Movies for kids are more than just entertainment. They’re gateways to magical worlds where imaginations can run wild and life lessons are learned.
These films can inspire creativity, teach important values, and bring families together for some quality time.
Choosing which movies to watch can feel like a daunting task with so many options available.
The right films offer adventures that captivate minds while delivering messages that resonate with both kids and adults. Whether it’s an animated tale or a live-action adventure, the best kids’ movies are timeless treasures.
1) Toy Story
“Toy Story,” released in 1995, marked the beginning of a new era in animation. It was the first full-length film created entirely with computer-generated imagery.
The film introduces audiences to a world where toys come to life when humans aren’t around. The story follows the adventure of Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure.
Tom Hanks voices Woody, while Tim Allen takes on the role of Buzz Lightyear.
Their journey is filled with humor and heartwarming moments as they navigate jealousy, friendship, and rescue missions.
“Toy Story” was a massive hit, praised for its groundbreaking animation and clever storytelling. It sparked a successful franchise, leading to several sequels and short films. Each movie continues to capture the imaginations of kids and adults alike.
Below is a trailer for “Toy Story”:
Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo is a beloved animated film that appeals to kids and families alike. It tells the story of a young clownfish named Nemo who gets captured and ends up in a fish tank.
His father, Marlin, goes on an adventure across the ocean to find him.
The movie features the voices of Albert Brooks as Marlin, Ellen DeGeneres as the forgetful Dory, and Alexander Gould as Nemo.
Their characters’ journey through the ocean is filled with amazing sea creatures and colorful underwater scenes.
Directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich, Finding Nemo is known for its stunning animation and heartfelt narrative. The film beautifully mixes humor and emotion, making it a hit with audiences of all ages.
Kids love the humorous situations and characters, while parents appreciate the story of a father’s love and determination. The movie highlights themes of friendship, bravery, and perseverance.
You can watch a clip from Finding Nemo below:
3) The Lion King
“The Lion King” is a classic animated film that has been enchanting audiences since its release in 1994. The story follows Simba, a young lion who learns about responsibility, leadership, and bravery. As he grows up, Simba faces many challenges, including the villainous Scar, who wants to take over the Pride Lands.
The movie features a strong voice cast, including Matthew Broderick as Simba, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, and Jeremy Irons as Scar.
These performances, accompanied by memorable songs, bring the characters to life and engage the audience.
Songs like “Hakuna Matata” and “Circle of Life” have made the film’s soundtrack just as famous as the movie itself. The music, composed by Elton John and Tim Rice, is an integral part of the experience.
The Lion King has also been adapted into a highly successful Broadway musical and a live-action/CGI remake in 2019. This version featured Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncé Knowles as Nala. The new technology brought another layer of visual excitement to the story.
The Lion King’s messages about family and finding one’s place in the world resonate with both kids and adults. Whether it’s through animation or its various adaptations, the story of Simba’s journey continues to captivate viewers of all ages.
4) Shrek
Shrek is a 2001 animated comedy film that quickly became a classic for kids and families. With its unique sense of humor, it pokes fun at traditional fairy tales. The main character, Shrek, is an ogre played by Mike Myers, who lives alone in a swamp but soon finds himself on a quest for love.
Joining him on this journey is the talkative Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy. Donkey and Shrek form an unlikely friendship as they face magical creatures and an evil prince named Lord Farquaad, played by John Lithgow. Their mission? To rescue Princess Fiona, who is voiced by Cameron Diaz.
The movie combines witty dialogue with fantastic songs, making it unforgettable.
Shrek’s adventures continue in three more films, with each offering more laughs and heartwarming stories. Shrek is not just about humor; it has themes of acceptance and friendship, too.
The series also includes spin-offs like Puss in Boots, adding to its charm and appeal. Shrek’s world is fun, packed with quirky characters and lots of surprises. It’s these qualities that keep audiences, young and old, coming back for more.
5) Frozen
Frozen, released in 2013, is a hit animated movie from Disney. It tells the story of two sisters, Anna and Elsa, living in the kingdom of Arendelle. The film is a magical mix of adventure and heartwarming tales.
The movie features Kristen Bell as Anna and Idina Menzel as Elsa. Their incredible voice performances bring the characters to life. Josh Gad adds to the charm by voicing Olaf, the lovable snowman.
Elsa has magical ice powers that accidentally trap the kingdom in an endless winter. Her sister Anna, with the help of Kristoff and his reindeer Sven, sets off to find her and save the kingdom.
The song “Let It Go,” performed by Idina Menzel, became a huge hit. It’s known for its powerful lyrics and catchy melody. This song is a big reason why the movie is so memorable.
Here’s a trailer for Frozen to give a glimpse into the icy adventure:
6) Inside Out
“Inside Out” is a standout kids’ movie directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen. Released in 2015, it’s an animated film from Disney Pixar that’s both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The story follows young Riley, who moves from the Midwest to San Francisco, a big change for her and her family.
The movie dives into Riley’s mind, where five core emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—come to life as unique characters. Joy, voiced by Amy Poehler, is a bright presence who tries to keep Riley happy. Meanwhile, Phyllis Smith gives a touching performance as Sadness, balancing the emotional tone of the story.
With a mix of humor and emotion, “Inside Out” is a journey through a child’s feelings.
Kids and adults alike find themselves relating to Riley’s experiences. The film brings abstract ideas to life, making it easier for children to understand complex emotions.
“Inside Out” has been praised for its creative storytelling and stunning animation. It became a favorite among audiences because it addresses feelings in a way that’s both fun and educational.
Check out the trailer to get a glimpse of this magical journey:
7) Despicable Me
Despicable Me is a fun and heartwarming animated movie about a criminal mastermind named Gru. Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, plans to steal the moon, but his life changes when he adopts three little orphans. These girls see Gru not as a villain but as a loving father figure.
This film also introduced audiences to the Minions, Gru’s little yellow helpers. They are known for their silly and playful nature, bringing humor to the story. The movie features other talented actors like Jason Segel, who voices the character Vector, and Julie Andrews as Gru’s mom.
Despicable Me was released in 2010 and has remained a popular choice for family movie nights. The animation is colorful and vibrant, appealing to both kids and adults. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, the movie is a delightful mix of action, adventure, and comedy.
Watch the trailer for a sneak peek of this entertaining movie:
8) Moana
Moana is a hit Disney movie that tells the story of a brave young girl on a journey across the ocean. She is determined to save her island and her people with the help of the demigod, Maui. The film is well-loved by kids for its exciting adventure and catchy songs.
Auli’i Cravalho gives voice to Moana, capturing her sense of wonder and determination. Dwayne Johnson voices the larger-than-life character Maui, who adds humor and charm to the story. Their performances bring the characters to life in a delightful way.
The movie is visually stunning, with vibrant animation that brings the ocean and islands to life.
Kids enjoy the action-packed scenes and funny moments, making it a favorite for families to watch together. The film’s music, by Lin-Manuel Miranda, adds to its appeal with songs that are both motivational and fun.
9) The Incredibles
The Incredibles is a fantastic animated movie that came out in 2004. It’s all about a superhero family trying to live a normal life in the suburbs. They suit up again to stop a new villain who threatens the world.
Bob Parr, known as Mr. Incredible, is the dad. He’s voiced by Craig T. Nelson. Helen Parr, or Elastigirl, is the mom, and Holly Hunter brings her to life. Their kids have powers too. Violet can turn invisible, Dash is super fast, and little Jack-Jack is full of surprises.
Samuel L. Jackson plays Frozone, Mr. Incredible’s best friend, who can freeze anything.
Directed by Brad Bird, the movie is known for mixing action and humor, making it a hit with both kids and adults. It was made by Pixar and Disney, so you know the animation is top-notch.
The music, created by Michael Giacchino, adds excitement to the movie. Every scene pops with energy and fun, thanks to all the creative minds behind Toy Story and Ratatouille.
The Incredibles is a great pick for family movie night. It’s a fun and thrilling ride that’s still popular today. Watch them battle bad guys and discover their powers.
10) Coco
Coco is a heartwarming animated film from Disney and Pixar. It came out in 2017 and quickly became a favorite among both kids and adults. The movie tells the story of Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician.
Miguel faces a big challenge because his family has banned music for generations. Despite this, he is determined to follow his passion. The story takes a magical turn when Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead.
In the Land of the Dead, Miguel meets his ancestors and learns more about his family’s past. Here, he tries to uncover the mystery of why music is prohibited in his family. The journey is emotional and full of adventure.
The film features voice talents like Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, and Benjamin Bratt. Their performances bring the vibrant characters to life. The animation is stunning, with bright colors and incredible details.
Coco explores themes of family, tradition, and following one’s dreams. The music in the movie is unforgettable, with songs that capture the spirit of the story. Each tune is catchy and filled with emotion.
For those interested in a preview, the official Coco trailer is available on YouTube. Viewers can catch a glimpse of the captivating story and the beautiful animation.
Understanding the Appeal of Kids Movies
Kids movies grab the attention of young audiences with engaging stories, bright colors, and unforgettable characters. These elements work together to create films that entertain and inspire both kids and adults.
Storytelling Techniques
Storytelling in kids movies often revolves around simple plots with clear moral lessons. Using a straightforward narrative, filmmakers can present themes like friendship, bravery, and kindness. This makes it easy for young viewers to grasp the story and relate to the characters.
Humor and adventure are key tools in these stories. Quirky situations and funny dialogues keep the movie exciting. Fantasy elements like talking animals or magical worlds spark curiosity. This blend of elements creates a captivating experience for children, encouraging repeated viewing.
Colorful Animation
Vibrant animation is crucial in appealing to kids. Bright and bold colors capture attention instantly.
The playful use of color and imaginative designs make the visuals lively and engaging. This invites young viewers to explore the animated world.
Animation can bring fantastical ideas to life in a way that reality cannot. Through creative animation techniques, filmmakers can transport audiences to whimsical landscapes and create unique experiences.
This fosters imagination, enabling children to dream and think beyond their everyday surroundings.
Memorable Characters
Characters in kids movies are often unique and larger-than-life. They usually have distinct personalities that make them easy to remember and love.
Whether it’s a brave hero, a funny sidekick, or a quirky villain, these characters resonate with children.
Strong character development helps build an emotional connection. Kids learn valuable lessons by watching characters grow through challenges.
Relatable characters inspire children, offering role models or even new perspectives. By creating bonds with these characters, kids find joy and comfort in the stories, making these films a cherished part of childhood.
Educational Benefits of Kids Movies
Kids movies can be super fun to watch, but they can also teach important things. These films help kids learn moral values, understand different cultures, and even boost cognitive development.
Moral Lessons
Movies often teach valuable lessons in a way that’s easy to understand. For instance, films like “Stand and Deliver” focus on determination and the importance of education.
Characters face challenges and learn how to make good choices, which kids can relate to. Stories of friendship, honesty, and bravery help show what’s right and wrong.
These lessons stick with kids more than just being told what to do, as they see characters living these values out.
Cultural Insights
Movies are a window into different parts of the world. They can show kids what daily life is like in other countries, helping them appreciate diversity.
Films like “Wings of Life,” narrated by Meryl Streep, introduce children to the incredible work done by pollinators and nature on our planet.
By watching these stories, kids learn to value different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles while celebrating our shared humanity.
Cognitive Development
Watching movies can actually make kids smarter. Films that focus on problem-solving, like “Big Hero 6” and “The Lego Movie,” inspire creative thinking and teamwork.
This kind of entertainment requires kids to pay attention and process lots of information, boosting memory, attention span, and even language skills.
Additionally, the visual and auditory stimulation of movies helps engage different parts of the brain, enhancing learning in a fun and interactive way.
