40 of the most magical movies from your childhood

Whether it was the enchanting characters, the memorable scenes or simply because it was the first film mum or dad took you to, these are the movies that have left the most lasting impressions over the decades. How many do you have a soft spot for?

“For me it was The Wizard of Oz with Judy Garland, in fantastic Technicolor. Back then I was lost in the emotions of a young girl trying to find her way home, following that yellow brick road and meeting all sorts of friends with problems of their own.” – Debbie Moody

“The Wizard of Oz was a truly magical movie depicting the adventures of Dorothy and her dog when they were whisked during a cyclone to the Land of Oz and met fascinating characters and animals on their way to meet the Wizard. The special effects, scenes, colour, songs, humour and dialogues were wonderfully entertaining and somehow resonated with me emotionally.” – Melanie Gomes

“Beauty and the Beast – an enchanted castle, a mysterious beast and above all things LOVE… it was every little girl’s fantasy in a movie!” – Sarah Blockley

“Beauty and the Beast, for its romance, strong female lead and Disney charm that warms the heart.” – Tyra White

“The original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. I loved it for two reasons. First, it showed a wonderful, loving extended family. I was fascinated by their kitchen setting and where the boy Charlie slept in a little nook. Secondly, inside the chocolate factory was what all children dream of, surely. From go to whoa the whole movie transported me from my childhood worries and into a fairyland world. – Margaret McKee

“Dumbo – for a kid who often felt like she didn’t fit in, and wasn’t good at anything, it was magical to see Dumbo discover his talent and become loved and celebrated.” – Lorraine Cormack

“I loved Dumbo as it showed those who are bullied can win if they believe they can.” – Mary Madigan

“In a way, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is all about childhood imagination. It recognises that most kids are able to look at our own backyards and see a world of infinite adventure. Rather than limit those adventures to the minds of children, however, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids manages to take that same backyard setting and turn it into the staging ground for an on-screen journey as epic as The Odyssey by shrinking the main characters down to the size of a bug. What’s amazing about this movie all these years later is how it is able to get so much out of its relatively simple premise by throwing nearly every obstacle at these kids that could possibly occur in this situation. As scary as their adventure was, though, there wasn’t a single kid who saw this movie that wouldn’t have gladly embarked on it at least once.” – Susana Goncalves

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang had me enthralled with its magic, villains and adventure. Children who believed in themselves, magic and those around them can do anything.” – Adele Smith

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Yes, it’s a great story written by the creator of James Bond – but to be honest I had a massive crush on Dick Van Dyke.” – Sarah Fairley

“The NeverEnding Story has to be the most magical movie from my era. The story had everything a young kid could ask for: a great story, a mythical flying dog and a gripping ending. Our family continues to watch it today.” – Aaron Elliott

“I cried so much when Artax died. I also loved the rock/man thing, and I think it was the first time I had ever heard the name ‘Sebastian’.” – Kate Timms

“I have really fond memories of my dad taking me to see Little Women. I was pretty impressed that my burly dad would even consider this outing with his two pre-teen daughters. He really enjoyed it.” – Maggie Westbrook

“It was The Sound of Music. I have such fond memories of this magnificent film, which I saw at some point of my youth in the ‘60s at a drive-in movie theatre in Alice Springs with my parents and sisters. All of us crammed into my father’s HK Holden. It absolutely captivated me from start to finish; the songs, the storyline, the suspense… what wonderful memories.” – Andrew Moore

“When I was young, movies were a treat, With lollies, friends and a canvas seat. There was a special one that I did adore, And many times I’ve gone back for more. The songs, the scenery, the storyline, Always transports me to another time. The Sound of Music is such a classic, My memories of it are so fantastic.” – Joanne Carter

“Cinderella. When my mum and dad broke up I really did inherit bad stepsisters who were mean and called me ugly. Luckily I was more like the ugly duckling and grew to be a swan.” – Ann Sculley

“The King and I. I loved the battle of wills between Anna and the King, delightful children and Anna’s charming son. Singing, dancing, wonderful.” – Gail Carrick

“Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes with Christopher Lambert. Such an interesting, exciting, beautiful movie. Full of action and animals.” – Chrissy Roberts

“Mary Poppins was pure magic for me. Julie Andrews with that look she used to give the children. I practised that look in the mirror as a child and I’m sure l use it on my grandchildren to this day.” – Kerry Vincitorio

“I adored Mary Poppins! Tea parties on the ceiling, riding a merry-go-round across the country side, it’s magical throughout! – Rebecca Biljna

“I was absolutely fascinated with the bike that could fly… not so fussed on the cute alien at the time – he was scary!” – Nicole Whincup

“E.T: the Extra-Terrestrial because the story filled my little heart with joy – and it was the first film Dad took me to see!” – Di Childs

“I absolutely loved Ever After. I always adored Cinderella-style movies. Not having much money, I always loved seeing an ordinary person become a princess.” – Alexis Hutchinson

“I loved Bedknobs and Broomsticks. It was a bit dark, but I’ve always adored musicals, and it was literally ‘magical’! Plus it had Angela Lansbury.” – Ayesha Azeem

“Camelot, because it was the first movie I ever saw and the only time my grandmother took me out for the day by myself.” – David Kennedy

“Miracle on 34th Street (original). I loved this movie as a child (and an adult) as it reminds me to have faith in magic.” – Lisa Allen

“I was captivated by the enthralling power of magic when my parents told me that the twins in The Parent Trap were played by the same actress.” – Paul Buschenhofen

“Annie was mine for sure. From absolutely nothing she got so much more. From poor orphan to getting the ultimate prize – despite Miss Hannigan’s lies!” – Stephanie Taitwildman

“I always loved Pinocchio as it showed me that even with disabilities we can achieve love and happiness.” – Peter Sylvester

“I loved Pinocchio, because his father loved him so much and I really missed love as a child.” – Angela Milesi

“I liked… Labyrinth! Just really inspiring and interesting with David Bowie.” – Becky Downey

“Sleeping Beauty… she had the most beautiful dress that changed between my two favourite colours: pink, blue, pink, blue, pink.” – Sarah Fairley

“Disney’s Fantasia seemed magical to me, with Mickey Mouse a sorcerer’s trainee. The haunting music matched his progress; enchanted broomsticks causing distress.” – Michael Grzeszny

“Jim Henson and Frank Oz directed a movie called The Dark Crystal. I was seven years old when it was released. It was like nothing I had ever seen before and I was entranced.” – Michelle Smith

“Matilda. I wanted to be just like her, full of magic.” – Sarah Graham

“I loved watching the movie FairyTale as a child. It felt so real and like I was a part of it. It has always made me fascinated and in love with fairies.” – Alice de Koster-Kitto

“Xanadu. It had glamour, music and fashion and I remember my eyes so open and bright whenever I watched it.” – Daniela Agresta

“Storm Boy, the original. The relationship between the boy and the pelican was magical.” – Chris Mitson

“Pippi Longstocking, because she could fly and had a beautiful horse and monkey and she saw the good in everything.” – Brooke Smith

“Alice in Wonderland, because I was so intrigued with the movie and all the fantasy land magic!” – Linda Louskos

“The Polar Express. When I was little I loved that movie. I mean, I still do – but for me it makes the Christmas time of year so special.” – Danielle Averlant

“Escape to Witch Mountain, as I saw this at the cinema and it was my first film about aliens and kids that were magical, I so wanted to be like them.” – Caroline Gunnulson

“My father took me and my brother to see Sinbad. Oh my god, I can remember sitting eating ice-cream and my eyes wide open. It was the first film I ever saw at the pictures. I have bought it since – I just wish I could share the experience with Dad again. He passed away many years ago but now I have my granddaughters hooked on Sinbad and his flying carpet. – Peter Gully

“At the time it would have to be Peter Pan. Why? Because you never grow old and you can fly.” – Geoffrey Reeves

“The Jungle Book. I must have been quite young as I thought that the animals could really talk – and Shere Khan the tiger scared me.” – John Hogno

“Superman – it was so inspiring.” – Matt Graham

“Aladdin. It took us to a world of magic and genies.” – Maureen Buckley

“Bambi. I loved it because my dad took me to see it. It was sad because my mum didn’t go and Bambi’s mother died in it.” – Denise Coussens

“Bambi was my childhood favourite movie. I guess when I was a young girl, the maternal instinct had already kicked in. I just love the way Bambi’s mum looked at him and kept him safe, stood over him to keep him safe. And he ended up with two beautiful fawns himself by the end of the movie.” – Joy Hay

“Snow White. She was so pretty and the dwarves so funny and lifelike. I was terrified by the witch and gave up apples for years.” – Jacky Burkett

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