My Favorite Films from My Childhood...
These are the films from my childhood that I loved them, and I still love now... I tried not to include films that were not really designed or marketed to children/family (such as Jaws or Halloween...).
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- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherLuke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.I am counting the trilogy here, but didn't want to take too much space by listing all three separately. My favorite of the three would be The Empire Strikes Back.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsSean AstinJosh BrolinJeff CohenA group of young misfits called The Goonies discover an ancient map and set out on an adventure to find a legendary pirate's long-lost treasure.I adore this film. It is so full of adventure and really fun characters... even the music video for the film, Cyndi Lauper's "The Goonies R Good Enough" featuring Captain Lou Albano, sits fondly in my memories... My sister & I must have watched this film a hundred times...
- DirectorTerry GilliamStarsSean ConneryShelley DuvallJohn CleeseA young boy accidentally joins a band of time travelling dwarves, as they jump from era to era looking for treasure to steal.I just watched this one again the other day. Part of me has always wanted to see a remake of this film, but the other part feels like they would just screw it up. In my heart & mind, this film holds up great. But I've shown it to people who had never seen it in the 80's & they often feel it is dated. That aside, there is a very Monty Python like spirit to this film (not surprising as it was directed by Terry Gilliam, and co-written by Gilliam & Michael Palin of Monty Python). The film has a bit of satire, poking fun of the materialism of the 1980's... but to me, it was my first encounter with the concept of Time Travel... and I was captivated from the word go. The possibilities with Time Travel stories are endless... this led to my love of Doctor Who. David Warner was a deliciously evil villain in the film as well. And I've always rooted for the bad guys.
- DirectorSteven LisbergerStarsJeff BridgesBruce BoxleitnerDavid WarnerA computer hacker is abducted into the digital world and forced to participate in gladiatorial games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security program.Tron! Man, I loved this film (still do... it was very much ahead of it's time). As a gamer since I was old enough to hold an Atari controller in my hands, the concept of being pulled into a video game (so to speak) was just mind blowing. I had hoped & dreamed they would do a remake or sequel. I'm happy to say they finally did so with 2010's Tron Legacy. I hope this series continues...
- DirectorWolfgang PetersenStarsNoah HathawayBarret OliverTami StronachA troubled boy dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a mysterious book.I've been a life long fan of science fiction & fantasy... and The Neverending Story rocked my world as a nine year old boy with a big imagination. Not since Star Wars had I spent so much time imagining that I inhabited a world other than my own. I wanted to find this book. I wanted to open it and find myself transported to this fantasy paradise. I wanted a Luck Dragon of my own!
- DirectorJim HensonStarsDavid BowieJennifer ConnellyToby FroudSixteen-year-old Sarah must solve a labyrinth to rescue her baby brother when he is taken by the Goblin King.What is not to love about a totally glammed out David Bowie singing songs with demon muppets! And I had such a mad crush on Jennifer Connelly after seeing this!
- DirectorJim HensonFrank OzStarsJim HensonKathryn MullenFrank OzOn another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal, and to restore order to his world.This was such a visually striking film. Even as a seven year old I was inspired by the art design in this game. I started drawing characters that I felt would fit in this magical world (a hobby I wish I had pursued further...)... Even all these years later, I feel this film has some of the most original and striking art designs I've ever seen.
- DirectorVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.So much has been written about this timeless classic. It captivated my imagination from the first time I saw it. The idea of being transported to a far away, magical world was the kind of thing that filled my dreams (dreams of both the day and night variety). And this may have been one of the earliest crushes I ever had. I remember thinking Dorothy Gale was so pretty. I'll never grow tired of this film... it really is a masterpiece.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordKaren AllenPaul FreemanIn 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain its awesome powers.I couldn't decide if this film fit on this list, since I was trying not to include films that were not specifically marketed towards kids or family. Then I remembered that I had Raiders of the Lost Ark action figures as a kid! So yeah, it fits! What can I say about this film that hasn't already been said. They don't make 'em like this anymore... even when they try, (2008's Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a good example) it rarely works.
- DirectorDesmond DavisStarsLaurence OlivierHarry HamlinClaire BloomPerseus must battle Medusa and the Kraken to save the Princess Andromeda.Sort of like Raiders of the Lost Ark, I wasn't sure if this one fit my criteria for this list. But it was such a favorite of mine as a child and I don't think it was inappropriate for a kid of my age. So yeah, I'll include it. Ray Harryhausen's work inspired me from an early age. His special effects in films like Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, Jason and the Argonauts and Mysterious Island kept me glued to his films as far back as I can remember. But Clash of the Titans was my favorite. And being a fan of villains, I always had a special place in my heart for the tragic man/monster Calibos. Though not originally a part of the mythology upon which this film was based, Calibos fit perfectly in this world of gods, men and monsters. Too bad the recent remakes have not been everything I had hoped they would be.
- DirectorRichard LesterStarsGene HackmanChristopher ReeveMargot KidderSuperman agrees to sacrifice his powers to start a relationship with Lois Lane, unaware that three Kryptonian criminals he inadvertently released are conquering Earth.Of all the Superman films from my childhood, Superman II is my favorite (and I mean the theatrical version, not the Richard Donner Cut. The Donner Cut would have been great if he didn't use the same silly time reversal ending he used in the first film!). The main reason is the villains. Finally, Superman faced enemies that could give him a real challenge! General Zod (Terrence Stamp) was brilliant. It is a shame the film had such a messy production (the director being replaced mid film, the attempt to let original director Donner re assemble the film as he wanted it later for DVD...). As good as it was, I can only imagine it would have been much better with one director from start to finish.
- DirectorMatthew RobbinsStarsPeter MacNicolCaitlin ClarkeRalph RichardsonA young wizarding apprentice is sent to kill a dragon which has been devouring girls from a nearby kingdom.A really good dragon film. I've always loved dragons. And the effects were brilliant for 1981!
- DirectorRon HowardStarsVal KilmerJoanne WhalleyWarwick DavisA young farmer is chosen to undertake a perilous journey in order to protect a special baby from an evil queen.Another great fantasy film... this dark, magical world was a favorite... I only wish they had made a follow up.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsWil WheatonRiver PhoenixCorey FeldmanA writer recounts a childhood journey with his friends to find the body of a missing boy.This Rob Reiner directed adaptation of the story The Body by Stephen King is a fantastic film. I watched it the other day and was just as inthralled by the tale as I was when I was a kid. A great cast (the late River Phoenix, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O'Connell, Wil Wheaton and Corey Feldman), a great screenplay (by Bruce A. Evans and Raynold Gideon) and a soundtrack that helps to transport us to the summer of 1959 all help in making what is one of my favorite films of all time.
- DirectorJohn BadhamStarsMatthew BroderickAlly SheedyJohn WoodA young man finds a back door into a military central computer in which reality is confused with game-playing, possibly starting World War III.Again, like Tron, this film appealed to the young gamer in me. Yeah, it was more about computers and hacking... but it had that same spirit. And it holds up very well in my opinion. While much has changed in the world of computers and technology, the drama and the suspense is still very real. Just think of the recent stories of our own Drones being hacked with simple software available for around $30 online... we live in a scary world. Even after The Cold War has ended...
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHenry ThomasDrew BarrymorePeter CoyoteA troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape from Earth and return to his home planet.A simply brilliant film. The effects. The soundtrack. The whole thing just works. One of Steven Spielberg's finest. I love his modern films such as Munich & Schindler's List... but I'd love to see him return to more whimsical fare.
- DirectorNick CastleStarsLance GuestRobert PrestonKay E. KuterHigh schooler Alex Rogan conquers the Starfighter video game, only to find out it was just a test, and is transported to another planet. He has been recruited to join a team of the best starfighters to defend their world from the attack.A fun science fiction film that hasn't held up as well today... but for nostalgia's sake I still love. Again, another video game comes to life sort of tale... no surprise that it captured my imagination as a child.
- DirectorRobert StevensonWard KimballStarsAngela LansburyDavid TomlinsonRoddy McDowallAn apprentice witch, three kids and a cynical magician conman search for the missing component to a magic spell to be used in the defense of Britain in World War II.This film is actually a bit before my time. I wasn't born for a couple more years, but I still saw it in the theater on one of it's re releases. I loved seeing the animated characters interacting with the actors. And I've always enjoyed musicals. There was just so many things about this one that appealed to me... and as an adult, some of it's more mature themes are even better appreciated. I will never be too old for movies like this one...
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydLea ThompsonMarty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.Man, has a car ever been so iconic and so worthless at the same time as was/is the DeLorean? The car was out of production before it was ever seen in the film Back to the Future. But anyway, no matter what issues the car faced, after this film, it was as cool as could be in the eyes of this ten year old! I wanted one so bad!! I swore that when I got older I would own one. Luckily, I came to my senses long before I got a driver's license. There are those who own & love their Deloreans... but I would wager that 99% of them love it for being Doc Brown's time machine in Back to the Future than for anything regarding the cars performance or value. :)
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsCary ElwesMandy PatinkinRobin WrightA bedridden boy's grandfather reads him the story of a farmboy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love.Who doesn't love this film?? It is so very charming. So funny. So immensely quotable. "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." lol...
- DirectorJohn G. AvildsenStarsRalph MacchioPat MoritaElisabeth ShueA martial arts master agrees to teach karate to a bullied teenager.This film was so inspirational. I remember even watching it in my fifth grade math class... my math teacher, Mr. Carter, and my english teacher Mr. Garret opened the divider between their classrooms so that we could all watch the film on a little 19" tv... I remember Mr. Carter trying to fast forward or mute any bad words in the film (he wasn't doing a great job of it). I'd already seen the film before of course. But how many times did your teachers let you watch a movie you actually loved in school? In my case, practically never.
- DirectorJules BassArthur Rankin Jr.StarsJeff BridgesMia FarrowAngela LansburyA beautiful unicorn sets out to learn if she truly is the last of her kind in this sparkling animated musical.As a kid, I must have seen this one (with my sister) a couple dozen times. I know the VHS tape my mom & dad used to record it from the tv ended up worn out (of course I think it also had The Goonies on it...). As an adult, I've read the book (and loved it) and held out hope over the years that a live action film would finally see the light of day. As of this writing, it is in "development hell" after several attempts to see it happen fell through for various reasons. What a shame. There aren't enough films about unicorns, evil kings, failed magicians and giant fire covered bulls. :)
- DirectorJules BassArthur Rankin Jr.StarsOrson BeanJohn HustonTheodore GottliebA homebody hobbit in Middle Earth gets talked into joining a quest with a group of dwarves to recover their treasure from a dragon.The Hobbit is my favorite book of all time. And while I'm going crazy with excitement for Peter Jackson's film adaptation (in the way of a trilogy, starting with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 2012, followed by The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Hobbit: There and Back Again in 2013 and 2014) this animated TV movie from 1977 will always be special to me. I actually saw this before I read the book. I loved it so much that I made my mom take me to the library to check the book out. I've since read The Hobbit well over 20 times in my life. It all started here, with this Jules Bass/ Arthur Rankin Jr. written & directed animated adaptation. It still holds up pretty well today in my opinion, especially the Gollum & Smaug scenes.
- DirectorDon BluthStarsElizabeth HartmanDerek JacobiDom DeLuiseTo save her ill son, a field mouse must seek the aid of a colony of rats, with whom she has a deeper link than she suspected.You know, I loved this one as a kid. But when I watched it as an adult, i was sort of shocked at how dark it was. lol There were some weighty moments in this film... and it is quite sad in parts. But the animation and voice acting are still excellent.
- DirectorDon BluthStarsDom DeLuiseChristopher PlummerErica YohnWhile emigrating to the United States, a young Russian mouse gets separated from his family and must locate them while trying to survive in a new country.I went through a phase in 1986/1987 where I was crazy for this film. I had the bedroom set. I had a huge stuffed Fievel Mousekewitz from Sears! And for years, even into adulthood, every time I would hear "Somewhere Out There" (performed in the film by Fievel & Tanya, not the James Ingram/Linda Ronstadt duet) I would tear up. I'm not ashamed to admit it. I got "feels" sometimes. hehe.