As a 21-year old adult, or at least as much of an adult as I can be at the moment, I often think about the carefree moment of my childhood filled with memories I hold dear. The quickest way to give me a feeling of nostalgia and bring out my inner child is a trip down memory lane of movies I used to watch as a 4-year old dressed in a tiara and plastic jeweled shoes. After all, the key to staying young is releasing your inner child every now and again. So go ahead. Take a few moments out of your busy day at the office or classroom and take a trip down memory lane. Your inner child will thank you.
1. Free Willy
I must say, Free Willy was probably my favorite non-Disney movie that I watched repeatedly as a child. There is just something amazing about the bond of friendship created between such a beautiful creature and young boy. Not to mention the lesson of the value of frienship and determination portrayed throughout would translate into a child's character years later.
2. The Lion King
Okay, what kid doesn't like The Lion King? As far as classics go, this one takes the cake. Not only are the songs impossible to sing along with, children can learn the difference between right and wrong throughout the plot while falling in love with hysterical personalities from Timone, Pumba, and Rafiki. Lion King is one classic that will forever be close to my heart (and I say that as a 21-year-old who has a stuffed Simba sitting on her bed).
3. Balto
Balto is definitely one childhood classic that I feel is often over-looked. Knowing I was an animal lover, my grandma bought this movie for my younger sister and I to enjoy, although it was more of a tactic to keep our toddler selves in one spot long enough for my grandparents to take a nap. From the first moment I watched the heroic tale I fell in love and it became a tradition of visits to grandma.
4. The Land Before Time
Honestly, this series shouldn't come as a shock to anyone for being included on this list. Afterall, The Land Before Time movies may as well be a transition into the "big kid stage" as the characters will cause you to become nostalgic in seconds years later. I can't even make a trip to the grocery store without picking up this movie and reminiscing on my care-free childhood days where the biggest drama revolved around how rude Cera the Triceratops was to Little Foot, Spike, Petrie and Ducky. If only that were still the case...
5. Old Yeller
Words cannot even begin to describe the impact this movie had on my childhood. This movie brought the old fashioned life to a modern generation with the love between a family and their dog that transfers over into any period of time.
6. Beauty and the Beast
A tale as old as time. This movie, another from Disney himself, is the most romantic love story created for children to date. There is nothing more romantic than a tale of how love is created from personality and character rather than looks. I don't know about the rest of you... but I'm about 97 percent sure my wedding dreams and future love story fantasies came from this very movie. Ugh, if only real relationships were so easy.
7. The Iron Giant
I mean... the movie was about a kid befriending a giant. What child wouldn't be fascinated?! This movie is just one that brought in a different plot unlike any other while teaching children the benefit of creating unlikely friendships.
8. Toy Story
Of course, I had to include the movie that confirmed every child's suspicions. The sense of adventure and friendships that form throughout this movie is a classic tale kids will forever love. After all, when their child is away, the toys will play.
9. Babe
I'm sure I am not the only one who LOVES this movie. Although this is one of the very few movies on this list that I have actually not viewed in years, the inspiring story of the pig, Babe, who wanted to be a sheepdog is one I will forever hold dear. This story truly shows kids everywhere that they can be or do anything they want to be... as long as their passion drives their dedication and hard work to get there. No matter the doubts, obstacles or ridicule you may face, nothing can stop a dedicated and passionate individual
10. Spirit
Now this movie is one loved by children but may be a tad disliked by parents as it released the wild and free ambitions. A story of a wild stallion who can't be tamed or held back is as inspiring as it is rememberable. Spirit is an amazing example of what a child and their imagination should be, wild, free, and unstoppable.
11. Homeward Bound
It should come as no surprise to see this classic "tail" included on my list. Not only does the story follow three adorable furry faces, but the bond of friendship and dedication to make their way home is a tearjerker. This movie shows every child the importance of friends, family, and going home- a lesson no child can leave behind.
