Top 10 Films For Under-10s: Guess What's Number One? (Clue: You Woody Believe It!)

Top 10 Films For Under-10s: Guess What's Number One? (Clue: You Woody Believe It!)
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Some good news for parents, at last. There's no need to nag and preach to your kids about morality and behaviour – just plonk them down in front of a film and let Hollywood do the work for you.

Of course, it has to be the RIGHT kind of movie – so a very kind child psychologist has gone out of her way to research and list the top 10 films that every child should watch before they reach the (very random) age of nine and a half.

Dr Kairen Cullen asked more than 5,000 adults what their favourite children's classics were in terms of the positive messages they sent out and – drum roll – straight in at number one was Toy Story.

Apparently, it encourages kids to learn more than just catchphrases and educates and entertains at the same time, telling kids that all individuals are different and have intrinsic worth.

The Lion King came second, for teaching children self belief and the benefit of facing up to challenges.

Dr Cullen said: "The hardest lessons children have to learn are not the sort that fit neatly into the school curriculum or can be found in any parenting guides.

"These lessons relate to emotion and relationships; both of which lie at the heart of any good film. Therefore, it is key for parents to choose films that help support their child's development and learning at a young age.

"When it comes to choosing what to watch, the best films should expand a child's mind and demonstrate key life lessons in a positive and encouraging way.

"Not only does Toy Story entertain and engage children with its colourful animated characters, it also teaches children about inter-personal relationships and the acceptance of people from different walks of life; themes which stay with us as we grow up."

Helen Cowley, Editor of LOVEFiLM told the Daily Mail: "This list of great films from across the decades, demonstrates just how many parents go on to share the movies they enjoyed as children with their own families.

"Not only do the films in the top 10 encourage positive development and engagement in children, they're also a great introduction to the world of film."

10 FOR UNDER-10s: THE FILMS THAT EVERY CHILD 'SHOULD HAVE' SEEN

1. Toy Story – 17

3. Home Alone – 10

5. The Jungle Book - 8

7. The Wizard of Oz - 6

9. Matilda – 4

How many have your children seen? And do you agree with the ranking? And what about Shrek??