7 classic movies your child must watch before he turns 13

School is out! While we are not saying to plant your kid in front of the screen for hours on end during this school holidays, screen time in moderation doesn’t hurt. Especially not when they are these fabulous classics that we have listed out here.

Forget Frozen and all the usual Disney stuff, these are movies that are timeless classics, the likes of which are no longer produced in quite the same way. They are the staple of our modern day culture and each is a masterpiece in itself.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Let your child experience the wonders of technicolour in this amazing timeless tale about travelling companions who learn a bit more about themselves and life in their journey to find the Wizard of Oz.

The iconic motifs in this movie – the yellow brick road, the cowardly lion and the munchkins - are so much a part of popular culture and have been rehashed in a hundred different ways, having an Oz blindspot would be like having a huge gaping hole in his point of reference for many pop culture references.

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The Sound of Music (1965)

Nobody does war shows like this anymore. (Not Pearl Harbour, that’s for sure) The classic musical introduces the stark realities of war in a really digestible format and shows how hope and family love can conquer all.

This brilliant musical is also full of songs that will have your kids singing along for days to come. This is Julie Andrews at her unforgettable peak and your kids definitely need to witness her talent in this show.

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Star Wars – A New Hope (1977)

If you are starting your kids off on this awesome classic series, we suggest you start with this one! It makes the most sense because it doesn’t spoil the surprise about Darth Vader being his father (watch these kids' reactions and you will know why we wouldn’t want you depriving your kid of the full impact of the "I am your father" line either!) and neither does it bore your child with the prequels that don’t have the same level of action.

The special effects are probably not as jaw-dropping as they were to us when we were kids but it’s still an entire universe created from scratch. The great plus point is that unlike us pre-90s kids, they get to enjoy the entire series in unbroken order if they so desire.

We suggest you follow up with the machete order of Part V, II, III and then VI. Trust us, it really does make the most sense!

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E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

This is a great first movie to introduce your child to the magic of Spielberg. The classic tale of 2 souls from different planets – a lonely girl from a broken family and an alien that had been forgotten – forming a deep bond of friendship will touch the heart of your child.

John Williams’ musical mastery is also apparent in this movie. In this movie, your child will discover the springboard from which 2 legendary movie greats who have shaped countless movies for decades have leapt from.

Besides, you can point out the uber cute Drew Barrymore who stars as the little girl and show your kid how she is all grown up now.

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Back to the Future (1985)

A great place to kickstart the science-genre type of movies, it is also interesting to see what the moviemakers of the 80s predicted of the future, which is essentially now in 2015.

McFly’s teenage antics and the eccentric scientist are easy to laugh at and identify with at the same time. The plotline is not too complex for your child to grasp and the dialogue is smart and snappy.

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Toy Story (1995)

Just because it’s highly probable that there will be a third installation and you will want your child to know what happened right in the beginning. It’s kind of like an Origins story.

Besides, it’s about their toys coming alive - every child is half convinced of this already, no matter the era

It’s also Pixar’s first feature film, and that is a milestone worth watching in itself.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

This is another classic series that you must introduce to your child. Can you imagine a childhood without knowing about Hogwarts, Muggles and Quidditch? We can’t!

The story of poor orphan Harry who never knew how special he really was and the fight between good and evil will resonate with every child.

Beside, dragons, magic and talking hats – what’s not to love about this series?

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