We try to limit TV and movies for our children. We don’t have any deep philosophical or moral objections to television, nor do we think the shows and movies we allow them to watch will harm them developmentally. No, we don’t let them watch a lot of TV because left to their own devices they will watch it ALL DAY LONG. Clearly this is not healthy. But sometimes I wonder, somewhat facetiously, if we are hurting their knowledge of pop culture by limiting the screen time; it’s a fact that I would know nothing about classical music if it weren’t for Bugs Bunny cartoons. For example, today I made a joke about Animal from the Muppet Show and they stared at me like I’d grown a second head. Fortunately after a few minutes on You Tube, I was able to enlighten them.

So maybe I should relax the rules…

After hearing of Neil Armstrong’s death recently, I began to think of movies that we could watch with the kids that had a space theme.

I have to say right off the bat that I love Star Wars. I have watched them all a bazillion times and never get bored of them. Empire Strikes Back is my hands down favorite. I even have Star Wars family decals on my car. For reals. I’m Princess Leia, of course.

star wars decals

So I had to know, what other space movies are out there that the kids can watch that wouldn’t make the adults roll their eyes? This is what I’ve come up with as suggestions for our next family movie night.

Star Wars – Original Trilogy. (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi) We haven’t screened the second trilogy (Episodes I, II & III) for the kids yet and I’m especially not looking forward to showing them the Episode III – Revenge of the Sith where Anakin turns into Darth Vader since both kids are such big fans of his in the:

The Clone Wars -Swashbuckling space fun with young Anakin Skywalker, Obi Wan Kenobi and our first introduction to Anakin’s Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano. A great story and some filler story in the Star Wars saga.

Star Trek  – This is probably a bit much for the younger kids, but I really enjoyed it. The fact that the story veered off the original Star Trek canon really aggravated my die hard Trekkie husband but I liked the action sequences and all the dry humor. And let’s be honest, a little eye candy makes it easier to stay focused: Chris Pine was sexy as heck in his role as Captain Kirk…

Space Buddies – My daughter is obsessed with dogs and bugs me to get her this DVD each time we pass it in a store. I think I’d rather get the movie than a real dog so this is on the list!

Wall-E – Melissa took her son to see this at a Movie in the Park in Calgary a few years ago and he loved it. It quickly became one of his fave films.

An honorable mention goes to Star Trek – The Animated Series – my kids love watching this with their dad. Not really a movie, but fun kitschy 60’s groovy cartoons with very well written underlying stories.

Unfortunately I think this list is pretty short; help me out by sharing your favorite space movies too!