Finding a movie that the whole family can enjoy together is not always easy. While new family movies come out every year, some family are timeless. We, as mothers, look forward to sharing the movies we loved as as kids with our own children. What a way to bound and share a piece of ourselves.

One of the best is The Railway Children (1970). Quintessentially British, it is set in Victorian England, first in London and then the English countryside.

The story centers on the Waterbury family who live a happy, comfortable life until one night, two mysterious men arrive and take Father away. Mrs Waterbury and her three children, Roberta (Bobbie), Phyllis and Peter find themselves poor without her husband’s wages and are forced to leave London for a cottage in the country.

The children find solace in the railway line which runs beyond their garden. They wave to the steam trains and find themselves involved in several adventures. A definite feel good movie you never tire of watching.

But what of the new family-friendly movies?

Soul Surfer is based on the true life story of Bethany Hamilton, a surfer from Kauai, Hawaii. Bethany took part in a number of competitions with her best friend Alana and was thoroughly enjoying her life until at the age of 13-years-old a 14 ft tiger shark attacked her while surfing and ripped off her arm. Struggling to recover from her ordeal she is supported by her loving parents Tom and Cheri and local youth group leader Sara who all help her pluck up the courage to go back in the water.

Animated films are always popular with all ages, just think back to those delightful Disney movies, and there are three new ones out this year.

Rio is in 3-D and produced by the makers of the Ice Age films. Set in the Brazilian capital of Rio de Janeiro and the lush rain forests, the central character is a rare Macaw Blu who thinks he is the last one of his kind in the world.

When he finds out there is another one he leaves his comfortable cage in Minnesota to head for Rio de Janeiro. Set against breathtaking scenery and vivid colors and backed by throbbing Latin music this is a family-friendly movie all ages will enjoy.

Gnomeo and Juliet is an unusual take on the Shakespearian play Romeo and Juliet. The neighbouring gardens of Montague and Capulet are at war but garden gnomes Gnomeo and Juliet are in love.

Their voices are by James McAvoy and Emily Blunt and a range of big stars also lend their voices to other characters. These include Michael Caine, Matt Lucas Dame Maggie Smith, Ozzie Osbourne and Julie Walters.

Winnie The Pooh has been a popular animated character for generations. Now a new Pooh film has been released. After misinterpreting a note from Christopher Robin, Pooh is convinced his young friend has been captured by the mysterious Backson. He enlists Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga and Eeyore to accompany him to rescue their friend.

Another true-life film is capturing the hearts of families in 2011. Dolphin Tale is based on the remarkable story of a courageous dolphin named Winter and the compassionate people who banded together to save her life. Winter lost her tail in a crab trap and is befriended by a young boy. The film stars Harry Connick Jnr, Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson and Morgan Freeman.

What family films are on your must see list?