The Magic of Family Movie Nights

At Growing With Stories LLC, we believe that stories are the heart of family connection—and what better way to share stories than through family movie nights?

Watching movies together as a family isn't just entertainment—it’s a healthy, enriching ritual that can help children develop emotional awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Whether it's a weekly Friday night screening or a cozy “Soup and Movie Night,” these moments become treasured family traditions and powerful learning opportunities.

Empathic Movie Watching: A Tool for Emotional Growth

Movies allow children to step into the shoes of characters facing challenges, navigating friendships, or discovering their inner courage. As you watch, engage your child in conversation. Ask:

• What did you think of that character’s choice?

• Have you ever felt like that before?

• What would you have done differently?

• What do you think the story was really about?

  
  

These questions help children reflect on character arcs, explore complex emotions, and build empathy. Empathic movie watching becomes a gentle way for children to process their own experiences—and for families to talk about values in a natural, non-preachy way.

Choose Stories that Uplift and Inspire

For children under ten, film selections should avoid any sexual content and instead emphasize adventure, kindness, friendship, and perseverance. Classic family favorites like:

• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

• The Goonies

• The Sandlot

• Home Alone

• Free Willy

• Charlotte’s Web

• Paddington (1 and 2)

• My Neighbor Totoro

• A Little Princess

• Babe

• The Iron Giant

• The Secret Garden (1993 or 2020 versions)

  
  

These films highlight the importance of empathy, helping others, courage, and resilience. They encourage kids to explore big emotions while staying rooted in age-appropriate content.

Books and Movies: A Powerful Combo

Whenever possible, consider reading the book before watching the movie adaptation. This enhances comprehension, sparks comparisons, and encourages critical thinking. Great pairings include Charlotte’s Web, The BFG, The Secret Garden, and A Wrinkle in Time. It’s a great way to reinforce reading habits while keeping the excitement of movie night alive.

Make It Special—and Unplugged

Family movie nights thrive on routine and ritual. Set aside phones and tablets. Dim the lights. Create a special menu: hotdogs and salad on Fridays, or a hearty soup for a midweek movie night. Let your children know this time is sacred and screen-free—not for isolation, but for connection.

Extend the Story: Spark Creativity

If your child feels especially connected to a film, encourage them to dive deeper:

• Write a story for a sequel or alternate ending.

• Draw pictures of their favorite scenes or characters.

• Act out their own version of the story with siblings or friends.

Children are full of wonder. A good story doesn’t end with the credits—it opens doors to imagination and self-expression.

At Growing With Stories, we believe that storytelling—whether through books, movies, or family traditions—is how children grow emotionally, socially, and creatively. So next time you plan a movie night, know that you’re not just watching a film. You’re helping your child learn, feel, and dream.