Great movies for kids ages 7–9

Finding quality films for kids on the cusp of hitting double-digits is not always easy. While plenty of entertainment is made for this age range, sometimes you just want to watch something that the whole family can enjoy, with nary a Minion in sight.

Here's our list of the best movies for 7–9-year-olds, from stone-cold classics to newer favorites that feature lovable characters and poignant life lessons.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

There are so many reasons to love this touching tale of an alien who is abandoned on Earth, tries to fit in, and longs for home: (1) Seeing the bewitchingly cute Drew Barrymore as a child actress; (2) Reese's Pieces; (3) the adorable alien; (4) the rockin' spaceship; and (5) the catchphrase ''E.T., phone home.'' Enduring.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

At face value, this confection — where five kids with golden tickets get to tour Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory — seems like it'd have all the longevity of, say, a piece of cotton candy. But it holds up surprisingly well, due in great part to the fact that Gene Wilder's Wonka isn't simply weird — he's scary. And what's a good story without a little fear in it? We could also wax on about the 2005 film adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic story, but the Tim Burton–Johnny Depp collaboration doesn't hold an Everlasting Gobstopper to this timeless movie.

Spirited Away (2001)

Call this a fairy tale, a moral quandary, or just plain fun. Chances are you might have missed this stunning Japanese film from anime godfather Hayao Miyazaki, about a strong girl and a greedy monster who eats everything in his path. Spirited Awaywon the second-ever Oscar given for Best Animated Feature, because going up against Miyazaki is like going up against Steven Spielberg: inadvisable.

Old Yeller (1957)

It's about a boy and his dog. And then...at the end... Oh, we can't even talk anymore. Time to grab the tissues.

Annie (1982)

It's hard to resist the exuberance of little orphan Annie (Aileen Quinn). Daddy Warbucks (Albert Finney) couldn't. Even Jay-Z couldn't. It's a hard knock life, for sure.

The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986)

This buddy-animal film may be a touch too saccharine for grown-ups, but kids about this age will fall for Milo and protector Otis.

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

This playful pair of should-be adversaries learn their roles in the food chain when the real world intrudes on their fun.

The Parent Trap (1961)

Sure, Lindsay Lohan starred in a more-than-decent remake, but the original brought heart, sass, the adorable Hayley Mills (two of her!), and all those wonderfully catchy musical numbers. Sing it with us now: ''Let's get together, yeah yeah yeah...''

Up (2009)

An older man (voiced by Ed Asner), a young boy (Jordan Nagai), and a house floating with balloons. That simple list can't even begin to explain the uplifting and emotional ride this buddy adventure can take you on, with such rich colors, and even richer music.

The Iron Giant (1999)

This beloved animated parable tells the story of a boy who stumbles upon a 50-foot-tall alien robot. While initially intimidated, the boy finds that the Giant has a hidden depth, leading to him trying to protect his friend from a federal agent who wishes to destroy him out of fear. —Kevin Jacobsen

The Prince of Egypt (1998)

This adaptation of the Book of Exodus can be enjoyed for its stunning animation and valuable life lessons regardless of your religious background. The film centers on Moses as he grows up to free the Hebrew people in ancient Egypt, against the wishes of Pharaoh Rameses — his adoptive brother. —K.J.

Babe (1995)

Who would've thought a movie about a talking pig could provide such a genuinely moving experience about the value of following your truth, even in the face of ridicule? —K.J.

Paddington 2 (2018)

It doesn't matter if you haven't seen the original Paddington — this impossibly charming sequel is a delight for all ages, following the titular warm-hearted bear as he is framed for a crime, leading his adoptive family to investigate the perpetrator. —K.J.

The Sandlot (1993)

This classic coming-of-age comedy about a tween baseball team has some crude moments — so this would be better for those on the latter end of the 7–9 age range — but its scrappy spirit will delight kids while providing nostalgia for parents. —K.J.

Matlida (1996)

Bullying remains a widespread issue that plagues children growing up, and this fantastical adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel tackles this problem head-on, with 6-year-old Matilda (Mara Wilson) standing up to bullies using her telekinetic powers. —K.J.

Home Alone (1990)

Another nostalgic film for parents that also satisfies their kids' love of mischief, Home Alone is a classic holiday favorite that stresses the importance of family above all — and how you probably shouldn't forget them. —K.J.