10 Classic Animal Movies

Free Willy

Rated: PG

Year: 1993

Cast: Jason James Richter, Lori Petty, Michael Madsen

A 12-year-old boy gets busted for putting graffiti on the side of an orca whale's tank -- and soon finds a friend. Both boy and whale find themselves kindred spirits in captivity. For one it's a foster home, for the other it's a tank at the Northwest Adventure Park.

What Parents Like: There are important lessons about freedom and family. Plus, Madsen makes a cool dad.

What Kids Like: Jesse teaches Willy how to perform somersaults, platform flops, and "high fives." Kids will enjoy watching a killer whale play peekaboo and stick out his tongue.