11 Movies That Make You Feel Like a Kid Again

There are plenty of prestigious and serious films out there that deserve watching, but let's face it -- sometimes you just need a flick that fills you with childlike glee. Here are 11 classic movies that are sure to make you feel like a kid again. 

'Big' (1988)

Watching Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia dance out "Heart and Soul" on a giant FAO Schwartz piano is nothing short of a cinematic dream scene. "Big" has some oddly melancholy and awkward elements, but it proves that being a kid is sacred. Even if your adult job requires playing with toys. 

'The Parent Trap' (1961)

Having a twin sister you've never heard up show up at the same summer camp is kind of a long-shot. But Disney does family friendly right and this Hayley Mills fave is a feel-good story for the ages. (Ditto the remake.)

'Elf' (2003)

Buddy the Elf is childhood wonder personified. He only eats sugar, he's delighted and dazzled by the most simple of activities (AKA a revolving door), and he dresses in costume all year round. 

'School of Rock' (2003)

Ah, this is the perfect movie for when so-called "adulting" has got you down. Leave it to Jack Black to turn his slacker self into a hero for prep school kids on screen (and jaded working stiffs everywhere.) Stick it to the man, indeed. 

'The Goonies' (1985)

From the imagination of Steven Spielberg, "The Goonies" has become a go-to escape for '80s babies looking for a little adventure in their humdrum lives. It's pretty much re-watch gold. 

'Matilda' (1996)

Roald Dahl surely knows how to tap into what it feels like to be a kid. 1996's "Matilda" fills me with joy, hope, and a renewed appreciation for the band Rusted Root every time I see it. 

'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' (1971)

Speaking of Dahl... I'm not sure I'll ever get to an age where I don't pretend there's a place where chocolate rivers, lickable wallpaper, and candy-laying golden geese exist. 

'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial' (1982)

Parents just don't understand that exhilarating feeling of keeping an alien friend secret these days. 

'Enchanted' (2007)

Who's not a sucker for a movie about an animated Disney princess come to life in modern day NYC? Sometimes we just need a musical fairy tale to make everything feel OK. 

'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' (1986)

Ferris Bueller is irresponsible, a liar, and actually kind of rude. He's also an American hero, because let's be honest... most people would totally do what he did if they had the guts and the savvy to pull it off. Plus, he's right. Life does move pretty fast and we should probably look around before we miss it. 

'17 Again' (2009)

Magically transforming into your teenage self -- Matthew Perry looks like Zac Efron at 17 (who knew?) -- is weird, especially if your own daughter has the hots for you unknowingly in a "Back to the Future"-like twist. But aside all that creepiness, this throwback of a movie is a whole lot of fun.