Remember the 30 most recommendable books we posted about not long ago? Our good friend Audrey was one of the contributors to that, and she is back with us today to share some of her favorite “oldies but goodies” movies! I’m already excited to get watching!

I firmly believe families can love the color and magic of classic Hollywood. From comedies to adventure to musicals, the cinema industry from the 1980s all the way back to the precious 1930s has so much to offer.

At a very young age, I was exposed to the world of “old” film and musicals. Between my mother’s love for them and living with my grandparents for a good portion of my childhood, it was easy to fall in love with classic movies. I’m the girl who at the age of eight asked for a Frank Sinatra CD of my own, which Santa gladly granted. It just became a part of me and my family.

That being said, I’ve been asked to share some of my top favorite family friendly “old” films. I would be lying if I said that was an easy task, because trust me….it was not. I love so many of them it’s hard to pick just a handful. I could talk your ear off about them! But, alas, I will not. 🙂

I’ve given you a short description of the movie and why I love it. I’ve also included a link where you can read more if you’re interested as well as where you can find it if you want to watch it!

So grab some popcorn and enjoy!

Road to Bali (1952)
This one of seven “road” movies that Bob Hope and Bing Crosby filmed together. Two of my all time favorite actors and one of my favorite duos, these two don’t give you a moment to catch your breath from laughing. Frequently paired with the glamorous Dorothy Lamour, Road to Bali follows them on another journey through crazy mishaps and angry foreign villains, while they desperately fight between each other for the hand of Lamour. It’s a hilarious adventure the whole way.  See overview here. 

Where to Watch it:
Free on Hulu.com
Instant Streaming with Prime account on Amazon
DVD on Amazon (less than $6)

The Love Bug
Released by the Walt Disney Studio in 1969, this is the ORIGINAL Herbie movie, and it’s classic. You don’t really know the charm of Herbie until you’ve seen the original (sorry Lindsay Lohan, you’ve got NOTHING on Dean Jones). This movie shows you how Herbie came to be and how he helps a down on his luck racecar driver, Jim Douglas. This is another great one for ALL ages and very family friendly. They even made two more after it, Herbie Rides Again and Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo. But the first one is by far the best. See overview here.

Where to Watch it:
Rent on Instant on Amazon
4 DVD Collection on Amazon ($10) 

Calamity Jane
One of my all-time favorite Doris Day movies, Calamity Jane (1953) is a tough woman, gun shooting, knee slapping, musical (yes, a musical, you might as well accept it) that can’t be beat by much else. Doris Day said out of the dozens of movies she did in her career that this was her  favorite one. Instead of being prim and proper  in a corset, she got to spit and get dirty. Paired with Howard Keel (oh my gosh….just let him sing to me all the time), who is known for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, the duo matched each other perfectly as Calamity Jane learns what it is to be an actual woman. I can’t describe to you enough how funny she is. It also has some of my favorite songs of all time, including “Black Hills”, “Secret Love” and “I Can Do Without You”.  Oh what a woman. See overview here.

Where to Watch it:
Rent on Amazon Prime
DVD on Amazon ($12)
Netflix DVD rental

Rear Window
I would be disgracing my film knowledge if I didn’t suggest at least one Alfred Hitchcock movie. Although, I would advise this is a movie for probably 13 and older. It’s not gory or even scary, it’s just the classic Hitchcock suspense and thrill. Released in 1954 starring the extremely talented Jimmy Stewart and the equally talented and exquisitely beautiful Grace Kelly, this is one of Hitchcock’s best. Stewart, stranded with a broken leg in his apartment building, starts watching the activities of his neighbors and soon realizes there’s more happening then simple dish washing and eating. It’s absolutely brilliant. If you like this, then I would highly suggest you watch North by Northwest, To Catch a Thief, and Notorious. All incredible Hitchcock films. See overview here. 

Where to Watch it:
Netflix DVD Rental
Rent on Amazon Prime
DVD on Amazon ($9) 

The Thin Man
William Powell and Myrna Loy are another one of my favorite duos of all time. They hold the record of making the most movies together–14! They had unique chemistry that audiences loved. The Thin Man (1934) was their second movie made together and it’s a beautiful black and white movie. Now, don’t let that scare your kids, the movie brings the film to life, no color needed. It’s a funny mystery film, featuring the famous detective Nick Charles and his beautiful wife Nora. A retired detective, he gets roped into an investigation, and his witty charming wife comes along for the ride. These two have such witty banter together that I can’t get enough. I want me and my husband to be like them someday. My little siblings (youngest 7) even loved it. It’s a great show of how well the Golden Age of Hollywood really did. See overview here. 

Where to Watch it:
Netflix DVD rental
Rent on Amazon Prime
DVD on Amazon ($8.75)

McLintock
Thanks in large part to my Grandpa Derricott, I’m a big fan of John Wayne. You just can’t go wrong with him. McLintock (1963) is one the funniest John Wayne movies I’ve ever seen. It’s family friendly, gives the men some fights, gives the women some romance, and gives everyone more laughs then you can count. The film follows George McLintock (Wayne) who tries to get his marriage with red-headed beauty and fury, Katherine (Maureen O’Hara), back together. All the while trying to understand his daughter Becky and keep the local indians out of trouble. Its a hoot the whole way through. See overview here. 

Where to Watch it:
Stream on Netflix
Free on Hulu
Free with Amazon Prime 

Bringing Up Baby
Throwing it back to the 1930’s–my favorite era–we’ve got the fabulous Katharine Hepburn (and no, she’ not related to Audrey Hepburn) and the dashing Cary Grant. This is back in their early careers, focusing on the their comedic chemistry. Throughout Bringing Up Baby (1938), they’re caught together in a chase for her pet leopard “Baby”. Another beautiful black and white film, it’s absolutely hysterical and it’s just good clean fun for everyone. See overview here. 

Where to Watch it:
DVD on Netflix
Rent on Amazon
DVD on Amazon ($7)

With so many movies out in the world today that promote violence, immorality, and other detrimental behaviors, I think it’s important to show our kids and even just ourselves how great movies can still be. I have so many happy memories of weekends with my family enjoying a new musical or a funny 80’s movie. It’s those kinds memories that kids remember and want to share with others, just as I am.

So gather your family, enjoy those tap dances and embrace the happy laughter that these films will give you.