Streamers: AFS Family Style Programmer Stacy Brick on Films for Kids

We asked guest programmer Stacy Brick—whose Family Style series at the AFS Cinema is a showcase for films that the whole family can enjoy—for some picks that will help you and your kids break out of the same rut of four or five movies. Here are her suggestions.


Let’s face it – things are bleak in the “Family” section of all the major streaming services right now. It’s not easy to find something to watch that you can all enjoy together.

I’ve put together a round-up of some of the best Sunday School and Family Style screenings from the last few years that are currently available online. I’ve also added in a few other favorites. I can guarantee that these will bring laughs and interesting conversations with your kids for days (if not weeks) to come.

Now, pop some popcorn, get comfy, and stream away!

TIME BANDITS

Eleven-year-old Kevin discovers he can travel through time by pushing through a wall in his bedroom. He joins a band of dwarfs to hop through time and space to steal riches – meeting the likes of Napoleon, Robin Hood, and King Agamemnon along the way. The film is directed by Terry Gilliam and written by Gilliam and his Monty Python mates. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to the troupe, whose “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” is now streaming on Netflix. Be prepared for them to start jumping out from behind corners yelling, “No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!” At least that’s what’s happening at my house.

Streaming on: HULU, ITUNES, GOOGLE PLAY, AMAZON

THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING WOMAN

Lily Tomlin is a housewife who begins to shrink after a reaction to the chemicals in common household products. In the vibrantly colored suburban neighborhood of Tasty Meadows, Pat Kramer juggles housework and two wild children while her husband Vance (Charles Grodin) writes advertising jingles – which help sell the products that cause Pat to start shrinking. Once she shrinks to dollhouse size, grabbing the attention and hearts of America, she becomes a target for an evil organization hoping to learn her secret and use it to shrink everyone on earth.

Streaming on: ITUNES, GOOGLE PLAY, AMAZON

THE WORLD OF HENRY ORIENT

Two 14-year-old prep school girls become fast friends in this quirky coming of age comedy. Val has a crush on famous avant-garde concert pianist, Henry Orient, who is busy trying to seduce married women. The girls follow Orient around Manhattan with many mishaps and misunderstandings along the way. The slow motion sequence of Val & Gil romping through Manhattan is one of the best film tributes to the city. The film feels honest and fresh over 50 years after its release. Peter Sellers stars as Henry Orient in his American debut. After this one, introduce your kids to Inspector Clouseau!

Streaming on: AMAZON

MON ONCLE

Jaques Tati directs and stars as Monsieur Hulot in his first color feature. The film centers on Hulot’s quest to connect with his sister’s family, the Arpels and his nephew in particular. The Arpels are a modern family set on dragging Hulot into their stark, modern existence but he is much more comfortable in his old, crumbling neighborhood with familiar vendors and packs of dogs wandering around upturning trash bins in the cobbled streets. Tati uses Hulot’s slapstick to show how consumerism and technology actually make day-to-day life more complicated despite promising otherwise. Even though it’s subtitled, the dialogue in the film is unimportant (most of it is unintelligibly spoken) which, along with all the sight gags, makes this an ideal comedy for children of all ages.

Streaming on: ITUNES, AMAZON

THE BLACK STALLION

You probably saw this one countless times when you were a kid, but how much do you remember? Take it from Roger Ebert who said, THE BLACK STALLION has “terrific energy, beauty, and excitement. It’s not a children’s movie; it’s for adults and for kids.” Make sure you watch this beautiful film on a TV, the cinematography is stunning.

Streaming on: ITUNES, GOOGLE PLAY, AMAZON

SPACEBALLS

Despite its PG rating, there is lots of salty language in this one (along with one F-bomb at the end). I wouldn’t program it in the theater – but times are different right now. If you have an older kid (10 or up) who’s into STAR WARS, they will love this. And honestly, so will you. There are so many ridiculous jokes about 80’s pop culture you haven’t thought of in forever, it will make your head spin. Plus John Candy!

Streaming on: HULU, GOOGLE PLAY, ITUNES

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