9. Rear Window (1954)
We have already had Hitchcocks work appear on the previous list, but the man is without a doubt one of the greatest filmmakers in history, and as such has a number of great films worth exploring. Alongside the already chosen North by Northwest, it would be prudent for children to follow up with Rear Window. Many might argue that the likes of Vertigo are better suited to the film diet of children, but I would suggest that Vertigos themes of obsession and sexualized dominance might go way over the head of your average 10-year old. Rear Window on the other hand is a masterful take on the everyday, and plays on ideas that most children are very aware of. It has been lampooned and explored in hundreds of ways, from Home Alone to Rear Window rip-off Disturbia; what goes on behind the doors of our neighbours - especially the creepy ones?
Parental Benefits: From a filmic point of interest, it would be nice to talk with your child(ren) about how Hitchcock manages to make a tense and entertaining thriller all from one room. You can talk about how films do not always have to take place in aesthetically dramatic or multiple locations to be enjoyable. It would also be a great chance to talk to them about the joys of peeping from behind the house curtains, and then show them this great bit of stand up by
Micky Flanagan.