movie recommendations for 5 year olds

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The Best Movies For 5 Year Olds

There are all kinds of fantastic movies for 5 year olds, from animation to live-action, ranked from best to worst by user votes. The best movies for 5 year olds can be funny or heart-warming. Some great movies for five year olds to watch likely feature fun characters and silly jokes. It shouldn't surprise any parents that Disney and Pixar have made many of the top films for 5 year olds listed here.

So which top films are ranked on this best movies for 5 year olds list? When Shrek was released back in 2001, movie fans of all ages fell in love with the lovable ogre and his friend, Donkey. This great film remains popular with kids ages five and beyond to this day. Mary Poppins is another timeless movie that a five year old can watch.

Other good films that appear on this top movies for five year olds list include WALL-E , Beauty and the Beast , and Kung Fu Panda .

How will we ever determine which movie deserves the top spot on this list? Help us decide by giving the best films appropriate for 5 year olds a thumbs up and add any others you know this age group would love.

Moana , a beautifully-crafted adventure bursting with charm, captures the hearts of kids as Moana sets sail alongside demigod Maui to save her island from disaster. Through heart-stopping challenges and dazzling musical numbers, young audiences learn the importance of self-discovery, courage, and the resilience of family.

• Every Song in Moana, Ranked by Singability
• How 'Moana' Gets Female Protagonists Right Better Than Any Other Movie
• # 21 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies

My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro taps into children's imaginations and sense of wonder with its delightful story of two sisters who befriend the forest spirit Totoro. The film intertwines adventure with poignant themes of family, love, and the bond between siblings.

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• # 321 of 403 The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked

WALL-E , a refreshingly offbeat and visually stunning film, follows the journey of a lovable robot in a world full of waste. The movie engrosses kids with its endearing characters while subtly teaching valuable lessons about the environment and the consequences of consumerism.

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• # 15 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies

Toy Story Franchise

Toy Story Franchise enthralls youngsters with the dynamic adventures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear as they navigate their world full of mischief and mayhem. Through their escapades, children learn crucial life lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the value of teamwork.

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Frozen , a heartwarming modern fairytale, enchants kids with its mesmerizing soundtrack and the ice-cold adventures of sisters Elsa and Anna. This blockbuster hit highlights themes of love, family, and the power of self-acceptance.

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• # 73 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies

Cars Franchise

The Cars  franchise races into the hearts of children everywhere with its action-packed automobile escapades. Lightning McQueen and Mater teach their young fans about the meaning of friendship, determination, and the value of learning from others.

• All The Cars In The 'Cars' Franchise, Ranked By Cuteness
• # 22 of 184 The 180+ Top Kids Movies
• # 11 of 16 The Best Animated Film Franchises, Ranked

The Lion King

The Lion King , an all-time family favorite, takes children on a majestic journey into the African savannah, following Simba's epic quest for his rightful place as king. The soaring soundtrack and vibrant characters instill valuable lessons about responsibility, love, and the circle of life.

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Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo reels kids in with its vibrant underwater world and lovable characters like Marlin, Nemo, and Dory. The film's unforgettable odyssey teaches valuable themes that resonate with children, such as facing fears and the unbreakable bond between parent and child.

• # 6 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

In the 1977 animated classic, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh , sterling Holloway lends his voice to the honey-loving bear, narrating a collection of heartwarming tales in the Hundred Acre Wood. This film, with its timeless themes of friendship and simplicity, has left an indelible mark on pop culture, carving Pooh's endearing philosophy into the hearts of generations.

• # 54 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 108 of 198 Musical Movies With The Best Songs
• # 74 of 253 The 250+ Best Musical Films Of All Time

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins , an enchanting screen classic, captivates young audiences with its charming and magical nanny who arrives to care for the Banks children. With her curiously bottomless bag and adventuresome spirit, Mary Poppins teaches timeless lessons about the importance of family, cleanliness, and joy in even the mundane tasks of life.

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Ponyo , a captivating tale infused with whimsy and wonder, follows a young boy who befriends a magical fish named Ponyo. The film's stunning visuals and enchanting story will have young minds swimming with lessons about the power of friendship and the importance of balance in nature.

• # 112 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 354 of 675 The Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
• # 33 of 158 The Best Movies of 2008

Monsters, Inc. Franchise

The Monsters, Inc. franchise ghoul-ds the attention of young viewers with its unforgettable monsters-who-are-more-fun-than-frightening and the quirky, imaginative world they live in. Kids are entranced by the adventures of Sulley and Mike while learning about courage, tackling misconceptions, and the power of friendship.

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• # 1 of 184 The 180+ Top Kids Movies

In the enchanting realm of Disney's Tangled , the stolen princess with magical, golden hair, Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore), embarks on a whimsical journey to escape her tower, alongside charming thief Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi). The film revitalized the traditional fairy tale genre with its unique blend of humor and adventure, resonating in pop culture with its iconic lantern scene and inspiring a newfound appreciation for frying pans. 

• Every Song in Tangled, Ranked by Singability
• # 13 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 34 of 198 Musical Movies With The Best Songs

Cinderella transports children to a magical world where dreams come true, hardships are vanquished, and love conquers all. Young audiences resonate with this inspiring tale that instills the importance of kindness, inner beauty, and believing in the impossible.

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• # 53 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies

Hotel Transylvania Franchise

Hotel Transylvania franchise checks into young hearts with its lovable cast of monsters and its lighthearted blend of humor and horror. The movies' unique take on family dynamics and acceptance keeps children enthralled while teaching them about the importance of love and togetherness.

Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web weaves a heartwarming tale that has touched generations of kids. With its gentle storytelling and captivating characters, children learn the resilience of friendship, the acceptance of change, and the value of seeing the beauty inside everyone.

• # 64 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 96 of 198 Musical Movies With The Best Songs
• # 70 of 199 The Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked

Abominable melts hearts in this delightful story of a young girl named Yi, who encounters a lovable, magical Yeti on her rooftop. Through a thrilling journey across China to reunite the creature with his family, children are captivated while learning about determination, friendship, and the power of home.

Kung Fu Panda Franchise

The Kung Fu Panda franchise breaks through stereotypes with a hilariously unlikely hero, Po the Panda, who goes on to save his world and become a kung fu master. Irresistibly entertaining and packed with heart, the films underscore the importance of self-confidence, inner strength, and the value of trying one's best for young audiences.

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The Land Before Time Franchise

The Land Before Time franchise transports children to a vivid world of prehistoric adventure with its lovable cast of dinosaur characters as they journey through the Great Valley. The series engages young minds with gripping stories, while reinforcing the importance of courage, teamwork, and cherishing family.

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Shrek Franchise

The  Shrek franchise enthralls kids with its hilarious banter, unconventional characters, and twisted fairytales. Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey grab the hearts of young viewers, teaching the importance of true love, the power of friendship, and the beauty of accepting oneself and others for who they truly are.

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Lilo & Stitch

Lilo & Stitch , an out-of-this-world charmer, delights kids with its eccentric yet lovable duo as they embark on Hawaiian escapades. Amid thrilling adventures and heartwarming moments, children learn about the value of family ('ohana) and the importance of accepting individuals with unique personalities.

• # 19 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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Paddington , a heartwarming tale of an endearingly polite, marmalade-loving bear from Peru, charms children as he tries to find his place in London, experiencing heartwarming adventures along the way. Young audiences learn crucial life lessons about kindness, family, and the importance of embracing those who may seem different at first glance.

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The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid , a splashy favorite, has children singing along to its unforgettable tunes and diving into the world of Ariel, the mermaid princess who longs for a human life on land. The movie enchants kids while touching on themes of love, curiosity, and learning to value the world beneath the surface.

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The Lego Movie

The Lego Movie , a pint-sized powerhouse, keeps young audiences glued to the screen with its imaginative and brilliantly-designed universe. Through the adventures of Emmet and his crew, kids learn to appreciate the power of creativity, teamwork, and embracing one's own potential.

• # 56 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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Despicable Me Franchise

Despicable Me franchise captures young hearts with its lovable band of misfit Minions and touching stories about the villain-turned-softie, Gru. Children delight in the hijinks while soaking up vital lessons about love, family, and redemption.

Finding Dory

Finding Dory takes young viewers on a heartwarming adventure with Dory, Marlin, and Nemo as they reunite with long-lost family and friends. Through the beloved forgetful fish's journey, children learn about the significance of teamwork, perseverance, and embracing one's own unique qualities.

• # 85 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast enchants children with a stunning visual and musical journey through a tale as old as time. Young audiences learn about the importance of inner beauty, selflessness, and the transformative power of true love.

• # 34 of 50 The Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
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Aladdin sweeps children off their feet on a magic carpet ride of Genie's antics, catchy tunes, and the adventures of street rat Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. This bewitching tale instills timeless values of loyalty, the pursuit of truth, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

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Paddington 2

Paddington 2 , a heartwarming sequel, captivates children as the lovable bear continues his search for the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy. The vibrant tale continues to serve up valuable lessons on kindness, friendship, and the timeless charm of good manners.

• # 105 of 158 The Best Movie Sequels Ever Made
• # 26 of 102 The Best British Comedy Movies
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The Croods immerses kids in the prehistoric world of a fun-loving caveman family as they discover the beauty of the outside world during their journey. Along the way, young viewers learn about the significance of family, adaptation to change, and embracing new experiences.

• # 113 of 430 The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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50 Essential Movies For Kids

Looking to enrich your kid’s viewing habits? Or if you’re under 13 yourself, love movies, and you want to watch some of the best ever made, take it from us when we list 50 Essential Movies For Kids!

These are not just great children’s movies, but movies that play well for the curious and growing mind. While all these movies are classics and can be seen at any age, some have stronger themes than others that would play better during upper years. So, we separated the movies in suggested age categories:

Ages 1-5: Kids may not actively recall everything from this age, but a good baseline is fundamental in developing a healthy appetite for movies. Here we feature colorful classics ( The Wizard of Oz ), fun adventures ( Chicken Run ), and tales as old as time ( Beauty and the Beast ).

Ages 6-9: As more time is devoted to school and outside life, movies become more of an escape, and their power to transport starts to become apparent. Don’t miss out on epic quests ( Star Wars ), wish fulfillment ( Home Alone ), and dazzling fantasies ( Spirited Away ).

Ages 10-12: The magic window, the time in life when movies can move and change tweens, and stick for the rest of time. A good era for the classic portrayals of youth ( The 400 Blows ), face-melting action ( Raiders of the Lost Ark ), and romance ( Romeo & Juliet ).

Whether you’re a parent looking for a moral, entertaining movie night with your kids, or you’re a young student of movies making the leap on your own, check out these 50 Essential Movies For Kids! — Alex Vo

Beauty and the Beast (1991) 93%

Chicken Run (2000) 97%

Frozen (2013) 90%

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) 98%

A Little Princess (1995) 97%

The Muppet Movie (1979) 88%

My Neighbor Totoro (1988) 93%

The Red Balloon (1956) 96%

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) 97%

Toy Story (1995) 100%

WALL-E (2008) 95%

The Wizard of Oz (1939) 98%

Babe (1995) 97%

Back to the Future (1985) 93%

Coco (2017) 97%

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) 99%

Elf (2003) 85%

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) 93%

The Goonies (1985) 77%

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) 81%

Home Alone (1990) 66%

How to Train Your Dragon (2010) 99%

Inside Out (2015) 98%

The Karate Kid (1984) 89%

The Iron Giant (1999) 96%

The LEGO Movie (2014) 96%

Little Manhattan (2005) 77%

Matilda (1996) 92%

The Neverending Story (1984) 83%

Paddington 2 (2017) 99%

The Princess Bride (1987) 98%

The Sandlot (1993) 65%

Spirited Away (2001) 96%

Spy Kids (2001) 93%

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) 93%

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) 91%

The 400 Blows (1959) 99%

Akeelah and the Bee (2006) 86%

Au Revoir, les enfants (1987) 97%

Hugo (2011) 93%

Napoleon Dynamite (2004) 72%

Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) 88%

Queen of Katwe (2016) 94%

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) 93%

Romeo and Juliet (1968) 95%

Rudy (1993) 77%

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) 97%

Time Bandits (1981) 91%

West Side Story (1961) 92%

The Witches (1990) 94%

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Best Kids Movies for Your 5-year-old to Watch

• Posted by SK Parenting
• Categories Opinions , Real Life
• Date June 21, 2017

Choosing the right movies for kids might not be a cakewalk, but it just got easier with our list here. Exciting, emotional and a complete experience in itself—cinema indeed is a teacher!

Before your baby grows up too quickly and gets going on movie dates on his own, it is for you to guide him around watching the right movies.

The idea to get your little darling to watch a flick is that movies for kids not only render joy but also bring in a scope to impress upon your kid the meaning of familial bond and understanding emotions.

With this awesome compilation of best kids’ movies of all times, you stand to make watching movies a lovely experience for both your kid and yourself. Parenting becomes easy when you have such simple experiences to fall back on as an aid to child-development.

However, we assure that the list suggests neither Frozen or Tinkerbell nor Toy Story or Finding Nemo. Now, read on!

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Go the old school way when it comes to making your dearest kiddy watch the best kids movies. With Pooh Bear making it so easy to explain friendship and simplicity, this Milne creation must be the beginning of all life lessons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyJ-H34KAH0

Hit Factor – Easy narration and endearing characters.

Lessons Learnt   – Sharing and friendships.

Lost and Found

Penguins, especially in animated avatars, are very popular with kids. Moreover, when there is one short flick that highlights how lovely it is for a small boy to find one and be friends with it, there is bound to be no better choice of movie.

Hit Factor  – Short run-time and lovely visuals will excite your child!

Lessons Learnt   – Trust.

Reserve this for when your kid is at least five or six years of age. A heart-aching story that even makes adults rush for tissues, Bambi makes it to this kid’s movies list plainly, because it teaches your child the meaning of relationships and community. It is a tad less jolly than the others, but then again, who wants to miss this Disney classic?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR4UFqZgEy4

Hit Factor –  Will teach your child to bond with family.

Lessons Learnt   – Family and love.

The Red Balloon

A lovely feature-flick that will amaze your kiddo, the movie will make him curious while ensuring that he enjoys the onscreen child playing with the helium balloon. Bright and light, the movie appeals to very young children for its optimistic yet easy premise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBSu1kWqieM

Hit Factor   – Your child will enjoy the lovely visuals thoroughly while he excitedly gazes at the screen.

Lessons Learnt   – Being happy.

Moving away from the cartoons and classics, E.T is one flick that will make your child wake up to the knowledge that the world is waiting to be explored. While you may have to explain the movie to him in parts, his sense of asking questions and finding out about new things will get invoked as the movie trudges along.

Hit Factor   – Cute Drew Barrymore – jokes apart, the movie will make your child curious.

Lessons Learnt – Imagination and inquisitiveness.

Picking the right movies for kids is tricky, but once you begin their cine-watching experience on the right note, you will be thankful for life. Go ahead and bag up the best films for kids now! After all, smart parenting is all about using commonplace stuff to enrich your child’s learning experiences.

Tag: kids movies

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Great movies for kids 4–6

From Encanto to Shrek, take a look at these kid-friendly flicks.

Shrek (2001)

The evil Lord Farquaad ( John Lithgow ) has banished fairy-tale beings from his land of Duloc so it can be as cookie-cutter boring as he is, but a few lovable characters stand in his way: a smelly green ogre with a heart of gold named Shrek ( Mike Myers ); his faithful Donkey ( Eddie Murphy ); and the beautiful, down-to-earth Princess Fiona ( Cameron Diaz ). Screwy fairy-tale-tastic antics ensue—with multilevel jokes that manage to amuse both young and old.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

A gingham-sporting Kansas girl ( Judy Garland ) is dreamily transported from her home on the range to a Technicolor wonderland, where she befriends a scarecrow (Ray Bolger), a tin man (Jack Haley), and a lion (Bert Lahr). There, she learns about self-sufficiency, capitalism, and how to kill bad witches.

The Sound of Music (1965)

''The hills are alive...with the sound of muuuusic!'' Julie Andrews conducting ''Do-Re-Mi'' to a klatsch of von Trapp children had kids driving their parents wild back in the day and learning to appreciate music.

Charlotte's Web (1973)

Honestly, who can say they didn't watch Wilbur and Charlotte's farm friendship blossom about a million times as a child? This story of the sweet camaraderie between a naive pig and his wise spider friend—with lovable supporting characters like Ram, Goose, and Templeton the gluttonous rat—still spins quite the spellbinding web after all these years.

Babe (1995)

He's the other precocious farm pig who captivated viewers of all ages. Using his charm, good attitude, and a heap of advice from Ferdinand the Duck and Maa the Sheep, Babe went from potential dinner fare to beloved ribbon-winner.

The Incredibles (2004)

The family that takes on maniacal weaponeers and giant robots together stays together. That's what ''retired'' superhero Mr. Incredible learns, anyway, as his on-the-side derring-do gets the whole Incredible clan—Elastigirl, Violet, Dash, even baby Jack-Jack—into hot water.

The Iron Giant (1999)

A scary metal machine falls to Earth and spooks the residents of a small town in Maine in Commie-obsessed 1958. Then it finds a friend in 9-year-old Hogarth Hughes, who teaches his new iron buddy the ins and outs of life on our planet (killing is bad, Superman is awesome, and cannonballing into a lake is the cat's meow). Naturally, the Army shows up and ruins everything. We dare you—no, we triple-dog dare you—not to mist up at the end.

The Lion King (1994)

Yes, this Disney movie contains a murder most foul—which is fitting for a savannah-set coming-of-age story that was referred to as Bamlet, for its mixing of parental death ( Bambi ) and dastardly avuncular deeds ( Hamlet ). But the story of Simba, the lion cub who matures into the King of the Jungle, is also a brightly colored fantasia, filled with catchy songs (bet you start humming ''Can You Feel the Love Tonight?''), a cast of memorable characters (Timon and Pumbaa, anyone?), and lasting themes about friendship and identity.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

This rambunctious tale of not-so-scary scary guys is utterly charming, totally surreal, and wonderfully familiar.

My Dog Skip (2000)

Frankie Muniz ( Malcolm in the Middle ) stars in this Hallmark-sweet movie based on Willie Morris' 1995 memoir. This big-screen adaptation of the boy-meets-dog story, set against the backdrop of WWII-era Mississippi, lacks the teeth of the source work but remains engaging for young kids.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Life under water has never looked as good as it does in this animated wonderland. Swimming along with worrywart Marlin ( Albert Brooks ) as he searches for his missing son, the adventurous Nemo, and laughing with (not at) Dory ( Ellen DeGeneres ) is easily translatable fun for all. Fast-forward or be ready for some scary scenes (the death of Nemo's mother early on, Nemo getting caught by the dentist, and the shark chase).

Toy Story 1, 2, 3, and 4 (1995, 1999, 2010, 2019)

Countless children have grown up with Buzz Lightyear ( Tim Allen ), Woody ( Tom Hanks ), and the rest of the gang as their friends. Parents of the younger set might want to fast-forward through the more intense scenes (Sadistic Sid in 1 , the escape scene in 2 , the incinerator scene in 3, and Gabby Gabby and her creepy army of puppets in 4 ), but overall the themes of friendship and loyalty, combined with the wonderful animation, make lightning strike four times.

Ponyo (2009)

Legendary Japanese animation artist Hayao Miyazaki 's captivating take on The Little Mermaid brought us the lovable Ponyo, who falls in love with a little boy named Sosuke and decides that what she wants most (much to the distress of her sorcerer father) is to become a little land-based girl. The traditional cell animation is far from the only thing appealing in this new classic.

Cars 1, 2, and 3 (1996, 2010, 2017)

Kids can't help but be drawn in by the talking emotive cars that make up this franchise. There's just too much fun to be had as Lightning McQueen ( Owen Wilson ) learns important lessons about something more important than fame: friendship.

Madagascar 1, 2, and 3 (2005, 2008, 2012)

It's all madcap adventure as Alex the Lion ( Ben Stiller ), Marty the Zebra ( Chris Rock ), Melman the Giraffe ( David Schwimmer ), and Gloria the Hippo ( Jada Pinkett Smith ) break free from the zoo only to find themselves shipwrecked on Madagascar. There's a number of instances of bad behavior (the penguins or the lemurs), but overall, it's simply a fun ride.

101 Dalmatians (1961)

Although an evil woman's plans to skin puppies for a new fur coat is horrifying, any child will most definitely have the same Cruella de Vil-type reaction to this film: "Fifteen puppies! How marvelous!"

Mary Poppins (1964)

This Julie Andrews-led fantasy musical will have your kid looking up at the clouds, trying to summon their very own magical babysitter.

Ratatouille (2007)

Remy the rat ( Patton Oswalt ) does not want to live a life centered around trash, but around culinary excellence. Just by hiding under a chef hat and tugging distinct hairs, Remy cooks vicariously through Gusteau's garbage boy, Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano), and proves himself "nothing less than the finest chef in France."

Stuart Little 1 and 2 (1999, 2002)

In the spirit of anthropomorphic rodents, this mouse might not be a Michelin-star chef, but he makes a great family addition. When George ( Jonathan Lipnicki ) finds out his parents adopted a mouse named Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox ), he learns that a family can come in all shapes, sizes, and species.

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

In this Broadway-esque, New Orleans-set fairy tale, career-oriented Tiana ( Anika Noni Rose )—Disney's first Black princess—takes a leap by kissing Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos) in toad form. It's one of the last Disney films to use its hand-drawn animations, so it feels classic yet modern, however, remains timeless with its jazz-soul tunes for every generation to hop to.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)

Everybody's favorite talking sponge-starfish duo got their time to shine on the silver screen. Based on Nickelodeon 's animated TV series, this under-the-sea flick follows SpongeBob ( Tom Kenny ) and Patrick's (Bill Fagerbakke) action-packed journey to the dangerous Shell City, as they aim to retrieve King Neptune's (John O'Hurley) stolen crown and save Mr. Krabs ( Clancy Brown ) from imprisonment. This movie is a must-see for fans of the show, but don't blame us if your child squarely identifies as a "goofy goober" after.

Moana (2016)

An unabashed teenage girl ( Auli'i Cravalho ) , a once-powerful demigod ( Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson ), and an empty-headed rooster all make a terrific splash for Disney's sea adventure. The eponymous Moana is hand-picked—or wave -picked—by the ocean to sail out and save the people of Motunui by restoring the heart of Te Fiti, which causes a ripple of non-stop action and 100 minutes of fun. What can we say except you're welcome?

Inside Out (2015)

Who would've thought a children's movie about emotions could be...so emotional? Sometimes, you can't help but wonder what goes on inside someone else's mind—especially your child's—but, luckily, this movie already theorizes that for you with young Riley's (Kaitlyn Dias) five personified emotions: Joy ( Amy Poehler ), Sadness ( Phyllis Smith ), Disgust ( Mindy Kaling ), Fear ( Bill Hader ), and Anger ( Lewis Black ). It's one radiant, soul-stirring ride.

The Lego Movie 1 and 2 (2014, 2019)

They might cause a mess around your house, but they also assemble riveting, adventure-filled blockbusters that make everything awesome.

Encanto (2021)

We may be forbidden to talk about Bruno, but it's hard to shut up about Disney' s first Latino musical. Quirky misfit Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) is the only member of the Madigral family without assigned powers, yet she tries to mend her home's impending fate by unraveling the mystery of her missing uncle, Bruno ( John Leguizamo ). With colorful, Colombian-inspired animations, uniquely lovable characters, and karaoke-worthy original songs by virtuoso Lin-Manuel Miranda —especially "We Don't Talk About Bruno" and "Surface Pressure"—your youngster will be begging you to replay this film until your home also loses its power.

Luca (2020)

It's likely you've already heard the memorable line "Silenzio, Bruno!" one too many times—it was once unavoidable on TikTok —however, this coming-of-age story follows the titular sea monster, Luca ( Jacob Tremblay ), who leaves the ocean to experience life as a human boy on the Italian Riviera, discovering the true beauty behind friendships, self-acceptance, education, and—of course—gelato!

Zootopia (2016)

Zootopia's first bunny officer, Judy Hopps ( Ginnifer Goodwin ), partners up with a fox con-artist, Nick Wilde ( Jason Bateman ), to find a missing animal who's gone "savage." This good-cop-bad-cop comedy-adventure is filled with important messages of working hard, being who you want to be, and never discriminating against someone based on prejudiced ideas.

Paddington 2 (2017)

This extremely polite bear, Paddington ( Ben Winshaw ), gets washed away from a Peruvian jungle to the streets of London, where he's forced to learn the ins and outs of urban life, which includes him chasing down a book thief ( Hugh Grant ), all while stealing our hearts and of those in his community.

WALL-E (2008)

Anyone who believes robots don't have hearts has not seen the profound, star-crossed love between earth robot WALL-E and cosmic android Eve.

Despicable Me 1, 2, and 3 (2010, 2013, 2017)

Ever seen those wildly-energetic, juvenile beings who communicate in an inscrutable language? No, we're not talking about children, we're talking about minions—the ones who got their own spin-off films, Minions (2015) and Minions: Rise of Gru (2022). Super-villain Gru ( Steve Carell ) and his minions live in isolation until he adopts three girls to support his evil plan, however, his goal backfires once childcare helps him realize a softer side to him. And it's wickedly sweet.

Trolls (2016)

The happy-go-lucky leader of the trolls, Poppy ( Anna Kendrick ), teams up with hypervigilant Branch ( Justin Timberlake ) to save the citizens who were taken by a monstrous Bergen. Based on the Good Luck Trolls dolls, and featuring a Grammy-winning original song ("Can't Stop the Feeling!"), this film is jam-packed with colorful excitement and the celebrity voices of Zooey Deschanel , Christine Baranski , James Corden , and more.

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20 Movies for 5 to 6 Year Olds

Posted on Last updated: September 1, 2023

Categories Kids Activities

There are a number of films out there for children to watch, however, some are aimed at those slightly younger and some for an older audience. We have compiled a list for you of some of our top picks for movies that are appropriate for children between 5 and 6 years old.

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Movies for 5 to 6-year-olds come in varying genres and were made in different time periods. Some of these films are live-action, however many, mainly produced by Disney and Pixar, are cartoons. Before allowing your child to watch any movie though, it is good to consider viewing it yourself first.

By this age, children are no longer toddlers, even if we would like them to stay young. They are able to comprehend more complex stories than they would have been able to even a year or two before. On this list we have films such as The Lion King (1994), Shrek (2001), and Inside Out (2015). For these and more exciting kids’ movies, be sure to read on.

1. The Lion King

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The Lion King , released in 1994, is an animated musical by directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. The film is about a young lion prince, Simba, who’s father dies and he believes it to be his fault. He then runs away and his devious uncle takes the throne for himself.

The film won two Academy Awards for its music and also earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Musical. The film led to many other works and even had a photorealistic, 2019, remake which was also hugely successful.

The film had a budget of $45 million and made a box office return of an incredible $968.5 million. The film received high ratings from critics and audience members and is a film that is still a must-see today. If your child enjoys animals and music, they are sure to love this. The film’s total run time sits at 88 minutes.

Shrek , released in 2001, is a computer-animated fantasy comedy film, directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson; this being their directorial debuts. The film is about a grumpy and isolated ogre who has a bunch of fairytale creatures exiled, by a nearby lord, to his swamp. Shrek must then go on a mission to save a princess for the lord, in order to reclaim his land.

The film has the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. The voice performances, animation, and writing, with its exceptional humor, that catered to both children and adults, were praised by critics.

Shrek was the winner of the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and it also received a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Additionally, it raked in six nominations at the BAFTA awards and it won for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film was produced on a budget of $60 million and earned a sizable $487.9 million. The film’s total run time is 90 minutes.

If your child likes the story of the underdog or the one who is socially sidelined, then Shrek is definitely the character, along with Donkey and Fiona, that they will be rooting for.

3. Inside Out

Inside Out , released in 2015, is a computer-animated film, which was directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen. The film is about a young girl, Riley who is uprooted from her life in the Midwest and moves to San Francisco. Her emotions, Joy, Anger, Fear, Disgust, and Sadness have to help Riley navigate in her new surroundings.

The film stars the voices of Amy Poehler, Richard Kind, and Phyllis Smith. The film was well-received for many aspects such as the vocal performances, the screenplay and the subject matter.

Although made on a hefty budget of $175 million, thankfully the public flocked to see the film and it came out with a box office of $858.8 million. It also received two nominations at the Academy Awards, one of which it won. If your child has had to experience the struggles of relocating, they will definitely relate to Riley. The film has a run time of 95 minutes.

Coco , released in 2017, is a computer-animated fantasy film that was directed by Lee Unkrich, and Adrian Molina. The story follows Miguel, a young, aspiring musician. Unfortunately for him, he is faced with an ancestral ban on music. He ultimately enters the Land of the Dead to locate his great-great-grandfather, who was a singer.

The voice cast includes Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, and Gael García Bernal. The film received tremendous praise for the voice acting, the music and also its respect of the Mexican culture.

The film was the recipient of various accolades, of which, two were Academy Awards. It also won Best Animated Film at the Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA Awards, and Critic’s Choice Movie Awards. Made on a budget of approximately $175 million the film earned a resounding $807.8 million. The film’s total run time is 105 minutes.

If your child likes music and different cultures, then this festive bonanza is something that will certainly entertain them and help them learn about the customs of others.

5. Toy Story

Toy Story , is a computer-animated film that was produced by Pixar and directed by John Lasseter, in his feature directorial debut. The film follows a young boy’s toys who encounter a new spaceman figure that Andy receives for his birthday. Woody, the leader of the toys becomes incredibly jealous and feels threatened by the new toy, Buzz Lightyear.

The film was the first to be entirely computer animated, in terms of feature films, and it was the first feature length movie by Pixar.  It stars the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Don Rickles. The film won various awards including an Academy Award.

The film was produced on a budget of only $30 million and saw a box office return of $373 million. The film sparked a number of sequels. The film was met with critical acclaim and was noted for its 3D animation, clever humor, and great vocal performances. The film’s total run time sits at 81 minutes.

6. The Wizard Of Oz

The Wizard of Oz , released way back in 1939, is a musical fantasy film directed, for the most part, by Victor Fleming. The film is the story of a girl, Dorothy, from Kansas who gets swept away by a tornado, to the magical Land of Oz. Together with friends, she meets along the way, she then journeys to the Wizard who can help her get back home.

The film stars Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, and Bert Lahr. Together they pulled off a film that according to most critics is one of the best films of all time and a must-see before the age of 14.

The story is full of wholesome messages and is free of some of the more inappropriate humor and content that gets slipped into modern day children’s movies. That said though, the Wicked Witch of the West could potentially be somewhat scary for younger viewers.

The film has a total run time of 101 minutes and it performed well at the box office, making $29.7 million on a budget of $2.8 million.

7. How The Grinch Stole Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas , released in 2000, is a Christmas fantasy comedy-drama directed by Ron Howard. The film is about a green Grinch who lives on the mountain near Whoville. He is a nasty character and hopes to ruin Christmas for all the townsfolk who love the holiday.

In the lead role we have the eccentric and absolutely brilliant Jim Carrey. Our narrator is Anthony Hopkins and also starring in the film are Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, and Molly Shannon. The film was met with mixed reviews that praised Carrey, but noted the rather dark theme and also the moments which some children may have found scary.

The film won an Academy Award for makeup and was nominated for two others. The film’s budget sat at $123 million and thankfully saw a return of $345.1 million. The total run time of the film is 105 minutes. If your child is a fan of Christmas, and loves a film with lots of energy and excitement, they’ll love this one.

8. Despicable Me

Despicable Me , released in computer-animated comedy film directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud in their directorial debuts. The film is about a criminal mastermind, who has had little success. He ultimately adopts and uses three orphan girls to help in an evil scheme, but soon finds his heart changing for the better.

The film stars the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, and Miranda Cosgrove. The film was nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award and received excellent reviews from critics.

The film was produced on a budget of $69 million and it was a box office hit, making $543.1 million. The film was the first installment in the franchise that holds the same name. The run time for this film is 95 minutes in total.

9. The Sound Of Music

The Sound of Music , released in 1965, is a musical drama film directed by Robert Wise. The film is set in the 1930s and is about a young novitiate who sent, by her convent, to be a governess who has to look after seven children of a widowed naval officer.

The film stars Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, with Richard Haydn, Charmian Carr, and Peggy Wood. The film received five Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards, as well as awards from the Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America.

The film is considered as one of America’s greatest films of all time and is listed as the fourth greatest movie musical, by the American Film Institute. The film had a budget of $8.2 million and made a substantial return of $286.2 million at the box office. The film is relatively long and sits with a run time of $174 minutes.

WALL-E , released in 2008, is a computer-animated science fiction film, produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film was directed by Andrew Stanton, who was also a co-writer. The film is set in a distant future where a tiny waste-collecting robot unintentionally goes on a space journey which ultimately holds the fate of humanity.

The film stars the voice of Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, and John Ratzenberger. The film was met with commercial and critical success and it won several awards. These include a Golden Globe, Hugo Award, Nebula Award, and Academy Award.

The film was voted as being 29 th on the list of the best films of the 21 st century. At the box office it earned $521.3 million off of a budget of $180 million. Its total run time sits at 97 minutes. If your child likes robots and things of the future, they will find this highly entertaining and insightful.

11. Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda , released in 2008, is a computer-animated martial arts comedy film that was produced by DreamWorks Animation and was directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson in his directorial debut. The film is about a panda, Po who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. To his and everyone else’s surprise he is chosen as the Dragon Warrior and has to defend the Valley of Peace.

The film stars the voices of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen and Ian McShane, among others. The film received praise from critics for the writing and action sequences, and its more mature themes that play out in such a way that even younger audience members would understand them.

The film spawned two sequels and was rather successful at the box office, on its opening weekend it sat the number one position and worldwide it made $631.7 million, on a budget of $130 million. The total run time for the film is $92 minutes. If your child likes martial arts and is fascinated with Chinese culture then this is the film for them.

12. Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web , released in 1973, is an animated musical drama based on the children’s book of the same name. The film was directed by Charles A. Nichols and Iwao Takamoto. The film is about a pig named Wilbur who befriends a spider, Charlotte who helps save him from ultimately being slaughtered.

The film stars the voices of Debbie Reynolds, Henry Gibson, and Paul Lynde. The film was well received by critics for the most part and was noted for being heartwarming, imaginative and clever.

Although it did not receive any noteworthy awards the film thankfully managed to earn approximately $5 million at the box office, however the budget is unknown. The film also got itself a live-action remake in 2006. The film has a run time of 94 minutes.

Up , released in 2009, is a computer animated movie that was produced by Pixar and released by Disney. In the director’s chairs for this film we had Pete Docter and Bob Peterson. The film is about Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old who flies his house (pulled along by helium balloons) to Paradise Falls and unintentionally takes a young scout along with him.

The film stars the voices of Ed Asner, Jordan Nagai, and Christopher Plummer. The film was very well received by critics and the media and was applauded for the characters, the overall narrative and the themes with which it dealt.

The film received five nominations for Academy Awards, of which it won two and it also garnered numerous other accolades. At the box office it also performed exceptionally well and made $735.1 million on a budget of $175 million. The film’s total run time is 96 minutes.

14. Honey, I Shrunk The Kids

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids , released in 1989, is a comic science fiction film directed by Joe Johnston in his directorial debut and was produced by Disney. The film follows a scientist who accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teenagers, down to the size of insects. While he is searching for them, the poor teens have to fight off what would otherwise have been annoying insects.

As the inventor, Wayne Szalinski, we have Rick Moranis and with him are Amy O’Neill, Robert Oliveri, and Marcia Strassman, among others. The film received positive feedback from critics and audience members and at the time the film became the highest grossing live-action films ever made by Disney. It held this title for five years and it also spawned two sequels.

The film had an estimated budget of $18 million and it made a surprisingly big return of $222.7 million. The film was nominated for various Saturn Awards and it won a BAFTA for its special visual effects. The total run time of this film sits at 93 minutes.

Babe , released in 1995, is a comedy-drama directed by Chris Noonan. The film is about a big, Babe , who was raised by Sheepdogs in rural England, on a farm. He learns to herd sheep and is aided by Farmer Hoggett. The main animal characters were actually played by real animals as well as animatronic puppets.

The film stars James Cromwell and Magda Szubanski  and has the voices of Christine Cavanaugh, Miriam Margolyes, and Hugo Weaving. The film received multiple nominations and awards. Seven of which nominations were for the Academy Awards.

The film was quoted as having, “a heart as big as its special effects budget.” It is a timeless classic that any child will adore and was a great success when it initially came out. It had a budget of $30 million and made a return of $254.1 million at the box office. The run time for the film sits at 92 minutes.

16. Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo , released in 2003, is a computer-animated adventure movie, which was produced by Pixar and released by Disney. The film was directed and co-written by Andrew Stanton. The film follows a clownfish, Marlin, whose son is captured by a diver on the Great Barrier Reef, he sets out on a journey to go and find his son, Nemo.

The film stars the voices of Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Willem Dafoe and Alexander Gould. The film was well received by critics and audience members, young and old, absolutely loved it. The film was also awarded an Academy Award for the Best Animated Feature, which was the first for Pixar, and was nominated in three other categories.

Critics and audience members were astounded by how much they related and connected to these sea creatures and Pixar’s hard work paid off as the film grossed $940.3 million, on a budget of $94 million. The film’s total run time is 100 minutes. If your child is a fan of marine life then this is the movie to pick for them.

17. Monsters, Inc.

Monsters, Inc. , released in 2001, is a computer-animated monster comedy that was produced by Pixar and distributed by Disney. Pete Docter directed this film in his directorial debut, and he went on to direct films like Up (2009) and Inside Out (2015).

The film is about a monster city where their power is generated by scaring human children at night. Children are thought to be toxic to monsters, however, when a child gets through, into their world; two monsters realize things may not be as they originally thought. The film stars the voices of John Goodman, Billy Crystal, and Steve Buscemi.

The film won an Academy Award for the Best Original Song and had two other nominations. The film also had a prequel, Monsters University , directed by Dan Scanlon. The first film had a budget of $115 million and earned a rather decent box office return of $577.4 million. The film’s total run time is 92 minutes.

18. The Lego Movie

The Lego Movie , released in 2014, is a computer-animated adventure comedy, written and directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord. The film follows an ordinary Lego minifigure, Emmet, is recruited by a resistance to stop a tyrant from gluing the Lego universe into his vision of what is perfection.

The film stars the voice s of Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell, and Will Arnett. The film overall was a critical success and it won a BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film and was nominated for a Golden Globe and also earned an Academy Award nomination.

At the box office the film also saw success when its budget of approximately $60 million brought in a return of $468.1 million. If your child is a Lego fan, then this is a must-see for them as they will love seeing familiar toys coming to life. The film has a total run time of 100 minutes.

19. How To Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon , released in 2010, is a computer-animated action fantasy, produced by DreamWorks and was directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois. The film is set in a mythical Viking world where Hiccup, a teenage Viking, aspires to become a dragon slayer. When he finally catches and has the chance to kill one, he ends up befriending it and teaches those of tribe to do the same.

The film stars the voices of Jay Baruchel, Craig Ferguson, Gerard Butler, and America Ferrera. The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, but unfortunately lost to Toy Story 3 (2010). It also did manage to win other awards including ten Annie Awards.

The film received praise from the critics and was loved by all who went to see it. Its budget of $165 million made a good return of $494.9 million. If your child is a fan of dragons or has read the books, they will be delighted by this film, which has a total runtime of 98 minutes.

Moana (also known in some places as Viana or Oceania ), released in 2016, is a 3D computer-animated musical adventure film with plenty of comic elements, produced by Disney. The film was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. It follows the story of Moana, who, when a terrible curse is incurred by a demigod, answers the call to go and find the demigod in order to straighten things out.

The film stars the voices of Auliʻi Cravalho, Rachel House, Dwayne Johnson, and Temuera Morrison. The film was met with positive reviews, particularly for the vocal performances, the music and the animation.

The film received two nominations at the Academy Awards and it performed well at the box office too, making a substantial $645 million on its budget of approximately $150 million. If you child loves music and the ocean, then this film that combines these two so eloquently is a must-see. The total run time for the film is 107 minutes.

So there we have it an array of spectacular options for you to choose from, all of these were and are great for children between the ages of 5 and 6 and they are sure to be thrilled with your pick for the evening. Or perhaps you’ve left it up to them to pick the show for the movie night, either way, we hope you have an absolute blast.

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The 50 Best Kids’ Movies

From disney favourites, to thrilling adventures and musical classics, empire picks the best movies for kids.

Few films stay with you like the ones you watched as a child. And the best kids’ movies come in all shapes and sizes – cosy animated adventures, thrilling tales of derring-do, visually-dazzling works that pour fuel on budding imaginations, and tales that (whether we realise it or not at the time) are teaching us valuable life lessons. From animated favourites via Disney, Pixar , Ghibli and Aardman , to family-friendly all-singing-all-dancing musicals, to adaptations of classic children’s literature, there’s a whole world of cinema awaiting young viewers.

But choosing which films to show your kids isn’t always easy – so Empire ’s done the hard work for you. We’ve hand-picked a selection of 50 movies we think they’ll enjoy – from fairytales and sci-fi fables, to slapstick-packed adventures and tales of friendship and bravery. The films we’ve picked will – we hope – thrill them, enchant them, and have them rolling in the aisles, hopefully with as few tears as possible. All you need to provide is the popcorn.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)

Pretty much as soon as it hit cinemas, Spider-Verse became the gold standard for wildly inventive, emotionally mature, mind-bogglingly spectacular animation. Miles Morales is just a regular kid in Queens, New York City, before he’s bitten by a radioactive spider and… well, you know the rest. But it’s all new to Miles, who accidentally opens a wormhole to other universes and other Spider-Folk whose help he’ll need to stop Kingpin from destroying his reality. There’s some real darkness here too, so it’s perhaps not one for the very young – though it's a stellar introduction to Spider-Man overall. Really, nobody’s too young to not appreciate Peter Porker, AKA Spider-Ham.

Read the Empire review

School Of Rock (2003)

Few actors can access their inner 10-year-old like Jack Black, and in Richard Linklater’s celebration of music as a home for both adolescents and the eternally adolescent, he turns it up to 11. Black’s Dewey Finn is a burnout layabout wannabe rock star still trying to make his childhood dreams a reality, when he gets kicked out of his band. Desperate for cash, he nicks his friend-slash-landlord’s gig as a substitute teacher at Joan Cusack’s snotty day school – only to find these kids have got mad musical skills. What they don’t have is any appreciation of the power of rock ‘n’ roll. He’s only too happy to oblige, and sets out to secretly turn them into rock gods. Joyous stuff.

Turning Red (2022)

In Toronto, 13-year-old Mei Lee tries to keep a lot of things to herself: mainly her crush, Devon, and her love for boy band 4*Town. That is, until she finds herself going through something so big that she can’t hide it. Whenever she gets stressed and embarrassed, she turns into a giant red panda. It turns out it’s an unwelcome inheritance from an ancestor, and as she tries to work out how to live a normal life, Mei realises that she also needs to stand up to her overbearing mum. Domee Shi’s film is a loving and heartfelt hymn to the invisible but mighty ties which bind the generations of women in a family together.

Hugo (2011)

You might think you love movies, but nobody loves movies quite as much as Martin Scorsese. This Parisian fantasy follows 12-year-old orphan Hugo (Asa Butterfield), as he finds himself slowly ratcheted into a mystery involving a broken automaton, a heart-shaped key, and the early cinema special effects pioneer Georges Méliès. (Marty loves movies!) Soon, Hugo realises that this automaton might unlock his relationship with his lost father. It’s a beautiful looking film full of love and wonder, and it’s a fun way into one of the great directors’ oeuvres – especially if you’re uncertain as to whether your four-year-old is ready for Taxi Driver yet.

Chicken Run (2000)

Aardman’s first feature shifted The Great Escape to a North Yorkshire chicken farm in the mid-1950s, where plucky (but unplucked) Ginger plots to break out to freedom. Standing in her way are the brusque Mr and Mrs Tweedy, a brand new chicken pie-making machine, and her very dim fellow inmates. “I don’t want to be a pie,” moans Babs. “I don’t like gravy.” But then a glamorous rooster called Rocky crash-lands in their world, and freedom seems possible. Miranda Richardson’s Mrs Tweedy is one of the most maniacal of all animated villains – plus there’s the heartbreaking moment early on when poor old Edwina gets the chop – so you might want to give it a quick rewatch first. But for the most part, it’s poultry in motion.

Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2023)

Arriving over ten years after the previous Puss In Boots film, few were clamouring for this sequel. But it’s surprisingly stellar – with a dazzling animation style in the wake of Into The Spider-Verse , thrillingly-crafted action setpieces, and an emotional journey for our hero. It is also, to be clear, a touch scary for smaller viewers – with Puss (Antonio Banderas) realising his nine lives are nearly up, and fleeing an approaching sickle-wielding wolf (Wagner Moura) as a literal embodiment of death. Cue a search for a wishing star that’ll allow our feline favourite to replenish his supply of lives, joined by ugly-cute chihuahua Perrito (Harvey Guillén), and Salma Hayek’s returning Kitty Softpaws. A Shrek -verse swashbuckler that’ll entertain grown-ups as much as youngsters.

Mary Poppins (1964) / Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Six decades on, the original Mary Poppins remains a total delight – Julie Andrews giving sweet-but-stringent discipline as the magical nanny blown in on the wind, and Dick Van Dyke cock-er-neying it up a storm as Bert. It’s packed with heart-soaring song-and-dance numbers, peppered with gorgeously playful animated sequences too, and all delivered in a most delightful way. And if the first film goes down like a spoonful of sugar, Disney’s more recent sequel – with Emily Blunt as the returning Poppins, Lin-Manuel Miranda as Bert-a-like lamplighter Jack, and Ben Whishaw and Emily Mortimer as the grown-up Banks children – is beautifully-crafted too, reverently delivered in the style of the original but with all-new catchy songs. Can you imagine that?

Read the Empire review of Mary Poppins

Read the Empire review of Mary Poppins Returns

Bumblebee (2018)

With an E.T. -esque tone, great characters, and none of the grubby Michael Bay-isms of the main franchise, Bumblebee is the ideal Transformers starter point for younger viewers. It still has the robots-in-disguise action of the main franchise, but tells an ‘80s-set story of friendship between the yellow VW Beetle and Hailee Steinfeld’s misfit teen Charlie. Directed by Laika Studios’ Travis Knight, it’s warm, funny, and properly charming – which you can’t necessarily say about other films in the franchise. Plus, Transformer -head adults will love the G1 designs, and the war on Cybertron sequence.

Labyrinth (1986)

Jim Henson understood that real fairy tales are rarely all sweetness and light, and while Labyrinth isn’t quite as grotesque as its predecessor The Dark Crystal , it’s no less startling. Ex-Python Terry Jones wrote the final iteration of the screenplay, injecting humour and momentum into the adventure. But at its core this is still the tale of a descent into an evil realm to rescue a stolen baby from monsters. And then there’s Bowie, of course. Eyes up here, guys.

Shrek 2 (2004)

Shrek ushered in a new, daringly mature breed of animated adventures. Where Pixar evolved the traditional Disney model, DreamWorks roundly took the piss out of it, poking fun at fair maidens and brave sir knights with colourful aplomb. This first sequel is probably the series at its peak; among the fairy-tale parodies and pop culture references, it sees our favourite grumpy ogre confronting his greatest challenge – the in-laws.

The Kid Who Would Be King (2019)

It was quite the wait for Joe Cornish's second film, but this modern-day take on Arthurian legend was worth it. Come for the imagery of school kids battling ghostly warriors, stay for the goofy take on Merlin as played by Angus Imrie and, occasionally, Patrick Stewart.

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Spirited Away may be Studio Ghibli’s highest-profile effort, but for many, this is the peerless Japanese studio at the height of their powers. Among the menagerie of its typically surreal aberrations: a castle on legs, a talking fire, a turnip-headed living scarecrow, a carpet-rugged dog, a flying prince, and an obese witch. Another day at the office, then.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Before they're ready for Goldfinger , here's some Gert Fröbe-starring, Ian Fleming-sourced magic that's more age appropriate for your little people than Sean Connery's seduction techniques. Like Top Gear on laughing gas, Fleming's flying car tale makes for an inventive, colourful, hammy and fun kids' caper. Altogether now! "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, we love you."

Frozen (2013)

It would have been remiss of us to leave Frozen , a film already permanently engraved in the minds of a generation of nippers, off this list. But we include it with a trigger warning. Parents the world over are still suffering the traumatic effects of PFSD (Post-Frozen Stress Disorder), the psychological side-effect of watching Disney’s icy fairy tale on repeat for months; many are now in padded rooms, straightjacketed, rocking gently back and forth, humming “Let It Go” to themselves. Spare a thought for them.

Toy Story (1995)

The film that announced Pixar to the world as a force to be reckoned with, and computer animation as a serious storytelling device. Toy Story was the first ever entirely computer-generated film, but that’s almost the least notable of its achievements: it took the well-honed Disney fairy tale template and placed it into a recognisably realistic modern world, complete with a fierce wit and a bulging heart. This is no mere child’s plaything...

The Muppet Movie (1979)

The original and still the best, Jim Henson's first big-screen Muppetathon was an origin story long before Batman Begins and co got in on the act. Beginning with Kermit watching his own swamp-based origins on screen (meta much?), the Dark Frog embarks on a US road trip involving brainwashing, insta-grow pills, Dr. Teeth and bizarro/awesome cameos from Telly Savalas and Orson Welles. You can't explain the plot without being put on a psychiatric watch list, but your kids will love you for trying.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Pixar’s great strength was finding a story in unexpected places: a toy chest; an ant colony; a rat’s nest. In Finding Nemo , we find ourselves emotionally invested in a tiny clownfish with a dodgy fin. The heart-rending story, of a father learning to let go, sneaks its way in through a shoal of hilarious characters and setpieces. Pass the tartar sauce!

Matilda (1996)

Roald Dahl – arguably the greatest children’s author of them all – has earned somewhat patchy treatment on the big screen. But this adaptation, a story of an abused little girl who discovers telekinetic powers, is as faithful as they come, and venerated by children of a certain age. The infamous chocolate-eating scene is a slice of sloppy schadenfreude; the ultimate resolve between Matilda (Mara Wilson) and Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz) gives the film its real sweetness. The recent musical adaptation is well worth watching too.

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit (2005)

Aardman's long-awaited big-screen outing for Wallace and Gromit is basically a Universal monster movie with added laughs and the studio's wonderfully English worldview. Alongside our old favourites, man (Wallace) and his much smarter best friend (Gromit), Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter are simply spiffing as the posh types caught in a bunnypocalypse, and the visual gags land with dizzying regularity.

How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

A classic tale of a boy and his dog, only the ‘dog’ breathes lightning and would happily devour a village. This loose adaptation of Cressida Cowell’s novels sees inept Viking Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) break with tradition to befriend (and train) an injured dragon. The story (friendships forged, prejudices set aside) is charmingly told but its Toothless that steals the show – DreamWorks’ wonky-tailed lizard proving as adorable a character as any Disney concocted.

Moana (2016)

If Moana hasn’t already inveigled its way into your home with its subtly subversive plotting, gorgeously vibrant animation and earworm songs then make way, make way for another contemporary Disney smash. The Mouse House’s first Polynesian princess is a hardy, headstrong hero, while Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson brings maximum charm as shape-shifting semi-demi-mini-god Maui. Throw in a scene-stealing slapstick chicken, songs by Lin-Manuel ‘Hamilton’ Miranda, and a Bowie-inspired giant evil crustacean voiced by Flight Of The Conchords Jemaine Clement, and this is truly irresistible stuff.

The Kid (1921)

Want to introduce your wee'un to the joys of silent cinema but think they may be a bit young for all five-and-a-half hours of Abel Gance's Napoleon ? Try Charlie Chaplin's heartfilled fable of the Little Tramp and the even littler scamp he befriends in one of cinema's most magical junior bromances.

Beauty And The Beast (1991)

It was, as the song went, a tale as old as time. But rarely have such tales been told so elegantly, so lavishly, with new advances in animation offering a sumptuous canvas of colours and characters (a singing teapot will never not be great). The story, too – typically Disney, fable-filled and fanciful, but rich in romance and poetry – was enough for it to earn the first Best Picture Oscar nomination for an animated film.

Oliver! (1968)

There have been at least dozen adaptations of Charles Dickens’ classic novel about the orphan boy who wanted more. But few are as unforgettable as the toe-tapping exclamation-marked musical version from Lionel Bart and Carol Reed. Beautifully staged, perfectly cast, and with songs that lift the source text to a new plane, the original poster claimed it to be “much more than a musical”. We’d be inclined to agree.

WALL-E (2008)

800 years in the future, humanity has abandoned Earth, a planet now overwhelmed with pollution and rubbish. The only thing left: an adorable trash-compacting robot who has evolved long enough to fall in love. One of Pixar’s most ambitious projects (and for this studio, that’s saying something), WALL-E ’s grand scale and intimate charm benefits from talents like Star Wars sound designer Ben Burtt and cinematographer supremo Roger Deakins.

The Jungle Book (1967)

Still the king of the swingers 50 years later, Disney's (first) take on Rudyard Kipling's novel is a pacy 78-minutes of jungular mayhem lit up by the songs of the Sherman Brothers, sassy dialogue and wonderful characters. It's so good, Disney would go on to reuse chunks of the cel animation in Robin Hood six years later.

Home Alone (1990)

What should an 8-year-old boy do when left alone and terrorised by burglars? The sensible thing would be to call the police and get the neighbours to help out. But this Chris Columbus/John Hughes classic offers an alternative option: extreme violence. Introducing Macaulay Culkin to an unsuspecting public, Home Alone ’s curious blend of elaborate boobie traps and sentimental life lessons has ensured its place as an annual viewing appointment at Christmas.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The ultimate antidote to jolly Christmas cheer, this darkly brilliant stop-motion treat came from the demented mind of Tim Burton, years before he somewhat ran out of creative steam. The story of Jack Skellington, the gothic anti-hero of Halloween Town who finds a portal to Christmas Town, has become as beloved as the seasonal tales it seeks to caricature.

The Goonies (1985)

A generation shuffled their truffles for the love of Richard Donner’s caper, in which Cory Feldman, Josh Brolin and co. go in search of pirate treasure, facing competition from Robert Davi and Anne Ramsey. Producer Steven Spielberg ’s fingerprints are on it too, but this is closer to Gremlins than E.T. : a reminder of a time when kids’ films were allowed to be a little bit scurrilous.

Inside Out (2015)

A movie that made us care about a nougat-filled elephant-cat hybrid, Inside Out came out just in time to silence those suggesting that Pixar had lost its critical edge. On paper at least, it sounds bonkers. Set inside the human mind with a character called Anger and that aforementioned nougat-flavoured frankenfriend, it sounds like a metaphysical jungle impenetrable to anyone without a PHd in psychology. But kids loved it, and yours will too.

Time Bandits (1981)

Directed by Terry Gilliam, who also co-wrote with Michael Palin, and featuring appearances by the latter and John Cleese, this is the closest thing you’ll get to a Monty Python movie for kids. It’s also a thrilling time-travel fantasy adventure (featuring a gang of dwarves on the run from God) that was unafraid to go ‘dark’ an entire generation before a kid called Harry received an invite to attend a magical boarding school.

Kubo And The Two Strings (2016)

Laika’s fourth animated film is perhaps its best effort yet – a grand, mythical and hugely inventive adventure bursting with imagination. It hinges on a classic quest narrative, sending the titular boy across feudal Japan to track down a magical suit of armour, with wonderful subtext on the power of storytelling and creativity. Then there’s the staggeringly ambitious stop-motion animation which sets an all-new standard for how detailed and epic the medium can look. Some dark and creepy moments thoroughly earn its PG rating, but what’s an adventure without a little danger?

While grown-up will be blubbing their eyes out during the opening 'married life' montage, smaller folk may be getting ready to revel in the antics of Russell, the ever-helpful boy scout, Doug, the benovelent but hugely dim talking dog, and cranky old Carl Fredricksen on their Amazonian adventure. Ready those Wilderness Explorer application forms now.

Without even really trying, Elf has become one of those films that has wormed its way into pop culture legend. There’s a certain breed of Elf fan who, around Christmas time, will offer a stream of Elf quotes, without prompting. They’ll chirp “Smiling’s my favourite” with joy; shout “You sit on a throne of lies!” in anger; call themselves “Cotton-headed ninny-muggins” in sadness; and consider “candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup” as the four main food groups. Son of a nutcracker, indeed!

The Secret Of Kells (2009)

Cartoon Saloon is like the Studio Ghibli of Ireland. Their 2015 effort, Song Of The Sea , offered a sumptuous illustrated picture-book come to life, and WolfWalkers is delightful too. But this bewitching fantasy – about a little boy who lives at a medieval monastery – is the best place to start. Drawing on centuries of Irish mythology, it takes in illuminators, wolf-girls, deities of death, vikings and barbarians, via some of the most luscious hand-drawn animation committed to celluloid. Spellbinding stuff.

Harry Potter – Series (2001 – 2011)

The story of the Boy Who Lived is a generation-defining fantasy saga – and across eight films, directors Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuaron, Mike Newell and David Yates did an admirable job of bringing the Wizarding World from page to screen. The series has adventure, friendship, and – of course – magic aplenty, and while the early films deal in charming technicolour whimsy, the tail end of the series is decidedly for older kids once Dark Lord Voldemort rises. If we had to pick just one it would be Cuaron’s Prisoner Of Azkaban from 2004, the tipping point between childhood adventure and dark YA fantasy, with a cracking time-twisting adventure, Gary Oldman as escaped murderer (or is he?) Sirius Black, and one of the series’ greatest creatures in Buckbeak the hippogriff.

Spirited Away (2001)

Howl's Moving Castle is almost as beloved and Princess Mononoke has a harder-edged brilliance, but this is peak Ghibli, a feast of outlandish imagination set in a netherworld that mutates and morphs almost as fast as the eyes can absorb it. Its ten-year-old heroine is the perfect guide for youngsters into a realm of witches, dieties and monsters.

Aladdin (1992)

On paper, Aladdin is Disney on auto-pilot: a princess who needs rescuing from a dashing hero, augmented with heartwarming songs and talking animals. What stands this one out from the crowd is Robin Williams’ Genie. A bundle of hyper-energy, anachronistic pop culture references and subversive winks to the grown-ups, the Genie added an extra dimension to Disney, and demonstrated a level of invention previously unseen. It offered, you could say, a whole new world.

Babe (1995)

Until they remake Gravity with Miss Piggy, this remains the greatest pig-based children's yarn in the canon. A delight from start to sheepdog-trial-set finish, it's heartwarming, clever and ingeniously conceived. It also spawned the greatest line of movie dialogue – "That'll do, Pig" – we've still had absolutely no opportunity to use in real life. Not yet, anyway.

Paddington 2 (2017)

How do you follow up a family film as quaint, wondrous and perfectly formed as Paddington ? Pile on yet more charm, an even more emotional plot, and cast Hugh Grant in his best role since… well, possibly ever. Paddington 2 is as light as air, never once collapsing under the weight of its own whimsy – even as it hops from delightful prison scenes (really) to Grant’s nefarious actor Phoenix Buchanan in a variety of madcap disguises. A purely wonderful treat for all ages.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Pixar occasionally field criticism for the quantity of sequels they produce. But when they’re this good, who’s complaining? The world’s greatest threequel saw Woody and the gang take on a melancholic note, as a grown-up Andy heads off to college and forgets about his beloved toys. The astonishing finale, in which these beloved characters confront and accept a fate of near-certain death, is practically unprecedented in a family-friendly film.

The Iron Giant (1999)

Adapted from Ted Hughes’ beloved children’s book – the title changed to avoid confusion with a certain Mr T. Stark – this enchanting story of a mysterious metal man who befriends a small boy practically bypassed mainstream audiences upon release, but has built up a small cult following over the years – particularly among fans of Brad Bird (who went on to direct The Incredibles ). Released just as Pixar and its ilk rose to domination, it’s perhaps the last of the great traditionally-animated films; like its metal hero, caught between ages and technologies.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Children can get scared by the dark so what more clever or more reassuring idea than to disarm those fears with a funny and very, very clever story of industrial scarers dependent on the screams of little ones to power a city? Sully and Mike Wazowski, Monsters, Inc. 's scarer-in-chiefs, are so loveable and well-meaning than the whole process seems almost innocent. Everyone will sleep more soundly after watching this.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Rob Reiner's beloved classic offers up an alternative fairy tale realm in which nothing is quite as you'd expect, like a Walt Disney yarn filtered through a postmodern prism. William Goldman's script is playful and filled with quotable dialogue ("My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die") and kids will love its zest, energy and rollicking sword fights. Stardust and others have aped it but the idea of anything matching it is, well, inconceivable.

The Lego Movie (2014)

When a feature-length narrative movie based on a set of toy plastic bricks was first announced, eyes narrowed; grumbles rumbled; the hue and cry of ‘cash-in!’ was raised. That The Lego Movie ranks so highly on this list is a testament to how much it surprised us all. It’s fast, shrewd, and furiously funny, with typical self-awareness from Phil Lord and Chris Miller; the ingenious final-act reveal transforms an already very good family-friendly film into something truly great.

The Lion King (1994)

The best Shakespeare film ever made? The Disney Renaissance of the 1990s reached its zenith with this stunning adaptation of Hamlet, recasting the tragic Danish prince as a precocious lion cub who just can’t wait to be king. All the elements come together in one joyous package: songs (from Sir Elton, no less) that will rattle around your memory long after the end credits; a voice cast ( James Earl Jones ’s booming baritones, a highlight) that elevates the animals into something human; and animation as soaring as the savannah itself.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

When has a sequel ever bested its original? The Godfather Part II was one exception. Terminator 2: Judgment Day managed it. And Pixar, with only their third feature film, somehow crafted a Better Sequel to join that rare, anomalous Better Sequel Club. 1995’s Toy Story was hardly a low bar – far from it – but the sequel finds the superlative animation studio hitting their golden era stride, with a tale as heartwarming and heartbreaking as anything they’ve ever done. You’ve always got a friend in them.

The Wizard Of Oz (1939)

Not just one of the greatest kids' films of all time, but one of the greatest movies full stop, show your children this and you'll be ticking off two boxes in one. There are many important life lessons - about heart and smarts and the loyalty of little canines - in between all the glorious songs, kaleidoscopic sets and a lot of Munchkin mayhem. Although if your little'uns want to know why it's okay for Dorothy to kill so many people, you're on your own.

My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

"I think that when children become three or four years old, they just need to see Totoro ." So says Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki . And he should know, because few filmmakers have a more intuitive grasp of what fires a child's imagination. In this case, it's a bittersweet story of loneliness defeated by the power of friendship, with the help of a big grey furry spirit and a magical Catbus.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

It’s the story of a weird-looking alien with telekinetic powers and a penchant for Coors Lite who missed the last bus back to his home planet. It’s the story of a shy, lonely boy whose dysfunctional home life confronts the unknown. It’s a story of single parents and broken marriages, of suburban small-town America, of innocence lost and learnt again. It’s the quintessential Steven Spielberg film: joyously cinematic, entirely earnest, unapologetically optimistic, a starry-eyed 20th century fable. (It boasts the quintessential John Williams score, too, one that makes your heart swell and your goosebumps tremble.) It’s iconic. It’s timeless. It’s perfect, basically.

This list was compiled by Empire's editorial staff – trust us, we've watched a lot of movies.

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The 20 Best Movies for Kids on Netflix Right Now

This article is updated frequently as titles leave and enter Netflix. *New additions are indicated with an asterisk.

Netflix has massive catalogs of TV shows aimed at children, but it can be harder to sift through their movie library to find something that the whole family can watch. That’s why we’re here to help. From recent Netflix Originals like Apollo 10 1/2 to timeless family blockbusters like The Karate Kid or Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs , these films offer a little something for everybody on family movie night.

How We Pick Our Films

Critic Brian Tallerico watches and writes about movies and TV every day. To curate this list, he dives into Netflix’s catalogue every month to surface family-friendly titles both kids and adults can enjoy — using his taste and a lifetime of cinema study as his guide, instead of whatever the algorithm happens to be pushing. After triple-checking to make sure they’re still available, he watches each and writes his recommendation. We highlight more than just the crowdpleasers: Family movies may be intended for kids, but that doesn’t mean their artistry or ideas don’t have the potential to be just as interesting. Read on to find something to watch.

Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood

Year: 2022 Runtime: 1 hour, 38 minutes Director: Richard Linklater

The great writer/director of Waking Life returned to his unique animated style with this charming, nostalgic coming-of-age story set in the days just before the Apollo 11 landing. A clearly personal piece for Linklater, this film tells the fictional story of a fourth grader who ends up actually being the first person to land on the moon. Charming and sweet, it will appeal to every family member, from grandparents to kids.

The Boss Baby

Year: 2017 Runtime: 1h 37m Director: Tom McGrath

This goofy story of a talking, suit-wearing baby voiced by Alec Baldwin isn’t a modern animated masterpiece, but it is a thoroughly entertaining comedy for the whole family. It’s really a story of maintaining creativity and a good one for kids who may be struggling with a new sibling.

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

Year: 2017 Runtime: 1h 28m Director: David Soren

Fox adapted the hit book series by Dav Pilkey into a film that underperformed enough at the box office to make it unlikely that we’ll see another. That’s too bad because David Soren’s family flick is clever and funny. It’s a sweet study of friendship, creativity, and a different kind of heroism. And it features a villain named Professor Poopypants.

Year: 1995 Runtime: 1h 40m Director: Brad Silberling

More people probably know the theme song than the movie, but Casper is a fun little family comedy with a spooky twist based on the classic Harvey Comics ghost kid. In 1995, the CGI for this little friendly ghost felt pretty revolutionary too. It stars Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, Cathy Moriarty, and Bill Pullman, and reportedly had an uncredited rewrite by J.J. Abrams. Trivia!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

Year: 2013 Runtime: 1h 34m Director: Cody Cameron, Kris Pearn

A rare animated sequel that’s just about as funny as the first film, this sequel built on the visual wit and sharp characters from the 2009 movie. Bill Hader and Anna Faris lead a stellar voice cast as Flint Lockwood and Sam Sparks are forced to return to Swallow Falls to save the day. It’s inventive and very fun.

Enola Holmes

Year: 2020 Runtime: 2h 3m Director: Harry Bradbeer

Let’s make more of these. A truly charming adventure for the whole family, this Netflix original stars Millie Bobby Brown as the title character, the sister of the most famous crime-solver of all time, Sherlock Holmes. Based on the book series of the same name, there are certainly more mysteries that Enola can solve. Why don’t you watch this one so the numbers are high enough to make one?

Year: 1991 Runtime: 2h 21m Director: Steven Spielberg

Peter Pan & Wendy hasn’t made much of an impact over on Disney+, so why not go back to the Peter Pan tale that so many loved as children? Steven Spielberg’s Robin Williams-starring variation on the J.M. Barrie classic is often derided as one of the master’s lesser films, but it also has a loyal fan base, largely made up of people who were just the right age when it came out. Now they’re old enough to show it to their kids. Pass on the wonder.

The Karate Kid

Year: 1984 Runtime: 2h 7m Director: John G. Avildsen

After the massive success of Cobra Kai on Netflix, the streamer finally now also offers fans the original trilogy of films about the kid who learns karate from Mr. Miyagi. The 1984 original is still, by far, the best, starring Ralph Macchio and the great Pat Morita. Less successful are the 1986 and 1989 sequels, but no one would blame fans for wanting to watch the whole trilogy. Note: The Jackie Chan remake is also on Netflix.

Kung Fu Panda 2

Year: 2011 Runtime: 1h 32m Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson

It’s kind of hard to believe how gigantic the franchise about the martial arts panda was in the 2010s. Jack Black voices Po, who returns with his allies in this smash hit sequel to stop the evil peacock Lord Shen from taking over the entire country of China. Kung Fu Panda 2 made over $650 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. See for yourself why everybody loved Po. (Note: The third film is also on Netflix.)

Year: 2015 Runtime: 1h 30m Director: Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin

When the little yellow idiots stole Despicable Me , also on Netflix, it only seemed to be a matter of time before they got their own movie, which was such a hit that it’s already produced a sequel, also on Netflix. Put on your best yellow suit, practice your impression, and sit down for an origin story about the little dudes who stole so many scenes that they got their own franchise (most of which is on Netflix).

The Mitchells vs. the Machines

Year: 2021 Runtime: 1h 54m Directors: Mike Rianda and Jeff Rowe

Originally planned for a theatrical release by Sony (with the much-worse title Connected ), the studio sold this off to Netflix during the pandemic…and probably regretted that decision. One of the most critically and commercially beloved animated films of 2021, this is an incredibly smart and sweet family vacation movie, a comedy that’s as much about a tender relationship between a father and daughter as it is the fact that they end up having to save the world together.

A Monster Calls

Year: 2016 Runtime: 1h 48m Director: J.A. Bayona

Patrick Ness adapted his novel of the same name in this moving study of a grief so strong that it basically transforms into a literal monster. Lewis MacDougall plays Conor, a child whose mother (Felicity Jones) is dying. As he tries to flee the grief in his home, he runs into a giant tree monster (voiced by Liam Neeson), who offers to tell Conor three stories. Of course, the stories are designed to teach the young man to deal with the grief over his mother in a film that may scare some of the littlest ones in the family.

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Year: 2022 Runtime: 1h 56m Director: Guillermo del Toro

The Oscar-winning director took his visionary skills to stop-motion animation with this instant classic, a retelling of the beloved fairy tale about the wooden boy who longed to be real. With spectacular voice work, this version reimagines Pinocchio during the period before World War II, allowing him to explore his themes of innocence and violence again. It’s a deeply personal, beautiful film.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Year: 2023 Runtime: 1h 42m Director: Joel Crawford

No one would have predicted that the presumed-dead Shrek franchise had another spin-off sequel of this caliber yet to be released, but December 2022 saw the critical and commercial success of arguably the best film in the entire series. Using a style more reminiscent of Into the Spider-Verse than typical DreamWorks, The Last Wish is a gorgeous and surprisingly moving story of the title character dealing with something he never expected to face: mortality. It’s funny, clever, and memorable. ( On Netflix July 13th. )

The Sea Beast

Year: 2022 Runtime: 1h 55m Director: Chris Williams

One of 2022’s most surprising hits for Netflix has been this film from one of the creators of Bolt and Big Hero 6 . It’s a blend of a lot of things that have been done before with echoes of How to Train Your Dragon, Moana, and Pirates of the Caribbean (with a little Kaiju too) but this is a detailed adventure film that really plays to everyone in the family.

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon

Year: 2019  Runtime: 1h 27m Directors: Richard Phelan and Will Becher

Shaun the Sheep is an international treasure. The silent comedy star leads one of the most consistently hilarious franchises of all time in his own TV episodes and feature films. This one is a brilliant Netflix original from Aardman Animations about how everyone’s favorite ovine helps a stranded alien return to his own kind.

Year: 2021 Runtime: 1h 50m Director: Garth Jennings

Everyone seems to love the jukebox animated musicals with the Sing banner. Five years after the first movie, the sequel shattered box office expectations, even during a pandemic, making over $400 million worldwide. One of the highest grossing films of 2021 reunited all of the characters from Sing to put on a show in Redshore City — and added Bono!

Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Year: 2005 Runtime: 1h 24m Director: Steve Box, Nick Park

The winner for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature was, sadly, the last theatrical outing for the wonderful characters that put Aardman on the map. The cheese-loving farmer Wallace and his loyal mutt Gromit star in a film inspired by Hammer Horror flicks. The pair are reportedly returning in an in-production film next year. It’s long overdue.

Wendell & Wild

Year: 2022 Runtime: 1h 46m Director: Henry Selick

The director of A Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline finally returned this year with this clever and twisted tale co-written by Oscar winner Jordan Peele. The comedian also co-stars as one of the title characters, the literal demons for a girl who blames herself for the death of her parents. Selick is a master of stop-motion animation and this project allows him to stretch his visual prowess in new, gross ways. It’s a new Halloween classic (that can be watched any time, of course!)

The Willoughbys

Year: 2020 Runtime: 1h 32m Director: Kris Pearn

Remember when Tim Burton made weird, slightly disturbing kids movies? This truly inventive 2020 comedy feels inspired by those flicks as four kids decide that they’re going to replace their apathetic parents with ones that actually care. Based on the book of the same name by Lois Lowry, this flick includes voice work by Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Terry Crews, and Ricky Gervais, and it’s probably the best family movie on Netflix that you probably haven’t seen.

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The Best Kids Movies on Disney Plus (November 2023)

From superheroes to Star Wars, Disney+ has movies for all ages

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The number of Disney Plus movies for kids available to watch on the popular streaming service seems to grow daily, with new animated and live-action features added regularly. Because of this ever-growing library, deciding what Disney kids movies to watch can be time-consuming.

It doesn't have to be, though. Here are some of the best kids movies on Disney Plus that are super entertaining and family-friendly.

Cruella (2021): A Classic Disney Villain Gets an Origin Story

IMDB Rating : 7.4/10

Genre : Comedy, Crime

Starring : Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Mark Strong

Director : Craig Gillespie

Rating : PG-13

Runtime : 2 hours, 14 minutes

Disney successfully crafted an origin story for its evil fairy Maleficent. It's doing the same for another classic villain, Cruella de Vil. As a teenager, Estella (Emma Stone) dreams of becoming a fashion designer while living as a London orphan on the streets. One day, she's given a chance to create a signature piece for a rockstar, but she also has the scheming Baroness (Emma Thompson) to deal with. Maleficent's backstory managed to spawn two successful movies. Could Cruella be Disney's next hit?

Jungle Cruise (2021): Disney's Latest Theme Park Ride Turned Feature Film

IMDB Rating : 6.8/10

Genre : Action, Adventure

Starring : Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt

Director : Jaume Collet-Serra

Runtime : 2 hours, 17 minutes

Disney successfully spawned a film franchise based on the Pirates of the Caribbean theme park ride. Can they do the same with Jungle Cruise ? The film stars Dwayne Johnson as a boat captain who agrees to ferry a researcher (Emily Blunt) down the Amazon River in search of an ancient tree with fabled healing powers. Like the Pirates films, it injects a supernatural element into the narrative and offers plenty of big-budget action.

Disney Plus

IMDB Rating : 7/10

Genre : Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Starring : Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi

Director : Peter Sohn

Rating : PG

Runtime : 1 hour, 46 minutes

Set in Element City, we meet Ember (a fire element) and Wade (a water element) and watch as their relationship sparks and fizzles.

This is a pretty standard Pixar movie, and while some may ho-hum it, kids will love the colors and the ways the elements look, move about, and interact. There are a few tense moments, but no kids should be too frightened. This is a love story; even some jaded parents might see how opposites can be a perfect fit.

Frozen (2013): Most Empowering Kids Movie on Disney Plus

Starring : Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad

Directors : Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Runtime : 1 hour, 42 minutes

Frozen was a mega-hit for Disney due to its ground-breaking digital animation, chart-topping songs, and strong messaging. Adult viewers may laugh at some noticeable plot holes and corny character moments. However, the powerful theme of sisterly love and wintery visuals will keep everyone entertained.

If you've already seen the original, Frozen 2 is also available on Disney Plus. The sequel successfully adds depth to the original characters while achieving phenomenal world-building in the process. What sets it apart from the original and other kid's movies on Disney Plus, for that matter, are its scenes that show how to navigate stressful, even traumatic, situations even when all hope is lost. This movie is a sequel that easily surpasses its predecessor and boasts a maturity that’s equally surprising and welcome.

Lightyear (2022): To Infinity and Beyond, Again

IMDB Rating : 5.8/10

Genre : Animation, Action, Adventure

Starring : Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn

Director : Angus MacLane

Running Time : 1 hour, 40 minutes

This Toy Story spin-off follows the adventures of the real Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans), the fictional character who inspired the beloved action figure from that franchise. With the help of his cat Sox (Peter Sohn), Buzz must rescue a crew stranded on a strange planet ruled by hostile robots.

Lightyear might have bombed at the box office, but those who saw it gave the movie great reviews. Now you can stream it alongside the original Toy Story on Disney Plus .

Muppets Most Wanted (2014): A European Vacation Gone Wrong

IMDB Rating : 6.4/10

Genre : Adventure, Comedy, Musical

Starring : Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey

Director : James Bobin

Runtime : 1 hour, 47 minutes

When Kermit the Frog is framed for a jewel heist, the Muppets must solve the case and clear his name. Of course, they have to sing a few musical numbers along the way.

Disney Plus has most of the other Muppet theatrical films and specials, but this most recent one is a great place to start.

Luca (2021): Best Film About Sea Monsters on an Adventure

IMDB Rating : 7.5/10

Genre : Animated, Adventure, Comedy

Starring : Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Maya Rudolph 

Director : Enrico Casarosa

Runtime : 1 hour, 41 minutes

Luca is a whimsical tale about a pair of sea monsters in human form having an adventure on the Italian Riviera. It's the second recent Pixar film to debut on Disney+ instead of in theaters. The first was the Oscar-winning Soul , a beautiful movie about finding your purpose in life that's also worth checking out.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) — A Novel Spin on Marvel's Mascot

Genre : Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Starring : Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr.

Director : Jon Watts

Runtime : 2 hours, 13 minutes

Peter Parker (Tom Holland) gets entangled in the web of the Avengers when Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) recruits the low-key superhero. After Iron Man decides his protege isn't ready to hang with the rest of the team, Spider-Man sets out to prove him wrong.

Most of the Spider-Man movies are now on Disney Plus, and you can also catch more of Tom Holland as Peter Parker in Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War .

Zootopia (2016): Best Disney Plus Kids Movie About Prejudice

IMDB Rating : 8.0/10

Starring : Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba

Directors : Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush

Runtime : 1 hour, 48 minutes

Zootopia , named Zootropolis in several regions, is a profound Disney kids movie that explores racism through the lens of a world of animals where humans never existed. To the film’s credit, Zootopia doesn’t speak down to viewers nor oversimplify the discussion and impressively manages to cover the various nuances surrounding race rather well, all within a beautifully animated, thoroughly entertaining, and age-appropriate package.

Ginnifer Goodwin from Once Upon A Time , also on Disney Plus, and Jason Bateman voice the two leads and are backed up by an impressive supporting cast of actors ranging from talents such as Idris Elba and Bonnie Hunt to Octavia Spencer, Alan Tudyk, and Shakira.

Rio 2 (2014): A Sequel For the Birds

IMDB Rating : 6.3/10

Starring : Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Jemaine Clement

Director : Carlos Saldanha

When Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and Jewel (Anne Hathaway) learn that there may be more blue macaws left in the wild, they pluck their three kids from the safety of the city and all take a plunge into the unknown Amazon. They quickly learn that they are not alone, and the rainforest can be a lot rougher than the streets of Rio de Janeiro.

Turning Red (2022): Cutest Coming-of-Age Pixar Movie

IMDB Rating : 7.1/10

Starring : Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse

Directors : Domee Shi

Runtime : 1 hour, 40 minutes

Your teenage years can be tough, especially if you happen to turn into a red panda every time you get emotional. That's what happens to Mei Lee (Rosalie Chiang), who learns that a family curse haunts her.

Turing Red stands out for its focus on Chinese culture, but the story is relatable to everyone, including kids and adults.

Lego Star Wars Summer Vacation (2022): The Empire Strikes Back at the Beach

IMDB Rating : 5.6

Genre : Animation, Action, Short

Starring : Yvette Nicole Brown, Anthony Daniels, Jake Green

Directors : Ken Cunningham

Runtime : 45 minutes

After defeating Emperor Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker , Rey (Helen Sadler) and her friends are ready for a well-deserved beach trip. However, the Dark Side doesn't take summer vacations, so it's only time before she has to break out her lightsaber again.

This is a must-watch if you enjoyed the other Lego Star Wars specials on Disney Plus. Make sure you have Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales and The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special on your watchlist for later this year.

The Slumber Party (2023): A Kid-Friendly Movie About Partying the Night Away

Genre : Comedy, Family

Starring : Darby Camp, Tituss Burgess, Paula Pell

Director : Veronica Rodriguez

Runtime : 1 hour, 22 minutes

Ever had so much fun you can't remember what happened the night before? A birthday sleepover gets out of hand when best friends Megan (Darby Camp) and Paige (Emmy Liu-Wang) encounter a hypnotist who erases fear from their hearts.

Described by critics as a kid-friendly version of The Hangover , The Slumber Party is also a lot of fun for adults who are nostalgic for early-2000s Disney Channel.

Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022): Most Creative Chipmunk Comeback Story

Starring : Will Arnett, J.K. Simmons, Seth Rogen

Directors : Akiva Schaffer

Runtime : 1 hour, 37 minutes

Don't like it when your favorite hand-drawn cartoons get remade as computer-generated models? Neither does Chip, but Dale has fully embraced the third dimension, going as far as getting the controversial “CGI surgery.”

Despite their differences, the Rescue Rangers must reunite to save an old friend in this self-aware reboot. Even if you're not familiar with the duo, you'll get a laugh out of their nutty antics.

Strange World (2022): Best LGBTQ+ Representation in a Disney Movie

IMDB Rating : 5.7/10

Starring : Jake Gyllenhaal, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union

Directors : Don Hall, Qui Nguyen

Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid) comes from a long line of explorers, so he's disappointed when his son Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal) decides to settle down. Years later, the father and son duo unwittingly reunite, and grandson Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White) decides to follow in his grandad's footsteps.

Notable for being the first Disney animated film with a gay main character, Strange World has a positive message about being yourself and the importance of family.

Trevor The Musical (2022): A Coming Out Story for All Ages

IMDB Rating : 4.9/10

Genre : Musical, Family

Starring : Holden Hagelberger, Aryan Simhadri, Ava Briglia

Director : Robin Abrams, Marc Bruni

Runtime : 1 hour, 53 minutes

A teenage boy obsessed with Diana Ross is ostracised at school once it's revealed that he has a crush on a male classmate. It's up to the adults in his life to step up and defend Trevor against bullies.

Trevor The Musical is based on the 1994 Academy Award-winning short film Trevor . In addition to a musical, the original movie inspired the Trevor Project, a crisis hotline for LGBT+ youth that still exists today.

Peter Pan & Wendy (2023): A Reimaging of a Retelling of a Childhood Classic

Amazon Prime Video

IMDB Rating : 3.3/10

Genre : Action, Adventure, Comedy

Starring : Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Jude Law

Director : David Lowery

Young Wendy (Ever Anderson) joins Peter Pan (Alexander Molony) and his fairy friend Tinker Bell (Yara Shahidi) for a journey through Neverland. In this world, kids never grow up and have no worries, save for the ferocious pirate Captain Hook (Jude Law). 

Given the insane number of Peter Pan adaptations over the years, it's unlikely that anyone in your home isn't familiar with the story, but it's nice to get a new big-budget retelling of a classic tale. You can also watch the original animated Peter Pan on Disney Plus .

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021): A Sassy Girl and Her Sassier Dragon BFF

Genre : Animation, Adventure

Starring : Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan

Directors : Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada 

Runtime : 1 hour, 54 minutes

Raya and the Last Dragon is a fantasy story about a mythical world called Kumandra, where humans and dragons once lived in harmony. But, 500 years later, monsters are threatening the land, so Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) must find the last dragon Sisu (Awkwafina), and convince her to use her magic to save the world. The studio responsible for Moana and Frozen made this latest Disney offering.

Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary Singalong (2023): Learn to Love Learning

IMDB Rating : 4.6/10

Genre : Musical, Comedy, Family

Starring : Julianne Hough, Kal Penn, Jason Biggs

Directors : R.J. Durell, Nick Florez, Lauren Quinn

Runtime : 40 minutes

Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary Singalong introduces a new generation to childhood hits like “Conjunction Junction” and “I'm Just a Bill." The special is hosted by Ryan Seacrest and features renditions of classic Schoolhouse Rock songs performed by popular figures like Black Eyed Peas, Raven-Symoné, and The Muppets, as well as cast members from the Broadway versions of Aladdin and The Lion King .

Pinocchio (2022): What You Get When You Wish Upon a Star

IMDB Rating : 5.1/10

Genre : Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Starring : Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hanks, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth

Director : Robert Zemeckis

Runtime : 1 hour, 45 minutes

A puppeteer named Gepetto (Tom Hanks) longs for a son, so he's ecstatic when his puppet Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) comes to life. However, if he wants to be a real boy, Pinocchio must heed the advice of the wise Jiminy Cricket (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).

This reimagined fairy tale stands tall alongside the other live-action Disney remakes. Of course, if you prefer, you can always watch the original Pinocchio on Disney Plus .

The Peanuts Movie (2015): A Family Movie for All Generations

IMDB Rating : 7.0/10

Starring : Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez, Hadley Belle Miller

Director : Steve Martino

Runtime : 1 hour, 28 minutes

Few things in life are more wholesome than Snoopy and Charlie Brown. While the former faces off against his foe, the Red Baron, the latter has his eyes set on a red-haired girl who just moved in down the street.

This big-screen adaptation of the famous comic strip looks modern enough for kids to enjoy, but it maintains the style and charm of the original cartoons. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, nothing brings families together like Peanuts.

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The 50 greatest animated movies to watch as a family

The best animated movies for kids will keep the whole family entertained—these movies are great for adults and children!

The phrase ‘best animated movies for kids’ might seem redundant, but anyone who’s truly dug into the animation artform knows that not everything illustrated is appropriate for children. And as every parent knows, even the movies that are good for kids to watch may be tortuous for adults to sit through. Not these movies, though. Here, we’ve rounded up 50 animated movies guaranteed to please just about every age group. You’ll find iconic Disney flicks, modern classics from Pixar and beyond, and zany comedies that’ll make everyone on the couch chuckle. Stream one of these on family movie night, and the whole house is in for an entertaining, eye-popping night.

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✍ The 100 best animated movies of all-time 👶 The best movies for toddlers 🐭 The 50 best Disney movies for family night

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Best animated kids movies

1.  Inside Out (2015)

This family flick is one of Pixar’s most creative storylines—prepare for a roller coaster of emotions! The key characters of this sweet movie are actually a little girl’s feelings—Disgust, Joy and Sadness, to name a few—and accompany her on an unexpected move from the Midwest to the West Coast. Clever, charming and gut-busting funny, this is a movie the whole crew will love! Stream on Disney+ .  Rated PG

2.  The Mitchells Vs. the Machines (2021)

A visual stunner from the team behind Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse , The Mitchells takes its cues from the classic road-trip films of yesteryear. Parents trying to connect with their uninterested kids? Check. Pit stops at roadside attractions? Yup. A quest to free all of humanity from a machine apocalypse launched by a sentient iPhone and an army or robots? Okay, the Griswolds never dealt with that . But still, despite its kinetic action, this is very much a tender family film at its heart, one whose jokes hit with precision that speaks to parents and kids alike.  Rated PG .

3.  Ratatouille (2007)

The rat can cook! This sweetly ridiculous movie about a naive, ambitious rodent named Remy (charmingly voiced by Patton Oswalt), who longs to become a great chef is witty, clever, gently moral and dramatically convincing. Who doesn't love Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano), a hopeless human moppet controlled by the supremely talented Remy? Will they win over the Snow White-style villain, a power-crazed food critic named Anton Ego (Peter O'Toole)? We won't spoil the fun for the three of you out there who don't yet know the ending! Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

4.  The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Don’t let the title scare you off from showing this Tim Burton classic to the wee ones. Sure, the stop-motion animation is a little oogie-boogie, but the story is far too sweet to cause many actual nightmares. Jack Skellington is the spindly Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, but he’s grown weary of frights. When he discovers the joy of another holiday called Christmas, it invigorates his passion for giving. But when you’ve spent your whole life scaring humans, making the transition to mirth and merriment isn’t smooth. Stream it on Disney+. Rated PG

5.  The Boss Baby (2017)

Don't worry about the strange setup–that all babies are sorted into two categories, and the ones who don't become part of a family are trained as managers in Babycorp–because your kid will love it when the gravel-voiced Boss Baby (Alec Baldwin) goes undercover with the Templeton family. For some reason, the schtick of baby sounding like a cynical middle-aged manager doesn't get old. This is a film that's snarky, and funny, and deeply silly. Stream on Amazon Prime .  Rated PG

6.  Despicable Me (2010)

Gru is awfully busy trying to steal the moon. However, his evil plan is uprooted when he becomes responsible for three orphan sisters. The wicked scientist doesn't seem to mind his new role as a father, but how will this affect his evil, other-worldly ordeals? Stream on Netflix .  Rated PG

7.  Up (2009)

This Pixar classic, quite literally, takes the fun to new heights when balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen has his way. The grouchy senior ties a bunch of balloons to his home and lifts off to South America, something he's been dying to do for ages. All is fine and dandy...until Carl realizes he has company in the form of an overly enthusiastic Boy Scout. Stream on  Disney+ .  Rated PG  

8.  Onward (2020)

This Pixar feature is set in a fairy tale land that’s losing its magic—the elves who live there would rather use their phones and other devices than spells. But then young Ian Lightfoot (voiced by Tom Holland) brings his dead father back to life. Or, rather, just his legs. He sets off with his brother Barley (Chris Pratt) to complete the spell so he can see his father one last time—and maybe bring magic back to the elves. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated PG

9.  Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

This lovely tale of a young witch coming of age in a new town is the perfect entrypoint to Japan’s magnificent Studio Ghibli, a film of breathtaking artistry and huge heart. There’s really no conflict here. Just the story of a young girl making friends, hanging out with her wisecracking cat and learning to be independent. That’s not to say there’s no excitement – the climax featuring an imperiled dirigible is a white-knuckle bit of braveau animation – but really, just watching the hero cruise the friendly skies on her broom is enough to keep even the most cynical viewer smiling.  Rated G . 

10.  The Lion King (1994)

Equal parts endearing and heartbreaking, the Disney classic rotates around young lion Simba, who must rise to power after the loss of his father, Mufasa. You would think the family would be supportive, but one evil uncle has it in for the cub. Hang in there, Simba! Remember: Hakuna matata! (Don't forget to check out the 2019 live-action reboot!) Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

11.  Frozen (2013)

Is there a sister duo out there more popular than Anna and Elsa? The two rose to Disney fame in 2013 when Elsa's powers froze the entire kingdom. Anna sets out on an adventure to put a stop to the never-ending winter and free her big sis from seclusion. We're willing to be you've heard the flick's popular tune, "Let It Go," a few million times, right? Stream on  Disney+ . Rated PG

12.  The Little Mermaid (1989)

Ariel has had enough of her mermaid tail, and the youngster yearns to see what life is like on land. The singing sensation of the sea gets a taste of this fantasy, courtesy of the wicked octopus, Ursula. However, the sea witch has a plan. If the hunky prince Ariel sets her sights on fails to kiss her within three days, Ariel will lose everything. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

13.  The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

If you think your four-legged friend waits patiently by the door for your arrival then you haven't met Max, the mischievous dog who thinks he's the king of the house. Max is thrown for a loop when his owner brings home another pup, Duke. The two end up on the streets of NYC—will they make it home? A few of Max's friends join forces to help see them back to safety.  Stream on Amazon Prime .  Rated PG

14.  WALL-E (2008)

A bold, beautiful and (let's be honest) somewhat bleak film transforms a dystopian future into something delightful and laugh-out-loud funny. The year is 2700, and a robot named WALL-E that has a cube for a belly and binoculars for eyes is left to clean up the Earth. The only humans left live a sterile, bloated life in a cruise ship-like spaceship—it's robots like WALL-E, the lovely and graceful EVE and even the sinister autopilot named (what else?) Auto who have the vivid personalities. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

15.  The Willoughbys (2020)

Abandoned by their heartless parents, Jane Willoughby (voiced by Alessia Cara) and her twin brothers (Séan Cullen and Séan Cullen) try to please their sour nanny (Maya Rudolph) and become perfect children. Based on the bestselling book by Lois Lowry, this animated film also features the voices of Ricky Gervais and Terry Crews. Stream on Netflix .  Rated PG

16.  Shrek (2001)

Shrek is an ogre who appreciates his seclusion from society, so you can imagine his discontent when a bunch of fairytale creatures invade his swamp, and in turn cramp his style. They've all been banished from Lord Farquaad's kingdom, so Shrek makes a deal with the pint-sized authoritarian to get his land back. All he has to do is retrieve the beautiful Princess Fiona—who's been locked away in a castle—so Lord Farquaad can make her his bride. It seems simple, right? Matters become complicated when Shrek grows close to Fiona on their journey—and when Fiona reveals a deep-rooted secret. Stream on Amazon Prime .  Rated PG

17.  Coco (2017)

Ernesto de la Cruz—a fictional Sinatra, if you will—is Miguel's idol. All the youngster longs for is to belt out beautiful ballads like his favorite singer. However, music is strongly prohibited in his family, for reasons unknown. With a trip to the Land of the Dead, Miguel starts to make sense of his family's ways. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated PG

18.  Moana (2016)

Putting an empowering twist on the typical Disney princess tale, this top-shelf adventure follows Moana, the young daughter of a Polynesian tribal chief, who sails away from her island to face unknown dangers in order to save her home from a terrible curse. She’s assisted by a hulking goof of a demigod known as Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson in what is – no joke – the highlight performance of his prolific career. Stream on Disney+. Rated PG  

19.  Happy Feet (2006)

Mumble isn't as musically inclined as his fellow penguins. Considering a heart song is what it takes to attract a mate, this little bird is in need of a back-up plan. Good thing he's one heck of a tap dancer! Stream on Netflix .  Rated PG

20.  The Incredibles (2004)

This super-hero family finds it hard to assume a "normal" life without fighting crime. Since saving the world has been banned, they have no choice but to put their vigilante pursuits on hold. However, things change when Mr. Incredible must battle a robot on an island...and rely on his family for help when the mission goes awry! Stream on Disney+ .  Rated PG

21.  Incredibles 2 (2018)

Taking a page from Wonder Woman's book,  The Incredibles 2  starts off with Elastigirl fighting crime while her hubby, Mr. Incredible, is home with the kiddos. It's not ideal, but it'll do. But when the crew needs to take down another nefarious plan, they'll just have to make it work. Stream on Netflix .  Rated PG

22.  Minions (2015)

From sidekicks to superstars, the Minions busted out of the   Despicable Me   franchise and have gone rogue in this slice of slapstick silliness. Little, yellow and essentially useless, can they carry an entire film? The answer is yes. The Minions indulge their weirdest, most randomly hilarious instincts. Set in the summer of 1968, the film follows three Minions as they search for a new evil master to serve. They fix upon supervillain Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock)—the action sequences are wild, the jokes dumb-but-smart, and the sense of anything-goes is glorious.  Stream on Amazon Prime .  Rated PG

23.  Finding Nemo (2003)

• Action and adventure

A clownfish named Marlin is likeable and relatable, a sea critter who is uber-protective of his Nemo, his young son. No surprise there! Also unsurprising? Nemo’s defiance. When the little guy goes missing in the deep blue sea—and encounters one large great white along the way—it’s up to Marlin to bring his fella to safety. Kiddos, we hate to tell you, but Mom and Dad know best! Let Nemo’s experience be a lesson to you! Stream on Disney+ .   Rated PG

24.  The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)

• 4 out of 5 stars

The breakout star of 2014’s The LEGO Movie now gets his own action-packed, completely batty superhero spinoff, The LEGO Batman Movie. The first LEGO film was a real surprise: What could have been a lazy cash-in turned out to be sweet, funny and fiendishly original in the way it acknowledged and celebrated its own artificiality. And one of the film’s highlights was its take on Batman: a self-involved millionaire playboy who dresses in black body armor to fight crime and chase chicks. The inept egomaniac is at the center of this ferociously paced, wildly silly pastiche of the comic-book blockbusters that dominate today. Stream on Hulu .  Rated PG

25.  It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

A Halloween celebration for the books, the Peanuts' festive '60s flick celebrates the best of the season as Linus waits patiently for a visit from the Great Pumpkin. Stream on Amazon .  Not Rated 

26.  Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Lewis Carroll created quite a whacky world in his beloved novel, and that quirkiness comes to life in Disney's animated take on  Alice Wonderland . The young girl is in for an adventure when she falls down the rabbit hole, but the fun and games come to an end when she encounters the Queen of Hearts! Streaming on Disney +.  Rated G

27.  Zootopia (2016)

Cute cottontail Judy Hopps joins the police force in the city of Zootopia, which is inhabitated by any and every creature you could possibly imagine. She's determined to fit in and takes on a big mystery case, but the shrewd fox, Nick Wilde, gives Judy a run for her money. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated PG

28.  Toy Story (1995)

Woody, a cowboy, is Andy's pride and joy...until the young boy is gifted with a new action figure, Buzz Lightyear. When these toys come to life, they go head-to-head to compete for the number one spot. Things go awry when Andy's family moves and the two toys must escape from the horrible neighbor, Sid Phillips. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

29.  Coraline (2009)

Based on Neil Gaiman's famous story, Coraline tells the story of a little girl who finds an alternate (and arguably better) universe behind a secret door. But what happens when no one has the intention of keeping Coraline in the real world? Stream on Apple TV .  Rated PG

30.  Cars (2006)

Lightning McQueen, a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. On route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town's offbeat characters--including Sally, a snazzy 2002 Porsche, Doc Hudson, a 1951 Hudson Hornet with a mysterious past, and Mater, a rusty but trusty tow truck, who help him realize that there are more important things than trophies, fame and sponsorship.  Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

31.  How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

Hiccup is a young Viking who thinks he wants to hunt dragons...until he encounters one himself. Could it be that the mysterious creatures got a bad rap? Stream on Amazon Prime .  Rated PG

32.  The LEGO Movie (2014)

Yikes! Poor Emmet was simply minding his business when he was mistaken for the Special, who has the power to save the world from evil. Will this calm, cool and collected LEGO be able to fulfill the task when an evil mastermind cooks up a wicked scheme? Stream on Hulu .  Rated PG

33.  Beauty and the Beast (1991)

When a prince is a bit too cavalier for his own good, he's transformed into a frightening beast. The only way to undo this curse is to find true love, a feat that doesn't seem terribly easy until he comes across a clockmaker's daughter, Belle. It'll take some assistance, but perhaps the beast will be able to show a softer side. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

34.  The Lady and the Tramp (1955)

Oh, how we adore the iconic puppy-spaghetti-slurping duo in Disney's canine romance. The two dogs are from seemingly different worlds, but will true love bring them together—before Lady's household turmoil tears them apart? Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

35.  Monsters, Inc. (2001)

This Disney Pixar film is a new classic that tells the story of monsters Sully (John Goodman) and Mike (Billy Crystal), who work together at Monsters, Inc., a power company fueled by the screams of human children collected by monsters who go into the human world to scare them. When a haunting fail brings a small child into their world, they must work together to make things hilariously right. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

36.  Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Po is more like a sloth than a panda, yet the lazy and gawkish bear longs to become a kung fu champ. He'll have to make his dreams a reality when the evil-minded snow leopard Tai Lung threatens his village. Stream on Amazon Prime .  Rated PG

37.  Frozen II (2019)

This long-anticipated sequel feels entirely fresh. The world it creates is charming, the wit sparkles, and—one brief burst of “Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People” aside—the songs are all new. So let go of “Let It Go” and clear some room for a new batch of earworms. As you’d expect, Frozen II’s story again focuses on Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel), but her exuberant sister, Anna (Kristen Bell), is very much a co-conspirator this time, having When Harry Met Sally-ish tiffs with the lovestruck Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), and helping guide the scene-stealing Olaf (Josh Gad) through a very funny coming-of-neige plotline. The hilarious “When I Am Older” and some philosophical musings on the nature of existence are an absolute delight. Stream on Disney+ .   Rated PG

38.  Cars 2 (2011)

This globehopping adventure has plenty of glittery visual allure—dig that trippy Tokyo skyline! The sequel is a spy film, and the focus shifts from the first installment's burnished, smooth-talking race-car protagonist, Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), to rusty, drawling tow-truck sidekick Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), who's unwittingly drafted into an undercover operation run by a secret-agent sedan Finn McMissile (Michael Caine). It seems someone is planning to put a wrench in the works of the World Grand Prix, a three-part race—all the cars, McQueen among them, are supposed to use Axlerod's new clean-fuel compound, Allinol, though it has, shall we say, an explosively fatal flaw. Car jinks ensue! Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

39.  Mulan (1998)

Mulan doesn't let anything stand in her way. She's fearful that her ailing father will be forced to serve in the military. That's when she gets the idea to go undercover as a man—a highly forbidden act. In true Disney fashion, there's also some romance along the way.  Stream on Disney + .  Rated G

40.  The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

This adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel Notre Dame de Paris stars Quasimodo (voiced by Tom Hulce), a grotesquely deformed but kind-hearted young man who was abandoned by his parents and rescued by the priests of Notre Dame, the massive cathedral in the heart of Paris, and he lives there, earning his keep as a bell ringer. Quasimodo has become the ward of Judge Frollo (voiced by Tony Jay), an outwardly pious but deeply hateful man. Frollo hopes to clear the Gypsies out of Paris with the help of Phoebus (voiced by Kevin Kline), leader of the troops under Frollo's command. However, Phoebus harbors no ill will against the Gypsies—in particular Esmerelda (voiced by Demi Moore), a hot-blooded but compassionate gypsy beauty. Will love triumph?  Stream on Disney + .  Rated G

41.  Finding Dory (2016)

This moving sequel to 2003’s Finding Nemo follows the adventures of Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), an adorably ditzy amnesiac blue tang fish, as she seeks the Californian family she suddenly remembers losing. Dory rediscovers her childhood home in a corner of the California Marine Life Institute, a place for ichthyological study, presided over by the disembodied, omniscient voice of Sigourney Weaver, playing herself—she brings a wonderfully surreal note to the film that will sail over the heads of younger viewers but that you will love. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated PG

42.  Tangled (2010)

Princess Rapunzel is kidnapped from her crib by a woman intent on staying forever young with the help of the princess’ magical long locks. Rapunzel grows up within the confines of her tower, always wishing she could explore the world and the lanterns that float outside her window. When her endless stream of creative activities no longer satisfies her, she ventures out with a tower thief and begins a journey to discover that the danger never lurked beyond the walls of her tower, but rather within them. Stream on Disney + .  Rated PG

43.  Brave (2012)

Princess Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) is all hair: Her long, flowing crimson locks steal the show. She's also plucky, rebellious and not down with the traditions sanctioned by her mother, Queen Elinor (voiced by Emma Thompson), that go with the regal lifestyle. Her Royal Highness isn't impressed by the princess’s radical notions. (Marry for love instead of having your hand won by a suitor?!? Ridiculous!) So is it any shock that when Merida finds herself in the presence of a wood-carving enchantress, she wishes the Queen into a, shall we say, bear of a predicament? The slapstick that follows takes us through stunningly detailed Scottish locations. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated PG

44.  Peter Pan (1953)

Never-ending adolescence seems like a dream come true for Wendy and her two brothers. They're immediately intrigued when the magical Peter Pan and Tinkerbell fly into their home, discussing the forever youth they achieved in Neverland. Naturally, it's only right for Wendy and co to take a peek at what all the hype is about. When they do, things take a turn, largely thanks to Captain Hook.  Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

45.  Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

There's an arcade game character, Ralph, who's grown tired of his bad-guy persona. He embarks on a quest to prove that he can be nice, but trouble follows. Stream on Netflix .  Rated PG

46.  The Little Prince (2016)

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's beloved story gets an animated spin in this 2016 release. Journey alongside an aviator who shows a girl a whole new world where she has a chance to relive her childhood and learn what really matters in life. Stream on Netflix .  Rated PG

47.  Dumbo (1941)

Dumbo's certainly the most eccentric part of the circus. The poor elephant with gigantic ears is the target of much ridicule, which makes things even more grueling during the circus. However, the joke's on everyone else when Dumbo learns his ears allow him to fly! Expect to shed a few tears with this one. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

48.  Fantasia (1940)

This classic cartoon is one of the most iconic films in the Disney repertoire. With dream-like visuals, a gorgeous classical score and Mickey at the center of it all, the 40's flick will easily captivate viewers into its surreal world. Note that some visuals might be better suited for the older tots in your crew.   Stream on Disney+ . Rated G 

49.  The Polar Express (2004)

Chris Van Allsburg's picture book gets the animated treatment in a lovable holiday film that's destined to become a classic. When a young boy expresses doubts about those Christmas traditions, a train ride to the North Pole changes his opinions. Stream on Netflix .  Rated G

50.  Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1938)

Walt Disney had already made a name for himself, having worked on a number of animated shorts (he actually had high hopes for a rodent character he'd just created, Mickey something or other), but in early 1934 he felt it was time to move into the big leagues. Disney announced that he and his team would be starting on their first feature-length film: an adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale about a princess and her septet of pint-size friends. The rest, as they say, is history. When you watch this extraordinary effort today, you can see the company's decades-old recipe for success forming before your very eyes: the heroine in peril, the moving musical numbers ("Some Day My Prince Will Come"), the humorous (Dopey), the horrifying (the Wicked Queen) and the happily-ever-after ending. It all starts here. Stream on Disney+ .  Rated G

More fun for kids

Cadet kelly, 2002.

The last thing on Kelly's mind is military school, but that's exactly where the teen ends up after her bossy new stepfather has his way. Life at George Washington Military School is certainly intense, especially when Kelly's commanding officer decides to give her a hard time. Things seem impossible...until she sets her sights on a hunky classmate. Well, it looks like military school isn't so bad after all! Think Kelly (played by Hillary Duff) will be able to keep up? After your Lizze McGuire marathon, make sure to watch Hillary gem, too. 

Get a Clue, 2002

In the early 2000s, it seemed Lindsay Lohan made a cameo in just about every Disney movie ever created. We see her as an investigative journalist/super sleuth whose humble beginnings start on the school paper. The sassy NYC kiddo is used to writing for the paper's gossip column, but before you know it, her beat shifts to crime. Will she be able to uncover her missing teacher's whereabouts?

Life-Size, 2000

Casey Stuart is trying to get used to life without her mother, but the loss is too much for the tween (played by Lindsay Lohan) to bear. The tomboy retreats from her friends and looks for ways to bring her mother back...and actually stumbles upon it. She gets her hands on a book of spells—without paying for it—and tries to resurrect her mom with a spell. Instead, it's her new doll, Eve, who comes to life. 

Cow Belles, 2006

Taylor and Courtney have better things to do than work on the family farm...yet their father seems to think that is exactly where they need to be. In order to instill some responsibility in his girls—Michalka sisters—he tasks them with managing the every-day chores of the biz. The ladies get more than they bargained for when the family's funds go missing. Will they be able to keep things running? 

Right on Track, 2003

The National Hot Rod Association is looking for young racers...but not eight-year-old Erica. Girls aren't meant to race, but naturally, she has ideas of her own. Determined to succeed in a man's sport, Erica does everything in her power to prove those naysayers wrong. 

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17 Best Kids Movies, Suitable For 2-5 Years Old Children

Best Kids Movies Suitable For 5 Years can be funny or heart-warming and likely feature fun characters and silly jokes.

Watching movies and animation has always been one of the hobbies of children and of course adults. Many films are made every year, many of which are not suitable for children.

For a long time, the children’s genres have been one of the most important cinematic genres and many films are made in this genre every year. Because human personality and emotions are developed rapidly in this period. There is also a unique opportunity to train people who get better quality with the best films.

If you are looking for good and best kids’ movies in this genre to watch with the children around you, this time we go to 17 movies suitable for children under 5 that entertain them. Stay tuned to the Zhinmag website.

best kids’ movies suitable for 5 years old children

1- the red balloon 1956.

• Director, Writer and Produced by: Albert Lamorisse
• Stars: Pascal Lamorisse, Sabine Lamorisse, Georges Sellier
• Edited by: Pierre Gillette
• Music by: Maurice Le Roux
• Production company: Films Montsouris
• Distributed by: Lopert Pictures
• Release dates: 3 May 1956 (Cannes), 19 October 1956 (France)
• Running time: 35 minutes
• Country: France
• Language: French
• Suitable age category: 3 years and up
• Terrifying moments: When a group of children chase Pascal to steal a balloon

This Oscar-winning film begins with the acquaintance of a 7-year-old boy named Pascal and the red balloon. The person in charge of the Tramway does not allow the balloon to enter. As a result, Pascal prefers walking to being apart from balloon.

Pascal runs to school, but arrives late. Pascal lends the balloon to the school’s caretaker! After the school closes in the rain, he asks Parisians to take his balloon under their umbrella. Pascal arrive home, but Pascal’s mother is dissatisfied with the balloon coming home and throws the balloon out.

Now it’s time for the balloon to prove its loyalty and make the relationship two-way. He does not leave and stays by Pascal’s window until he goes to school with him tomorrow morning. A short film with little dialogue and beautiful scenery that can easily fascinate children (and even adults).

2- The Peanuts Movie 2015

• Directed by: Steve Martino
• Based on: Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz
• Produced by: Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz, Cornelius Uliano
• Stars: Noah Schnapp, Hadley Belle Miller, Mariel Sheets, Alex Garfin
• Music by: Christophe Beck
• Production companies: Blue Sky Studios, 20th Century Fox Animation
• Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
• Release dates: November 1, 2015 (New York City premiere), November 6, 2015 (United States)
• Running time: 88 minutes
• Country : United States
• Language: English
• Suitable age category: 4 years and up
• Terrifying moments: It doesn’t have a scary scene, but Lucy’s character may be a little rude

This time, the popular children’s comic book story comes to your house with all the members of the “Peanuts” group. It is among Christmas best movies for kids. The story begins when Snoopy and Lucy decide to carry out their biggest mission with the rest of the group.

They want to pilot a fighter jet in a fantasy world and World War I. But this is while Charlie Brown is trying to attract the attention of a red-haired girl.

3- The Gruffalo 2010

• Directed by: Max Lang, Jakob Schuh
• Based on: The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
• Produced by: Martin Pope, Michael Rose
• Stars: Helena Bonham Carter, Rob Brydon, Robbie Coltrane, James Corden, John Hurt, Tom Wilkinson
• Music by: René Aubry
• Production companies: Magic Light Pictures, Orange Eyes, Studio Soi
• Distributed by: Magic Light Pictures
• Release dates: 25 December 2009
• Running time: 40 minutes
• Country : United Kingdom, Germany
• Languages: English, German
• Terrifying moments: There are some imaginary scenes where the mouse is eaten by other animals, but it is the little mouse that wins in the end.

A mouse who goes for a walk in the forest encounters a fox, an owl and a snake. He claims that he is waiting for his terrible friend ” Gruffalo” to scare them. He thinks that ” Gruffalo” does not exist, but in fact he did exist.

This short TV show is based on the classic children’s book and considered one of the best kids movies. The story of a little mouse who misleads forest hunters along the way. This film teaches children that shrewdness is more important than greatness.

4- My Neighbour Totoro 1988

• Directed and written by: Hayao Miyazaki
• Produced by: Toru Hara
• Stars: Chika Sakamoto, Noriko Hidaka and Hitoshi Takagi
• Music by: Joe Hisaishi
• Production company: Studio Ghibli
• Distributed by: Toho
• Release dates: April 16, 1988
• Running time: 86 minutes
• Country : Japan
• Languages: Japanese
• Terrifying moments: The girls’ mother is sick in the hospital, but these scenes are not terrifying or upsetting.

The film is one of the best educational movies for kids. It tells the story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mi Kosakabe. They move to a house in the village with their father to be closer to their sick mother.

They encounter many amazing creatures called “Totoro” in the forests near the village and soon become friends with them. At the beginning of the film, these creatures may be a little scary to some! but they do not allocate much time in the film.

5- Cars 2006

• Directed by: John Lasseter
• Produced by: Darla K. Anderson
• Stars: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy
• Music by: Randy Newman
• Production companies: Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios
• Distributed by: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
• Release dates: May 26, 2006
• Running time: 117 minutes
• Languages: English
• Terrifying moments: None

Lightning McQueen is a famous racing car. when he gets stuck in anonymous town of Radiator Springs, thinks the world is worse than what he is watching. But McQueen finds new friends and realizes that the value of good friends goes far beyond fame.

This cinematic animation is appealing to all age groups of children and even teenagers. This film can also be an animation for learning English . A film suitable for children under 5 years old, which has many attractions.

6- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 1977

• Directed by: John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman
• Produced by: Wolfgang Reitherman
• Stars: Sterling Holloway, John Fiedler, Junius Matthews, Paul Winchell, Howard Morris, Bruce Reitherman, Jon Walmsley, Timothy Turner
• Music by: Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman
• Production company: Walt Disney Productions
• Distributed by: Buena Vista Distribution
• Release dates: March 11, 1977
• Running time: 74 minutes
• Terrifying moments: The rabbit gets lost in the woods for a while, which may upset some sensitive kids

This animated film is based on the classic A.A.Milne stories that tell the adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Short stories and adventures of a little bear named Pooh who experiences a lot with his friends.

A lovely bear who can entertain children well with his friends. Needless to say, this animation has no giants or scary creatures.

7- Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins 2015

• Directed by: Don Spencer
• Produced by: Ian McCue (HIT), Jennifer Hill (Arc)
• Stars: Joseph May (US), John Hasler (UK), Rob Rackstraw ([US), William Hope (US), Kerry Shale (US), Christopher Ragland, Teresa Gallagher, Tim Whitnall, Keith Wickham
• Music by: Mike O’Donnell and Junior Campbell (original), Peter Hartshorne
• Production companies: HIT Entertainment and Arc Productions
• Distributed by: HIT Entertainment, Universal Studios Home Entertainment (US)
• Release dates: 3 March 2015 (US), 27 July 2015 (UK)
• Running time: 45 minutes
• Country : United Kingdom

The adventures of Thomas and his friends have long been popular with children. This is one of the 20th century best kids movies. It is about a young and fearless train who get acquainted with his new home on the island of Sudor.

An entertaining work with valuable moral meanings such as friendship, hard work and cooperation! It will remain in the minds of young viewers for a long time.

8- The Snowman 2014

• Directed by: Dianne Jackson
• Stars: Raymond Briggs (Original version), David Bowie (Re-released version), Mel Smith (20th Anniversary version)
• Music by: Howard Blake
• Production companies: TVC London
• Release dates: 26 December 1982
• Running time: 26 minutes
• Suitable age category: 2 years and up
• Terrifying moments: The snowman melts at the end of the story, but the boy in the story is not upset about it

This animation is taken from a picture book of the same name. It tells the story of a boy who, on a cold winter night on Christmas Eve, makes a snowman. He take it to the North Pole to see Santa Claus.

There is no dialogue in this animation. A short film with pleasant music and a sweet story for children that brings a good feeling to the viewer.

9- The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland 1999

• Directed by: Gary Halvorson
• Produced by: Alex Rockwell, Marjorie Kalins
• Stars: Kevin Clash, Mandy Patinkin, Vanessa Williams
• Music by: John Debney
• Production companies: Columbia Pictures, Jim Henson Pictures, Children’s Television Workshop
• Distributed by: Sony pictures releasing
• Release dates: 1 October, 1999
• Running time: 73 minutes
• Country : United Ststes
• Terrifying moments: There is a bad guy in the story who wants a blue blanket for himself but it is not scary

The film tells the story of Elmo and his friend who are fighting together! That is why Elmo is sent to remote Greenland, a place full of evil creatures. Soon Elmo feels responsible and decides to start a rescue mission and…

A lovely animation with engaging children’s tunes that teaches valuable lessons about collaboration. It is one of the best kid movies suitable for children under 5 years old that entertains them.

10- Curious George 2006

• Directed by: Matthew O’Callaghan
• Produced by: Ron Howard, David Kirschner, Jon Shapiro
• Stars: Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore, David Cross, Eugene Levy, Joan Plowright, Dick Van Dyke
• Music by: Heitor Pereira (score), Jack Johnson (songs)
• Production companies: Imagine Entertainment, Universal Pictures
• Distributed by: Universal Pictures
• Release dates: February 10, 2006 (United States), May 25, 2006 (Germany)
• Running time: 87 minutes
• Country : United Ststes, Germany
• Terrifying moments: It does not have a sensitive scene, but it may be best to remind your child that some of George’s mischief is only for monkeys!

George, a very curious boy, goes on various adventures. His world is full of unfamiliar issues and things he does not understand but seeks to understand! Because of this, various adventures happen to him and ultimately lead to his success.

Although this animation is made for children, it also succeeds in attracting other audiences. A film suitable for children under 5 years old that looks great.

11- Blue’s Big Musical Movie 2000

• Directed by: Todd Kessler
• Produced by: Wendy Harris
• Stars: Steven Burns, Traci Paige Johnson, Ray Charles
• Music by: Nick Balaban, Michael Rubin
• Production companies: Nickelodeon Animation Studio
• Distributed by: Paramount Home Video
• Release dates: October 3, 2000 (Video Release), January 13, 2002 (Television Premiere)
• Running time: 78 minutes

Steve and his friend Blue decide to hold a big music show in their backyard. This work also includes useful lessons about rhythm, music and moral values such as empathy and perseverance! Which are illustrated well in this animation.

12- Lost And Found 2008

• Directed by: Ma Liwen
• Produced by: Han Sanping, Wu Kebo
• Stars: Li Yixiang, Liu Xinyi, Chen Jin, Li Qiang
• Music by: Chen Yufan
• Distributed by: China Film Promotion International
• Release dates: January 18, 2008
• Running time: 89 minutes
• Country : China
• Languages: Mandarin
• Terrifying moments: Big, scary storm – a giant octopus coming out of the ocean to talk to a boy and a penguin.

This film is an adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’s comic book of the same name. It depicts the story of a little boy and a penguin he encounters. The importance of loving and empathizing with others is also one of the features that you can expect this film.

13- Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood 2017

• Produced by: Angela C. Santomero, Kevin Morrison, Vince Commisso
• Stars: Addison Holly, Amaria Faulkner, Ted Diextra, Heather Bombrick, Shawn Jackson, Jake Bell, Tommy Liotas and Jeremiah Sparks
• Music by: Fred Rogers
• Production companies: Fred Rogers Productions, 9 Story Media Group/Brown Bag Films Toronto, 9 Story USA
• Distributed by: 9 Story Distribution
• Release dates: September 3, 2012 – present
• Running time:51 minutes
• Countries: United States, Canada

Daniel Tiger Neighborhood is a comedy, family, fantasy and musical animated series produced in the United States and Canada. This entertaining animated series is among the Best Kids Movies in 20th century.

It starring a little tiger named Daniel Tiger, introduces preschoolers to concepts such as emotional intelligence and respect for humans.

Join Daniel and his family on an exciting journey. This movie is as entertaining as it is educational. Because it teaches children important skills such as how to ask for help, coping with certain social situations, and managing emotions.

The series, based on Mr. Rogers’s neighborhood television series, has won numerous honors at various festivals. Including being nominated for awards at the 2017 Canada Visual Arts Festival and the 2019 Emmy Daily Screening Festival.

14- Lotte From Gadgetville 2006

• Directed and written by: Heiki Ernits, Janno Põldma
• Stars: Evelin Pang, Andero Ermel, Argo Aadli
• Music by: Sven Grünberg
• Distributed by: Eesti Joonisfilm
• Release dates: May 23, 2006 (Cannes Film Festival), September 1, 2006 (Estonia)
• Country : Estonia
• Languages: Estonian
• Terrifying moments: Lotte’s father disappears for a short time, but other than that, nothing significant happens

Lotte is a smart puppy who lives in a small village with his family and friends. In this part of Lotte’s adventures, he is waiting for a big event in their villageو

In this enjoyable show, we can see Gadgetville, Lotte’s exciting birthplace. A place full of new inventors and creations. This film deals with the importance of friendship, family and hard work. A movie suitable for children under 5 that looks great.

15- Maya The Bee Movie 2015

• Directed by: Alexs Stadermann
• Produced by: Barbara Stephen, Thorsten Wegener
• Stars: Coco Jack Gillies, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Joel Franco, Richard Roxburgh, Justine Clarke, Jacki Weaverm, Andy McPhee, Miriam Margolyes, The Umbilical Brothers, Noah Taylor
• Music by: Ute Engelhardt
• production companies: Studio 100 Film, Buzz Studios, Fish Blowing Bubbles, Flying Bark Productions, Screen Australia
• Distributed by: StudioCanal (Australia), Universum Film/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (Germany)
• Release dates: 4 September 2014 (South Korea), 11 September 2014 (Germany),1 November 2014 (Australia)
• Countries : Germany, Australia
• Terrifying moments: There are moments when a bee seems to be hurt, but these moments are very gentle and go away quickly.

The animated story is about Maya, a kind and intelligent bee, whose hive is full of honey. Summer is over and it is time to harvest honey.

The Queen of Bees announces that a big competition is on the way! Maya has to prepare her hive with the help of other bees to feed the athlete bees. But in fact the queen wants to use the Maya hive to provide her reserve.

If Maya disobeys, the queen will take her hive. In such a situation, Maya and her friends decide to participate in competitions and enter interesting competitions.

A sweet show that helps kids learn the value of friendship, trust and teamwork. As a film suitable for children under 5, it must be admitted that this animation is magical.

16- Miffy The Movie 2013

• Directed by: Hans Perk
• Produced by: Sjoerd Raemakers, Chris Brouwer
• Stars: Eva Poppink, Marc-Marie Huijbregts, Hanna Verboom, Barry Atsma, Isa Hoes
• Music by: Tom van Beers
• production companies: KRO, A. Film A/S, AB Studio Latvia, Mercis BV, Telescreen Filmproducties
• Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures (Netherlands), SixSales (United Kingdom)
• Release dates: 30 January 2013 (Netherlands), 21 June 2015 (United Kingdom)
• Running time: 70 minutes
• Countries : Netherlands, United Kingdom
• Languages: Dutch, English
• Terrifying moments: There is no sensitive scene other than the obstacles along the way that Miffy and his friends learn how to overcome.

One of the things that is very important in children’s English language learning is the attractiveness of educational collections. A child language training package should pursue two main goals:

• First, it must be able to hold the child in front of the TV to watch the educational program
• Secondly, it must be able to convey educational content well while maintaining diversity and attractiveness

In this movie, Miffy and her friends are looking for a treasure. A fun quest that uses riddles of colors, shapes, numbers and sounds to find the mysterious prize. A film which provides various entertainments for the kid viewers.

17- Veggietales: Animated series

• Terrifying moments: There is no sensitive scene other than the obstacles along the way that Miffy and his friends learn how to over

These animated series are one of the best kids’ movies of 2015. While Bob Tomato and his other green friends want to go to their favorite concert, their car breaks down in a car accident. They stay in a restaurant until the car is repaired, but something happens there

Concluding Remarks

In this article, we have tried to introduce you to a number of children’s films so far, so if you want to choose a film for your children, do not waste time. We hope you found our article useful. In the end, if you are interested in watching more animations, we suggest that you read this article:

• All About Kung Fu Panda Masters | Who is Grand Master? as well.

FAQ’s about

1- What are the Best Kids Movies on Netflix ?

Paddington, Kung Fu Panda, Despicable Me, ParaNorman, Mirai, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Despicable Me 2, Lu Over the Wall, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro are among top 10 best kids’ films in Netflix’s catalog of Children & Family movies.

2- What were the top 10 best kids movies in 2021?

• Tom & Jerry (Release Date: February 26, 2021)
• The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (Release Date: March 5, 2021)
• Raya and the Last Dragon (Release Date: March 5, 2021)
• The Mitchells vs. the Machines (Release Date: April 30, 2021)
• Cruella (Release Date: May 28, 2021)
• Sailor Moon Eternal (Release Date: June 3, 2021)
• Spirit Untamed (Release Date: June 4, 2021)
• Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (Release Date: June 11, 2021)
• Wish Dragon (Release Date: June 11, 2021)
• Luca (Release Date: June 18, 2021)

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40 Best Tween Movies That Are Good to Watch as a Family

Enjoy these films with your 10-, 11- and 12-year-olds.

But there are plenty of movies for tweens (and TV series for tweens !) out there that are perfectly aimed at that audience of 10-year-olds, 11-year-olds and 12-year-olds if you know where to look.

These are the best tween movies to watch in 2023. Some are classics that you may remember from your own preteen years, or extensions of franchises from your childhood that have been made fresh for younger audiences. Others are all-ages, whole-family affairs that you can even watch with younger and older siblings are in tow. And while there are animated movies , they all have something sophisticated about them, so they're more than just kid stuff. And, since preteens are often extra boisterous, there are so, so many musicals. Let them pick one of these for your next family movie night, and you'll all enjoy the family bonding time.

Looking for more great film suggestions? Check out the list of the best kids movies coming out in 2023 .

Wendell & Wild (2022)

This stop-motion animation movie combines two film giants — horror icon Jordan Peele, and stop-motion animation legend Henry Selick — into a film that combines the best of both sensibilities. Kat is a self-proclaimed outsider who starts at a new school. When a pair of scheming demons offer her what she wants most in exchange for help coming to the world of the living, she gives in — and winds up over her head.

13: The Musical (2022)

Rarely are musicals aimed so squarely at preteen concerns. This one follows a boy named Evan who moves from New York City to Indiana right before his bar mitzvah. There are songs about first kisses, being bored, trying to sneak into a rated-R horror movie and other things important to tweens, all written by Broadway vet Jason Robert Brown.

WATCH ON NETFLIX

Belle (2022)

This is sort-of a retelling of Beauty and the Beast , only with a digital twist: Suzu is a girl with stage fright in the real world, but in an online metaverse called the U, she's actually a popstar with loads of followers. When a user called "The Dragon" starts causing trouble, she vows to track him down and find out the source of her anger. But will they only connect in the U, or can they find each other in the real world? Show this to anyone who is a little too into social media.

The King's Daughter (2022)

This is for all the pre-teens out there who love the mystical and magical. It follows Marie-Josèphe, daughter of King Louis XIV, who unexpectedly befriends a mermaid. When she discovers the King plans to use the mermaid to try and achieve eternal life, she feels she must intervene.

WATCH ON PRIME VIDEO WATCH ON ITUNES

Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood (2022)

This comes from Dazed and Confused director Richard Linklater, partially based on his own space-loving childhood and done in his signature rotoscoping animation style, which looks like it's animated over live footage of real people. It follows the story of the 1969 moon landing through two points of view: the mission control running the landing, and an excited kid watching at home.

Cinderella (2021)

Your preteen may scoff at a cartoon adaptation of Cinderella , but this 2021 version ages up the story with a new, more feminist take on Cinderella's situation — does she even want to marry a prince? — and a soundtrack full of pop songs. Billy Porter even shows up as the fairy godperson.

WATCH ON PRIME VIDEO

RELATED: The Best Kids' Movies of All Time

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

Finally, after two movies and a reboot, we finally get some kids who get to wield a proton pack! Ghostbusters: Afterlife follows Phoebe and Trevor Spengler, grandkids of Egon, who move to Egon's old farmhouse and wind up taking after their grandad more than they anticipated.

Enola Holmes (2020)

You've heard of Sherlock Holmes, but what about his kid sister? When their mom goes missing, Enola Holmes goes on an investigation of her own, leading her to unexpected places that men dare not dwell. A sequel came out in 2022, and both star Millie Bobby Brown, making them perfect for your Stranger Things -obsessed tween.

Safety (2020)

This inspirational sports movie tells the real story of brothers Ray and Fahmarr McElrathbey. Ray is accepted to Clemson University on a football scholarship, and learns his brother isn't being properly cared for after their mother relapsed. Ray decides to take care of Fahmarr, and has to learn how to balance school, football, and NCAA rules while surreptitiously taking care of his brother at the same time.

WATCH ON DISNEY+

Stargirl (2020)

Based on the beloved book series by Jerry Spinelli, this movie follows a blend-in-with-the-crowd boy named Leo who befriends a plays-by-her-own-rules girl who calls herself Stargirl. Can a friendship between such opposites survive?

Hamilton (2020)

Lin-Manuel Miranda makes history feel fresh to contemporary audiences with his musical take on founding father Alexander Hamilton. And if your musical fan missed the Broadway version (which they most certainly did), they can see it all on Disney+. Sure, there are some bad words and adult situations in the play, but it's all in the sake of learning history, right?

Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)

Instead of being a straightforward adaptation of the Dora the Explorer cartoon, this movie has an almost meta attitude about the character — the other characters can't believe she came from the jungle or is friends with a monkey. Your too-cool-for-it tween will feel right at home with them.

RELATED: The Best Teen Movies on Netflix

The Kid Who Would Be King (2019)

You know the basic outlines of the story: Boy finds sword, boy pulls sword from stone, boy becomes all-powerful and has to defeat an evil sorcerer with the help of his trusty knights. Only in this case, the boy is Alex, who lives in a present-day suburb of London, and he has to rally a group of his middle school friends to his side.

WATCH ON PRIME VIDEO WATCH ON DISNEY+

Little Women (2019)

Even though it's set during the Civil War, there's plenty in Little Women that kids can still relate to today, like the bonds between siblings, finding resilience in setbacks that families face and the concept of having to make your own fun when adults are too busy to pay attention to you. This adaptation, which stars beloved actresses like Harry Potter' s Emma Watson and Black Widow 's Florence Pugh, might even get them to read the book.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Before they hit the PG-13 realm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe , let them dip a toe in the PG Spider-Verse. Not only is the hero, Miles Morales, a teenager, he learns lesson about how heroism can come from anywhere. If they like it, a sequel is due out later this year.

RELATED: How to Watch the Spider-Man Movies in Order Before the Multiverse Changes the Timeline

Wonder (2017)

If your tween needs some reminders in the old empathy department, show them this film, based on the blockbuster book by R.J. Palacio. The movie follows the struggles of a boy with a facial deformity, serving as a reminder to be kind. A sequel, White Bird: A Wonder Story , is due out later this year.

Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures tells the based-in-real-life story of three African American women mathematicians who worked at NASA in the run-up to the moon landing, making essential contributions while facing racism and sexism at work. Show this to any kid who thinks that math isn't exciting, and maybe they'll want to be the next Katherine Johnson.

WATCH ON ITUNES WATCH ON DISNEY+

Your Name (2016)

This romantic anime has a body-swapping twist: Mitsuha, a girl who lives in a rural area, and Taki, a boy in Tokyo, start having vivid dreams where they experience each other's lives. They soon realize that they aren't having dreams at all — they're actually spending time in each other's bodies, and they start to communicate by leaving notes for each other. After its release, this film won a slew of awards at animation festivals.

RELATED: Animated Movies You Need to Watch With Your Kids Before They Grow Up

Queen of Katwe (2016)

Queen's Gambit who? This film tells the based-in-real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, a girl growing up in Uganda who dreams of becoming a chess master. Directed by Monsoon Wedding 's Mira Nair and starring Lupita Nyong'o, this one might inspire your tweens to pick up a chess set .

Paddington (2014)

Paddington and its sequel, Paddington 2 , are known to win over both kids and parents alike; Paddington 2 was famous for achieving that rare, perfect 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes when it was in theaters. There's no trick to it: It's just a heartwarming story about a bear coming to London to live with a family that oozes British charm.

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Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

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47+ Good Movies for 15 Year Olds (Recommendations)

Looking for some family-friendly movies that are suitable for 15 year olds?

We’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re planning a movie night with the whole family or your teenager wants some age-appropriate entertainment, these recommendations are sure to hit the mark.

Key Takeaways – Good Movies for 15-Year-Olds

• There are plenty of good movies for 15-year-olds that are both entertaining and age-appropriate.
• Genres like action and adventure, comedy, romance, and more offer a variety of options to suit different interests.
• Popular choices include superhero movies , coming-of-age stories , and historical films .
• Make sure to consider your teenager’s preferences and the content rating of the movies before making a selection.
• Movie nights can be a great way to bond with your family and create lasting memories.

Table of Contents

Good Movies for 15-Year-Olds

Choosing movies for 15-year-olds can be a fun and engaging way to explore various genres and themes while ensuring that the content is age-appropriate.

Here’s a list of 47 good movies suitable for 15-year-olds, covering a range of genres:

Action/Adventure:

• “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017)
• “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)
• “Jurassic Park” (1993)
• “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)
• “The Hunger Games” (2012)
• “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001)
• “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (2005)
• “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” (2010)
• “The Princess Bride” (1987)
• “Labyrinth” (1986)
• “Toy Story” (1995)
• “Finding Nemo” (2003)
• “The Incredibles” (2004)
• “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)
• “Moana” (2016)
• “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)
• “Superbad” (2007)
• “Mean Girls” (2004)
• “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014)
• “Napoleon Dynamite” (2004)
• “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)
• “Stand by Me” (1986)
• “Dead Poets Society” (1989)
• “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014)
• “Bridge to Terabithia” (2007)

Science Fiction:

• “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
• “Interstellar” (2014)
• “War of the Worlds” (2005)
• “The Maze Runner” (2014)
• “A Wrinkle in Time” (2018)

Mystery/Thriller:

• “The Goonies” (1985)
• “Rear Window” (1954)
• “The Others” (2001)
• “Disturbia” (2007)
• “Knives Out” (2019)

Coming of Age:

• “Boyhood” (2014)
• “Lady Bird” (2017)
• “The Spectacular Now” (2013)
• “The Edge of Seventeen” (2016)
• “Moonrise Kingdom” (2012)
• “La La Land” (2016)
• “Pitch Perfect” (2012)
• “Sing Street” (2016)
• “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
• “Hairspray” (2007)

Romantic Comedy:

• “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
• “Clueless” (1995)

Before choosing a movie, consider your teenager’s preferences and any specific themes or genres they enjoy. Additionally, always check the movie’s rating and content to ensure it aligns with your family’s values and what you’re comfortable allowing your 15-year-old to watch. It’s also a good opportunity to have discussions about the themes and messages in the films.

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Action and Adventure Films for 15-Year-Olds

When it comes to action and adventure films for 15 year olds, there are plenty of thrilling options to choose from. Superhero movies , in particular, are a popular choice among teenagers. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) offers a fantastic selection of action-packed films that will keep teens entertained for hours.

One of the best choices for 15 year olds who love superhero movies is The Avengers Film Series & The MCU. This film series includes blockbuster titles like The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Avengers: Infinity War. These movies feature beloved Marvel characters, epic battles, and a captivating storyline that will keep young audiences on the edge of their seats.

In addition to the MCU, there are other action and adventure films that are perfect for 15 year olds. Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel to the iconic 1986 film, offers high-octane aerial combat and adrenaline-pumping action. Mission Impossible: Fallout, another thrilling installment in the Mission Impossible franchise, provides non-stop excitement and jaw-dropping stunts that will leave young viewers amazed.

These action and adventure films provide thrilling adventures, captivating plots, and larger-than-life characters that will transport 15 year olds into exciting cinematic worlds. Whether they’re fans of superheroes, high-flying action, or heart-stopping stunts, these movies are sure to satisfy their craving for adrenaline-fueled entertainment.

Comedy Films for 15 Year Olds

If your 15 year old enjoys a good laugh, comedy films are a great choice. These movies offer a mix of humor, wit, and coming-of-age stories that resonate with teenagers. They provide a light-hearted and fun movie-watching experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

One humorous movie that is a must-watch for 15 year olds is Hot Fuzz . This hilarious police film follows the story of a skilled London cop who is transferred to a seemingly idyllic village. The film combines action and comedy, keeping viewers entertained from start to finish.

Another comedy film that 15 year olds might enjoy is Kick-Ass . This comic-based superhero film tells the story of an ordinary teenager who decides to become a real-life superhero. With its mix of humor and action-packed sequences, it’s a thrilling and humorous watch for teenagers.

“Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is an underrated gem with witty comedy and fast-paced action sequences.”

Lastly, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is another comedic gem that often goes under the radar. This film follows the story of a young man who must defeat his new girlfriend’s seven evil exes in order to win her heart. With its witty comedy and fast-paced action sequences, it’s a highly entertaining movie for 15 year olds.

These comedy films provide a mix of humor, action, and coming-of-age stories that are relatable to teenagers. Whether it’s the humorous crime-solving in Hot Fuzz , the superhero antics in Kick-Ass , or the witty comedy of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World , these films are sure to put a smile on any teenager’s face.

Fantasy and Sci-Fi Films for 15 Year Olds

Teenagers who have a love for fantasy and sci-fi films will find a plethora of captivating options to choose from. These genres offer imaginative storytelling, fantastical worlds, and thrilling adventures that will transport young viewers to new realms of excitement. If your 15-year-old is a fan of popular movie franchises and epic tales, the following films are highly recommended:

The Hunger Games series (2012 – 2015)

Based on the best-selling books by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games series takes place in a dystopian future where teenagers are forced to participate in a televised fight to the death. With its compelling storyline, strong characters, and themes of survival and rebellion, these movies are sure to captivate young audiences.

Dune (2021)

Set in a distant future where interstellar travel and political intrigue abound, Dune tells the story of a young nobleman caught in a battle for control of the desert planet Arrakis. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and featuring a star-studded cast, this highly anticipated film promises stunning visuals and an immersive sci-fi experience.

Popular Movie Franchises

In addition to specific film recommendations, several popular movie franchises have left an indelible mark on the fantasy and sci-fi genres. These include the Harry Potter series, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the Star Wars saga. These franchises offer expansive worlds, memorable characters, and captivating storylines that have become cultural touchstones.

With their ability to spark young imaginations and transport viewers to extraordinary realms, fantasy and sci-fi films hold a special place in the hearts of many 15-year-olds. Whether exploring dystopian futures, intergalactic adventures, or magical realms, these movies provide an escape into realms of wonder and excitement.

Dramas and Coming-of-Age Films for 15 Year Olds

When it comes to emotional and thought-provoking storytelling, drama films and coming-of-age stories are an excellent choice for 15 year olds. These movies often tackle important themes such as self-discovery, friendship, and the challenges of growing up, providing a relatable and impactful experience for young adults. One highly recommended film in this genre is The Perks of Being a Wallflower . Adapted from the critically acclaimed novel by Stephen Chbosky, this coming-of-age drama follows the journey of Charlie, a high school freshman navigating the complexities of adolescence. The film explores themes of mental health, identity, and the power of friendship, making it a must-watch for teenagers.

“We accept the love we think we deserve.” – The Perks of Being a Wallflower

In addition to The Perks of Being a Wallflower , there are other notable dramas and coming-of-age films that are suitable for 15 year olds. One example is Almost Famous , a semi-autobiographical film directed by Cameron Crowe. Set in the 1970s, the movie follows a young aspiring journalist who goes on tour with a rock band, experiencing the highs and lows of fame and friendship. With its nostalgic soundtrack and captivating performances, Almost Famous offers a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates with teenagers.

These dramas and coming-of-age films offer compelling storytelling and authentic portrayals of the teenage experience. They provide teenagers with an opportunity to explore complex emotions and themes while relating to characters who are navigating similar challenges. Whether it’s the raw honesty of The Perks of Being a Wallflower or the nostalgic charm of Almost Famous , these films deliver powerful narratives that leave a lasting impact.

Overall, dramas and coming-of-age films provide teenagers with a chance to reflect on their own lives and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. They offer emotional storytelling and relatable characters that effortlessly capture the essence of adolescence. Whether it’s the emotional journey of The Perks of Being a Wallflower or the nostalgic escapism of Almost Famous , these films have the power to make a lasting impact on 15 year olds.

Animation and Family Films for 15 Year Olds

When it comes to finding movies that are both entertaining and suitable for 15 year olds, animation and family films are a great choice. These movies provide a combination of animated adventures and spirited entertainment that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether it’s superheroes, dragons, or incredible families, there is something for everyone in this genre.

One popular animated film that stands out is Black Panther. This action-packed superhero movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe not only delivers thrilling action sequences but also explores important themes of identity and unity. The film showcases a diverse cast of characters and provides a powerful message for young adults.

Another fantastic choice is How to Train Your Dragon, a heartwarming story about friendship and self-discovery. This film follows the journey of a young Viking named Hiccup and his dragon Toothless as they overcome obstacles and learn the true meaning of courage. With stunning animation and a captivating storyline, this movie is sure to capture the imagination of 15 year olds.

The Incredibles is another must-watch film for 15 year olds. This animated adventure follows the Parr family, a group of superheroes trying to balance their extraordinary abilities with everyday family life. With humor, action, and heartwarming moments, this movie offers a unique blend of excitement and relatability.

Overall, animation and family films provide a delightful movie-watching experience for 15 year olds. Whether they are looking for action, adventure, or heartwarming stories, these movies offer something for everyone. With memorable characters and compelling storytelling, these films are sure to entertain and inspire young adults.

Romance Films for 15 Year Olds

When it comes to teenage love stories and young adult relationships , romance films can be a popular choice for 15 year olds. These movies often revolve around relatable themes of first love, self-discovery, and navigating the complexities of relationships. Here are some recommended romance films that can capture the hearts of teenagers:

• The Fault in Our Stars: Based on the best-selling novel by John Green, this emotional film tells the story of two teenagers who meet and fall in love at a support group for cancer patients. It explores the challenges and joys of young love amidst the struggles of illness and mortality.
• The Notebook: Set in the 1940s, this timeless love story follows the passionate and turbulent relationship between two young lovers from different social backgrounds. It is a heartwarming tale of enduring love and the power of true connection.
• Easy A: This modern-day retelling of “The Scarlet Letter” is a witty and humorous take on high school romance. It follows a teenage girl who pretends to be sexually promiscuous in order to gain popularity, only to find herself caught up in a web of lies and unexpected romance.

These romance films provide teens with relatable characters, emotional storytelling , and themes that resonate with their own experiences. Whether it’s the heart-wrenching journey of love and loss in “The Fault in Our Stars,” the classic romance of “The Notebook,” or the comedic twists of “Easy A,” these movies offer a range of unique and engaging stories to appeal to 15 year olds.

Why Romance Films Matter:

“Romance films have always had a special place in cinema, as they explore the universal emotions of love, longing, and heartbreak. For 15 year olds, these films can provide a glimpse into the complexities of relationships and spark reflections on their own experiences. They offer a chance to see how characters navigate the ups and downs of love, and often leave a lasting impact on young viewers.”

With their compelling stories and relatable characters, romance films can provide 15 year olds with both entertainment and opportunities for personal growth. These movies capture the essence of young love and touch upon themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the courage to follow one’s heart. Whether it’s shedding tears over a tragic love story or laughing along with the quirks of teenage romance, these films can evoke a range of emotions and create lasting memories.

Thriller and Mystery Films for 15 Year Olds

For 15 year olds who love suspenseful storytelling and thrilling plot twists, there are several exciting thriller and mystery films to choose from. These movies offer psychological depth and keep audiences on the edge of their seats with their captivating narratives. Here are some recommendations for 15 year olds who enjoy this genre:

“Gone Girl” – This intense psychological thriller follows the disappearance of a wife and the subsequent investigation that uncovers shocking secrets. With its intricate storytelling and surprising twists, “Gone Girl” will leave teens guessing until the very end.

“Inception” – Directed by Christopher Nolan, “Inception” takes audiences on a mind-bending journey through dreams and the power of the mind. This sci-fi thriller explores the concept of shared dreaming and features stunning visuals and a complex narrative that will keep 15 year olds intrigued.

“Shutter Island” – Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, “Shutter Island” is a thrilling mystery set in a psychiatric hospital on a remote island. With its atmospheric setting and gripping storyline, this film will keep teens guessing as they try to unravel the truth behind the island’s mysteries.

These films provide a thrilling cinematic experience, combining suspense, mystery, and psychological depth to entertain and captivate 15 year olds who enjoy the genre.

Table: Thriller and Mystery Films Recommendations

Historical and period films for 15 year olds.

Historical and period films offer a unique opportunity for 15 year olds to delve into different time periods and gain insight into important historical events . These movies combine captivating storytelling with a rich visual representation of the past, making them both educational and entertaining. Here are some recommended historical and period films that are suitable for teenagers:

“Titanic” (1997) – This epic romance set aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic is a timeless classic. It tells the story of a young couple from different social classes who fall in love during the ship’s tragic maiden voyage.

“The King’s Speech” (2010) – Based on true events, this film follows the journey of King George VI as he overcomes his stammer with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist. It provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by the British monarch during a pivotal moment in history .

“Gladiator” (2000) – Set in ancient Rome, this action-packed film follows a former Roman general who seeks vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family. It offers a thrilling depiction of gladiator battles and political intrigue.

These movies not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into different historical eras. They can spark curiosity and encourage further exploration of the past, helping teenagers develop a broader understanding of the world.

When it comes to selecting good movies for 15 year olds , there is a wide variety of options available across different genres and themes. Whether your teen enjoys action and adventure, comedy, romance, or other genres, there are plenty of age-appropriate films that will cater to their interests.

For those who love action-packed superhero movies, the Avengers Film Series & The MCU is a great choice. If comedy is their preference, movies like Hot Fuzz, Kick-Ass, and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World offer a mix of humor, action, and relatable coming-of-age stories. Fans of fantasy and sci-fi can dive into the thrilling worlds of The Hunger Games and Dune .

If your teen is drawn to emotional storytelling and coming-of-age tales, movies like The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Almost Famous will resonate with them. For animation and family-friendly films, Black Panther, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Incredibles provide spirited entertainment that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Romance enthusiasts will find films like The Fault in Our Stars, The Notebook, and Easy A captivating, while fans of suspense and mystery will be intrigued by movies such as Gone Girl, Inception, and Shutter Island. And for those with an interest in history, Titanic, The King’s Speech, and Gladiator offer engaging stories set in various historical periods.

In conclusion , there is no shortage of great movies for 15 year olds. With a diverse range of genres and themes to choose from, teens can find films that entertain, resonate, and provide age-appropriate content. So, get the popcorn ready and enjoy a movie night with your teen, exploring the wonderful world of cinema together.

Are these movies suitable for younger kids as well?

While these movies are generally suitable for older kids and teens, some films may contain content that may not be appropriate for younger children. It’s always recommended to check the movie’s rating and content before watching it with younger kids.

Can I watch these movies with my whole family?

Yes, these movies are entertaining for the whole family, with age-appropriate content for teens and older kids. Enjoy a fun movie night together!

Where can I watch these movies?

These movies can be found in various formats, including streaming services, DVD rentals, or purchasing them digitally. Check popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or your local movie rental store.

How do I know if a movie is suitable for my 15-year-old?

It’s always important to check the movie’s rating and content. Ratings like PG-13 generally indicate that the movie may contain content unsuitable for young children. You can also read reviews or watch trailers to get a better idea of the movie’s themes and content.

Are these movies appropriate for sensitive viewers?

While these movies cater to teenagers and older kids, some films may contain intense or emotionally challenging scenes. If you or your 15-year-old are sensitive to certain themes or content, it’s recommended to research the movies further or consult parental guidance reviews.

Can you recommend any other movies for 15 year olds?

Absolutely! The list provided in this guide is just a selection of recommended movies. There are many more great films out there that may cater to your 15-year-old’s interests. Feel free to explore various genres and themes to find movies that they will enjoy.

Can you provide more information about the recommended movies?

Certainly! For more detailed information about the movies mentioned in this guide, you can search for their individual summaries, reviews, and ratings online. This will give you a better understanding of the movies’ plots, themes, and overall suitability for teenagers.

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‘wish’ review: ariana debose and chris pine voice a disappointing tale of two disneys.

Disney's latest animated offering — a celebration of the company's centennial anniversary — introduces Asha, a headstrong 17-year-old determined to save her kingdom.

By Lovia Gyarkye

Lovia Gyarkye

Arts & Culture Critic

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Founded in 1923, Disney has grown from a modest animation studio started by two brothers into a billion-dollar behemoth. The company is a global brand with dozens of subsidiaries; it’s a political donor (as most corporations these days are); and a critical part, for better or for worse, of our cultural consciousness. It was the standard for animation and enduring world-building. But it also represents conservative values, imperialism and regressive social norms. What does Disney, preparing to enter a new century, want to be now? 

If Wish is any clue, it seems Disney would rather not commit to any single direction. Directed by Chris Buck ( Frozen ) and Fawn Veerasunthorn ( Raya and the Last Dragon ), the film represents an awkward marriage between old and new ways. Even during its more successful moments, Wish’ s magic falls flat. The film is weighed down by its purpose: to revel in Disney nostalgia while soaring into the future.

Asha’s meeting with Magnifico starts off on promising ground. The two share stories of loss — Asha’s father died when she was young, and Magnifico had his world taken from him under tragic, but vague, circumstances. They also duet on “At All Costs,” one of the film’s best songs. DeBose is a boon to Wish , granting depth and real emotion to every number in which she is featured.

The pair seem aligned until Asha starts to question Magnifico’s process. Why does he keep all the wishes locked in glowing orbs that float in his conservatory? Why only grant one at a time? And how come he gets to decide what is best for the kingdom? Not accustomed to being challenged, Magnifico flies into a rage and decides to punish Asha by giving her a front-row seat to her grandfather’s wish not being fulfilled. 

The moment crushes Asha and radicalizes her. Under the starry night sky that evening, she sings an impassioned song (“This Wish“) about wanting more for herself and her kingdom. The universe hears her and delivers Asha a gift in the form of Star, a buttony celestial creature similar to Peter Pan’s Tinker Bell. The magic orb gives Asha’s goat, Valentino, a voice (Alan Tudyk), and together the trio set out to free Sabino’s wish. 

There are nods and gestures to the company’s history here that will delight longtime fans and a narrative aimed to empower, à la recent Disney films like Frozen  and  Raya and the Last Dragon . (The screenplay is written by Frozen’ s Jennifer Lee  and Allison Moore.) A hybrid animation style (a mix of 2D and 3D) blends Disney’s glittering past with its present, though it lacks sophistication and meticulousness. The music — Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice penned seven original songs and Dave Metzger composed the score — attempts a similar type of fusion, mixing infectious contemporary pop beats with lyrics honoring singalong-friendly roots. The diverse cast deserves praise: Asha’s community is populated by a sturdy team of voice actors.

Asha — a courageous biracial teenager — represents the future of Rosas, and perhaps the brand, too. She loves her people and holds radical ideas about their ability to wield collective power. Her narrative arc is really about her becoming a dissenter and pseudo-revolutionary figure. DeBose delivers a fine voice performance, but her most memorable moments are during Asha’s solos.

At the heart of Wish is a topical and winning formula, so it’s a shame that it’s squandered for the sake of a lukewarm, ultimately safe conclusion. The film co-opts and parades a rebelliousness it doesn’t want to commit to: Good wins, but only within the existing structure. If our continuously unprecedented times have taught us any lessons, it’s that the present-day order will need nothing less than a total overhaul. If the last number of Wish  —  a powerful reprise of “This Wish” — tells us anything, it’s that Asha and her people know that, too. 

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10 years ago, Batkid was battling bad guys and cancer — now he's 15 and healthy

Chloe Veltman

Batkid Miles Scott, center, received a key to the city from San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, left, on Nov. 15, 2013. Make-A-Wish Foundation hide caption

Batkid Miles Scott, center, received a key to the city from San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, left, on Nov. 15, 2013.

Today, Miles Scott is a healthy teenager with a passion for baseball. He plays catcher for his high school in Tulelake, Calif.

"I wear all-black in baseball," Miles said. "So the dugout's always screaming 'Batkid! Batkid!'"

Ten years ago, the then-5-year-old Miles won hearts both in his hometown and around the world when he transformed into the black-clad superhero Batkid for a day, becoming an instant media sensation.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation , a non-profit that grants wishes to children who are seriously ill, partnered with the City of San Francisco to organize the adventure for Miles, who had been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia since he was just 18 months old.

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Holy empathy batkid lives superhero dream in san francisco.

According to the Yale School of Medicine , the disease is the most common type of childhood cancer. Survival rates used to be low, but these days children with the disease have up to a 90% chance of going on to lead a healthy life.

Granting the wish

Make-A-Wish went to elaborate lengths to make Miles' dream of becoming Batman's sidekick Batkid true. The foundation enlisted the help of The Mayor of San Francisco (the late Ed Lee), the San Francisco Police and Fire Departments, the San Francisco Giants and many other individuals and entities.

San Francisco was re-dubbed "Gotham City" — Batman's fictional home — for the day. Clad in his Batkid costume and accompanied by a grownup Batman (played by Eric Johnston), the pair zipped around in their Batmobile thwarting villains — they prevented The Riddler from robbing a bank vault — and undertaking daring rescues, including freeing the San Francisco Giants' mascot Lou Seal from The Penguin's clutches.

"It's probably one of our most elaborate wishes," Jen Wilson, a marketing and promotions manager for Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area, told Today in the run-up to the event 10 years ago. "It's very unusual. It's one that's taken several months to plan and countless people to make happen, from volunteers who are stepping up to play the roles of the villains to donations of services of all kinds. We've had an incredible amount of interest in helping with this wish."

The San Francisco Chronicle published a special edition to mark the occasion. Make-A-Wish Foundation hide caption

The San Francisco Chronicle published a special edition to mark the occasion.

Thousands of people descended on San Francisco to cheer Miles on. He earned a key to the city. The San Francisco Chronicle published a special edition of its daily newspaper to mark the occasion. Then-U.S. President Barack Obama sent Miles words of encouragement via a video message on social media.

"The feeling was palpable; you could just feel the positiveness and how the community came together," said Miles' mom, Natalie Scott. "People flew in from everywhere and it just gave everyone some sense of peace almost."

The event was covered by many mainstream media organizations, including NPR . And millions of people around the world followed the #Batkid hashtag on social media.

Batkid lives on

Batkid's legacy didn't end on that day.

The wish was the subject of the 2015 Warner Bros. documentary, Batkid Begins . Media organizations have revisited the story over the years. "He plays Little League, attends fifth grade, helps on his family's farm and sold his first market goat at the fair over the summer," reported his hometown California paper, The Siskyou Daily News , on Batkid's fifth anniversary in 2018.

Miles Scott on his 15th birthday on Aug. 15, 2023. Natalie Scott/Make-A-Wish Foundation hide caption

And Miles himself has been free of cancer for the past few years.

"Every year he goes for a checkup, and everything's been on the straight and narrow, so, we hope to keep it that way," said Nick Scott, Miles' dad.

Miles has grown out of his Batkid costume. But his kid brother Ben donned it last Halloween.

Miles is now in high school and is looking ahead to the future.

"Right now, he's dead set on going to Alaska and being a 'pack mule' for his cousin's husband's guide business," said Natalie Scott. "And he has a lot of interest in welding. So we'll see!"

• Make-a-Wish
• Miles Scott
• San Francisco Giants
• San Francisco