Movies Like What About Bob

From Irvin Kershner, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is the 1980 follow-up to George Lucas' original Star Wars and is widely considered one of the best sequels ever made. Directed by Irvin Kershner, this film follows the Rebel Alliance as they battle the evil Galactic Empire. With the help of the Jedi Master Yoda, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training, while Han Solo and Princess Leia continue to evade the Empire. The climax of the film involves a thrilling lightsaber duel between Luke and Darth Vader, in which Vader reveals a shocking truth about their connection. Ultimately, the rebels must outsmart the Empire and escape with their lives, setting up the events of Return of the Jedi.

From George Lucas, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is a 1977 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas. The fourth installment of the Star Wars series, it stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, and Alec Guinness. The plot follows Luke Skywalker, who joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee, and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader. Along the way, Luke struggles to help the Rebel Alliance defeat the Empire. The film was released on May 25, 1977 to critical acclaim, becoming the highest grossing film of all time at the time of its release, earning over $775 million at the box office. The film was later re-released in 2004 and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". It is often credited with launching the science fiction boom of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and it has been highly influential in global popular culture, re-shaping the way moviegoers perceive the sci-fi genre.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

Back to the Future is a 1985 comedy adventure film directed by Robert Zemeckis. It stars Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a teenager who is accidentally sent back in time to 1955. With the help of the eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett Brown, Marty must make sure his teenage parents meet and fall in love, so that he can be born in the future. Along the way, Marty runs into trouble with the local bullies and must overcome the consequences of his actions in the past. With the help of Dr. Brown's time machine, Marty eventually succeeds in restoring the future, and learns a valuable lesson about taking responsibility for his own life.

From Richard Marquand, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi is the third and final installment in the original Star Wars trilogy. Directed by Richard Marquand, the film follows Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and his band of rebel allies as they take on the evil Galactic Empire and its leader, the Emperor. With the help of Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and their trusty droids, the rebels travel to the planet of Endor to destroy the Emperor’s new weapon, the Death Star. Along their journey, they must confront Jabba the Hutt and rescue their friend Han Solo from Jabba’s clutches. In a climactic battle, Luke faces off against Darth Vader and the Emperor, with the fate of the galaxy at stake. In the end, the rebels are triumphant, and the Empire is eventually defeated.

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, King Vidor, starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr
Rated PG

The Wizard of Oz is a classic 1939 American musical fantasy film directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, and King Vidor. The film stars Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who is whisked away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. With her loyal pet Toto by her side, Dorothy embarks on a journey to find the great Wizard of Oz to help her get back home. Along the way, she makes three new friends: the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion, each of whom wish to receive something from the wizard. Along their journey, they must face the Wicked Witch of the West who wants to steal Dorothy's magical ruby slippers. With courage and friendship, Dorothy and her companions eventually make it to the Emerald City, where the wizard grants their wishes. Ultimately, Dorothy finds her way back home, where she learns that true happiness lies within her own heart.

From Rob Reiner, starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon
Rated PG

The Princess Bride is a beloved fantasy adventure comedy film directed by Rob Reiner, released in 1987. It is based on the 1973 novel of the same name written by William Goldman. It stars Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, André the Giant, Christopher Guest, and Peter Falk. The story follows the beautiful young woman Buttercup, who is in love with the farmhand Westley. When Westley is reported to be killed by a pirate, Buttercup's engagement to the odious Prince Humperdinck is arranged. Before the wedding, Buttercup is kidnapped by a group of bandits led by the Dread Pirate Roberts, who is revealed to be Westley in disguise. The two then embark on a journey to thwart the prince's evil schemes. Along the way, they are joined by a talented swordsman, a giant, and a strange old man. The Princess Bride is a classic fairy tale story, combining adventure, romance, and comedy. It is acclaimed for its witty dialogue, cleverly woven plot, and charming performances. It has become a cult classic, often mentioned in pop culture and sequel rumors.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Griffiths
Rated PG

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third installment in the Harry Potter movie series. In this movie, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) are entering their third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They find out that the notorious criminal Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped the prison of Azkaban and is rumored to be looking for Harry. In order to protect Harry, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) appoints the dark wizard-hunting creature called the Dementors to guard Hogwarts. With the help of the magical Time-Turner, the trio sets off on a journey to save Sirius Black and stop the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) from returning. Along the way, they meet new friends, uncover secrets and face new dangers. In the end, they are able to save Sirius and protect Hogwarts from the forces of evil.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace
Rated PG

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial tells the story of Elliot, a young boy who discovers an alien stranded on Earth and forms an extraordinary bond with him. When government agents come to take E.T. away, Elliot and his siblings must devise a plan to help the alien return home. Along the way, Elliot and E.T. form a friendship that transcends language and cultural differences, and ultimately teaches Elliot the importance of family, friendship and loyalty. Together, they embark on an adventure that takes them across the country in an attempt to get E.T. back home before it's too late.

From Mel Stuart, starring Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear
Rated G

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a 1971 classic musical fantasy film directed by Mel Stuart. It is an adaptation of the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. The film stars Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, the eccentric yet charming owner of the world's most famous chocolate factory. Wonka has hidden five golden tickets in his chocolate bars which gives the lucky finder a chance to tour the factory and win a lifetime supply of chocolate. A young boy named Charlie Bucket finds one of the tickets and embarks on a magical journey of discovery, accompanied by his four newfound friends. They explore the factory, encountering a variety of strange and wonderful inventions and characters, including the Oompa Loompas. Along the way, Charlie learns valuable lessons about sharing, responsibility, and the importance of being humble. The film is a beloved classic that has captivated audiences for decades.

From David Mickey Evans, starring Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Art LaFleur, Patrick Renna
Rated PG

The Sandlot is a classic coming-of-age film about a group of boys in the summer of 1962 who come together to play baseball and have fun. Scotty Smalls is the new kid in town and is trying to fit in with the neighborhood boys. He learns to play baseball from Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez, the leader of the group. With the help of the other boys, Smalls is able to learn the game, make friends, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Along the way, they must contend with the "Beast" - a legendary dog that guards a hidden ball in the sandlot. With the help of the boys' determination and creativity, they are able to overcome their fears and eventually triumph.

From Ivan Reitman, starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis
Rated PG

Ghostbusters is a 1984 American supernatural comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. It stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis and Rick Moranis. The film follows three eccentric parapsychologists in New York City who start a ghost-catching business. The ghosts, led by an ancient evil spirit, wreak havoc throughout the city, and the Ghostbusters must save the world by crossing the spiritual and physical planes to trap the ghosts. The film was met with critical and commercial success, earning $238 million at the box office and becoming the highest-grossing comedy of all time. It also spawned a sequel, Ghostbusters II, released in 1989.

From Chris Columbus, starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard
Rated PG

Home Alone is a classic holiday comedy written and directed by Chris Columbus, released in 1990. It stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on a Christmas vacation. Kevin is forced to defend his home from two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. With a series of booby traps, Kevin is able to outsmart the burglars and save his family's home. In the process, he learns a valuable lesson about the importance of family and the joy of the holidays.

From Mike Newell, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Eric Sykes
Rated PG-13

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth installment in the Harry Potter film series, released in 2005. Directed by Mike Newell, this film follows Harry Potter as he competes in the Triwizard Tournament, a dangerous and thrilling challenge consisting of three magical tasks. Along the way, Harry must face his most dangerous foe yet: Lord Voldemort, who is determined to return to power and take over the wizarding world. Meanwhile, Hogwarts is threatened by an evil force that has come to take part in the tournament. In order to protect Hogwarts and the people he loves, Harry must face his fears, overcome the challenges of the tournament, and ultimately defeat Lord Voldemort.

From Richard Donner, starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman
Rated PG

The Goonies is a 1985 American adventure comedy film directed by Richard Donner and co-produced by Steven Spielberg. It follows a group of pre-teens who live in the "Goon Docks" neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon. After the Fratellis, a family of criminals, are tipped off to the location of an old Spanish map that leads to an infamous forgotten treasure, the Goonies set out on an adventure to find it in hopes of saving their neighborhood from being turned into a country club. Along the way, the Goonies must survive booby traps set by the Fratellis, as well as obstacles posed by the treacherous caverns and an infamous monster known as the "Goonie-Eater". With the help of a friendly pirate-ghost, the Goonies ultimately find the treasure and save the Goon Docks.

From Henry Selick, starring Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman, Jennifer Saunders
Rated PG

Coraline is an adventurous young girl who moves into a new home with her parents. When she discovers that the home has a secret, magical door to another world, she finds herself taken in by a family of strange and wonderful characters living in a parallel universe. In this other world, Coraline meets a duplicate of her parents, who seem far more attentive than her real parents. But as Coraline delves deeper into the alternate reality, she discovers a sinister truth and must use her courage and wit to save her family and escape the dangerous Other World. With the help of a mysterious cat, Coraline must find a way to outwit the evil Other Mother, who has sinister plans in store for the young girl.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer
Rated PG

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 fantasy neo-noir film directed by Robert Zemeckis. Set in 1947 in an alternative version of Hollywood where cartoon characters and humans co-exist, the film follows Eddie Valiant, a private investigator hired to solve the case of the disappearance of an animated character, Roger Rabbit. Eddie discovers that Roger's estranged wife, Jessica Rabbit, is the target of a frame-up by a toon-hating judge and a wealthy businessman who wants to take over Toontown, the home of the toons. Despite being framed, Roger and Eddie team up to take on the bad guys and clear Roger's name. Along the way, they enlist the help of cartoon characters such as Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, and Daffy Duck. Together, they battle against the villains to save Toontown and bring justice to Roger.

From Chris Columbus, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith
Rated PG

The movie "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001) is directed by Chris Columbus. The movie follows the adventures of an orphaned boy named Harry Potter who discovers he is a wizard and is invited to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He soon finds himself pitted against the evil Lord Voldemort, who is determined to gain control of the Sorcerer's Stone, a powerful magical artifact. With the help of his friends Ron and Hermione, Harry must protect the stone from Voldemort and his followers. Along the way, Harry discovers the secrets of his past and faces the daunting task of becoming the great wizard he was destined to be.

From David Yates, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon
Rated PG

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) return for their sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While dealing with the usual stresses of school, Harry and his classmates are faced with a much bigger challenge: a mysterious new teacher named Professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent) has taken over the position of Potions Master and is determined to recruit a student who will be a key to Lord Voldemort's power. With the help of Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), Harry learns more about Lord Voldemort's past and his own family – and discovers a powerful secret that could help him defeat the dark lord. With danger lurking around every corner, Harry, Ron and Hermione must use their wits and courage to stop Voldemort and protect their beloved Hogwarts.

From Phil Alden Robinson, starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan
Rated PG

Field of Dreams is a 1989 American fantasy-drama film directed by Phil Alden Robinson and starring Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Burt Lancaster in his final film role. The film tells the story of Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella (Costner) who hears a mysterious voice (Jones) telling him to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield. He does so, and in the process, attempts to fulfill his own dreams of meeting his long-lost father and reconciling with his family, while at the same time, providing a chance for retired baseball players to have one last game. The film is a mix of fantasy, nostalgia, and magic realism, and was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture.

From David Yates, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Brendan Gleeson
Rated PG-13

In "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," Harry Potter returns for his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and discovers that much of the wizarding community is in denial about the teenage Harry's recent encounter with Lord Voldemort. While the Ministry of Magic is doing its best to deny the truth, a select group of wizards, calling themselves the Order of the Phoenix, work to prepare Harry and his friends for the coming battle against the Dark Lord. Led by Professor Dumbledore, Harry and his friends must face the rising tide of evil in the magical world and ultimately confront Voldemort in an all-out battle. Along the way, Harry must also deal with his own inner struggles as he learns more about his past and the role he will play in the war between good and evil.

From Tim Burton, starring Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, Annie McEnroe
Rated PG

Beetlejuice is a 1988 comedy-fantasy film directed by Tim Burton about a recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara, who find themselves stuck in their home as ghosts. In order to get their home back, they enlist the help of an infamous “bio-exorcist” named Beetlejuice. With his outrageous antics and zany schemes, Beetlejuice attempts to drive away the new occupants of their home. Along the way, Adam and Barbara come to realize that Beetlejuice may not be the solution they were looking for. The film stars Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and Jeffrey Jones.

From Chris Columbus, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris
Rated PG

From John G. Avildsen, starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove
Rated PG

From Agnieszka Holland, starring Kate Maberly, Maggie Smith, Heydon Prowse, Andrew Knott
Rated G

From Gillian Armstrong, starring Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes
Rated PG