Top 10 Favorite Childhood Movies

As an enthusiastic film buff I'm excited to share my top 10 favorite films (in no specific order) from childhood!

These top 10 made my list because I've been watching and re-watching them countless times since I was a kid and these films still continue to inspire me today. They've become my go-to when I need a trip down memory lane or a movie that's both comforting and familiar. You know exactly what's going to happen and can quote the movie forwards and backwards.

Favorite childhood books and films are similar in the fact that the plot never changes, but your perspective changes. Not only does your view shift, but I've noticed re-watching some of these films of late, some scenes have made me more emotional because I understood them differently as an adult versus a child because of life experiences. Have you experienced this too? 

1.)  Anne of Green Gables (1985)

This 1985 mini-series is in my opinion hands down one of the best adaptations of L.M. Montgomery's beloved Anne of Green Gables. Canadian actress Megan Follows captured the spirit of the spunky red-headed orphan. The casting, production, beautiful cinematography and the melodic music capture a different era. Also, if you like your film adaptions as close to the book as possible you need to add this film to your list. 

2.) Anne of Avonlea (1987) 

In the event you needed more Anne, director Kevin Sullivan followed up his popular 1985 mini series with the sequel Anne of Avonlea. Fair warning: the director doesn't really take the remaining Anne books into consideration. I'd say it's more of a mush-up of books 2-4. It's fun to see a grown up Anne and the second fill has all the charm of the first film. * Spoiler alert* the romantic in me just finds the ending of both these films with hero Gilbert Blythe sigh worthy. 

3.) Hoosiers (1986)

If you've read my newsletters you might be scratching your head in confusion how a sports movie made it's way onto my list when I'm not athletically inclined?  I think part of why Hoosiers' made it on my list is because I love that it's inspired by true events of an underdog small town school in Indiana making it  to the state championships and winning coupled with memorable characters and an inspiring musical score. Also, my family and I can quote this movie from beginning to end. 

4.) Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Anytime I watch Singin' in the Rain I feel happiness and joy. I remember when I was 8 years old being mesmerized by Gene Kelly in the title number singing and dancing his heart out with such exuberance. If you can't get enough of musicals you need to add this one to your list...you won't be sorry. Singin in the Rain was 19 year old actress Debbie Reynolds film debut.  A little fun film trivia...Debbie Reynolds was Princess Leia aka Carrie Fisher's mother. 

5.) The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride has everything! Action, adventure, ROUS's, romance, quotable lines, and fair warning there's kissing in it.

6.) The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975)

Post- Andy Griffith Show the hilarious Don Knotts teamed up with an even funnier Tim Conway and gave us The Apple Dumpling Gang. If you like comical Westerns you need to add this film to your list. The characters Knotts and Conway play are the best part of the movie. In case you needed more there's a sequel called The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again. 

7.) The Sound of Music (1965)

I had to include this treasure of a musical Sound of Music inspired by the real life Von Trapp family. Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, 7 precocious children take you on an adventure with songs you can't help but sing set against the backdrop of the majestic Alps. 5 years ago I have the opportunity to see this film in theaters. Check out my blog here.  

8.) The Man from Snowy River (1982)

Who can forget about this classic Western The Man from Snowy River? The epic romance between Jim Craig and Jessica Harrison set against the glorious Australian landscape? The soundtrack to this movie is fantastic. 

9.) Return to Snowy River (1988)

Return to Snowy River is a great sequel. It's a natural extension of the first film with all the elements you love. If you can't get enough of  Jim and Jessica you need to check out this film. 

10.)  It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

Christmas in July anyone? It's a Wonderful Life was a tradition in the Hill house around Christmas and even though we didn't watch it on the summertime it's one of those films I equate with my childhood. To this day, it's one of the few Christmas films I watch Every.Single.Year. Check out my blog here.

I hope you enjoyed reading my list of top 10 favorites. Did any of them make your list? Happy movie watching.