'The Sound of Music' (1965), Mary Gayen, sub-editor: While the young ones can enjoy the theatrics of the Von Trapp children and beautiful singing by Julie Andrews, adults can indulge in a war-time love story and an almost fairytale ending of a family that escapes into the unknown together.
'Maleficent' (2014), Haneen Dajani, senior news reporter: Maleficent tells the story of Sleeping Beauty's evil witch – but reverts the fairytale entirely. It's very engaging and entertaining with beautiful scenery. And after all, who wouldn't want to watch Angelina Jolie in anything?
'Coco' (2017), Sophie Prideaux, assistant features editor: Like all good Pixar films, 'Coco' features just the right mix of humour and colour, alongside a story that tugs at the heartstrings. What makes the film so great though is the way it tells the story of a Mexican cultural tradition, the Day of the Dead celebrations. Courtesy Pixar
'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' (2016), Melanie Smith, chief sub-editor, features: It's pretty dark – death is the pervading theme – and there are elements of the supernatural that will spook the wandering adult mind as well as those of teenagers, but this is a Tim Burton film, so what else did you expect? Jay Maidment / Twentieth Century Fox
'Aladdin' (2019), Haneen Dajani, senior news reporter: The latest live action remake has a feminist twist in the end with princess Jasmine portrayed as a strong woman leader as opposed to her 'traditional princess waiting to be rescued' image. Courtesy Disney
'Enchanted' (2007), Emma Day, deputy features editor: Fed up with the tropes of the typical fairy tale? This live-action musical turns a lot of them on their head to highlight just how silly they are. After all, what kind of woman agrees to marry a prince after first meeting that very same day? That's the scenario that Amy Adams's Giselle finds herself in, before being cast out of the fantasy land of Andalusia by a wicked stepmother and into ... modern-day New York City. Courtesy Disney
'Despicable Me' (2010), Melanie Smith, chief sub-editor, features: The plot is quite outlandish but there are some heart-warming lessons that will appeal to adults – our capacity for love and the monumental changes we are prepared to go through to protect it. If you can get over the sound of the Minions, you'll love it. Courtesy Universal Pictures
'Shrek' (2001), Janice Rodrigues, lifestyle writer: Not only is this a pure entertainer for the little ones, adults can appreciate the creative fairtytale world, and the numerous scenes inspired by other hit movies of the time (a Matrix fight sequence comes to mind). And of course, the eternal message that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder – that one's for all age groups. Courtesy DreamWorks
'The Jungle Book' (1967), Stuart James, production editor: Based on one of Rudyard Kipling's 'Just So Stories', 'The Jungle Book' is the tale of an orphan boy called Mowgli, who is raised by a pack of wolves who find him lost in the jungle. It has great characters, especially Phil Harris as Baloo, Louis Prima as King Louie and George Sanders as Shere Khan, and jaw-droppingly beautiful illustrations of the jungle. But what really makes this film a stone-cold classic for adults and children alike are the brilliant, funny and timeless songs. Ooh be doo, I wanna watch with you-oo-oo! Photo by SNAP/REX
'Wall-E' (2008), Nic Ridley, night editor: A cute action adventure for children, with a robot and its pet cockroach as the stars in a genuinely brilliant dialogue-free first half. Also a cautionary tale for adults about waste, greed, overconsumption and slovenly behaviour. It's beautifully animated, of course, from Pixar.
'Hook' (1991), Kelly Clarke, senior national reporter: With a good dose of comedy and a sprinkling of innuendo, adults can enjoy this film just as much as the children. As an 80s baby, it fills me with so much nostalgia. For the little ones, the garish costumes, colorful characters and a storyline that prods one to believe in the impossible, should be enough to keep them entertained for the full 144 minutes running time.
'Time Bandits' (1981), Simon Wilgress-Pipe, homepage editor: Terry Gilliam's mad tale of an 11-year-old boy who goes on a wild and slightly morally suspect ride with a group of dwarves who jump from era to era looking for treasure to steal (after said youngster finds a portal in the back of his wardrobe). It's interesting because it's not one of these films where children and adults are laughing at different things – both groups are chortling at the same points. Courtesy Avco Embassy Pictures
'Up' (2009), Evelyn Lau, assistant features editor: Little ones will enjoy the film as it follows the unlikely duo of Carl and Russell as they go on an adventure of a lifetime. Adults can also appreciate the movie, as it draws on themes of friendship, love and loss, and most importantly, the lesson to keep seeking out adventure, no matter your age. Courtesy Pixar / Disney
'The Little Rascals' (1994), Mary Gayen, sub-editor: As children, we were in a hurry to be adults and often behaved like a parent, teacher or whoever we looked up to. This movie lets a group of children live exactly that fantasy, while also looking absolutely adorable. It is a funny Saturday afternoon movie that is sure to bring a few laughs to all ages.
'Harry Potter' series (2001-2011), Mary Gayen, sub-editor: Potter's misadventures at Hogwarts can allow parents to slip in a lesson or two on following rules, or they can simply threaten to let loose a dementor when one of the children is naughty next time. There's plenty of action and intrigue to keep adults entertained, and the movies are beautifully shot.
'The Parent Trap' (1961 and 1998), James Langton, correspondent: Either the original with Hayley Mills playing separated at birth twins Annie and Hallie, or the 1998 remake with 11-year-old Lindsay Lohan will lift the spirits of any locked-down family. Spot Joanna Barnes playing roles in both films. Photo by Disney / Kobal / REX / Shutterstock
'The Lego Movie' (2014), Melanie Smith, chief sub-editor, features: Don't be fooled by the Lego figurines. This is a good verses evil plot is filled with lots of jokes for adults. It follows the humdrum, ordinary life of a happy-go-lucky Lego man who stumbles into the task of saving the Lego world. And Batman is in it, too. Courtesy Warner Bros Pictures
'Toy Story' (1995), Evelyn Lau, assistant features editor: The film follows Woody (Tom Hanks), a cowboy doll who belongs to a young boy named Andy (John Morris), who sees his position as Andy's favorite toy jeopardised when his parents buy him a Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) action figure. Even though the film is mostly for children, upon viewing it again as an adult, you'll definitely catch things you might have missed when you were younger.
'Inside Out' (2015), Panna Munyal, lifestyle editor: 'Inside Out' is the best film I've ever seen – in fact I think it's actually meant for adults. Beyond the animation and plot of a young girl adjusting to making a move across the country, is the interesting story about how our subconscious minds (may) work. It provides insights into our brains, our physiology, our decisions and our life paths.
'Spirited Away' (2001), Alexandra Chaves, visual arts writer: Animated by the renowned Studio Ghibli from Japan, this fantasy film follows the story of a young girl who becomes trapped in the realm of spirits and must find her way out. With its vivid visuals and curious twists, is a hopeful coming-of-age film about bravery in the face of adversity. Photo by Studio Ghibli / Kobal / REX / Shutterstock
'The Sound of Music' (1965), Mary Gayen, sub-editor: While the young ones can enjoy the theatrics of the Von Trapp children and beautiful singing by Julie Andrews, adults can indulge in a war-time love story and an almost fairytale ending of a family that escapes into the unknown together.
'Maleficent' (2014), Haneen Dajani, senior news reporter: Maleficent tells the story of Sleeping Beauty's evil witch – but reverts the fairytale entirely. It's very engaging and entertaining with beautiful scenery. And after all, who wouldn't want to watch Angelina Jolie in anything?
'Coco' (2017), Sophie Prideaux, assistant features editor: Like all good Pixar films, 'Coco' features just the right mix of humour and colour, alongside a story that tugs at the heartstrings. What makes the film so great though is the way it tells the story of a Mexican cultural tradition, the Day of the Dead celebrations. Courtesy Pixar
'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' (2016), Melanie Smith, chief sub-editor, features: It's pretty dark – death is the pervading theme – and there are elements of the supernatural that will spook the wandering adult mind as well as those of teenagers, but this is a Tim Burton film, so what else did you expect? Jay Maidment / Twentieth Century Fox
'Aladdin' (2019), Haneen Dajani, senior news reporter: The latest live action remake has a feminist twist in the end with princess Jasmine portrayed as a strong woman leader as opposed to her 'traditional princess waiting to be rescued' image. Courtesy Disney
'Enchanted' (2007), Emma Day, deputy features editor: Fed up with the tropes of the typical fairy tale? This live-action musical turns a lot of them on their head to highlight just how silly they are. After all, what kind of woman agrees to marry a prince after first meeting that very same day? That's the scenario that Amy Adams's Giselle finds herself in, before being cast out of the fantasy land of Andalusia by a wicked stepmother and into ... modern-day New York City. Courtesy Disney
'Despicable Me' (2010), Melanie Smith, chief sub-editor, features: The plot is quite outlandish but there are some heart-warming lessons that will appeal to adults – our capacity for love and the monumental changes we are prepared to go through to protect it. If you can get over the sound of the Minions, you'll love it. Courtesy Universal Pictures
'Shrek' (2001), Janice Rodrigues, lifestyle writer: Not only is this a pure entertainer for the little ones, adults can appreciate the creative fairtytale world, and the numerous scenes inspired by other hit movies of the time (a Matrix fight sequence comes to mind). And of course, the eternal message that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder – that one's for all age groups. Courtesy DreamWorks
'The Jungle Book' (1967), Stuart James, production editor: Based on one of Rudyard Kipling's 'Just So Stories', 'The Jungle Book' is the tale of an orphan boy called Mowgli, who is raised by a pack of wolves who find him lost in the jungle. It has great characters, especially Phil Harris as Baloo, Louis Prima as King Louie and George Sanders as Shere Khan, and jaw-droppingly beautiful illustrations of the jungle. But what really makes this film a stone-cold classic for adults and children alike are the brilliant, funny and timeless songs. Ooh be doo, I wanna watch with you-oo-oo! Photo by SNAP/REX
'Wall-E' (2008), Nic Ridley, night editor: A cute action adventure for children, with a robot and its pet cockroach as the stars in a genuinely brilliant dialogue-free first half. Also a cautionary tale for adults about waste, greed, overconsumption and slovenly behaviour. It's beautifully animated, of course, from Pixar.
'Hook' (1991), Kelly Clarke, senior national reporter: With a good dose of comedy and a sprinkling of innuendo, adults can enjoy this film just as much as the children. As an 80s baby, it fills me with so much nostalgia. For the little ones, the garish costumes, colorful characters and a storyline that prods one to believe in the impossible, should be enough to keep them entertained for the full 144 minutes running time.
'Time Bandits' (1981), Simon Wilgress-Pipe, homepage editor: Terry Gilliam's mad tale of an 11-year-old boy who goes on a wild and slightly morally suspect ride with a group of dwarves who jump from era to era looking for treasure to steal (after said youngster finds a portal in the back of his wardrobe). It's interesting because it's not one of these films where children and adults are laughing at different things – both groups are chortling at the same points. Courtesy Avco Embassy Pictures
'Up' (2009), Evelyn Lau, assistant features editor: Little ones will enjoy the film as it follows the unlikely duo of Carl and Russell as they go on an adventure of a lifetime. Adults can also appreciate the movie, as it draws on themes of friendship, love and loss, and most importantly, the lesson to keep seeking out adventure, no matter your age. Courtesy Pixar / Disney
'The Little Rascals' (1994), Mary Gayen, sub-editor: As children, we were in a hurry to be adults and often behaved like a parent, teacher or whoever we looked up to. This movie lets a group of children live exactly that fantasy, while also looking absolutely adorable. It is a funny Saturday afternoon movie that is sure to bring a few laughs to all ages.
'Harry Potter' series (2001-2011), Mary Gayen, sub-editor: Potter's misadventures at Hogwarts can allow parents to slip in a lesson or two on following rules, or they can simply threaten to let loose a dementor when one of the children is naughty next time. There's plenty of action and intrigue to keep adults entertained, and the movies are beautifully shot.
'The Parent Trap' (1961 and 1998), James Langton, correspondent: Either the original with Hayley Mills playing separated at birth twins Annie and Hallie, or the 1998 remake with 11-year-old Lindsay Lohan will lift the spirits of any locked-down family. Spot Joanna Barnes playing roles in both films. Photo by Disney / Kobal / REX / Shutterstock
'The Lego Movie' (2014), Melanie Smith, chief sub-editor, features: Don't be fooled by the Lego figurines. This is a good verses evil plot is filled with lots of jokes for adults. It follows the humdrum, ordinary life of a happy-go-lucky Lego man who stumbles into the task of saving the Lego world. And Batman is in it, too. Courtesy Warner Bros Pictures
'Toy Story' (1995), Evelyn Lau, assistant features editor: The film follows Woody (Tom Hanks), a cowboy doll who belongs to a young boy named Andy (John Morris), who sees his position as Andy's favorite toy jeopardised when his parents buy him a Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) action figure. Even though the film is mostly for children, upon viewing it again as an adult, you'll definitely catch things you might have missed when you were younger.
'Inside Out' (2015), Panna Munyal, lifestyle editor: 'Inside Out' is the best film I've ever seen – in fact I think it's actually meant for adults. Beyond the animation and plot of a young girl adjusting to making a move across the country, is the interesting story about how our subconscious minds (may) work. It provides insights into our brains, our physiology, our decisions and our life paths.
'Spirited Away' (2001), Alexandra Chaves, visual arts writer: Animated by the renowned Studio Ghibli from Japan, this fantasy film follows the story of a young girl who becomes trapped in the realm of spirits and must find her way out. With its vivid visuals and curious twists, is a hopeful coming-of-age film about bravery in the face of adversity. Photo by Studio Ghibli / Kobal / REX / Shutterstock
'The Sound of Music' (1965), Mary Gayen, sub-editor: While the young ones can enjoy the theatrics of the Von Trapp children and beautiful singing by Julie Andrews, adults can indulge in a war-time love story and an almost fairytale ending of a family that escapes into the unknown together.
