Scholastic names the Top 100 Kids Movies

Scholastic names the Top 100 Kids Movies

Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine unveiled the second installment of its “100 Greatest…” series today with the release of its “100 Greatest Movies for Kids” list, celebrating the most treasured family films of all time. Earning the coveted #1 spot is the 1939 American classic The Wizard of Oz  (Warner Brothers) starring film legend Judy Garland .  E.T. (Universal Pictures) scores the number two spot, followed by Mary Poppins (Disney), Toy Story 2 (Disney), The Princess Bride (20th Century Fox), Beauty and the Beast (Disney), Star Wars (20th Century Fox), The Iron Giant (Warner Brothers), Pinocchio (Disney), and A Little Princess (Warner Brothers).  “100 Greatest Movies for Kids” debuts in the February/March 2013 issue released today.

“We are thrilled to offer an all-inclusive and interactive look at family films that have resonated with our readers, young and old, for generations,” said Nick Friedman , editor-in-chief, Scholastic Parent & Child. “From classics to currents, blockbusters and even little-known gems, the ‘100 Greatest Movies for Kids,’ provides the ultimate movie pass into family entertainment.”

To create the “100 Greatest Movies for Kids,” Scholastic Parent & Child enlisted a team of highly respected movie industry insiders including: Betsy Bozdech , movie editor from Common Sense Media; Nell Minow, “The Movie Mom” on Belief Net; Ben Mankiewicz , weekend host of Turner Classic Movies; Bill Hader of Saturday Night Live & Essentials, Jr. on Turner Classic Movies and Eric Beckerman of the New York International Children’s Film Festival.   Additionally, Scholastic Parent & Child polled its readers for movie recommendations.  With nearly 400 movies initially considered, the Parent & Child editors viewed and then ranked the final 100 films based on the following criteria: the film’s plot, visuals, acting, ratings, cultural significance, overall popularity and box office success and awards. The editors also weighed the movie’s connection to families, including whether or not it relays any teachable moments, or if the movie just brings families together for pure family fun viewing.

Mary Poppins is a True Family Film

Mary Poppins is a True Family Film

“Common Sense Media was thrilled to contribute to Scholastic Parent & Child’s ‘100 Greatest Movies for Kids’ list,” said Betsy Bozdech , managing editor, Common Sense Media. “Our expert ratings and reviews served as a great foundation to create a list that highlights the very best, age-appropriate films for families everywhere.”

To complement the issue, Scholastic Parent & Child will launch an online Interactive Movie Shelf on Tuesday, January 29, allowing visitors to sort the 100 films by age groups and categories including: adventure, animation, comedy, documentary, musical, mystery and sci-fi.  Fans can also join the conversation on Twitter @parentandchild or follow Scholastic Parents on Facebook.

In March 2012, Scholastic Parent & Child kicked off their “100 Greatest…” series with the release of the “100 Greatest Books for Kids” list.