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There are many classics for kids that have been made into movies, but not all of them are worth reading and watching. In this post I want to highlight a handful of classics for kids that have made it to the big screen with success.
Unfortunately, the movie industry often butchers story lines and adds unnecessary vulgarity and violence. But I’ve been on the look out for quality movie versions of classics for kids that my family loves, and I’ve narrowed it down to these six titles.
The best way to be sure that these classics for kids are worth reading and watching for your family, is to read and watch them first yourself. I’ve included my thoughts, opinions, and words of caution to help you make an informed decision. I hope that you’ll find these classics for kids worth reading and watching in your home too.
1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White
Everyone loves this heart warming story about a pig named Wilbur (affiliate link) who finds true friendship in a little, grey spider named Charlotte. I recently read this children’s classic to my son and he wanted to read it all over again. E.B. White is brilliant in finding a solution to Wilbur’s problem of imminent death. He introduces a clever, kind spider named Charlotte who demonstrates true loyalty and friendship when she dedicates her life to saving Wilbur.
My son and I enjoyed the 2006 movie version of Charlotte’s Web. This rated G film was entertaining with it’s talking animals, similar to the feel of the movie Babe. Seeing the intricate details of Charlotte’s body and her web spinning in action are really captivating and something hard to visualize when reading the book.
One thing that did annoy me is how Hollywood has a subtle way of undermining the value and importance of honesty. In one scene, Fern sneaks Wilbur to school and stashes him in her desk. When noises draw the teaches attention to her desk, Fern casually dismisses the teacher with an “it’s nothing” attitude. Her mom picks her up from the principal’s office, but even in the interaction between Fern and her mom, the emphasis is on the rule of not bringing pets to school as the problem, not on the issue of dishonesty and disrespect.
2. Heidi by Johanna Spyri
Heidi (affiliate link) by Johanna Spyri is one of the few classics I remember reading as a child. I think everyone falls in love with Heidi and imagines living her life in the mountains among the goats and wildflowers. This wonderful story about friendship and love is one that every child should experience.
We stumbled across the 2015 movie version of Heidi on Netflix and loved it. The cinematography is gorgeous and will make anyone long to visit the Alps. Heidi’s big, warm smile touches your heart, and you’ll remember it well after the movie is over. You’ll enjoy watching the evolving relationship between Heidi and her grandfather throughout the movie, as well as her relationships with Peter and Klara.
The movie was produced in Germany, so you’ll have to read the English subtitles if you don’t know German. We tried watching it with English dubbed in, but switched back to the original, because it didn’t have the same impact. Watching it in German will make viewing challenging for less experienced readers. My daughter watched it as a twelve year old, so it wasn’t an issue for her. She loved the movie as much as we adults did.
3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
I used to read this book to my second graders every year. Children love the story of young Charlie Bucket (affiliate link) whose bad fortune in life takes a turn for the better when he finds one of Mr. Willy Wonka’s golden tickets. Roald Dahl’s cast of obnoxious, greedy children are sharply contrasted to kind, unselfish Charlie. Readers will laugh as the characters “get what they deserve” and humble Charlie rises to the top.
I recommend watching the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, 1971 movie version of the book. It’s rated G, but there are some parts that may be scary to young kids. The “pseudo-psychedelic” boat ride scene has some disturbing images. But, overall, the movie brings the chocolate factory to life with all its special rooms and oompa-loompas. Roald Dahl apparently was not thrilled with the movie. One complaint he had was that too much emphasis was placed on Mr. Wonka and not enough on Charlie. I can see his point. Even the title suggests that. Read the book and watch the movie to form your own opinion.
4. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum
I must confess that this is the only book on my list that I didn’t read before watching the movie. I’m not sure I even knew that it was a book when I watched the movie as a kid.
I picked up this copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (affiliate link) at a used book sale to read to my daughter. How shocking it was when I learned that Dorothy’s shoes were not ruby red. When my daughter dressed up as Dorothy for Halloween we made sure to dress her in silver slippers.
I just love the illustrations by Michael Foreman. His watercolors are truly beautiful and bring to life the emotions of the characters. Just look at this scene below where the lion reveals to Dorothy how cowardly he feels, even though he’s earned the respect of other animals through his loud roar.
It is my great sorrow , and makes my life very unhappy. But whenever there is danger my heart begins to beat fast.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, page 44
The 1939 movie version of The Wizard of Oz is best for kids over 10. I remember watching the movie as a child and being terrified of the flying monkeys and the terrible, green-skinned, wicked witch. We waited to show our daughter this film until she was ten and not so sensitive to scary characters and scenes. It’s such a classic worth seeing, but read the book first.
5. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden (affiliate link) is a favorite book for many. It tells the story of Mary Lennox, a girl who grew up in India and lost her parents to cholera. She goes to live with her uncle, but she finds herself alone, because he’s rarely at the manor. Mary’s sad, sour demeanor changes after her discovery of the secret garden. She helps bring the garden to life again, and with it, the lives of her cousin and uncle.
The 1993 movie version of The Secret Garden is well done. The actors really fit the characters from the book. And one of my favorite British actors, Maggie Smith, plays the part of the stern head housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock.
Although there are differences in the movie, it’s a beautiful film that makes you feel for the characters who have experienced much loss and pain, yet come out happy, changed, and full of love in the end.
6. Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight
Lassie Come Home (affiliate link) by Eric Knight was a read aloud that was enjoyable for my daughter in elementary school. All along she routed for Lassie, assuming that in the end everything would turn out okay for her.
Rosemary Wells made Eric Knight’s 1938 classic into a picture book (affiliate link). I love how the illustrations make you feel the desolation and aloneness that Lassie was experiencing.
We waited to watch the 2005 movie version of Lassie, which is rated PG, when my daughter was twelve years old. I recommend this movie for older children, because it contains violence and some intense scenes. Lassie gets whipped and the peddler’s dog who is trying to ward off the bad guys gets killed. Even the peddler gets attacked. Although there is violence consistent with the book, it’s more tolerable in a print than on screen. You will need the tissue box handy when viewing this film.
Conclusion
It can be hard to find children’s movies that have positive messages, good role models, and are not filled with bad language, violence, and sarcasm. These six classics for kids have been made into movies worth watching. I’ve tested them all with my sensitive daughter with success. Read these classics to your children, and then watch the movie version when you know they’re ready. Enjoy discussing the similarities and differences between the books and movies.
Your Turn
What classics for kids do you think are worth reading and watching? Do you prefer to read the book, then watch the movie, or watch the movie and then read the book?
