Movies to watch with the Family

With Thanksgiving less than 24-hours away, most of us will be logging some family time. Nothing breaks up that time better than watching a good movie (or, you know, football). So, in honor of our prolonged family time I thought I'd continue my look at favorite films by genre with some family dramas.

As always, films only fit on one of these lists. If you have other favorites, feel free to add a comment and, as always, Happy Thanksgiving!

5. The Goonies (1985)

This is a fun movie. Produced by Steven Spielberg, directed by Richard Donner, there are a lot of reasons why this movie is a classic. Though its 25 years old, the film continues to be a favorite among teens and young adults — Biola actually showed it every year at some point when I was in college. The film also has a pretty decent cast — Josh Brolin, Sean Astin, Martha Plimpton, and Corey Feldman. Who doesn't enjoy watching a group of teens track down One-Eyed Willie's treasure ship?

4. Big Fish (2003)

This is probably my favorite Tim Burton film and, in 2003 when it was released, it was my pick as the best film of that year. I think this is a wildly underrated film. The color schemes used by Burton — one of his strengths — is incredible. The cast is great — Billy Cruddup, Ewan McGreggor, Helena Bonham Carter, Jessica Lange, and Danny Devito — and the story is really fun. Just a really fascinating, moving film.

3. Forrest Gump (1994)

Tom Hanks best performance, which is tough for me to say given my love of "Saving Private Ryan." There are a few really emotional moments in this film and some incredible performances. This is a very American story, and the way Forrest Gump is weaved into the biggest historical moments of several decades is clever. This was hands down one of the best films of the 1990s and holds up to this day.

2. Jurassic Park (1993)

This was one of the first movies that was a true favorite for me as a pre-teen. I remember seeing it in the theater and I remember reading the novel. This movie really captures the best of Spielberg's family-friendly style. It's not his best film, but it might be his best commercial film. Based on the Michael Crichton novel, this is a fun film. Plus it gives plenty to think about — as I discussed when I covered the film during my Faith in Film class. (If you want to look it up, it was week three's film).

1. Simon Birch (1998)

My favorite novel of all time is "A Prayer for Owen Meany." This film loosely adapts about the first chapter of that novel. This is one of my all time favorite films and I think it has a beautiful story. It says a lot about family, friendship, and faith. The film has a great cast — Joe Mazello, Oliver Platt, Ashley Judd, and David Straithairn — and a good story. I can't recommend this film strongly enough, not only because it's great but because it's been often overlooked.