movie night. Yet one of the challenges of having so. many. options. is knowing what to choose.
Which titles are available on which platform? What’s streaming for free and what requires a paid subscription? Which options are family-friendly? And if something says it’s “family-friendly,” is it appropriate for your family?
GPL patrons with Evergreen accounts can stream thousands of titles for free using hoopla. If you’ve never used hoopla before, or you’ve used it mostly for audiobooks & ebooks, now is a great time to check out their available films.
Here are a few of the best family-friendly flicks you can access on hoopla right now. I’ve included the MPAA rating for each film, as well as Common Sense Media’s (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/) age rating, to help you determine whether a title is appropriate for your family.
Happy streaming!
It Takes Two – PG, 5+
Although Elizabeth, of Marvel Cinematic Universe fame, may be the better known Olsen these days, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen churned out a plethora of family-friendly flicks in the 90s, with this title being arguably one of their better offerings. It’s predictable, yet sweet.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – G, 6+
It doesn’t get much more wholesome than this silly, whimsical ride from 1968. Fun fact: The screenplay was written by beloved children’s author Roald Dahl.
Heidi – NR, 7+
This warm-hearted remake of the classic children’s tale is absolutely gorgeous to watch. Please note that this is a German production that is dubbed for English-speaking audiences.
Anne of Green Gables: The Good Stars – NR, 7+
Though this is the second film in a trilogy based on the work of L.M. Montgomery, you don’t have to have previous knowledge of the subject matter to enjoy this joyful, sweet film. Anne is a great role model for young viewers, and the fact that she has several mature, responsible adults to go to for advice is a refreshing change from most coming-of-age films. (The third film in the series, Fire and Dew, is also available.)
All Dogs Go to Heaven – G, 8+
As someone who loved this movie as a kid but hadn’t seen it in decades, some of the behavior (drinking, smoking, and a horrible, though thankfully brief, racist caricature) was shocking to see in a kids’ movie. Overall it’s still an enjoyable film, though, and these moments provide parents an opportunity to open discussions with children about what is and is not appropriate behavior.
Ella Enchanted – PG, 8+
A fun, fairy tale-inspired romp about a young woman cursed to do whatever she’s told. The star-studded cast and fun musical numbers should keep the whole family entertained.
The Black Stallion – G, 8+
The shipwreck that opens the film may be harrowing for young viewers. Otherwise, this tale about a young boy who befriends the horse that saved his life is as wholesome and heartwarming as the classic novel from which it was adapted.
Harriet the Spy – PG, 9+
This book-turned-movie has some tough to watch bullying scenes, some of which feature the protagonist herself as the perpetrator. But, by the end of the film, everyone has (mostly) learned their lesson. Plus, Michelle Trachtenberg is charming as Harriet, and many parents will find the 90s kid culture nostalgic.
If I Had Wings – PG, 11+
I was surprised by how much I thoroughly enjoyed this underdog tale about two unlikely friends overcoming a physical disability while navigating common problems kids face like bullying, strained parental relationships, and finding their identity. This film is better suited to older kids thanks to some language and allusions to racism.
13 Going on 30 – PG-13, 12+
This Jennifer Garner-led film is a delightful revisiting of the ‘kid in an adult body’ trope in the style of Big or Freaky Friday. Though there are some adult situations and innuendo you may not want younger viewers exposed to, it’s worth a watch with older kids for the soundtrack alone (and that “Thriller” dance scene).
For more info on how Hoopla works, check out our page (http://www.greenwoodlibrary.us/stream-hoopla).
When I was a kid, my favorite book was Harold and the Purple Crayon. I loved the idea that, with enough imagination, one could create their own magical world, just by thinking it so. Picture books serve an important role in early childhood development. They promote early literacy and language development and provide a special opportunity for children and their caregivers to spend quality time together.
