10 Childhood Movies and Shows I Loved—and 5 I Wish I’d Skipped
This week, I want to break my silent streak (two weeks!) and write about some films and shows from my childhood that I still treasure—and a few I wish I had skipped. This post won’t be as long or detailed as some of my others, as I’m working on projects behind the scenes, but I wanted to put something useful out there in the meantime.
Before diving in, let me clarify: for the films that had a negative impact on me, I’m not saying they’re bad or that everyone should avoid them. Each person is different, and it’s important to listen to the Holy Spirit when it comes to all forms of media. I’m simply sharing my personal experiences and perspectives.
✅ Ten Childhood Favorites I Still Love:
1. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
📺 Rating: PG
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis—beloved Christian theologian and fantasy writer—Narnia follows the Pevensie siblings (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) as they’re transported into another world through a magical wardrobe and called to help save Narnia from the evil White Witch. This film has strong biblical parallels and, while it may be intense for younger children, it’s a great pick for older kids who can handle some fantasy violence (especially Aslan’s sacrifice scene).
This is hands-down my all-time favorite film. I saw it in theaters at age six, and pretending to be Lucy was one of my favorite childhood pastimes. Honestly, I still miss it. It sparked my imagination and, with two sequels, became a creative anchor throughout my childhood.
2. The Secret of Moonacre (2008)
📺 Rating: PG
This fantasy film is incredibly underrated. Most people I talk to haven’t heard of it—I’m usually the one recommending it! It’s based on The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge (though the book and film differ significantly). The story leans into fantasy elements with an ending that feels almost ritualistic, which might raise red flags for some. However, overall it’s whimsical, adventurous, and clean, with beautiful visuals and a soft moral tone. And yes, there’s a rabbit.
3. Cinderella III: A Twist in Time (2007)
📺 Rating: G
Say what you want about sequels—this one actually holds up. Yes, there are timeline shifts that might make you scratch your head, but it’s mostly a fun, family-friendly Disney film. It’s humorous (especially the end credits) and explores themes like honesty, love, identity, and kindness. I remember loving it as a kid, and I still enjoy it now.
4. Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983)
📺 Rating: TV-PG
This classic series is inspiring, entertaining, and—at times—emotionally intense. Episodes explore tough themes like grief, mental illness, and alcoholism, but they also spotlight virtues like honesty, hospitality, justice, and compassion. I often pretended to be Laura Ingalls when I wasn’t pretending to be Lucy Pevensie. Little House was a major staple in our home, and I still revisit it from time to time for a dose of grounded, faith-anchored storytelling.
5. Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper (2004)
📺 Not Rated
My favorite Barbie movie of all time—and one I appreciate even more as an adult. The songs are iconic, the story blends friendship and sacrifice beautifully, and both Anneliese and Erika are willing to lay down their freedom for others. Julian and Dominick are actually solid male characters (rare for a Barbie film). While it’s not flawless, it’s surprisingly deep for a kids’ movie. Also: Martin Short as Preminger? Cinematic gold.
6. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
📺 Rating: G
This one needs no intro. Belle is one of my favorite Disney princesses because she’s imaginative, loyal, and unafraid to stand for what she believes. She also loves books—so of course I related. The Beast’s transformation is beautiful, and the themes of inner beauty, redemption, and forgiveness resonate deeply. The music still holds up, too.
7. Leave It to Beaver (1957–1963)
📺 Rating: TV-G
My parents loved this show because of how respectful Beaver and Wally were toward adults. While they definitely got into mischief, both boys had solid moral compasses and their sibling bond was endearing. The show wasn’t perfect—there is one episode that dabbles in voodoo—but for the most part, it’s grounded in everyday family life with clear, timeless lessons.
8. The Lion King 1½ (2004)
📺 Rating: G
A surprisingly clever reimagining of The Lion King told from Timon and Pumbaa’s point of view. It’s funny, fast-paced, and full of heart. As a kid, I appreciated its lighter tone, and as an adult, I can appreciate how creative it was structurally.
9. Clifford the Big Red Dog (2000–2003)
📺 Rating: TV-Y
Peak PBS Kids right here. Clifford, Cleo, and T-Bone taught lessons about kindness, responsibility, and friendship in a gentle and wholesome way. The show also represented disabled characters, which stood out even to me as a child. I talked more about Clifford in my last post, so check that out if you’re curious!
10. Cyberchase (2002–Present)
📺 Rating: TV-Y
Another PBS Kids classic. It’s about a group of Earth kids who use math and science to stop an evil villain called The Hacker from taking over cyberspace. Educational and surprisingly adventurous, Cyberchase was one of the few shows that made math feel fun. We also discussed this one in our previous post if you want more context.
❌ Five Children’s Films I Wish I Had Skipped (or at least used more discernment with):
1. Coraline (2009)
📺 Rating: PG
Though artistically unique, this film is both disturbing and far from child-friendly. I often call it “the scariest movie I’ve ever seen,” and part of that is the age I watched it—10 years old. I still don’t understand how it only received a PG rating. It left me and my younger siblings traumatized, and I have no desire to rewatch it.
What makes it especially intense is how it breaks traditional storytelling structure. Just when you think everything is resolved, the “Other Mother” strikes again—adding another layer of fear and unease. That narrative twist stuck with me, and I strongly recommend parents use discernment before sharing this one with children.
2. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
📺 Rating: G
Hear me out—this one is tough. Tiana is a fantastic character and Disney’s first black princess. I love when unique and original characters have their own stories, and the film has its many strengths, and as a whole, is pretty entertaining.
However, when I watched it as a child, Dr. Facilier’s use of voodoo and occultism deeply disturbed me. It’s not just a villain with “dark magic”—it leans heavily into occult practices associated with voodoo, something that parents may want to consider carefully. As an adult, I can revisit it with discernment, but I do wish Disney had leaned less into the voodoo.
The story and characters? Great. The villain and the voodoo? A bit concerning.
3. Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
📺 Rating: PG
This one scared me more than I expected. It features curses, supernatural elements, and a troll that turns children into wooden dolls. Like the others, it leans into the occult and creepy imagery, making it a tough watch for kids. Definitely not a harmless comedy.
4. Spooky Buddies (2011)
📺 Rating: G
To be honest, I didn’t get far into this film. The movie includes spells, sacrifice, and occult symbolism that felt entirely out of place in a kids’ film, and it was disturbing and creepy.
Even without finishing it, I can say it’s one I wish I had skipped entirely.
5. Bolt (2008)
📺 Rating: PG
This one isn’t harmful or occultic, but it was a major letdown. I remember being so excited by the trailers—they made it look like a high-stakes superhero movie. Instead, it was a tame story about self-discovery.
It’s not bad, just forgettable. After all the hype, it fell short of expectations.
