The BFG, The Lion King and Up! have been included in a guide of films all children should watch before they grow up.

They are among 50 popular movies which have been deemed to benefit a child’s development and creativity according to a list compiled by leading film industry experts.

It measured films such as ET, Willy Wonka and Toy Story against a series of metrics including the impact on a child’s intellectual, educational and emotional development, as well as the nostalgia factor.

Classics Mary Poppins and Oliver! as well as The Lego Movie and Frozen also feature on the list.

It was created by film education charity Into Film, in partnership with the UK video industry, to launch the Must See Movies Before You Grow Up campaign which will see all 50 films distributed by retailers this summer in a bid for children to see them before turning 11.

Ambassador for the campaign Denise Van Outen said: “Nothing beats movie night in our family. I love watching my daughter Betsy become totally absorbed in a storyline.

“It’s always fun showing her films that I used to watch as a little girl and then sharing our favourite scenes and characters. I’m certain film’s ability to take us to far-off places and other worlds helps children develop empathy and imagination.”

For more information on the Must See Movies Before You Grow Up campaign visit – www.intofilm.org/msm< /em>