Beloved by countless millions over different generations, these movies serve as icons that families often make a point to watch year after year, becoming traditions. Oftentimes a holiday is not complete without viewing at least one of these films.

Personally, I have had the pleasure of seeing all of these productions many times, owning them on video. Like countless others who no doubt share my opinion, these movies are not only a cherished part of my youth, they also serve as an enjoyable and nostalgic pleasure for me today, and I'm in my early forties.

I will go ahead and list these five classics, starting with what is considered by many to be the greatest children's movie ever made...

The wizard of Oz (1939)

Based on the book by L. Frank Baum, this is one of those movies where the dialogue has been memorized by millions over the decades, maybe billions...

"I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog, too!"

"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!"

"Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore."

Plus, who could ever forget the Lullaby League and the Lollipop Guild welcoming Judy Garland - Dorothy - to Munchkinland? Or Margaret Hamilton's Wicked Witch of the West, considered along with Star Wars' Darth Vader as the greatest movie villain of all time?

More than anything else, Wizard Of Oz teaches kids about how important home and family is. Here's Dorothy, whisked by a tornado to a colorful, magical land with talking scarecrows, tin men, and cowardly lions (who end up being her friends, no less), and all she wants is to get back home to her Uncle Henry and Auntie Em in Kansas. So much so that she spends all of her time trying to do so.

It all goes to show that no matter where the world takes you, there really is "no place like home."

A good lesson for youngsters to learn, don't you think?

Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory (1971)

This is a solid number two on my list of all-time best kids' films, second only to the Yellow Brick Road.

Based on Roald Dahl's book, this movie not only teaches kids about the underdog in the form of the impoverished Charlie Bucket, but also shows how NOT to behave, with fat slob Augustus Gloop ( I think South Park's Eric Cartman and Harry Potter's Dudley Dursley were based on him), the gum chewing smart mouth Violet Beauregarde, TV freak Mike TeeVee - not too obvious, eh - and the ultimate mega-superbrat Veruca Salt, who I still want to smack upside the head and tell her to shut up every time I watch this film.

With kids like those, it is easy - REAL easy - to root for good-hearted Charlie. And you find yourself wanting to cheer when he ends up getting the factory from Willy, played spectacularly by Gene Wilder.

The songs were memorable as well, from "The Candy Man", which Sammy Davis Jr. made a number one hit, to that "Oompa Loompa" song, to the pretty "Pure Imagination".

That, the lessons given and Charlie's underdog triumph, are what makes this a classic.

Some people may prefer the recent remake with Johnny Depp portraying Willy, saying that it's truer to Dahl's original version.

But in my book, and in this case, there's nothing like the original.

Peter Pan (2003)

This choice might come as a bit of a surprise to some. Especially considering the more well-known musical starring Mary Martin in the 1950s and Cathy Rigby in the 1990s. Not to mention the Disney animated version from 1953. BUT...

As good as Martin, Rigby, and the cartoon were, here are the problems I had with them...

Martin? She was a 40-something year old woman playing a ten-year-old boy who I've always felt was FAR too effeminate in her portrayal of Peter. I felt that way even as a six-year old watching her on TV.

Rigby? She was quite better than Martin in my view, much more boyish, but was still a forty-something year old woman playing a 10-year-old boy. I never really bought it.

And the Disney version? Their portrayal of the Native Americans was SO blatantly racist and bigoted (as was the Martin version) that it seemed like they were taking a page from Birth Of A Nation, only with Indians instead of African Americans. I'm surprised that the different Native American tribes didn't sue or stage a protest.

Having said all of that, this live action version of the flying boy who wouldn't grow up is to me the best version, first and foremost because the title character is actually played by a young boy, Jeremy Sumpter. Unlike the Peters in the musical.

And unlike the Wendys in the other versions, Rachel Hurd-Wood was actually 12 when this movie was filmed - and had a British accent, chalking up another point for realism.

Not to mention the fact that Jason Issacs' Captain Hook was truly sinister, not buffoonish like in the musical or the cartoon.

Plus it showed a young first-love angle between Wendy and Peter that I liked; the kiss that she gave him near the end of the film was the best first kiss I've seen on screen. The dilemma that Wendy faced in choosing whether or not to grow up was well portrayed, too.

In other words, this most recent version of the James M. Barrie classic was more realistic and true to the original play and book.

That's why if I was a parent, I would show this Peter Pan before I showed the other versions.

I'm sure there are many people who disagree with me on this; let me suggest that you show your kids this version along with the musical and the cartoon, and let them be the judge.

Yellow submarine (1968)

I remember when I was around five years old seeing this cartoon on TV with my mom.

It turned out to be the perfect introduction to the greatest musical act of the past one hundred years, if not of all time - The Beatles.

That's right, if you, as a parent, want to expose and teach your kids about John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, you need to start by showing them this film.

Based on a song from the 1966 Revolver album written by Paul and sung by Ringo, this animated feature showed the Fab Four going in a yellow submarine to Pepperland to face the Blue Meanies, eventually driving them out with music.

Though that was the basic gist of the plot, it was the songs such as the title track, "All Together Now", and "All You Need Is Love", as well as the message of love conquering hate, that makes it worthwhile for kids to see along with the colorful and psychedelic animation.

And we even get to see the real Beatles in a little snippet at the end.

A Charlie Brown christmas (1965)

Even though this is not a feature-length movie, it is still, in my book, the best cartoon ever made and an essential thing for parents to show their children.

I believe I speak for millions when I state that Christmas would not be Christmas with a viewing of this half-hour TV classic, which won several Emmys when it was first shown in 1965, and has been on every December since.

This special teaches good lessons about the true meaning of the Christmas holiday; the scene where Linus recites from the Gospel of St. Luke is believed to be the first time that scripture was quoted in a mainstream cartoon. It shows kids that Christmas is not just about getting gifts, but about having peace on Earth and being kind to each other.

And let's not forget Vince Guaraldi's legendary soundtrack, his three-piece jazz combo fitting the show perfectly. One of those songs, "Linus and Lucy", became the quintessential Peanuts theme.

This production is so special, I personally make it a point to put in my video of this film and watch it on Christmas Eve night, as well as playing my CD of the soundtrack every year. And I'm in my early forties.

Considering it's a cartoon about kids and Christmas plays and buying pathetic little trees, that is saying something.

Well, there you have it - my list of the five films that kids need to see before they become adults.

Even though I readily admit that this is one person's opinion - mine - I feel that there are many people out there who would agree and concur with the movies that are on this list.

I'm also sure that many moms and dads would disagree, too - that's perfectly OK.

But people must admit that these films are true classics, whether they think they are essential children's movies or not.

That is all I am saying.

1. Sixteen Candles (1984) Starring: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall

   Although, this is not a Christmas movie, it is one movie that seems to start airing around the holidays. Watching a bunch of nerdy teenagers chase love while consistently creating goof ball situations that are embarrassingly funny.

2. The Breakfast Club (1985) Starring: Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy

   The first time that I ever seen this movie was three days before Christmas and every year since it has become a Christmas tradition in our family. This movie also triggers childhood memories for those of us that actually went to school during the 1980's.

3. The Scrooge (1970) Starring: Albert Finney, Alec Guinness

   While there were three Scrooge movies made since 1935, the Scrooge that was released in 1970, has best told the story of the Scrooge. The music, singing and acting in this movie is beautifully performed. Reminds me of my late grandfather and I sitting up late and watching the movie together.

4. Rudolph (1964) Starring: Burl Ives, Alfie Scopp

   The adventure of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer in the original 1964 movie is one of the fondest Christmas movies from my childhood. While not as polished as the movies made today, this movie has endured the test of time and continues to bring Christmas cheer to children all over the world each and every year.

5. Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Starring: Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara

   In 1993, while visiting the local video rental store, I was in a weird mood and rented this strange Christmas movie that filled the house with laughter. Now, it has become part of our Christmas movie tradition.

6. White Christmas (1954) Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby

   White Christmas is a beautiful movie starring some of most gifted actors and entertainers of the era. The song and dance routines are spot on and wonderfully enjoyable. Best of all, the presence of the holidays can be felt everywhere.

7. Frosty The Snowman (1969) Starring: Jimmy Durante, Jackie Vernon

   I still get goose bumps when I am reminded of this Christmas classic that is a very big part of my childhood Christmas memories.

8. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo

   Spending a Christmas Eve with the Griswold's family is a delightful treat that continues to tickle the funny bone with all sorts of kooky goof ups and dysfunctional family reunions that somehow manages to fit perfectly in the end.

9. Miracle On 34th Street (1947) Starring: Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Gene Lockhart, and Natalie Wood

   This endearing Christmas movie has moved the hearts of millions of movie watchers since the year of its release. Daring to believe in something miraculous like Santa Clause as six-year-old little girl named Susan and receiving her miracle from a chance encounter with a department store Santa. This is a must see, so to put you in the Christmas spirit.

10. A Christmas Story (1983) Starring: Melinda Dillon, Peter Billingsley

    The ultimate Christmas movie is “A Christmas Story” and not only will it start feeling like Christmas, but it will put a smile on your face as you watch the hilarious mishaps that has infected this family. The BB Gun scene is wonderful and the dog eating the turkey is tearfully funny. And, it's almost that time of the year again to curl up on the couch and sipping on a warm cup of cocoa, while watching “A Christmas Story” with good friends and family.