Best of Screenwise

Curated lists of the best things to watch, play and read for every situation.

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Every list is curated by a Screenwise parent, with personalized reviews that adapt to your own family's goals and values.

Recently Liked

Sitcoms to Watch With Your Teens

by Sheryl Gould · 41 picks· 1

Shows to watch on the couch together with a teenager, from Moms of Tweens and Teens (momsoftweensandteens.com). It opens with one family's top ten, led by The Office and Parks and Rec, and continues with picks from the site's community of moms, from I Love Lucy to Kids Baking Championship.

Orris and Timble: The Beginning Kate DiCamillo

Books if you like Dave Eggers

by Dan · 6 picks· 1

Discover moving stories about animals and unique characters that capture the same spirit of wonder, friendship, and philosophical depth found in The Eyes and the Impossible.

Tacos!: An Interactive Recipe Book (Cook In A Book)

Cookies!: An Interactive Recipe Book (Cook In A Book)

Peek-a Who? (Lift the Flap Books, Interactive Books for Kids, Interactive Read Aloud Books)

Hungry Bunny (Bunny Interactive Picture Books)

Brave Little Camper Interactive Baby & Toddler Early Bird Sound Book for Little Campers

Cozy Lap Reads for Wandering Toddlers

by Dan · 5 picks· 1

These engaging, interactive, and gentle picture books are perfect for those fleeting moments when your little one settles in for a story. They are designed to hold attention even when the reading session is cut short.

Classic Sunday Movies for Heartfelt Family Nights

by Melanight · 20 picks· 1

Gather the family for timeless stories that spark meaningful conversations and big emotions. These classic films are perfect for winding down the weekend with inspiration and shared wonder.

Calm Media To Ease Travel Anxiety

by Daety · 5 picks· 2

Gentle stories and relaxing content designed to soothe kids who feel overwhelmed or uncertain about their daily transportation and routine. These picks provide a comforting distraction during unpredictable transitions.

Fun Dance Games and Creative Movement Channels also tick tock dance

by Bigback!! · 11 picks· 1

These picks offer engaging ways to dance, create, and explore music. They are perfect for kids who love upbeat movement and creative expression through interactive games and wholesome video content.

All Lists

Teen Sibling Bonding

by Ripley and Ellas sibling watches · 8 picks

Maisy's Bedtime: (Bedtime Storybook About Maisy the Mouse's Sleep Routines - for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Kids Ages 2-5)

This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from Around the World

Children's Books to Foster Healthy Habits and Routines

by Amy Webb · 9 picks

These engaging stories and guides help children understand the importance of daily routines, hygiene, and balanced nutrition in a fun and accessible way.

Anime for tweens

by Nora · 29 picks

These gentle and imaginative anime selections are perfect for nine-year-olds who enjoy magical stories, heartwarming friendships, and inspiring journeys.

Christmas for tweens

by Nora · 19 picks

These wholesome holiday films celebrate family, friendship, and courage. They are perfect for a ten-year-old looking for stories that capture the true spirit of the season.

Halloween for tweens

by Nora · 18 picks

These spooky-but-gentle Halloween movies are perfect for a 9-year-old who wants to get into the holiday spirit without any scary violence or intense frights.

Wholesome tween picks

by Nora · 50 picks

Heartwarming movies and shows perfect for 9-10 year olds who love stories about school, family, and finding their place in the world. These gentle picks focus on positive connections and personal discovery.

10 Football Movies to Consider

by John Perritt · 10 picks

John Perritt's football movie picks from his Family Movie Night newsletter (johnperritt.substack.com), from Rudy and Remember the Titans to American Underdog. Several are based on true stories, and a few are for older kids, so check the content first.

Our Family Christmas Movie List

by John Perritt · 10 picks

The Christmas movies the Perritt family queues up every December, in the order they watch them, from Rudolph on the drive home from the tree farm to Christmas Vacation, plus a few that sometimes make the rotation. From John Perritt's Family Movie Night newsletter (johnperritt.substack.com). The Family Man is John and his wife's date-night pick, not one for the kids.

13 Scary Movies to (Maybe) Watch

by John Perritt · 13 picks

John Perritt's Halloween list from his Family Movie Night newsletter (johnperritt.substack.com): thrillers, horror, sci-fi and one dark comedy, from the mild Monster House to Alien. Some are for older families (two are rated R), so check the content of each before you press play.

Top 5 Family Board Games

by Jim Cohen · 5 picks

Jim Cohen's five favourite family games from What Board Game (whatboardgame.com), each for ages 5 or 6 and up: Karuba for adventurous families, Out of this World for co-op play, 13 Monsters for competitive families, Zombie Kidz Evolution for a game that grows over many nights, and Miyabi for a calmer, more strategic session.

Magical Adventures and Gentle Lessons for Kids

by Lulumimistudio · 5 picks

A collection of enchanting stories featuring cute characters and heartwarming adventures that teach valuable life lessons. These picks are perfect for young viewers who love magic and wonder.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 1)

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

Book Series for Kids Who Hate Reading

by Gretchen Gales · 5 picks

Gretchen Gales's picks from Writing Gales (writinggales.com) for kids who would rather do anything than read, chosen from the series her own students fight over. Percy Jackson is the one she has seen turn a non-reader into a bibliophile, and Ranger in Time, a time-traveling golden retriever, pulls in readers well past its 6-to-10 label.

Sitcoms to Watch With Your Teens

by Sheryl Gould · 41 picks· 1

Fun 80s Movies to Watch with Your Family

by Stacey Wallenstein · 58 picks

Stacey Wallenstein's 80s movie nights from The Mint Chip Mama (themintchipmama.com), the PG titles first and then the PG-13 ones. Troop Beverly Hills is a fan favorite, The Goonies made the cut although she finds it scary, and she warns that an 80s PG can surprise you, as Innerspace did.

Low-Stimulation Shows for Kids

by Amy Webb · 7 picks

Developmental psychologist Amy Webb's favorite calm, slow-paced shows for toddlers and preschoolers from The Thoughtful Parent (thoughtfulparent.com): gentle classics like Little Bear and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood alongside Sarah & Duck and Oswald. Her advice with them: watch together when you can and talk about what's on screen.

Books if you like Dave Eggers

by Dan · 6 picks· 1

Discover moving stories about animals and unique characters that capture the same spirit of wonder, friendship, and philosophical depth found in The Eyes and the Impossible.

The NeverEnding Family Movie List: Drama, Comedy, Musicals & Documentaries

by John Perritt · 69 picks

John Perritt's G/PG family movie list from his Family Movie Night newsletter (johnperritt.substack.com): dramas, comedies, musicals and documentaries, from Swiss Family Robinson (1960) to Ordinary Angels (2024). John's note: not every film here is an endorsement, so check the content before you press play.

The NeverEnding Family Movie List: Animated

by John Perritt · 86 picks

John Perritt's G/PG family movie list from his Family Movie Night newsletter (johnperritt.substack.com): the animated films, from Snow White (1937) to Migration (2023). John's note: not every film here is an endorsement, so check the content before you press play.

The NeverEnding Family Movie List: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

by John Perritt · 47 picks

John Perritt's G/PG family movie list from his Family Movie Night newsletter (johnperritt.substack.com), from The Wizard of Oz (1939) to Sonic the Hedgehog (2020). John's note: not every film here is an endorsement, so check the content before you press play.

Cozy Lap Reads for Wandering Toddlers

by Dan · 5 picks· 1

Gentle Movies for Little Ones

by EllieVi Movies · 28 picks

A collection of calm and heartwarming films perfect for a four-year-old and a toddler to enjoy together. These stories focus on friendship, wonder, and gentle adventures that are safe for the youngest viewers.

STuff that my 14 year old likes

by Janell mom of Jada (age 14 8th grade) · 8 picks

Stuff that we use at home without throwing a thumper tarshion

Fun Dance Games and Creative Movement Channels also tick tock dance

by Bigback!! · 11 picks· 1

These picks offer engaging ways to dance, create, and explore music. They are perfect for kids who love upbeat movement and creative expression through interactive games and wholesome video content.

Top Family Shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime

by Luna · 20 picks· 1

A collection of highly-rated, family-friendly animated series available on major streaming platforms. These picks offer engaging storytelling and wholesome adventures perfect for shared viewing.

Action Packed Soccer and Basketball Favorites

by Tim · 4 picks

These engaging movies, shows, and games celebrate the spirit of the court and the field. Perfect for young athletes looking for inspiration and fun.

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 1)

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

List

by Evelynn · 13 picks· 1

my favorite books

You and l show

by Daety · 5 picks

A collection of high-quality, thought-provoking programs that spark curiosity and teach kids about the world around them. These shows are perfect for inquisitive children who love to learn while they watch.

Soccer Stories for Nine Year Olds

by Dan · 4 picks

Fun and inspiring soccer movies and shows perfect for independent viewing. These picks celebrate teamwork and sportsmanship with age-appropriate themes for elementary schoolers.

The Ultimate Pigeon Enthusiast Collection

by The pigeon · 6 picks· 1

A curated selection of shows, books, and interactive media featuring everyone's favorite feathered friends. Perfect for young bird lovers who find joy in the antics of pigeons.

Don't Let the Pigeon Finish This Activity Book!-Pigeon series

The Best of Mo Willems Pigeon Adventures

by The pigeon · 6 picks· 1

Fun and silly stories featuring the iconic bus-driving pigeon. These picks are perfect for young fans who love Mo Willems' humor and interactive storytelling style.

Calm Media To Ease Travel Anxiety

by Daety · 5 picks· 2

Favorite movies and shows

by Nicole, mom of 3 · 21 picks· 1

Heartfelt Sci-Fi Adventures for Curious Kids

by Dan · 9 picks· 1

Whimsical, visually stunning stories that blend high-tech wonder with emotional depth. Perfect for kids who enjoy quirky characters, unlikely friendships, and imaginative animation.

Family Movie Night Picks for Mixed Ages

by Dan · 6 picks

Engaging films that bridge the gap between toddler and pre-teen interests. These picks offer enough adventure for the older kids while keeping the tone light and free of scary moments for the youngest viewer.

Classic Sunday Movies for Heartfelt Family Nights

by Melanight · 20 picks· 1

Gather the family for timeless stories that spark meaningful conversations and big emotions. These classic films are perfect for winding down the weekend with inspiration and shared wonder.

Fun Family Movies for Movie Night

by Dan · 3 picks

These crowd-pleasing films offer humor, heart, and adventure for all ages. Perfect for a shared evening on the couch that keeps everyone entertained from start to finish.

Shows and Movies for Curious Young Explorers

by Dan · 6 picks· 1

7 and 9yo boy international flight, they are just exploring real life acting beyond cartoons but are scared of stuff. So sports movies that hold up (little giants?!) and also shows. they like Mysterious Benedict Society. They watched Phantom Tollbooth and loved it (the 70s version!)