TL;DR: If you’re looking to swap the Skibidi Toilet marathons for something with actual soul, classic fantasy movies are the move. We’re talking about the 80s and 90s gems that shaped our imaginations. The top picks for your next movie night are The Princess Bride, The NeverEnding Story, and Labyrinth. Just be prepared to explain why the special effects look "weird" and maybe have a box of tissues ready for the Swamp of Sadness.
There is a specific kind of magic in "classic" fantasy—the stuff made before everything was a polished, sterile CGI-fest. Back then, if a director wanted a giant rock-eating monster or a swamp-dwelling dragon, someone had to build it out of latex, foam, and prayer.
For kids raised on the hyper-saturated, fast-paced world of Roblox and MrBeast, these movies can feel like a slow burn. But that’s exactly why they’re valuable. They require a different kind of attention. They offer "nightmare fuel" that actually builds resilience, and they tackle themes like grief, courage, and the literal "Nothingness" of a world without imagination.
Modern movies often feel like they were designed by an algorithm to keep kids from looking at their phones for 90 minutes. Classic fantasy, however, was often weird, dark, and unapologetically sincere.
When we talk about "The Nothing" in The NeverEnding Story, we’re talking about a profound metaphor for apathy and the loss of dreams—concepts that feel incredibly relevant in an era of doom-scrolling. These films don't talk down to kids; they invite them into worlds where the stakes feel real because the puppets are physically there, taking up space and catching the light.
Check out our guide on the benefits of "slow media" for kids
Ages 6+ This is the gold standard. It is quite literally the perfect movie. It has fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, and miracles. It’s a "safe" entry point because it’s framed as a grandfather reading to a skeptical grandson—a dynamic many of our kids will recognize. It’s funny, it’s quotable, and it teaches that "as you wish" is the ultimate flex.
Ages 8+ We have to talk about Artax. Yes, the horse in the swamp. It is a core memory for every Gen X and Millennial parent, and it’s okay to let your kids experience it, too. This movie is a deep dive into the power of reading and the danger of letting "The Nothing" (despair/boredom/apathy) take over your world. It’s visually stunning and emotionally heavy in the best way.
Ages 8+ Jim Henson’s creature shop at its peak. You get David Bowie in legendary leggings, a maze full of "helping hands," and a story about a girl who realizes that her imagination is her greatest weapon. It’s a bit trippy and David Bowie’s Jareth is... a lot... but it’s a masterclass in practical effects that will make Minecraft graphics look like a spreadsheet.
Ages 9+ Before Lord of the Rings became the definitive fantasy epic, we had Willow Ufgood. This is a classic "hero’s journey" featuring a baby in a basket, a rogue swordsman (Val Kilmer at his peak), and some genuinely scary sorcery. It’s a great way to introduce the concept of the "unlikely hero."
If your kids have a high tolerance for "creepy" and you want to show them something truly unique, these are the deep cuts.
Ages 9+ There are no humans in this movie. None. It is entirely puppets, and it is beautiful and terrifying. The Skeksis (the villains) are pure nightmare fuel—rotting bird-reptile creatures that scream. It’s a high-fantasy epic about environmental balance and the soul of a planet. If they like this, you can move them onto the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance on Netflix later.
Ages 7+ This animated classic is melancholic and gorgeous. It’s not your typical "sparkly unicorn" story. It’s about loss, regret, and what it means to be mortal. The Red Bull (not the drink) is genuinely scary, and the soundtrack by America is a total vibe.
Let’s be real: 80s movies didn’t have the same "safety rails" that modern PG movies do.
- Practical Effects vs. CGI: Modern kids are used to "clean" monsters. The puppets in The Dark Crystal or the Gmork in The NeverEnding Story feel tangible. To some kids, this is cooler; to others, it’s much scarier because it looks like it could actually be under their bed.
- Pacing: These movies take their time. There are long shots of scenery and character dialogue that doesn't involve a joke every six seconds. If your kid is used to the frantic editing of YouTube Shorts, they might struggle at first. Stick with it.
- The "Darkness": Classic fantasy often deals with death and existential dread. The NeverEnding Story is literally about the world disappearing into a void. Use these moments as conversation starters rather than reasons to turn the movie off.
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When the credits roll, don't just jump back into the digital fray. Use these movies to bridge the gap between their tech-heavy lives and the world of imagination.
- On Courage: Ask, "Who was the bravest person in the movie?" (Hint: It’s usually not the person with the biggest sword).
- On Practical Effects: Look up "behind the scenes" videos of Labyrinth or The Dark Crystal. Show them how the puppets were made. It turns a "scary" thing into a "cool engineering" thing. This is a great segue into STEM websites or even Scratch for creative coding.
- On "The Nothing": Talk about how we keep our own imaginations alive. If we only ever consume what's on a screen, do we lose the ability to create our own stories? This is a heavy hitter for older kids (10-12).
Classic fantasy movies are a "digital wellness" win because they offer a different texture of entertainment. They aren't trying to sell your kids skins or battle passes. They’re just trying to tell a story that sticks to your ribs.
Yes, they might find the effects "cringe" for the first ten minutes. Yes, you might have to explain what a "VCR" was. But by the time the hero makes their final stand, your kids will be just as hooked as we were.
Next Steps:
- Pick a "Safe" Bet: Start with The Princess Bride this Friday.
- Check the Vibe: If they loved the creatures, queue up The Dark Crystal.
- Go Deeper: If they’re interested in the "making of" magic, check out The Toys That Made Us on Netflix for episodes on iconic 80s franchises.
Want more movie night ideas? Ask Screenwise for a "Non-Brain-Rot" Netflix list