Ten Modern Classic Children's Movies Every Girl Should See

In most classic children's movies, Prince Charming rescues the girl. In contrast, here are ten kid's movies from the past 25 years with smart, real, strong-willed girls who don't need any rescuing. All these movies have intelligent well-told stories and are modern classics. Every independent-thinking girl will enjoy them - and have something to talk about afterwards. Watch one of these movies with your daughter today!

Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

Akeelah (Keke Palmer) is an ordinary girl from South Central LA, getting by, irritating her mother (Angela Bassett) and disappointing her teachers. She possesses extraordinary verbal abilities, and finally pulls herself together to enter the national spelling bee after getting coaching by Dr. Larabee (Lawrence Fishburne). In the end Akeelah shows not just smarts but compassion.

Anne of Green Gables (1985)

Although Anne (Megan Follows) says she'd rather be pretty than smart, she is both. Anne is also a highly imaginative girl, and charms the reclusive Matthew (Richard Farnsworth) and his rigid sister Marilla (Colleen Dewhurst) in this gorgeous adaptation of the classic novel. Filmed on location in Prince Edward Island, this movie has great scenery, great costumes, great acting, a marvelous script, and one of the unforgettable children's heroines of all time.

The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)

Natty Gann (Meredith Salenger) journeys across the country during the Great Depression to find her father. On the way she rides trains with hobos and befriends a wolf. A gritty and realistic movie about a girl who's a true survivor.

Labyrinth (1986)

Sarah (a young Jennifer Connelly) faces down Jareth, the Goblin King (David Bowie) in a Jim Henson fantasy. On the way she matures from a self-centered whiny child with sibling rivalry to a self-possessed young lady who is ready to determine her own fate.

A Little Princess (1986)

Finally re-released on DVD, this former BBC production seen on PBS Wonderworks is the definitive version of Frances Hodgson Burnett's book. Far superior to the 1995 movie, it perfectly captures the gracious and intelligent Sara's (Amelia Shankley) riches to rags to riches story.

Little Women (1994)

Starring Winona Ryder as Jo and Susan Sarandon as Marmee, this is one of best movie adaptations of Louisa May Alcott's book. Kirsten Dunst and Claire Danes round out the star-studded cast.

Spirited Away (2001)

A fantastic Japanese tale from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Ten-year old Chihiro must work in a bathhouse for ghosts and spirits while plotting to rescue her parents. Amazing animation and a multi-level story for all ages.

The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)

From acclaimed director John Sayles. Fiona (Jeni Courtney) is sent to live with her grandparents in a remote Irish fishing village, while dealing with the loss of her baby brother. She is confronted with evidence of the classic Irish myth of the Selkie (half-human, half-seal).

Stardust (2007)

This dark fairy tale based on a novel by award-winning author Neil Gaiman features Tristan (Charlie Cox) on a quest to find a fallen star, the feisty Yvaine (Claire Danes). The all-star cast includes Ian McKellan, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, and Sienna Miller.

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991)

Sonora Webster (Gabrielle Anwar), a teenage runaway during the Great Depression, finds fame and fortune in Atlantic City riding diving horses. She shows incredible bravery in her comeback after a life-altering accident.

Internet Movie Data Base