FAMILIES hitting the road for a well-earned break have always faced one head-scratching problem - how to keep the kids entertained en route.
Thankfully, it has never been easier to let the young ones pass the time with their favourite movie.
This summer, subscription services such as Netflix, Disney and Amazon Prime have seemingly endless libraries of shows to keep the kids happy and let the adults enjoy a relatively peaceful journey.
As millions of Britons take to the roads for a post-lockdown staycation, leading car leasing firm Select Car Leasing has rounded up 10 of the best movies to download and watch in the car.
James O’Malley, Director of Select Car Leasing, said: “Lockdown restrictions are easing and many of us are taking the opportunity to hit the road and enjoy a change of scenery after a stressful few months at home.
“But getting away from it all can pose its own problems - not least keeping the kids entertained during those hours on the road.
“The answer could be to download the best family movies the streaming sites have to offer and let the youngsters enjoy them along the way.
“From all-time classics to modern favourites, there are a whole host of options to choose from across Netflix, Disney and Amazon Prime this summer.
“With the kids glued to their screens, the adults can then sit back and enjoy the pleasures of a family road trip.”
Popular streaming services all allow users to download movies to later watch offline. Netflix charges a monthly £8.99 basic subscription fee, compared to Disney at £5.99 a month, while Amazon Prime costs £7.99 a month – which includes benefits such as a one day free delivery service from its giant online megastore.
Select Car Leasing’s top 10 movies to entertain the kids on the road
Frozen 2
Disney . Running time: 119mins. Age rating: PG.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll probably be aware of the eagerly anticipated 2019 follow-up to the musical juggernaut that was Frozen. We head back to Arendelle to rejoin snow queen Elsa and her loving sister Anna, along with their talking snowman friend Olaf, as they embark on a chilling adventure to discover their past and save their futures.
Happy Feet
Prime Video. Running time: 108mins. Age rating: U.
Penguins, penguins and more penguins. This 2006 musical comedy is a Dreamworks masterpiece, featuring the likes of Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman and the late Robin Williams. Sweet little Emperor penguin Mumble might not be able to sing as well as his friends, but he can dance up a storm.
Horrid Henry: The Movie
Netflix. Running time: 92mins. Age rating: U.
This charming 2011 musical adventure comedy has a stellar cast of famous faces, including Richard E. Grant, Noel Fielding, Gavin and Stacey’s Matthew Horne and Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh. We watch Henry set off a chain of events that sees him and his gang try to foil a headmaster’s plan to close down his school.
Madagascar
Netflix. Running time: 87mins. Age rating: U.
One of the most popular computer-animations of the past two decades, this 2005 megahit features the voices of Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer and Chris Rock, among others. It follows a lion, a zebra, a giraffe and their gang as they end up on a ship heading to Africa, with lots of exciting adventures awaiting.
Minions
Netflix. Running time: 90mins. Age rating: U.
You simply can’t escape the popularity of the fun-loving, gibberish-spouting, yellow-coloured stars of the hit Despicable Me film series. We join them as they star in their own 2015 spin-off, with added stardust in the form of Sandra Bullock and Jon Hamm.
Paddington
Prime Video. Running time: 95mins. Age rating: PG
The 2014 big screen adaptation of Michael Bond’s ever popular Paddington Bear series is a family friendly live action piece of magic for all ages. It stars a host of British acting legends, including Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters and Jim Broadbent as a young bear from Peru embarks on an incredible new life in London.
The BFG
Netflix. Running time: 117mins. Age rating: PG.
Steven Speilberg’s 2016 reimagining of Roald Dahl’s classic book stars Oscar winner Mark Rylance in a stunning live-action blockbuster. It tells the tale of an unlikely friendship between a little orphan girl and a dimwitted giant as they join forces to defeat some truly horrible, and gigantic, ogres.
The Lion King
Disney . Running time: 118mins. Age rating: PG.
This 2019 remake of one of Disney’s most cherished family favourites is a visually stunning photorealistic computer-animated blockbuster, featuring the voices of Beyonce, Donald Glover and Seth Rogan. We follow young lion Simba as a tragic twist threatens his future at the head of his expansive kingdom.
The Lorax
Prime Video. Running time: 95mins. Age rating: U
The 3D-CGI adaptation of Dr Seuss’ classic tale of environmental responsibility sees movie heartthrob Zac Efron and pop icon Taylor Swift lend their voices to 12-year-old Ted and the girl he is trying to impress, Audrey. As the young boy embarks on a forest adventure, he meets The Lorax, voiced by Danny deVito.
Toy Story 4
Disney . Running time: 100mins. Age rating: U.
Andy’s gang of adventurous toys, including Woody and Buzz Lightyear, are back for the fourth instalment of one of the most successful film franchises of all time. The crew head off on a road trip with new owner Bonnie and crisis-stricken Forky, where they will meet old friend Bo Peep and new foe Gabby Gabby.
