Movies at Grandma's House — Family Films, Kids Movies & Film Analysis

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) is one of the most beloved nostalgic movies ever made, but do 1980s films like this still hold up? On this family movie review, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to Spielberg’s classic, joined by Drew Barrymore historians Ashley and Anne of the How Do You Drew podcast, for their first-ever E.T. conversation.

They dig into Elliot’s search for belonging, Gertie’s improvised lines, the practical effects that still work, and John Williams’ unforgettable film scores. Fun facts: Mars passed on M&Ms, so Reese’s Pieces g...

Dennis the Menace (1993) is one of the most chaotic 90s kids movies ever made, but do 90s kids movies still hold up? On this family movie review, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to the John Hughes-penned comedy starring Walter Matthau, Mason Gamble, Lea Thompson, and Christopher Lloyd, with some nostalgic movies talk on why it’s still a family favorite.

They break down Mr. Wilson’s forty-year garden, Christopher Lloyd’s terrifying Switchblade Sam, and the slapstick hostage camp-out that had Isaac’s kids in hysterics. Fun facts: over 20,000 boys auditioned for Denn...

Remember the Titans (2000) is one of the most powerful sports films ever made, but does it still hit as hard 26 years later? On this family movie review, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to the Disney classic starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Faison, and Hayden Panettiere, with some classic movie talk on how it handles its sensitive history.

They break down Coach Boone’s leadership at summer camp, the bond between Gerry and Julius, and the humor that balances the heavy moments. Fun facts: the real 1971 team went 13-0 with nine sh...

It's the return everyone's been waiting for — Pixar's Toy Story 5! On this family movie review, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to one of the most anticipated sequels in Pixar history, asking: does this long-awaited chapter prove there's still life in these toys, or should they have stayed on the shelf?

They dig into the surprisingly timely story — Bonnie's growing attachment to technology and what it means for Jessie, Woody, Buzz, and the whole gang — plus breakout new characters Lillipad, Blaze, and the scene-stealing Smarty Pants (voiced by Conan O'Brien). This is one of...

Isaac sits down with Brian Tarbox, owner and self-described caretaker of the By-Jo Theatre in Germantown, Ohio — one of the last surviving single-screen small town movie theaters in the area — for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to keep a historic local cinema alive in 2026.

This one is personal. Isaac saw Baby's Day Out (1994) at the By-Jo as a kid and still carries that memory. Now he gets to hear the full story of the man keeping those experiences alive for a new generation.

🎬 The Origin Story:

Brian grew up in neig...

It's the feel-good movie that made you want to start a band — and one of Tom Hanks' most personal passion projects. On this family movie review, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to the 1996 gem That Thing You Do!, celebrating its 30th anniversary, to ask: does this nostalgic one-hit wonder still have us tapping our feet, or has the song finally faded out after all these years?

They dig into Tom Hanks' writing and directorial debut — reportedly written out of boredom while promoting Forrest Gump — the tight, character-driven ensemble cast, and a surpri...

If you've been curious about the kettle corn behind the Movies at Grandma's House movie nights — this one's for you. Isaac sits down with Jennifer from Big Poppin', MAGH's official snack partner, for a full Q&A on how this Ohio kettle corn small business got started, what makes their popcorn stand out, and how a casual conversation at grandma's house sparked the whole thing.

Here's what you'll hear:

🍿 The origin story — Jennifer bought all their equipment before she even told her husband. He was on board. Four years later, Big Poppin' is here.

👨‍🍳 T...

Family movie review: Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014) is one of the most overlooked kids movies and children's films DreamWorks ever made. On this nostalgic film analysis, Isaac and Seth bring their honest movie reviews and some genuine classic movie talk to this time-travel adventure that flew under the radar — and ask whether critics got it wrong.

They dig into the film's origins as a Rocky and Bullwinkle segment, a surprisingly deep character arc, and a stacked, scene-stealing cast (Stephen Colbert, Stanley Tucci, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it Mel Brooks cameo). Fun facts include Robert Downey Jr. almost voicing Mr. Peabody before sc...

Movie night isn't complete without the snacks — and Isaac sits down with John and Chelsea from Sweet Tooth Candy in Englewood, Ohio for a fun Q&A about candy, nostalgia, and what it's like running a local candy store that feels less like a shop and more like an experience.

Here's what you'll hear in this bonus episode:

🍬 The origin story — Sweet Tooth Candy opened its doors on December 15, 2025 and is approaching its first full year in business. The idea was born from a childhood memory of a beloved candy store on North Gettysburg in Dayton...

Isaac is back with a bonus audio episode while Movies at Grandma's House gears up for Season 6 — dropping next week! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when it drops.

But first — a question that every movie lover has an answer to:

"What classic movie would you most want to see re-released in theaters?"

With theatrical re-releases making a massive comeback, Isaac digs into some of the biggest ones happening right now and on the horizon:

🦇 Tim Burton's original Batman — back on the big screen this month 🦇 Batman: Mask of the Phantasm...

Grandma's House is taking a quick breather before Season 6 — but we didn't want to leave you empty-handed! On this bonus audio-only episode, Isaac brings the same real film analysis and honest movie reviews you know from our family movie review podcast to a rundown of everything happening this September — from new kids movies hitting streaming to a can't-miss, nostalgia-packed theatrical re-release.

Movies coming to Streaming in September:

https://www.cabletv.com/entertainment/new-kids-movies-to-stream

First, a big congratulations to Dave Corson, our August movie poster giveaway winner! Every newsletter subscriber is automatically ente...

Isaac checks in with a fun bonus audio update — and there's a lot to celebrate! Movies at Grandma's House has officially wrapped Season 5 and is now at 111 episodes of revisiting your favorite childhood films. What a ride!

In this episode, Isaac covers:

🎬 Season 5 Recap — They wrapped up with a live tier list ranking every movie from Season 5 (S through D tier), and you can watch the full video on YouTube. Where would you rank the films? Isaac wants to know!

📺 Season 6 is coming — More great guests, more nostalgic movies, and more memories on the way. Hav...

Season 5 is officially in the books — and it's time to rank every single movie we covered! On this special LIVE family movie review, Isaac and Seth go back through all 19 films from the season, bringing spirited film analysis, honest movie reviews, and a whole lot of nostalgia as they build a full S-through-D tier list together — live chat included.

The most heated debate of the night? RocketMan — Seth fought hard for an S-tier placement while Isaac (and most of the live chat) landed on B. Plus a visit from past guests and listeners in the live chat, who he...

It's one of Disney's most charming and beloved kids movies — Robin Hood (1973)! On this family movie review, Isaac and Seth are joined by guest Ajax (Aaron, co-host of Cover Wars Podcast) to bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to this nostalgic, wholesome film — one of the true classic youth movies and children's films among Disney's animated classics — to ask: does this swashbuckling adventure still hit the bullseye, or has it missed the mark after all these years?

They dig into the film's unique all-animal cast, the surprisingly reused animation from The Jungle Book and The Aristo...

What do Max and Duke really get up to when you leave home? On this animated comedy deep dive, Isaac and Seth bring film analysis and honest reviews to Illumination's The Secret Life of Pets (2016)—asking whether this franchise starter still lands laughs or feels like a relic of mid-2010s humor. Featuring Kevin Hart's scene-stealing Snowball, rocky friendship arcs, and the question every nostalgic millennial is asking: does it hold up?

They break down Max and Duke's rocky road to friendship after getting lost in the city, Snowball's scene-stealing revenge plot voiced by Kevin Hart, and th...

Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993) is a family movie and wholesome film that proves you don't need a huge budget to make an unforgettable children's film. On this family movie review, Isaac and Seth bring classic movie analysis and honest movie reviews to this nostalgic true story — a classic youth movie about ambition, pressure, and what really matters, still relevant among children movies and family friendly films 30 years later.

Josh's journey between two very different chess mentors — the disciplined Bruce (Ben Kingsley) and the aggressive Vinnie (Laurence Fishburne) — sits at the heart of the film, alongside the pressure from h...

Babe (1995) is a family movie that proves a talking pig can carry an entire film. In this family movie review on Movies at Grandma's House, we revisit this nostalgic gem with real film analysis and honest movie reviews — breaking down its surprisingly mature themes, the stunning animatronic work, and whether this wholesome children's film still holds up 30 years later for kids movies fans and new parents alike.

They break down Babe's journey from runt piglet to champion sheep-herder, the surprisingly realistic (and sometimes intense) farm life themes, and the incredible practical effects from Jim Henson's Creature Shop th...

Today we head inside the mind on this nostalgic family movie review, bringing real film analysis to one of the most beloved kids movies of the last decade — Pixar's Inside Out (2015). Does this emotional journey through Riley's move from Minnesota to San Francisco still fill all the feels, or has it lost its spark 10 years later?

Isaac and Seth break down the staggering numbers behind one of Pixar's best original movies: a rare 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, an 8.1 on IMDb, and $859.1 million at the box office on a $175 million budget. Plus the gut-punch Bing Bong sacrifice scene that st...

On this podcast covering the best kids movies and family-friendly films, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) — a true classic among children's films. Does this underwater epic still hold up 70 years later, or has it sunk after all this time?

They break down Captain Nemo's hatred of mankind aboard the advanced submarine Nautilus, Kirk Douglas' scene-stealing charm as harpoonist Ned Land, and the legendary giant squid battle — still one of the most ambitious practical effects sequences Disney ever attempted. Plus the two Oscars this film won (Best Art...

Buckle up, because things are about to get weird. On this podcast covering the best kids movies and family-friendly films, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to the 1997 Disney live action comedy Rocketman — starring Harlan Williams as Fred Randall, a bumbling computer programmer who somehow ends up on a mission to Mars — to find out if this children's film still has the right stuff nearly 30 years later.

Seth has watched this one more times than he can count and calls it the funniest kids movie ever made. Isaac came in fresh — and his fo...

On this podcast covering the best kids movies and family-friendly films, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to The Greatest Game Ever Played — the 2005 Disney true story that most people have completely forgotten about — to find out if this children's film still holds up 20 years later.

Seth saw it in theaters (during a power outage, no less) and has rewatched it many times since. Isaac came in fresh, having never seen it before — and was blown away.

They dig into Bill Paxton's masterful direction and the revolutionary ball cam sh...

The game is afoot! On this family movie review, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to The Great Mouse Detective — heading to the streets of Victorian London for a nostalgic dive into the 1986 Disney classic that turns 40 this year and, according to many film historians, literally saved Disney Animation from financial collapse. This children's film holds up as one of the more surprisingly dark entries in the Disney kids movies canon.

This one is personal for Isaac, who grew up watching it and credits it with sparking a lifelong love of Sherlock Ho...

Revisit 1999's animated gem The Iron Giant on this nostalgic family movie review, bringing real film analysis to one of the most beloved kids movies and children's films of its era. When Brad Bird's directorial debut hit theaters, critics loved it (96% RT) but audiences stayed away. Isaac and Seth welcome guest John Barker from All The Right Movies to explore Rockwell's unforgettable tale of friendship and sacrifice. Does this beloved classic still pack an emotional punch — or has it rusted with time? Discover why this box office bomb became a cultural treasure.

They dig into Brad Bird's in...

Isaac just got back from the theater with his four kids — and he's sharing his full experience watching Toy Story 5 opening weekend! In this bonus audio episode of Movies at Grandma's House, he breaks down his honest thoughts on Pixar's newest entry in the beloved franchise, now spanning three decades from 1995 to 2026.

Here's what you need to know before you go:

🤠 Jessie is the main character — not Woody. Director Andrew Stanton (a Pixar veteran) frames Toy Story 5 as the beginning of Bonnie's trilogy, with 4, 5, and a potential 6 serving as a companion arc to Andy's original three f...

Gru trades moon theft for minions, and Lucy joins the party. On this nostalgic family movie review, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to Despicable Me 2 — but does this family-friendly animated sequel still deliver 13 years later? One of the more beloved kids movies and children's films of the last decade, they explore what made it a parenting staple: the surprisingly heartfelt character growth, Kristen Wiig's perfect comic timing, and why this wholesome, feel-good film remains a go-to for multigenerational movie nights.

Plus — fun facts that will blow your mind (Al Pacino recorded the...

Episode 101 had to be 101 Dalmatians — and we couldn't be more excited about it. On this nostalgic family movie review, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to the 1961 Disney classic, one of the most beloved kids movies and children's films of its era, to find out if it still holds up after 65 years. Does it still bark up the right tree, or has it lost its spots?

They dig into the surprisingly heavy plot, the unique animation style that still turns heads today, and what makes Cruella De Vil one of Disney's most ch...

It's our 100th episode and we're going big — this nostalgic family movie review dives into The Lion King (1994)! On this milestone celebration, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to one of Disney's most beloved kids movies and children's films, settling the debate once and for all: does it still reign supreme, or has it lost its crown?

They break down the plot, the unforgettable characters (Scar, Mufasa, Timon & Pumbaa, Rafiki), a little classic movie analysis on its Hamlet roots, and the legendary Hans Zimmer and Elton John soundtrack that defined a generation.

Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998) gets the Grandma's House treatment in a very special family movie review!

Isaac and Seth are joined by guest Patrick Scott Patterson — self-described "Drewbie" and host of The Patrick Scott Patterson Project podcast — to bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to Drew Barrymore's self-proclaimed favorite film of her career.

Together they explore what makes this nostalgic Cinderella retelling so enduring: a heroine who actually fights back, earned romance, brilliant witty dialogue, scene-stealing performances from Da Vinci, and a final courtroom moment that still hits every time. They also dig...

Big things are happening at Movies at Grandma's House! In this bonus episode, host Isaac gives you a sneak peek at the upcoming episode featuring the beloved 1998 fairy tale film Ever After: A Cinderella Story — and we're bringing in a very special guest, Patrick Scott Patterson, to help break it down!

But first — the moment fans have been waiting for is almost here: the 100th episode is next week! 🎉

Isaac also throws out a question to the community that's sure to spark some serious nostalgia:

"What movie makes you think of childhood — even just the...

Was rebooting Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers a brilliant move to capture '90s nostalgia, or just a cheap bootleg of a beloved classic? On this family movie review, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to the 2022 meta-adventure, one of the more unique kids movies and children's films to hit Disney+ in recent years.

In Episode 98, we're heading to the "sketchy part of town" to revisit this nostalgic meta-adventure. We debate whether this movie was a successful rescue mission for our childhood memories or a wrecking ball for the Disney Afternoon legacy.<...

In this bonus audio episode of Movies at Grandma's House, host Isaac shares an exciting milestone — the podcast's 100th episode is almost here, and it's going to be The Lion King (1994)! Got memories of watching The Lion King as a kid? Isaac wants to hear your ratings, stories, and nostalgia.

Isaac also dives into a lively community discussion from Threads about favorite movie theme songs and scores, giving shout-outs to listeners who chimed in with some incredible picks, including:

🎵 He's a Pirate – Pirates of the Caribbean

🎵 North by Northwest theme (classic throwback!)

🎵 ET's F...

A baby's gotta do what a baby's gotta do... in the middle of Paris! 🍼 On this family movie review, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to Rugrats in Paris: The Movie — one of the more underrated kids movies and children's films of its era — taking a trip back to the year 2000 to revisit the Nickelodeon classic. From the giant mechanical Reptar to the emotional plane ride that defined a generation, we're breaking down why this sequel might actually be better than the original.

We're diving deep into the early 2000s nostalgia, the soundtr...

Isaac is back with a special bonus episode just for our Spotify listeners! This week he's sharing some exciting updates from Movies at Grandma's House — including a FREE digital product dropping this week that you won't want to miss.

But first, the big question: If you could change ONE thing about the movie theatre experience to get you going more often, what would it be? Better seats? Cheaper concessions? No talking? Isaac breaks down his thoughts and wants to hear yours.

Whether you're a die-hard moviegoer or someone who hasn't stepped into a cinema in ye...

It's all fun, games, and cereal... until the nightmare circus arrives! 🦖🎡 Welcome back to the living room for another family movie review from Movies at Grandma's House! On this episode, Isaac and Seth bring real film analysis and honest movie reviews to the 1993 Amblimation classic, We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story — one of the more polarizing kids movies and children's films we've covered. Produced by Steven Spielberg and starring the voices of John Goodman, Jay Leno, and Martin Short, this movie is the definition of a 90s "bait-and-switch."

In this retrospective, we're peeling back the layers of this 90s fever...

Hyper-time is real... but so is the fashion of 2002! ⌚💨

Grab your frosted tips and join us in the living room for another episode of Movies at Grandma’s House! Today, Seth and I are revisiting the high-concept Nickelodeon hit, Clockstoppers. Starring Jesse Bradford, French Paula Garces, and Michael Biehn, this movie had every kid in the early 2000s checking their wrists for a secret acceleration watch.

In this 30-minute retrospective, we dive into the peak-Y2K aesthetic, the surprisingly cool special effects, and whether the government conspiracy plot actually holds up today. Most importantly, we break i...

We've got cabin fever! 🏴‍☠️🐸

Hoist the colors and join us in the living room for a swashbuckling episode of Movies at Grandma’s House! Today, Seth and I are setting sail back to 1996 to review the Jim Henson classic, Muppet Treasure Island. Starring the legendary Tim Curry as Long John Silver, alongside Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Rizzo the Rat, this movie is a chaotic blend of classic literature and absolute Muppet madness.

In this quick 30-minute retrospective, we break down the incredible soundtrack (including the unforgettable "Cabin Fever"), the brilliant blend of human actors a...

100 episodes in the making! Join Isaac for a special audio-only bonus episode of Movies at Grandma’s House as we celebrate a massive milestone and reflect on our journey through the films of our childhood.

In this episode, we wrap up an incredible Season 4 and look ahead to what is coming in Season 5. Isaac shares a teaser about a upcoming film that completely changed his perspective upon rewatching—leaving him with a reaction he never expected!

In this episode, we discuss:

The Power of Nostalgia: Why we star...

We went LIVE and ranked every single movie from Season 4 of Movies at Grandma's House — and things got heated. Join Isaac and Seth as they revisit every childhood favorite covered this season, from Spy Kids to The Emperor's New Groove, and put them in their definitive order once and for all.

Did your favorite make the top of the list? Did we completely botch the rankings? This is the episode where we find out — with live chat weighing in the whole way through.

If you grew up watching 90s and 2000s family movies and have stro...

He’s half-dog, half-wolf, and the only one who can save the town of Nome! 🐺❄️

Grab a warm blanket and join us in the living room for another episode of Movies at Grandma’s House! Today, Seth and I are braving the Alaskan wilderness to review the 1995 animated classic, Balto. Featuring the iconic voice talents of Kevin Bacon (Balto), Bob Hoskins (Boris the goose), and Jim Cummings as the ultimate animated villain, Steele, this movie is a staple of 90s animation.

In this quick, 30-minute retrospective, we break down the breathtaking animation, the unforgettab...

He has the head of a dog and the body of a cop, and he's ready to save the city! 🐶🚓

Welcome back to the living room for a very special, Supa-epic episode of Movies at Grandma’s House! Today, we are putting down the classics and picking up a comic book to review the animated Dog Man movie. Based on the massively popular graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey (the creator of Captain Underpants), this movie brings our favorite half-dog, half-human hero to the big screen.

We are breaking down the unique animation style, the hilariou...