As parents, our role extends far beyond keeping our little ones safe until they reach adulthood. We have the opportunity to introduce them to the world and equip them with essential life skills. They need to master basics like tying their shoes and crossing the street, as well as more complex lessons, like resisting the urge to pick their nose (which, believe it or not, is trickier than it sounds). But once those fundamentals are covered, the real task begins: fostering a love for classic cult movies. This is crucial for raising a well-rounded geek, and trust me, it’ll serve them far better in future social settings than reading them The Cat in the Hat.
Here’s my curated list of must-watch films:
Grease
Every child should learn iconic tunes like “Grease Lightning,” “Beauty School Dropout,” and “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee.” You can guarantee that at least one of these songs will pop up at karaoke night! And if karaoke isn’t your scene, these classics are perfect for weddings too. I’d choose any track from the Grease soundtrack over the monotonous “Chicken Dance” any day.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Due to its mature themes, this one might be best saved for their teenage years. Yes, I know it’s hard to wait, but just when your child outgrows trick-or-treating, Rocky Horror will give them a new reason to revel in Halloween fun. If you haven’t introduced this cult classic to your teen yet, do it soon—before a certain two-hour special airs and distorts its legacy. The original features the one and only Tim Curry as Sweet Transvestite, and it’s a must-see. Plus, the interactive elements of the show, like throwing popcorn and doing the Time Warp, make it a blast.
Little Shop of Horrors
Was there ever a cuter character than Rick Moranis’s Seymour? You might want to skip the dentist scene to avoid any negative associations, but this film teaches kids a valuable lesson: never trust a bloodthirsty plant.
The NeverEnding Story
If you want to inspire a love for reading, look no further than The NeverEnding Story. This film brilliantly conveys the magic of getting lost in a book and embarking on epic adventures. Despite being released in 1984, its charm remains timeless—who wouldn’t want to ride alongside Falkor?
The Lost Boys
Here’s a vampire flick where the undead don’t sparkle or go vegan. Sure, you’ll have to navigate some questionable ’80s fashion choices, but The Lost Boys is arguably the pinnacle of cheesy cinema featuring the Two Coreys. It’s essential for any budding geek to appreciate the beauty of glorious cheese.
Big
Kids often focus on what they can’t do and push boundaries—it’s their nature. Watching Tom Hanks discover that adulting isn’t always fun can help them appreciate the simple joys of life before they rush into responsibilities.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Is there a more iconic kid than Ferris Bueller? While you might be concerned about his sneaky tactics, this film teaches the importance of seizing the day. Ferris’s mantra, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it,” is one every child should learn.
The Karate Kid
“Wax on, wax off.” This classic not only entertains but also gives kids the impression that car waxing might just make them martial arts masters. And more importantly, it champions the story of an underdog who rises to greatness, encouraging young viewers to believe in themselves.
Footloose
If you have a future performer in your family, Ren’s assertion that “there is a time to dance” will resonate. This film is not just about dancing; it’s a celebration of joy and creativity in life. Plus, it’s a fun way to connect to the six degrees of Kevin Bacon.
Gremlins
Remember the adorable Gremlins? Nostalgia aside, this film serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities of pet ownership. If your kids are begging for a furry companion, showing them Gremlins might just convince them that it’s a lot of work—and fun—when you don’t follow the rules.
Star Wars: A New Hope
Every geek must embrace Star Wars as a rite of passage. Resist the urge to start with The Phantom Menace; instead, introduce them to the original saga. Imagine handing them a toy lightsaber while channeling Obi-Wan Kenobi: “This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight…” With every epic training session in the backyard, you’ll be paving the way for a lifetime of geek culture appreciation.
So there you have it—ten films that will not only entertain but also educate and inspire your children. For more insights on parenting and creating a family, check out this guide on home insemination options, or explore resources on fertility from the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center for those considering starting a family.
Summary
This article highlights ten essential movies for parents to watch with their children, focusing on timeless classics that teach valuable lessons while cultivating a love for geek culture. From musicals to cult classics, these films promise to create lasting memories and inspire future generations.
Keyphrase: Classic cult movies for parents and kids
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