5 family shows that honor James Earl Jones and their legacies

The world lost a truly unique individual on September 9th: James Earl Jones. The actor left a legacy across his work, adding his signature grace and baritone voice to his roles. Whoever watched Jones, the viewer felt a solid but captivating presence and was intrigued by his larger-than-life talent.

Jones could never be replaced, nor could his roles vanish over time, as he left a permanent mark on the media landscape. Years from now, new fans will see his achievements and just like those before them, will be entranced.

To honor Jones' remarkable work, and to celebrate his talents with your families, we chosen five memorable roles he portrayed. It's only right.

5 family shows with James Earl Jones

Field of Dreams (1989)

Jones portrayed author and activist Terrence Mann in the baseball fantasy movie Field of Dreams. At the weight of bankruptcy, farmer Ray Kinsella nearly sells his land, even after repurposing it as a baseball field. However, Mann's powerful "People Will Come" speech inspires Kinsella to hold on to the field and his dreams of reuniting with his father.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

The Sandlot (1993)

Jones played the mysterious Mr. Mertle in the coming-of-age children's movie The Sandlot. Like Field of Dreams, The Sandlot was about baseball and the boys who played it. Additionally, both films parallel one another due to the father-son bonding, Jones's remarkable moments with Benny and Scotty, and, once again, Jones' presence on screen.

Even if you don't like baseball, The Sandlot is a must watch for every child, for its storylines of childhood innocence and growth.

Where to watch: Disney+

Star Wars (1977-2019)

In 1977, George Lucas recruited Jones to be the iconic voice of who's perhaps the greatest villain (and father) of all time, Darth Vader. (Orson Welles was his first choice) Although we never saw Vader's face until his passing in Return of the Jedi, Jones' masterful voice kept us in the galaxy. When Luke Skywalker, played by just as the legendary Mark Hamill, discovered his family's blood with Vader, he was just as shocked as we were, but what a performance between the two.

In an Instagram post, Hamill paid tribute to his late on-screen dad.

"One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. He’ll be greatly missed. #RIP dad."

Thanks to one of the better aspects of AI, Jones gave LucasFilms permission to use his voice in future productions.

Where to watch: Disney+

The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror I and The Simpsons (1990-1998)

In the first-ever The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror, Jones provided his voice as the "Narrator" in the segment "The Raven." Lisa Simpson reimagined the classic 1845 Edgar Allen Poe poem as a scary Halloween tale. Homer plays a loner driven to madness by a raven who strongly resembles his son, Bart.

"Quoth the Raven: Nevermore!"

Jones's ominosity in his role only darkened the segment to a new and beautifully disturbing level. Don't worry. The episode isn't as frightening as it sounds, but it'll give you a good chill,

Jones continued playing characters on the animated sitcom until 1998, his last one being in season 9's "Das Bus."

Where to watch: Disney+

The Lion King franchise (1994-2016)

In 1994, Disney booked Jones to voice Mufasa, the King of the Pridelands and doting father to Simba, the future King. Mufasa was an honorable leader for the wildlife, explaining that everything has a purpose in the Circle of Life, and how one mustn't disturb its balance as it'll cause grave misfortunes and loss.

It was almost like a premonition, as after Mufasa's heartbreaking death and Scar became King, everything became barren and a famine ensued. It wasn't until an adult Simba returned and fought for his rightful place on Pride Rock, which led Scar to his death. Simba used his father's influence to become the King he was meant to be and more.

In 2016, Jones made his last appearance as Mufasa in the remake, which starred Beyoncé and Donald Glover. Later this year, the prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King, will tell Mufasa's beginnings. I certainly hope that Disney will dedicate the film to Jones' memory because there'd be no Lion King without him. At least, not in the version we all know and love.

Where to watch: Disney+

Be on the watch for more family entertainment right here on The Parent Watch!