Movies have the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke powerful emotions, and create memorable shared experiences. Embrace the magic of cinema with this list of movie recommendations for seniors!

Movies have the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke powerful emotions, and create memorable shared experiences. Embrace the magic of cinema with this list of movie recommendations for seniors!

The definition of a "good" movie varies from person to person. Some want a happy ending, a triumph against all odds, or a lesson in spiritual values. Others want to laugh until they cry!

Fortunately, there are movies to suit all tastes. Here is a list of some feel-good movies both old and new, to enjoy with the elderly.


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Oliver 12th Aug 2022
Any recommendations for movies available as part of Amazon prime!? Or YouTube even. Possibly can get Netflix again.

For average 80-95 age range,. Couple 60-70

It takes an age trying to find one that's available free. and that anyone agrees on.

Far better to choose one they've not seen, I wonder, and there's less opinion attached?

I want to start up a regular weekly movie slot (UK audience), it's not been. Something ive done much before. Have struggled with decision making, and finding them!
Felecia 26th Aug 2022
Funny & touching movie was Secondhand Lions with Michael Caine and Robert Duvall. Was released @ 2003.
Debra Ferrell 22nd Feb 2022
I have shown movies monthly since starting here (Virginia), and I'm actually a Service Coordinator (versus Activity Coordinator). Discussions before and after relate to topics brought up by the movies, and the movies themselves even help with cognitive issues, memory recall, mental health/emotional health, etc.

Some of the ones that I've shown that the residents have LOVED are:
Selma (shown today)
Simon Birch (Dear Lord, they hollered laughing at this movie!)
Pay it Forward
The Blindside
Hidden Figures
The Bucket List
Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood (They LOVED this movie!)
Dad
7 Pounds
I Can Only Imagine

I have been showing movies that many may not have seen. I actually had one resident say (when I first started in 2020) "Why does everybody always try to show us movies with old people in them?" Some of her friends in the room agreed. I laughed with them and have kept that in mind every time I'm choosing movies for the month :).
Note: I work in Independent Living

Just wanted to throw a few more ideas out that have been well received here!
Susan 22nd Feb 2022 Activity Director
Hi Debra
This sounds great and a good way to do many things
You have provided some valuable information
Thanks for sharing it
Cathy 25th Jul 2020 Activity Director
I want to try Downton Abbey. Has anyone else had luck with that? The two movies they enjoyed the most were 'Yours, Mine, and Ours' with Lucille Ball. They wanted a repeat because they really liked it.
The other was "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" with Don Knotts. For some reason it really tickled their funny bone.
Janet 22nd Jul 2020 Coordinator, Adult Day Center
Old TV shows are popular in Adult Day. I have found that 'MASH' is a big favorite among women and men.
Wanda Butterfield 29th Jun 2020
Will I have access to this program including movies even thought I am located in Bermuda?
Talita 30th Jun 2020
Absolutely Wanda! This is an international community!
Linda 9th Jun 2020 Diversional Therapy Asst
Hi,

Frustratingly, we can't get any of these on Netflix where we are ( Levin, New Zealand) - not a single one!
I've contacted Netflix, apparently it's just the way it is.
Talita 15th Jun 2020
That is frustrating Linda. You should be able to pickup a lot of these older movies for under $10 on dvd online or even cheaper in charity stores.
Michelle Martin 23rd May 2020
Does showing a movie to residents infringe on copyright laws?
Thank you for a great list and great ideas.
Susan 25th May 2020 Activity Director
Hi Michelle
As long as you are not making a profit or showing illegal movies it is perfectly fine to show them and doesn’t infringe on any copyright laws
Cathy 20th Jun 2020 Activity Director
My understanding regarding copyright is that the home where the seniors reside is considered a home, therefore it is legal to show films legally attained for private viewing.
Gail 12th May 2020 Extended Care Assistant
I’ve been running a movie afternoon on Saturdays with appropriate snacks and ice creams that I bring around on a trolley.
We’ve watched Paddington and Paddington 2, Ladies in Black as well as classics like Sound of Music and My Fair Lady etc. this week we will be watching the “ Oddball” movie.
We chat and reminisce about issues that come up during and after the movie.
Talita 18th May 2020
Thanks for sharing these titles Gail! Recommendations are so helpful!
Sherlene 11th Dec 2018 Activities Coordinator
Thank you for all the great activity ideas! I have a question: is showing movies not considered an activity? The reason I ask is that we have an interim administrator who has come in trying to change my Activity calendar. She said that showing a movie is not considered an activity by regulations in Va. Is this accurate information? Can someone please tell me if this is so?
Kim 18th Dec 2018 Registered Nurse
Hi Sherlene, can't speak the U.S. but in Australia they certainly are as it provides the opportunity for the Residents to reminisce , socialise and to have fun. Your interim needs to pull their head in and let you do the job your paid to do. Good luck. And at this time of year, the Home Alone movies are a hoot. Merry Christmas.
Rebecca 1st Jan 2020
Hi there- In Ohio showing a movie is an activity---FYI
Susan 1st Jan 2020 Activity Director
Thanks for the information
Movies are a good idea when you don’t have staff there
Cathy 20th Jun 2020 Activity Director
I don't know about VA but it is difficult at times to please everyone. With the isolation of Covid 19, I have used movies and even old television shows more than I used to. I know sometimes it seems so passive, but it gives residents something to do while I am doing one on one activities with residents.
Susan 22nd Jun 2020 Activity Director
Hi Cathy
You are right movies and all TV shows give the residents some thing to do
Maybe you can hand out sheets that ask about their favorite character in the movie and why and other questions about the movie or TV show
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