Kids' Lockdown Picks
Thu 25 Jun 2020
A few weeks ago we asked you to share with us your top film recommendations to watch during lockdown. Well now, it’s the kids’ turn!
Over on our social media channels, we asked you to tell us what your family have been watching during lockdown and you didn’t disappoint.
We’ve compiled the top 10 into a handy go-to list for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.
Matilda (1996), dir. Danny DeVito
Based on the best-selling novel from Roald Dahl, Danny DeVito’s adaptation of Matilda is a nineties classic.
Misunderstood by her family, Matilda is an intelligent young girl who loves to read. When she starts school, she meets a kind teacher, local friends and of course, the sadistic Miss Trunchbull. After she discovers she has telekinetic powers, Matilda turns the tables on her parents and horrible principal.
Available to stream on Netflix
Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009), dir. Lasse Hallström
Did you know? In 2012 a bronze statue of Hachiko the dog was placed at the train depot at Woonsocket Depot Square, Rhode Island where the film was filmed.
Based on the hit 1987 Japanese film Hachiko Monogatari, as well as on a remarkable true story, the film follows a college professor (Richard Gere) who adopts an abandoned dog.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video
The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003) dir. Peter Jackson
One of the most loved high-fantasy series around, Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is full of stunning scenery, intense fight scenes and an epic quest.
This trilogy has the luxury of an all-star ensemble cast including Elijah Wood, Sir Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, Sir Ian Holm, Christopher Lee… (honestly this list could go on for all eternity).
Labyrinth (1986), dir. Jim Henson
Earlier this year, the controversial news broke that we would be receiving a sequel on the big screen soon, with Jim Henson’s children taking on producer roles.
A true ’80s classic with puppets galore and an electric performance from David Bowie, teenager Sarah is given thirteen hours to solve a labyrinth and rescue her baby brother when her wish for him to be taken away is granted by the Goblin King.
Available to stream on Netflix
Paddington (2014), dir. Paul King
A firm favourite among Phoenix customers and staff, it’s no surprise that the loveable bear makes an appearance on this list.
The film tells the story of the misadventures of the young Peruvian bear who finds himself lost and alone in London – until he meets the kindly Brown family who offer him a temporary home.
The Secret Garden (1993), dir. Agnieszka Holland
The second classic ’90s film to grace our list, this beloved adaptation of the novel of the same name written by Frances Hodgson Burnett still enchants family audiences today.
England 1947, a young orphan girl is sent to live with her uncle. There, she discovers a magical garden on the grounds of his estate.
Available to stream on Netflix from July
The Breadwinner (2017), dir Nora Twomey
From the mastermind animation company that gave us Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells, it’s hardly surprising that The Breadwinner opened to critical acclaim and picked up some Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations.
Set in Afghanistan, Parvana is forced to disguise herself as a boy to provide for her family when her father is arrested by the Taliban. Drawing strength from fantastical stories she invents, she vows to find her father and bring him home.
Available to stream on Netflix
The Goonies (1985), dir. Richard Donner
Infamous for creating the truffle shuffle, The Goonies is the ultimate treasure-map movie.
When two brothers find out they may lose their home they desperately try to find a way to keep it. They find a treasure map and bring along some friends to find where ‘X’ marks the spot while trying to get away from a group of bad guys who also want the riches.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video
A Monster Calls (2016), dir. J.A. Bayona
Based on the hugely popular book by Patrick Ness, A Monster Calls is a gripping tale and features a stellar cast including Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver, Tony Kebbell and Liam Neeson and the Monster.
Struggling to come to terms with his mother’s illness, one night a young boy, Conor is visited by a monster at his bedroom window. The ancient yew tree in the churchyard behind his house has come to life, telling Conor it will visit three times to tell him fables.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), dir. Jon Watts
Gaining worldwide critic and audience acclaim, Homecoming marks Tom Holland’s first solo Spider-Man movie.
Fresh from helping father-figure Tony Stark in Civil War, Peter Parker is back to being the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man we know and love. When new villain Vulture (Michael Keaton) arrives using alien technology left over from The Avengers various dust-ups to wreak havoc in New York, it’s up to Peter to save the day.