Originally posted on FathersofMultiples.
Memorial Day is the time to remember the people who’ve died while serving our country’s military. So, how do you find movies to watch with the family that fit this weekend? Most war movies…are a bit rough, based on their content alone. Then, the gritty ones really show the violence. And, there’s generally quite a bit of language. It comes with the territory.
You’re not going to pop the popcorn, hop on the couch beside young kids, and hit play on Full Metal Jacket though. Older kids may be able handle Saving Private Ryan…but that beach scene would be hard on many.
Sticking with PG-13 or less, then…what does that leave you with? Forrest Gump really shows the US and its atmosphere in and around the Vietnam War, and it’s PG-13…but there’s a lot of drug use. Good Morning, Vietnam? Nope, rated R due to language.
You do need the popcorn fare for the weekend though. Memorial Day weekend is a time of cookouts, open swimming pools, and family. So, it’s prime time for some good movies.
Here’s a list of movies that help memorialize America and its soldiers, yet aren’t too graphic and are at least LOW on the language. This list will notate which movies could be geared to the younger set, with the remainder being better for slightly older children.
Valiant OK, it’s England during WWII, not the US…but it’s the closest animated movie you’re going to find to make a family-friendly Memorial Day list. A pigeon named Valiant joins the WWII effort as a messenger pigeon.
*All ages
Flyboys Set during WWI, this is an action-packed movie showing the story of the Americans that volunteered for the French military before America joined the war. This made them the US’ first fighter pilots! The movie is filled with aerial “dog fight” plane battles and edge of your seat action.
*Older kids
Father Goose Even though it is an older movie, this Cary Grant starrer is still enjoyable and very funny. While Cary is staying on an island to spot enemy planes, a teacher on the run from the Japanese shows up with her students. Cary, then, is forced to take care of them.
*All ages
Great Escape Based on a true escape from a German POW camp during WWII in which several hundred imprisoned allied soldiers all try to escape at once, this really is a stand-up and cheer movie that deserves its status as a classic. Some may hesitate based on its age, but given a chance to get going, the movie really picks up and is a lot of fun to watch. Plus, it stars Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, James Garner, and James Coburn, all really big names at the time the movie was released in 1963.
*All ages…though the younger may get bored.
Max This movie is about a bomb sniffing dog that returns home after the war in Afghanistan and, though troubled from his experiences, is adopted by his handler’s family. Together, Max and the family heal after tragedy. Watching a modern “war dog” version of Lassie is very heart-warming.
*All ages
Operation Dumbo Drop Finally, a Disney movie on the list. This one is set during the Vietnam War, and a group of American military must find a replacement elephant for a village after their elephant is killed while the village was helping the US. Naturally, it isn’t so easy transporting a giant elephant through the jungle during wartime…so hilarity ensues.
*All ages
Top Gun Rated PG. But this is 1980’s PG…which isn’t the same rating system used today. So, beware a couple of makeout scenes (particularly one in a bar bathroom). This is the epitome of 1980’s action movies, though, and is a lot of fun. Aerial battles. Testosterone. Great quotes. Volleyball. It’s all in there.
*Older kids.
Pearl Harbor December 7th, 1941, “A day that will live in infamy”. This movie, though filled with an overly dramatized love triangle, really shows the action and tragedy involved with Japan’s attack on the US. Think how Titanic showed the tragedy of the Titanic sinking paired with a love story…and you’ll get an idea how this movie is laid out.
*Older kids.
Memphis Belle This movie is fantastic. It’s an amazing, excitement-filled story based on the true events of the Memphis Belle bombing plane during its 25th and final bombing mission in WWII. There are truly some nail-biting scenes that should define the term “nail-biting”! An all-star cast, before they were all stars, takes you to the skies and to the edge of your seat as you pray for the movie to end just so you can catch your breath! Just wait for that Sean Astin scene! Watch it, you’ll know which scene I mean.
*Older kids
Captain America: The First Avenger Granted, this movie isn’t based in a whole lot of reality, but it does come across as a true WWII movie that just happens to have a superhero in it. Who can argue with celebrating Memorial Day watching Marvel? In normal Marvel fashion, there’s action and fun aplenty. It’s flag-waving fun watching Steve Rogers go from a scrawny, polio-affected guy with a lot of heart to the super-powered man of action. What better villain to get trounced for your viewing pleasure than the Nazis? What says America better than the star spangled sentinel of liberty, Captain America? *All ages
So, no matter which movie you choose, pop your popcorn, sit back, enjoy, and remember. Remember those who've given the ultimate sacrifice.
While you're at it, let us know which Memorial Day movie is your favorite and whether or not we included it in our list.