So you’re spending some quality family time together this weekend. Perhaps you’ve just come home from Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School. Now what? How about continuing the GOLDEN experience and celebrating movies by watching a film the entire family will enjoy (you, too, Mom and Dad!) – AND one that teaches kids valuable life lessons?

Here are 10 Entertaining Family Movies with Great Lessons:

1. Sportsmanship

MOVIE: The Sandlot

A classic movie the kids will love, about sportsmanship, friendship and what it means to not judge a book by its cover, with all the adventures of youth. Plus, your kids will finally see where “You’re killing me, Smalls!” comes from.

Also check out: Rudy. Because sometimes, having heart and grit is enough to get you there.

2. It’s OK to stand out

MOVIE: Happy Feet

It can be hard for kids when they can’t do something quite like the other kids can – but this movie teaches that it’s OK to stand out and not to bully others, because we all have something wonderful to offer.

Also check out: For more lessons from the Antarctic, try Eight Below.

3. Friendship heals

MOVIE: Up

Pass out tissues to the adults on this one! It’s an important story about friendship, and helping your friends – even if you don’t quite understand what they’re going through.

Also check out: Up for another loving tearjerker? Turn on Marley & Me.

4. Respect rules the fun chaos

MOVIE: Nanny McPhee

Kids think it’s funny watching the youngsters try to pull one over on their nannies, but then they realize that respecting their elders actually turns out a lot better.

Also check out: Take a spoonful of sugar and watch the respect earned by the spectacular nanny who started it all…Mary Poppins.

5. Honesty brings on pure silliness

MOVIE: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

A world of chocolate and candy? Yes, please! Ah, but to reap – and eat – the rewards, honesty must prevail. And being selfless doesn’t hurt, either.   

Also check out: Fun shenanigans abound in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, with an underlying lesson that it’s OK if you march to the beat of a different drummer.

6. Perseverance and family

MOVIE: Finding Nemo

The animated clownfish and his ocean of friends keeps adults and kids entertained with adventures and sweet friendship that proves persistence pays off when you work together.

Also check out: A smattering of friends try to help each other, despite their differences, in The Wizard of Oz.

7. We’re all different

MOVIE: The Goonies

Unlikely friendship among the Goonies teaches kids that it’s not about what’s on the outside, but what’s on the inside that counts. An adventure flick for the ages, The Goonies shows that we’re all different and bring good things to the table.

Also check out: You know who else learned that it’s not about how you look on the outside? Shrek.

8. When life gets tough

MOVIE: The Karate Kid

Life is hard as a kid. There are things that just don’t go your way, and sometimes there are bullies. But when things get tough, it’s about how you choose to respond, and how to empower yourself, that allows you to rise above.

Also check out: Hey, even adults go through hard times. But with The Pursuit of Happyness, you choose to never give up.

9. Friendships matter

MOVIE: Charlotte’s Web

One of the biggest life lessons we learn as kids is our own self-worth – and how to be the kind of person (or spider) who shows others how special they are as well. Friendship matters, so it’s important to believe in yourself AND know how to be a good friend.

Also check out: For more proof that you should believe in yourself, watch Babe.

10. Holidays and kindness

MOVIE: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Our actions can negatively affect others in ways we don’t even realize, so it’s vital to always be kind. Take it from the Grinch himself.

Also check out: Bring a ray of sunshine and optimism into your family movie night with a viewing of Elf.

Try Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School

Are you trying to prioritize more family time this year?

Why not try family swimming lessons together? Stop in a Goldfish Swim School location near you and find out when one is. You don’t need to be a member, but after you see all the cool things Goldfish Swim School has to offer – and our WOW! customers service – you can sign the kids up for swim lessons on the spot. During private swim lessons, our instructors use integrity, compassion and trust to teach kids ages 4 months and older how to swim, with some pretty extraordinary results!