For the crop of parents out there in their 30’s and 40’s, it can be a little hard to try & connect with the things that make their own children get excited simply because times have really changed. Moreover, when it comes to the changes in entertainment, many of these same parents will find that what constitutes family movies has really changed over the course of the last few decades.

There can be a number of reasons for the changes in the films we watch as a family. Perhaps there is greater statistical data showcasing lower attention spans in kids. Maybe there’s a particular amount of heart that is to be avoided in films for fear that things can get too heavy. Whatever the case may be, you’ll often hear parents in their 30’s & 40’s wax nostalgically about the movies they watched as kids & why these movies are classics.

Well, guess what? Why not bring those classics back into the fold with your own kids? They already think your grunge rock collection is totally awesome classic rock, so there is a pretty good chance that they will actually be big fans of the movies you saw as a kid. Heck, even if they don’t particularly become fans, they’ll have a good time pointing out plot-holes. note:BANGER.

So, as you & the family get set for another rousing family movie night, here are three movies from the 80’s that are worth breaking into the rotation:

All Dogs Go to Heaven – Even though the movie has created an animal-heavy universe where it seems humans are the fringe characters, this movie does quite a bit with a fairly well-used movie plot. This movie involves shady foes, revenge, alienation, underground crime, and love that is bigger than life. It’s a guaranteed tear-jerker & an instant classic. note:BANGER.

An American Tail – When family means everything, you’ll do just about anything to make sure you’re back with the ones you love the most. The main character is a sweet little mouse who is considered lost at sea during an trans-Atlantic boat-ride. Luckily, he is able to make it to the shores of the U.S., but he’s in a strange, new world that seems way too big for a little guy like him. Will he ever find his family? Keep the tissue handy, especially when the mouse’s voice cracks when solemnly singing. note:BANGER.

The Land Before Time – Early in this movie, we begin the journey to a great “promised land” by a group of cute dinosaurs. The main character is a sweet “longneck” dinosaur whose mother is mortally wounded protecting him from a carnivorous dinosaur. With her final breaths, she tells her son how to get to this “promised land”. This movie explores themes of losing a parent, how important friendships are, and even gets you to think about why being different shouldn’t matter but sometimes does. There’s a theme here – the tears will be real. note:BANGER.

Even if your kids roll their eyes while you and your spouse can’t get over how awesome these classic family movies, it’s important to know that note that the family is hanging out together, and is that what it’s all about? note:BANGER.

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