Whether they’re overfeeding you or tightening you up in a sincere, breathless, and heartwarming hug, grandparents are often two of the most influential and significant figures in most people’s lives. It is only logical to make the most out of the time left with these relatives, especially when precious time slips through our fingers a little faster each day.
Besides sharing rich conversations and delicious meals, a magnificent way to keep boredom at bay and simultaneously bond with one’s grandparents is by introducing them to a few great films. Although everyone has different tastes (as they say, different strokes for different folks), some movies ultimately appeal more to some audiences than others. FromPeanut Butter FalcontoPaddington, these are some wide-ranged flicks Reddit believes grandparents will love.
10’Peanut Butter Falcon' (2019)
ThisMichael SchwartzandTyler Nilson-directed feature shines a light on universal themes of family, discrimination, and acceptance by depicting the life of a young man (ZackGottsagen) with Down syndrome as he embarks on a transformative journey after escaping an assisted living family and befriending a fisherman (Shia LaBeouf) while on the run.
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According to some users on the platform,Peanut Butter Falconis definitely a great addition to the watchlist of films you should watch with your grandparents.Kartablankadescribes it as a “heartwarming story,” and other users in the replies can not second their suggestion enough. “Watched that with my then-88 year-old Indian grandfather and he loved it,” adeleted usernoted. In fact, not only doesPeanut Butter Falconprovide audiences with a moving narrative about unlikely friendships and empathy, but immerses them in stunning natural landscapes.
9’Knives Out' (2019)
With the charming British actorDaniel Craigin the lead role (a character that fans are really fond of),Knives Outquickly became one of the most beloved whodunits of recent times. This grippingRyan Johnsonfilm drew inspiration from the works ofAgatha Christieto incredible results, providing audiences with an unforgettable murder mystery that will have anyone on the edge of their seat.
DepictingDetective Benoit Blanc’squest to find who of all people is responsible for the death of the patriarch (Christopher Plummer) of a wealthy butextremely dysfunctional family,Knives Outis cleverly written and sharply acted, making for a great way to spend the time next to loved ones (especially if they enjoy the genre). On the website,PlantedinCAagrees, commenting that the film is a “really enjoyable” pick.
8’The King’s Speech' (2010)
Naturally, historical dramas had to make it to this list (possibly the closest thing to time travel), andTom Hopper’s critically acclaimedfilm about English royaltyis a solid example of the genre done right.Colin Firthdelivers an Oscar-worthy performance asKing George VIinThe King’s Speech, which earned him the award. In the film, King George starts seeing an Australian speech and language therapist, played byGeoffreyRush, to cope with his stammer.
The King’s Speechis both inspiring and enriching, as it empowers viewers with speech problems while educating those who do not have to go through such difficulties. Sending out a message on courage and responsibility, this engaging biography is a fan-favorite on Reddit. “I went and saw that with my grandmother,“Damnit_Fredwrote.
7’Big Fish' (2003)
Often regarded as one ofTim Burton’s best films,Big Fishis a stylish and visually stunning feature that perfectly combines drama and fantasy genres. Based on the novel of the same name byDaniel Wallace, theEwan McGregor-led 2003magical realism moviecenters on the story of a frustrated son as he struggles to differentiate fact from fiction in the life of his tales-telling father.
“I guess this must be a good one,” ausercommented whenderekiseric1970mentioned the film.Big Fishis undeniably witty, poetic, and charming, which is part of what makes it so appealing to arguably any audience. Grandads may have a soft spot for Burton’s piece as it tackles familial themes, including the moving father-son relationship between the two leads.
6’Fried Green Tomatoes' (1991)
Tender and sincere,Fried Green Tomatoescelebrates female friendships by centering on the transformative connection between two wonderful women. A housewife (played byKathy Bates) who leads an unhappy life befriends an older lady (Jessica Tandy) at a nursing home. As the latter begins chronicling the lives of two women she used to know, the bond between the two strengthens.
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Captivatingly alternating between the past and present,Jon Avnet’s film is clever, funny, and also really moving at times, keeping viewers invested throughout. “A lot of people say it’s sad, but it may not hit as hard for someone who has lived longer and seen more things,“ClownInAnIronLungwrote. “They might even relate to it better.”
5’Apollo 13' (1995)
Directed byRon Howardand starringTom Hanks,Bill Paxton,andKevin Bacon, the docudramaApollo 13is adapted from the 1994 book “Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13” by astronautJim LovellandJeffrey Kluger. Narrating the real-life story of NASA’s 1970 lunar mission, the 1995 film illustrates the onboard explosion that occurred, which deprived the spacecraft of much of its oxygen supply and electrical power.
“I remember watching it with my grandma and she said she remembered it happening,“lizbunbuncommented after recommending the film. A highly successful technical achievement with authentic scenes featuring zero gravity (they are real), Howard’s film isa must-watch set in spacethat accurately showcases the anxieties and despair of those involved in the frightening true story.
4’The Grand Budapest Hotel' (2014)
Wes Anderson’s filmsare notoriously well-established for their quirkiness, meticulously planned usage of color, and beautiful production design.The Grand Budapest Hotel, though, might be the epitome of a Wes Anderson movie — charming and irrefutably stylish, this 2014 comedy-drama (and murder story at its core) features a seventeen-actor ensemble cast and takes place in a popular European ski resort.
Filled with plenty of well-known faces and a promising, fun, and oddly moving narrative,The Grand Budapest Hoteldeals with themes of class and corruption while also shining a light on nostalgia and a long-treasured past. “It’s interesting and quirky,“Joyce_Hattosaid. According to Reddit, the film may very well be some grandparents' new favorite.
3’The Philadelphia Story' (1940)
As many on the website would agree, it would’ve been a crime not to mention at least one Golden Age classic. Although there is certainly a lot to choose from,The Philadelphia Storymakes for the perfect pick: after all, it is a lighthearted andfun romantic comedystarringCary GrantandKatherine Hepburn.
In the 1940George Cukorfilm based on the Broadway play of the same name byPhilip Barry, a socialite’s wedding plans are shaken up by the simultaneous arrival of her ex-husband and a tabloid magazine journalist. When the subject is movies to watch with your grandparents, users suggested classics because they will “probably trigger some old good memories” (inyohaneh’s words). Anow-deleted Redditorvouched forThe Philadelphia Storyin particular, describing it as a “great film.”
2’Secondhand Lions' (2003)
One of the most popular picks is undoubtedlySecondhand Lions, and for good reason. Packed with great acting, theTimMcCanliescomedy-drama starsHaleyJoelOsment,MichaelCaine, andRobertDuvall. It depicts the upbringing of a shy young boy who is sent to spend the summer with his uncles in Texas.
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According toGMoneyJetson, the film is “heartwarming” and “clever.” AnotherRedditorrevealed that it is their “favorite movie to watch together” with their grandmother. Tackling familial relationships and thought-provoking themes of greed and aging, this 2003 movie is unquestionably worthy of your time.
1’Paddington' (2014)
One of the late Queen of England’s favorite films,Paddingtonis regarded as one of the best animated films of recent times. Tackling themes of colonialism and immigration, the high-rated first entry of the franchise centers on an anthropomorphic bear who migrates from the jungles of “Darkest Peru” to the streets of London, where he is ultimately adopted by the Brown family.
On Reddit, ausermentioned “Paddington 1, 2” as some of the greatest films to be watched with grandmothers (or when you’re feeling down).Paul King’s remarkable film is indeed a fun and absorbing film that appeals to all ages, featuring an utterly adorable protagonist viewers can’t help but love.
