7 Boredom Busters for the School Holidays (…that Mum and Dad can enjoy too!)
Let’s get one thing straight – School holidays should not just be about entertaining your kids. You have to give Mum and Dad some much needed joy during this time as well.
That’s why we have carefully selected these 7 movies that we think will not only keep the young ones glued to the couch, but also allow parents to sit and enjoy some rest time too (BYO cheeky glass of Red)
Some are old, some are new, but each one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your troops, buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Something New?
1. Tom & Jerry (2021)
What’s in it for kids?
The younger generation may not be overly familiar with Tom & Jerry. Believe it or not, they were created way back in 1940. But who can’t love the cat and mouse antics of these two legendary cartoon superstars? Kids are sure to hook onto their wacky ways immediately.
What’s in it for YOU?
It’s definitely aimed at the kids, but there’s a great live-action cast that’ll keep you interested here. Chloë Moretz leads the ensemble but is supported by a solid list of co-stars like Ken Jeong, Michael Peña and our favourite, Rob Delaney.
Watch Tom & Jerry in the Fetch Movie Store
2. The Croods: A New Age (2020)
What’s in it for kids?
The original Croods is an underrated 2013 animation blockbuster that some younger kids may not have seen yet. Luckily, this great sequel can be watched as a standalone without having seen the original, and it’s a genuine blast from start to finish.
What’s in it for YOU?
This is one of those smart animated family movies that not only dazzle the kids but make an effort to slot in enough winks and nods to the adults to keep us entertained too. You’ll find yourself both engrossed in the story and rooting for the characters throughout The Croods: A New Age
Watch The Croods: A New Age in the Fetch Movie Store
3. The Mitchells Vs. The Machines (2021)
What’s in it for kids?
A mixture of great animation, quirky characters and a modern setting make this one a heap of fun for the youngsters. There’s also some great comic sequences with enough trips and pratfalls to keep every kid giggling.
What’s in it for YOU?
There’s an interesting technology vs humanity subtext going on here with parents no doubt relating to how addicted kids are to their tech. At its core, The Mitchells vs. The Machines has a beating heart that is all about the importance of family and finding your independence in an ever-changing world.
Watch The Mitchells vs. The Machine on Netflix (Subscription required)
Oldies But Goodies!
4. Space Jam (1996)
What’s in it for kids?
With the sequel Space Jam: A New Legacy starring LeBron James starting in cinemas this July, it’s the perfect time to revisit the original 1996 box office hit and introduce your kids to the great Micheal Jordan.
What’s in it for YOU?
If you haven’t revisited Space Jam in a while, you’ll have forgotten just how much fun it is and that it still holds up 25 years later. Anyone who watched the recent Netflix docu-series The Last Dance will also be fascinated watching Micheal Jordan at his professional peak.
Watch Space Jam in the Fetch Movie Store
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
What’s in it for kids?
If your household has yet to be caught under the ‘spell’ of Harry Potter, there’s no better time than to start now. The first movie in the series definitely holds up well and is sure to captivate kids looking for some ‘magic’ these holidays.
What’s in it for YOU?
If nothing else, it’s a lot of fun seeing established stars like Daniel Raddcliffe and Emma Watson looking so young and at the start of their careers. Going back and taking the whole Harry Potter journey is something special that can be shared with the whole family.
Watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the Fetch Movie Store
6. Jumanji (1995)
What’s in it for kids?
They probably only think of Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black when they hear the word, Jumanji these days, but why not introduce the kids to the classic original starring the comic legend that is Robin Williams. This is a truly original and extremely entertaining film with effects that still look great today.
What’s in it for YOU?
One the great run of family films in the 90’s, the original Jumanji is full of charm and is a great companion piece to other “family movies that adults enjoy” releases in 1995 like Toy Story, Babe and Casper. Full of retro goodness. They don’t make ’em lie they used to!
Watch Jumanji in the Fetch Movie Store
7. Matilda (1996)
What’s in it for kids?
It’s cheeky, it’s mischievous, it’s adorable and filled with buckets of fun. Matilda is a rare treat that kids will find laugh out loud funny.
What’s in it for YOU?
Like any Roald Dahl adaptation, Matilda has a that wonderfully sinister edge that only adults will truly see. The sheer nastiness of Danny Devito’s character and the wicked ways of that dastardly school principal. It all adds up to a great family movie throwback for young and old alike.
Watch Matilda in the Fetch Movie Store
