The Top Ten Films Children Must See

ODEON Kids have conducted research to find out which 10 films have the biggest impact on children as they grow up.

The company, working with child psychologist Dr Kairen Cullen, polled 2,000 people to compile the final list of films today’s children must see.

Dr Cullen’s own research finds children are already becoming influenced by the films they see from as little as two years of age. “Imagination is vital to development and emotional well-being. Therefore rich, age appropriate, quality films can stimulate children’s imagination and help them cultivate their creativity in later life,” she says.

The original classic Stop Don’t, Come Back Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory from 1971 and featuring Gene Wilder came top of the list.

Explaining why, Dr Cullen says: “As films go, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory has it all. When Charlie finds the golden ticket and enters the factory’s amazing world young viewers will be transported with him to another dimension and be inspired to create fantasies of their own.”

 

The Top 10 Films to See as a Child:

1. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) – 6.0%

2.  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) – 5.3%

3.  Toy Story (1995) – 5.0%

4.  The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) – 4.9%

5.  Lion King (1994) – 4.6%

6.  The Wizard of Oz (1939) – 4.0%

7.  The Jungle Book (1967) – 3.9%

8.  Mary Poppins (1964) – 3.7%

9.  Home Alone (1990) – 3.6%

10.  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) – 2.8%