On 13 July 2005 the bfi and the Barbican jointly hosted a debate called Watch This! to discuss whether there should be a list of films that all children should see by the age of 14. Participants at the debate, as well as a number of children's film organisations across Europe and individuals including bfi staff, filmmakers and teachers, were invited to submit nominations. The following is an alphabetical list of the ten most recommended films for children to see:
While most public debate about children's film viewing focuses on protection rather than entitlement, the Watch This! debate showed how passionately people care about children's film heritage. We know that the films on the list aren't just there because people think they'd be good for children: they're films that people have shown to their own families or to pupils and they know how much children have enjoyed them.
Both the Top Ten and Top Fifty are surprising, thought-provoking lists and in no way final. Points of possible contention include the shortage of British films represented, the relative lack of cultural diversity and the preponderance of boys as central characters. We hope people will go on arguing about them so that the list can evolve.
The list demonstrates just how diverse a range of classic and world cinema can be made available to children, and we hope that it will generate further action leading to more diverse and adventurous TV commissioning, DVD publishing, cinema distribution and programming.
The Watch This! debate was co-produced with the Barbican and both organisations are committed to a continuing partnership to make the case for children's film heritage, including a follow-up event during the London Children's Film Festival in November 2005.
Click the top fifty link for the compilation of all 50. I have seen only 5 of the top ten films. More in the top 50.
How many have you seen?
Do you agree with the list?
What movies do you recommend and why?
Do you disagree with any choices and why?
What will you let you kids watch/make them watch?
Click the top fifty link for the compilation of all 50. I have seen only 5 of the top ten films. More in the top 50.
How many have you seen?
in bold are ones i have watched
Do you agree with the list?
yes n no i only know some of the movies
What movies do you recommend and why?
Charlie and Chocolate factory, the Grinch, Oliver Twist, A christmas Carol, the iron man
Do you disagree with any choices and why?
i don't diagree as such, its just that not all the movies are known to me
What will you let you kids watch/make them watch?
the movies ive mentioned myself n bolded, n any other kids movies i watched as a child myself