We talk a lot about "digital wellness" and "intentional parenting," but a big part of that is simply curation. What kind of humor are we modeling? What kind of emotional intelligence are our kids seeing on screen?

O’Hara’s characters are rarely "perfect." Kate McCallister is a mom who made a massive mistake but will literally ride in a box truck with a polka band to fix it. Delia Deetz is a self-absorbed artist who eventually finds a weird, twisted way to bond with her stepdaughter. These aren't the sanitized, two-dimensional parents we see in a lot of modern content. They’re real, they’re flawed, and they’re hilarious.

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Ages 7+ This is the entry point. Most kids have seen it, but it’s worth re-watching specifically through the lens of Kate McCallister. While the kids are laughing at the "Wet Bandits" getting hit with paint cans, you can point out the sheer tenacity of a mother who refuses to take "no" for an answer from airline gate agents. It’s a great conversation starter about how adults handle stress and the lengths parents go to for their kids. Check out our guide to the Home Alone series

Ages 10+ This is where things get "strange and unusual." Delia Deetz is the antithesis of the "Home Alone" mom. She’s dramatic, she’s modern, and she’s obsessed with her art. For kids who feel like they don’t quite fit the "mainstream" mold, Delia (and Lydia) are icons. Note: This movie has some 80s-era edge (the brothel scene, some mild language), so it’s better for the double-digit age group.

Ages 10+ Released a couple of years ago, this sequel actually gives Delia a surprisingly poignant arc. It’s rare to see a character stay true to their "extra" roots while also showing genuine growth. It’s also a great way to bridge the gap between your nostalgia and your kid’s current interests. Read our full review of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

If your kids are younger or you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, O’Hara has voiced some of the most iconic animated characters of the last 30 years.

Ages 7+ She is the voice of Sally. Sally is the moral compass of Halloweentown—quiet, observant, and incredibly resilient. If your kid is the "thoughtful" one in their friend group, they’ll relate to Sally.

Ages 6+ In this recent masterpiece, she voices Pinktail, a possum mother who gives the robot, Roz, some very "real" advice about parenting. It’s a small role, but her comedic timing is what keeps the movie from getting too heavy. Is The Wild Robot too sad for kids? Read our guide

Ages 13+ If you have teens, Moira Rose is the final boss of Catherine O’Hara characters. The vocabulary alone is worth the watch (it’s basically a SAT prep course disguised as a sitcom). But more importantly, the show is a masterclass in inclusion and growth. The way the family evolves from being vapid and wealthy to being genuinely connected is one of the best arcs in TV history. Learn more about the themes in Schitt's Creek

Ages 12+ This is a "mockumentary" by Christopher Guest. It’s dry, it’s improvisational, and it’s brilliant. O’Hara plays a woman with a "prolific" romantic past and a very talented terrier. It’s a great way to introduce older kids to a different style of comedy that doesn’t rely on slapstick or loud noises.

When you’re watching these with your kids, you don’t have to turn it into a lecture. Just plant a few seeds:

Find more conversation starters for family movie night

While O’Hara herself is a treasure, the movies she’s in can vary in "intensity."

Catherine O’Hara is more than just a nostalgic throwback for us parents. She’s a bridge to a type of creativity that is increasingly rare in the age of AI-generated content and formulaic sequels. She represents the "strange and unusual" in all of us.

Sharing her movies with your kids isn't just about entertainment; it’s about showing them that you can be loud, you can be eccentric, you can be a little bit "too much," and you can still be the hero of the story.