1. The Baby-Sitters Club



This 1995 film was based on the bestselling ‘Babysitters Club' books by Ann Martin - the adventures of seven friends who start a babysitting business.

The film featured an early appearance by actress Rachael Leigh Cook. The babysitters start a summer camp for all of their kids but their plans go awry. In surmounting the obstacles, the babysitters learn how amazing true friendship is.

This is a perennial movie that all ages will love.

2. Adventures in Babysitting

This 1987 comedy starred Elisabeth Shue. It was directed by Chris Columbus, prior to his blockbusting ‘Home Alone'. Shue plays a babysitter who ends up taking her charges on a night-time romp in the city. The many adventures include being forced to sing in a blues bar – where they perform a hilarious song entitled ‘Babysitting Blues'.

The film was re-titled A Night On The Town for release in Europe. It's an endearing comedy which has stood the test of time.

3. Mary Poppins

A huge favorite with all ages – Mary Poppins was made by Disney in 1964. It starred Julie Andrews as the nanny who is practically perfect in every way. She was ably supported by Dick Van Dyke (famed for his toe-curling, yet loveable cockney accent), David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns and Hermione Baddeley.

The film pioneered the combined use of real people, animation, musical and fantasy as well as some good special effects. Who can forget Uncle Albert (Ed Wyn) bouncing around the ceiling, laughing?

Mary Poppins won five Oscars, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews, Best Song and Best Visual Effects. It was released on DVD in 2000. A truly loved family film.

4. Mrs Doubtfire

Chris Columbus directed this 1994 huge hit comedy, starring Robin Williams, Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan. Williams plays a loving but unreliable father. This leads to an estrangement from his wife and in order to be back with his family, Williams' character becomes Mrs Doubtfire – the dream nanny that his ex-wife needs.

Williams is on top form and there are some hilarious scenes – notably when he is being transformed into Doubtfire by his make-up artist brother, played by Harvey Fierstein. However, the film also has a poignant depth in the scenes where he is missing his children. Well worth seeing – Robin Williams steals the show!

5. Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead (rated 15)

This was made in 1991 and starred Christina Applegate. Sue Ellen (Applegate) thinks she is going to be in charge of her siblings when her mother goes away for two months. That is until a tyrannical babysitter arrives…

Worth seeing for the appearance of a young David Duchovny as a slimy clerk.

6. Halloween

This is only for under 17's if accompanied by an adult - and for good reason. It is still one of the most frightening films ever made. Director John Carpenter's use of scary music (written by him) darkness and creepy camera movements masterfully build the horror.

Jamie Lee Curtis is a teenage baby sitter trying to survive a knife-wielding maniac on the loose on a terrifying Halloween night.

Halloween was made on a low budget and was such a box office sensation that many sequels were made – none as good as the 1978 original. It's a must-see movie but be warned…you'll want to sleep with the lights on!

7. Daddy Day Care

This 2003 comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Anjelica Huston is great fun. Murphy and a friend are an unemployed pair who open a day-care center. Huston is their competitor, trying to shut them down. Great scenes with hyperactive kids!

8. The Hand That Rocks The Cradle

A 1992 film and another one where you'll need an adult with you if you're under 17. Rebecca De Mornay stars as an extremely disturbed au pair. The horrid fascination is in watching such an attractive, kind girl gradually revealing terrifying malevolence. Made in 1992, the film also features Julianne Moore.

9. Nanny McPhee

Emma Thompson is wonderful as the nanny with hairy warts, a scary unibrow and a mesmerizing buck tooth. She follows 17 nannies, already despatched by the children of a recent widower, played by Colin Firth. Unless the children are tamed, he stands to lose his lifeline inheritance from his aunt (Angela Lansbury). Celia Imrie is the bride set up for him but he loves the maid (Kelly Macdonald). Nanny McPhee and the kids plan to make things work out…

10. Don't Bother To Knock

Made in 1953, this starred Marilyn Monroe, Anne Bancroft and Richard Widmark.

In her first starring role in a drama – Monroe plays a babysitter whose initially shy behaviour becomes more bizarre as the night goes on. The film becomes darker as the suspense grows – hence the Parent Guidance rating. Not one of her more famous films but worth it to see a wonderful performance – proving that Marilyn really could act.