1. The Lion King (1994)
Older kids might lobby for the ‘live action’ remake with Beyoncé, but parents should hold fast and expose them to the ageless joys of this animated classic from Disney’s renaissance years. In case you need a primer: Simba is the young heir to the kingdom of Pride Lands – that is, until his villainous uncle, Scar, stages a violent coup against his own brother usurps power. Will Simba gain the courage to confront his nemesis and take his rightful place on the throne? No spoilers. No shade on Shakespeare, but this is the superior version of Hamlet. Because lions. Rated G.