Relatives typically have a difficult time shopping for distant family that they either rarely talk to or fall in an age gap that is too wide for them to grasp. But movies are one subject that is ageless.

Here’s a list of what’s hot from 2011 that you might just want to clip out and hand to that awkward aunt who always seems to knit you throw pillows. If all else fails, just tack “a subscription to Netflix” to the top of your list.

**1. “Harry Potter – Complete 8-Film Collection”**
Whether you are the kid I stood next to in the midnight book release line at Barnes and Noble donning the round, taped glasses and lipstick scar, or you are just someone who has been dragged into watching the series like a normal member of this generation, this collection will snag the top place in your heart for its daring, nerve and chivalry. Join the boy who lived on his bold attempt to escape, thwart and destroy Vol— er, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. For the collectors out there, “Star Wars,” “The Lord of the Rings” and “Indiana Jones” have all released revamped box sets this year.

**2. “Toy Story 3″**
This isn’t just the third installment in a story about toys, but the third installment in a story about our childhoods. There is no question about the emotion packed into this release as the final journey awaits Woody, Buzz and a host of both new and old toys. Being so relevant to our generation, this title claims the second place on this list. But if you like animated features in general, also try “Rango,” “Rio,” “Tangled” or “Gnomeo and Juliet.”

**3. “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”**
Sequels are never, or only seldom, as good as the originals. However, this doesn’t stop the cinematic brilliance that is the third “Transformers” from outshining its competition. Using new technologies and a scale of explosions that is almost deafening, director Michael Bay shows America all that is possible in this new age of digital effects. Although the story continues without the iconic Megan Fox, Shia LaBeouf still carries on the series with his rusty vehicular companions.

**4. “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”**
Keeping up the tradition of missing actors and actresses, the fourth installment of the Pirates series carries on without Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley in the piratey mix. The appearance of Penelope Cruz as Captain Jack Sparrow’s testy pirate lover adds a new element to the sequel that “argh”-uably counteracts the absence of the newly married Turners. The focus on Sparrow adds more comedic elements to the already clever, drunken antics that normally pervade the screen. This fourth feature is a must for those interested in a well-done sequel, or those who simply love the life of a scurvy dog.

**5. “Super 8″**
Although sequels and well-known titles have filled this list, they all started somewhere, and that is where Super 8 is now. This title concerns a group of preteen boys who decide to make a blockbuster film when a beautiful older girl decides to be their star. Little did they know their project would capture an attempt by the government to cover up a classified, supernatural case. The adventure of these boys encompasses both young passions and a healthy dose of action. For other premiering titles that have superbly executed their debut, check out “Insidious,” “127 Hours” and “Water for Elephants.”