Valentine’s Day movies:
It’s the month of love!
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with a movie night (or marathon). Cozy up, snuggle in, have a treat and find teachable moments about love, friendship and family in each one of these selections. The great music, silly one-liners, and colorful characters will have the whole family feeling the love, making it a Valentine’s Day to remember. Warning: You might want to have these movies on repeat, all year long!
Photo Credit: IMDB
Disney’s newest movie follows the Madrigal family, from a beautiful mountain town called Encanto. The town’s magic has given powers to each one of the Madrigal family members, except Mirabel. Watch as this wide-eyed, curly-haired, colorful character finds her special talent — just what she needs to save her town when the magic becomes dangerous! With music by award-winning singer and song-writer Lin Manual Miranda, you’ll be singing the songs for days after. In theaters and streaming on Disney+; also available for purchase on DVD.
Photo Credit” Disney
Who doesn’t remember this 80s classic line: “E.T. … phone home?!” Grab a bowl of Reese’s pieces (trust me, you’ll be glad you did) and watch as Elliott, a young boy from a suburban town, invites a lost alien into his home. Passing this being off as one of his siblings results in plenty of silliness and adventure. One of Steven Spielberg’s greatest hits, it’s also a tear-jerker. Will E.T. ever get home? You’ll have to see it to find out!
Photo Credit: Amazon
A wonderful take on Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo & Juliet,” the movie takes us through the feud of two families: the Montagues vs. the Capulets, except they’re all gnomes! Love-struck gnomes from opposite sides, Juliet and Romeo, find ways to meet each other when trouble strikes. Will they be together in the end? Lawnmowers, flowers and pink flamingos take on unusual roles, making this a humorous story with a thrilling plot.
Photo Credit: Disney
A classic Valentine’s movie, this Disney selection follows the romantic adventures of Lady, a pampered cocker spaniel who runs away from home. She meets a mutt named Tramp who has a heart of gold. Kids of all ages will enjoy this movie for the sweet characters, lovely songs and funny scenes. Pro tip: Have a plate of spaghetti on hand in case your kids want to slurp up noodles like these two pups do!
Photo Credit: IMDB
“Mary Poppins Returns” is a new film exploring family relationships and friendships. With a combination of real-life characters with animation, nanny Mary Poppins and the Banks family go through many adventures to save their home from foreclosure. Don’t miss the original “Mary Poppins” movie, too! Song and dance will take you through this classic, having you singing the catchy tunes and leaving you with a warm and fuzzy feeling!
Photo Credit: IMDB
“Shrek”
An ogre, a princess and a lord … sounds like the set-up for a bad joke, but this movie is anything but bad! The kingdom is overseen by an evil Lord who banishes people to the swamp, the home of Shrek, the ogre. In order to regain peace and solitude, he must rescue the princess and deliver her to the villain. With action, drama and comedy, this movie is an entertainer! Find out if it’s also a romance.
Photo Credit: IMDB
“Trolls”
These candy-colored bright creatures with wavy hair are a delight to watch! Your family will be wiggling toes and having a full-on dance party because the music is catchy and that good! The story is about a happy-go-lucky troll, Princess Poppy and her polar opposite friend, Branch, who try to keep their village safe from the evil Bergens. The Bergens believe the only way to get happiness is by eating the trolls! Will they save their friends? Watch and see.
Photo Credit: Disney
“WALL-E”
WALL-E is a robot, programmed to clean up all the trash on Earth, but he has a bigger purpose. He meets another robot, EVE and they discover how to save the planet. You’ll fall in love with WALL E and his big expressive eyes. The relationship that these two robots foster is endearing, while the message about humans on Earth is a lesson worth learning.
More Valentine’s Day family fun:
5 sweet, nonromantic ways to celebrate with kids
The Playlist: Dozens of love- and kindness-themed home activities
