Never before have we had so many film choices yet felt so lost. That familiar question, “What can I watch?” has us endlessly scrolling streaming platforms to the tune of “not that” ringing out from the kids. There’s simply too much out there, and it’s leaving us all with decision fatigue. Parents want something that won’t melt our brains, the kids want something loud and familiar, and the platforms push whatever keeps everyone glued the longest. The algorithm has no interest in your evening, but film studio A24 may just have the answer we’ve been searching for.
Hey Kids, Watch This! is a 288-page book offering up a carefully curated list of over 100 films for kids and families alike, all neatly grouped by age. From preschoolers to tweens, each addition is carefully chosen for its filmmaking craft, originality and storytelling. Created by the studio behind Moonlight, Everything Everywhere All At Once and Uncut Gems, this surprising detour away from their typically grittier film catalogue isn’t about “kids’ films” in the narrow sense, nor is it nostalgia bait for grown-ups; it’s an appreciation of cinema that brings families together to appreciate film in all its glory.
We’re also in love with the design from Studio Elana Schlenker, which is colourful, fun-filled and beautifully illustrated by Anna Haifisch. A stunning book that’s as much a great coffee table item as it is a practical learning tool, inviting hands-on discovery of films with added trivia. Throughout the book, there’s an illustrated symbol system that also flags scary or more grown-up moments, so parents know what’s coming before pressing play, and short prompts to help families talk about what they’ve watched. Genre-led sections spotlight shared favourites, and there’s even a tracker so everyone can log what they loved, liked, or would happily skip next time.
Overall, this book slows down the process in a good way. It moves film nights away from endless scrolling through Netflix and Disney, asking us to broaden our horizons and to regain intention in our viewing. There’s a mix of absolute classics and more obscure films, offering a good balance for families with kids of different ages. Beyond anything else, it helps our kids appreciate what it takes to make a great film, building unique reference points and expanding their imagination. In a world that rarely pauses, that feels like a small win worth holding on to.
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