Looking to gather around the old flatscreen for a good old fashioned family movie night but you don’t know what to watch? Get out the buttery popcorn and check out our kid and parent friendly picks.

The New Kids on the Block

Toy Story Trilogy

Yes, the original is 15 years old, but with the third one recently out, it’s a good time to brush up on the background of Woody, Buzz, and the gang. Wrestling with themes of belonging and change, it’s especially relevant to expat kids.

How to Train Your Dragon

This tale of misfit Viking Hiccup and the dragon he accidently befriends is great for kids while still having humor adults can appreciate. Hiccup and his father’s difficulty understanding one another is something many families can relate to, while kids will especially relate to Hiccup’s efforts at fitting in without losing sight of what’s right.

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Tim Burton takes Alice into somewhat darker territory than before. While it might be a bit frightening for younger kids, the mythical story and dazzling visuals are engaging for adults and kids. The characters stay fanciful, but gain dimension as freedom fighters against the tyrannical Red Queen. Also a literary launch pad that incorporates a number of works by author Lewis Carroll.

They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To

King Kong (1933)

While the kids may be more excited about Jack Black than black and white, the original is a must-see cinema classic that’s still worth watching. Though the effects are dated, the pacing and storytelling stand the test of time.

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Johnny Depp’s performance in the 2005 film is great, but Gene Wilder as the reclusive candysmith is classic. Based on the Roald Dahl novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it’s also a great introduction to an amazingly talented kids writer.

Yellow Submarinee (1968)

Thinking one more animated musical might drive you to snap the DVD in half? What about if the music is provided by the Beatles from their album of the same name? Join the Fab Four as they take on the music-hating Blue Meanies. Filmmaker Robert Zemekis is currently working on a 3-D adaptation currently set to come out in 2012.

I Love the '80s (and '90s)

Ghostbusters

No, stinky tofu doesn’t count for “something strange in the neigborhood”—it just smells that way—but you know who to call for a good movie night. The movie will have you laughing more than shaking, but some scenes, like the librarian ghost at the beginning, might be too much for some kids. Pick up the sequel for a great double feature, and don’t forget the marshmellows!

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Everybody needs a day off. While most of us may not be able to able to do it as well as Ferris, we can still join in.

The Princess Bride

This quintessential fairy tale film, based on the book by the same name, is a great pick for a family movie night that has it all: thrills, adventure, comedy, and Fred Savage.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

You’ll have to watch if you want to find out. This comedy/mystery was ground breaking when it came out and still stands as a great live action/animation mix. The tone is at times dark and others a bit silly with bits of humor aimed at adults and children, similar to old Warner Brothers’ cartoons from the 30s and 40s. Kids will love the appearances by nearly every cartoon character known to the Western world.

Jurassic Park

Dinosaurs are always a kid favorite, but this one is fun for adults, too. With effects man Stan Winston’s masterful mix of CGI and animatronics, you’ll still feel like a kid at the zoo. A dinosaur zoo. Of course not all the dinos play nice, which may be too scary for some kids.

Epic Family Movie Night

Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Based on the J. R. R. Tolkien books of the same names, this film trilogy introduces kids and adults to a massive world of wizards, warriors, orcs, goblins, dwarves, and a continuing list of fantasy favorites. Kids can identify with Frodo and his friend Samwise, two little hobbits lost in a big, scary world. It’s also a great way to get those kids’ noses into some books.

Star Wars Trilogy

Forgetting that George Lucas ever made Episodes I-III, introduce your kids to the swashbuckling space adventures of Luke, Leah, Han and Chewy. Like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars is just one step for a kid into a very big world, although outside of the original trilogy, you’re on your own.

Indiana Jones Trilogy

With the same high-paced adventure as the 1930s action serials creator George Lucas based it on, the first Indiana Jones and its sequels are fun for all ages. While it’s as family friendly an affair as most Steven Spielberg films, there are some scenes in the movies that might be a bit scary for young kids. Uproar over parents concerns about violence in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom inspired the creation of the PG-13 rating in the US. “Parental discretion is advised.”

Back to the Future Trilogy

Setting aside the disturbing idea of travelling back in time to have your mom come on to you, the tales of Doc Brown and Marty McFly’s antics back and forth and back through time are entertaining for young and old. While the vision of the future may look remarkably like the late 80s, the effects stand up relatively well.

For more detailed parental advisories, check out the “Parents Guides” on the film profiles on Internet Movie Database. For a more China-internet-friendly option, check the somewhat less prolific ratings at Kids-In-Mind.

What’s your favorite family movie night movie? Any other suggestions?