1950s – Singin’ in the Rain

Silent film team consisting of Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) can’t get along in real life. As sound becomes a part of the film industry, Don decides to turn his and Lina’s current silent film into a musical. The only problem is that Lina can’t sing. This film has been named the greatest musical of all time, and is certainly a great family film.

1960s – Mary Poppins

This movie is a musical classic that is fit for a family view. Mary Poppins has various musical aspects, dancing penguins and animation that is perfect for a family movie night.  Mary Poppins, the super nanny, uses her magic to make things right in the Banks’ unhappy family by the request of the children. Also a Broadway musical, Mary Poppins is a must-see.

1970s – Jaws

During the hot summer days of July, a Great White Shark is terrorizing the beach of Amity Island. After there are shark attack victims, the Mayor is convinced by others to allow scientists and fishermen to hunt the sea and kill the beast preventing tourists from enjoying the sun and beaches of this island. This movie combines action and terror into one.

1980s – E.T.

In one of Steven Spielberg’s most popular films, E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, a young boy named Elliot becomes friends with E.T., an alien stranded on Earth. With the help of his siblings, Elliot tries to help E.T. return home without getting caught. This movie is a classic that has introduced several well-known actors, including Drew Barrymore and Henry Thomas.

1990s – Titanic

Social elite Rose DeWitt Bukater boards the Titanic with her mother and fiancé. Jack Dawson,  a lower class young man wins tickets onto the ship. Rose and Jack end up falling in love. Directed by James Cameron, this movie is a classic love story of a boy and girl from different social classes that come together on the maiden voyage of the ill-fated Titanic

2000s – Avatar

Disabled Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) replaces his brother’s position on a mission to the distant moon of Pandora. Sully tries to befriend the Na’vi people by using an Avatar. Sully begins to bond with the native people and falls in love with Neytiri, Zoe Saldana. The Colonel does not seize his genocide of the Na’vi people. Sully takes a stand and fights for what he now feels as his home.