
Five for Families: Films to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday
Clutching the speck and Who-ville in his trunk, Horton (voice of Jim Carrey) makes a perilous trek across a rickety bridge in Dr. Seuss' "Horton Hears a Who." - photo by Caresa Alexander Randall

Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, was born on March 2, 1904. His work continues to influence countless generations as they read about Horton the elephant's quest to save his microscopic friends; the Grinch, whose heart grew three sizes; and a cat who wears a red-and-white striped hat and red bow tie. In celebration of Dr. Seuss, here are five films that continue his legacy for families to consider.

Amazon Video: 'Horton Hears a Who'

Horton the elephant is the only animal that can hear the Whos of Whoville, a microscopic community that lives on a dust speck. Horton struggles to save his small friends from his fellow animal neighbors that don't believe the Whos exist. The Dove Foundation awarded the film its "Family-Approved" seal for all ages, calling the adaption of Dr. Seuss' classic story "a wonderful production that adapts the storybook perfectly." The website also notes that the animated film is a "colorful adventure that will have everyone laughing at times," and that the theme "a person's a person no matter how small" is prevalent throughout the movie. recommends the film for viewers ages 4 and older.

Amazon Video: 'The Lorax' (1972)

This 1972 animated version of the book tells the story of a young boy who lives in a glum town. He meets an industrialist who tells him of The Lorax, a guardian of the trees, and how the town once thrived with beautiful truffula trees. Common Sense Media calls the 25-minute TV special "a timeless story of humanity's relationship with the land, water, air and animals that will appeal to kids." recommends the film for viewers ages 3 and older.

Amazon Video: 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' (2000)

The hard-hearted Grinch is intent on ruining Christmas for all the people of Whoville in this live-action version of the Seuss tale. emphasizes that the film retains the central message that theres more to Christmas than presents and augments it with tremendous visual and special effects but cautions that it contains infrequent scatological humor." recommends the film for viewers ages 7 and older.

iTunes: 'The Lorax' (2012)

This full-length feature film of the story of the Lorax and the truffula trees was released in 2012. Common Sense Media said this adaptation of Dr. Seuss story promotes conservation and protecting the environment, stating, kids will leave the film wanting to do more to help the natural world. The review notes, however, that there are at least 70 different marketing promotions throughout. recommends the film for viewers ages 5 and older.

iTunes: 'The Cat in the Hat'

The lives of two bored children are turned upside down when a talking cat arrives at their home to relieve them of their boredom, bringing fun and plenty of chaos. Common Sense Media notes that every time the Cat takes over, the movie is entertaining, but Parent Previews cautions the story is a "cheeky, irreverent interpretation" of the Dr. Seuss classic. recommends the film for viewers ages 9 and older.