Finding the right movies for 10-year-olds can be a fun challenge.
At this age, kids are curious and ready for a mix of adventure, humor, and relatable stories. The best films captivate their hearts and minds without crossing the line into more mature content.
Discover which movies spark imagination and are perfect for family movie nights.
Whether it’s animated tales or live-action adventures, there’s a treasure trove of films that balance entertainment and age-appropriate themes. These movies often provide valuable lessons while keeping young viewers engaged.
1) The Lion King
“The Lion King” is a classic Disney animated film that remains a favorite among kids and families.
It’s a story about a young lion named Simba who embarks on a journey to become king. The movie features colorful animation that’s engaging for viewers of all ages.
The voice cast includes Jonathan Taylor Thomas as young Simba and Matthew Broderick as adult Simba. James Earl Jones lends his powerful voice to Mufasa, Simba’s father, and Jeremy Irons voices the villainous Scar.
The film is enhanced by its memorable music, composed by Elton John and Tim Rice, with hits like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata.”
The movie deals with themes of responsibility, bravery, and family bonds. Some scenes, particularly involving the death of Simba’s father, might be intense for younger children, but they are handled with care. These moments offer opportunities for discussion about loss and resilience.
To watch the trailer, you can check out this YouTube video.
With its mix of adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments, “The Lion King” continues to be a top pick for kids around 10 years old. It’s a movie that not only entertains but also provides valuable life lessons.
2) Toy Story
Toy Story is an animated movie that kids of all ages love.
The film was the first feature-length film entirely created using computer animation. Released in 1995, it introduced audiences to a world where toys come to life when no one is watching.
The main characters are Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger. Woody is voiced by Tom Hanks, while Buzz is brought to life by Tim Allen. The story explores their rivalry and friendship in a fun and exciting way.
Audiences have enjoyed the funny and heartfelt moments shared by Woody, Buzz, and the other toys. The animation, engaging story, and memorable characters make it a top choice for kids.
Check out the Toy Story trailer on YouTube to see why it’s such a hit with children and families.
3) Frozen
Frozen is a hit animated movie from Disney that kids love. It was released in 2013 and quickly became a favorite for many. The story takes place in the kingdom of Arendelle.
The film follows two sisters, Elsa and Anna. Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel, has magical ice powers. Her sister Anna, played by Kristen Bell, is warm and adventurous.
The movie features catchy songs, with “Let It Go” being one of the most famous. The animation is colorful and vibrant, making it visually appealing to kids.
Frozen also includes a funny snowman named Olaf, voiced by Josh Gad. His friendly personality and goofy antics add humor to the story. Sven, a loyal reindeer, is another fun character who kids enjoy.
Parents appreciate how Frozen explores themes of love, acceptance, and family. It’s easy for children to relate to the characters and learn valuable lessons.
Check out the trailer here to see why Frozen is a must-watch for 10-year-olds.
4) Shrek
“Shrek” is a fantastic choice for kids who enjoy animated adventures.
Released in 2001, this movie has become a favorite among children and adults alike. It tells the story of a green ogre named Shrek, who just wants to live alone in his swamp. His peace is disturbed, leading him on an exciting quest.
Shrek, voiced by Mike Myers, teams up with a talkative donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy. Their mission is to rescue Princess Fiona, played by Cameron Diaz. The movie creatively flips traditional fairy tale clichés, bringing humor and heart to its story.
“Shrek” stands out for its clever jokes and lively animation. Its humor is both silly and smart, making it entertaining for kids and their parents. The film also sends a positive message about accepting others for who they are.
This movie includes some catchy songs and fun references to fairy tales. Its vibrant world and memorable characters keep viewers engaged and amused throughout the adventure.
The blend of comedy and adventure in “Shrek” charms audiences and offers a delightful experience for the whole family.
The link above leads to a trailer to give a sneak peek into Shrek’s world. Parents can enjoy sharing laughs with their kids while watching this classic film.
5) Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo is a beloved animated film by Pixar released in 2003.
The movie tells the story of a clownfish named Marlin and his journey to find his lost son, Nemo. Along the way, he teams up with a forgetful fish named Dory.
The voices in the film include Albert Brooks as Marlin, Ellen DeGeneres as Dory, and Alexander Gould as Nemo.
Kids love the underwater adventures and colorful ocean scenery.
The film is filled with fun characters and teaches valuable lessons about friendship and courage. It’s a great pick for 10-year-olds to enjoy with the family.
6) Moana
Moana is a fantastic choice for 10-year-olds who love adventure and catchy songs. This Disney animated film takes viewers on an exciting journey across the ocean. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy stories about bravery and exploration.
The film follows a young girl named Moana, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, who sets sail to save her island. With the hilarious demigod Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, they face many challenges together.
With great animation and a wonderful soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Moana captures the spirit of Polynesian culture. The songs, like “How Far I’ll Go,” are fun and memorable.
The characters are relatable and show positive traits like courage and determination. Moana is not only entertaining but also inspiring for young viewers, as it encourages them to follow their dreams and help others.
Here’s a trailer to give you a sneak peek into Moana:
Kids and families will enjoy watching Moana together. It’s a story that blends humor, heart, and adventure perfectly.
7) Zootopia
Zootopia is an animated adventure that’s perfect for kids. It takes place in a city where animals of all kinds live together. The story follows a rabbit named Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, who dreams of becoming a police officer. She teams up with Nick Wilde, a sly fox played by Jason Bateman.
Together, they solve a mystery that affects the whole city. The movie is packed with fun and excitement, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The colorful animation and delightful characters ensure that both kids and adults enjoy the journey.
Zootopia has some important messages about friendship and acceptance, making it not only entertaining but meaningful. It encourages viewers to understand others, no matter their differences. The comedic elements add to the movie’s charm, creating a balance of humor and heart.
With its mix of action and comedy, Zootopia is a must-watch for families. The characters and story make it a memorable experience for kids around 10 years old. Check out the trailer below to see what the excitement is all about:
8) Despicable Me
“Despicable Me” is a favorite for many kids, including 10-year-olds. The movie follows the adventures of Gru, a villain who adopts three orphaned girls. His life takes a turn when the girls bring out his softer side.
Steve Carell voices Gru, bringing humor and charm to the character. The Minions, those quirky yellow creatures, always make kids laugh with their funny antics. They steal the scene with their gibberish talk and playful behavior.
The storyline is both funny and heartwarming. It shows the change in Gru as he becomes a caring father figure to Margo, Edith, and Agnes. This makes the movie more than just a simple villain adventure.
Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, and Elsie Fisher voice the three girls. Their performances add depth and create a special bond with Gru.
The animation is vibrant and keeps kids engaged throughout the film. The action scenes are both thrilling and amusing. The film’s humor appeals to both kids and adults, offering jokes that all ages can enjoy.
“Despicable Me” combines comedy, emotion, and adventure, making it a must-watch for young audiences. It’s a film that families can enjoy together, sharing laughs and smiles.
9) Kung Fu Panda
Kung Fu Panda is a fun and action-packed movie that kids love.
Po, a clumsy panda with big dreams, becomes an unlikely hero. His journey to become a kung fu legend is full of laughs and excitement.
The movie stars Jack Black as the voice of Po, who brings humor and energy to the character. Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, and Lucy Liu also lend their voices to this star-studded cast.
Kung Fu Panda’s animation is colorful and lively. The action scenes are thrilling, making it a thrilling watch for children. The story teaches values like believing in oneself and never giving up, making it not just entertaining but also inspiring.
Here’s a trailer to give a sneak peek of Po’s exciting adventures:
Kids will be fascinated by the blend of humor and action, making Kung Fu Panda a great choice for family movie night.
10) Cars
“Cars” is a fun animated movie by Pixar. It features a world where vehicles are alive. The film follows Lightning McQueen, a race car, as he gets stuck in a small town. There, he learns important lessons about friendship and humility. Kids often love the bright animation and engaging story.
Lightning McQueen is voiced by Owen Wilson. Other notable characters include Mater, voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, and Doc Hudson, voiced by the late Paul Newman. The film has a blend of comedy and heartwarming moments.
The movie offers exciting race scenes while also showing the importance of community and helping others. This mix makes it appealing for many young viewers. Here’s a fun glimpse of the movie’s exciting trailer.
Age-Appropriate Content
Kids at age 10 are curious and impressionable. Movie choices can influence how they understand the world around them.
It’s important to choose movies with content that matches their stage of development. Movies with too much violence or mature themes can be confusing or frightening.
Parents and caregivers need to be cautious of film ratings to ensure the content is not too advanced.
Choosing movies like animated adventures or family-friendly comedies provides entertainment that is both engaging and safe. Allowing them to enjoy stories that fit their level helps them process and learn in healthy ways.
Developing Interests and Imagination
Children’s interests start to develop around age 10, and movies can play a huge role in this. Adventure and fantasy films can inspire creativity and imagination.
It’s a great time to introduce them to films with diverse characters and exciting scenarios. Watching movies about different subjects can spark a new passion or hobby.
For instance, a sports movie might ignite a love for a new game, while a science fiction film could lead to an interest in space.
It’s amazing how the right movie can open up new worlds to a young mind and expand their horizons.
Tips for Choosing Movies for Kids
Picking the right movies for kids involves more than just checking if it looks fun. It’s important to know the age ratings, look for films that can teach something, and make sure they are both fun and educational.
Check Ratings and Reviews
Parents should always check movie ratings before letting their kids watch them. Ratings provide insight into the movie’s content, like language, violence, or anything not suitable for kids.
It’s a good idea to look for movies rated G or PG for 10-year-olds, as these typically have fewer adult themes. Reviews from trusted sources can be helpful, too.
Websites like Common Sense Media or Rotten Tomatoes provide detailed reviews on the content. They explain if a movie contains themes you might want to discuss with your child.
Parents can also talk to other parents or read online forums for personal reviews. This helps gather varied opinions before making a decision.
Consider Educational Value
Movies can be great for learning new things. Parents should look for films that introduce kids to new ideas or cultures.
Nature documentaries or historical films can be both educational and fun. It’s key to find movies that match the child’s interests to keep them engaged while learning.
Educational movies often have important messages or lessons that can inspire kids. They might encourage teamwork or teach empathy.
Animated films sometimes do this subtly through storytelling. Adding educational movies to the mix can help kids learn without feeling like it’s a chore.
Balance Entertainment with Learning
Finding a good mix of fun and learning is important. Kids need to enjoy what they’re watching, or they might lose interest quickly.
Action-packed adventures or funny comedies can offer a joyful experience while also teaching a lesson. Parents can pick movies that combine both elements.
For instance, animated films often entertain and have moral teachings within the plot. It might also be wise to alternate between purely entertaining movies and more educational ones.
This balance ensures that kids enjoy their movie time while also gaining some insights or knowledge.
Popular Genres for Kids
Kids love movies that entertain and inspire their imagination. Some of the most popular genres for kids include animated films, fantasy adventures, and comedies.
Animated Films
Animated movies are a favorite for kids of all ages. They combine vibrant visuals with engaging stories that capture the imagination.
Films like Frozen and Toy Story have been huge hits, blending fun characters and catchy songs. Animation allows for unlimited creativity, bringing animals to life or creating mythical worlds.
Animated films often include important themes like friendship, courage, and kindness. These stories appeal not just to kids but to families who enjoy watching together.
With their unique ability to entertain and teach, animated films remain a staple in family movie nights.
Fantasy and Adventure
Fantasy and adventure movies transport kids to exciting and magical worlds. These films often feature young heroes on thrilling quests or exploring fantastic realms.
Movies like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia captivate audiences with tales of bravery and discovery. These adventures often involve epic battles, mythical creatures, and magical quests that ignite the sense of wonder.
Fantasy films also allow kids to explore important themes such as good versus evil or believing in oneself.
By experiencing these cinematic journeys, young viewers gain a sense of adventure without leaving their living rooms. These films are perfect for young audiences who crave a bit of magic in their movie watching.
Comedy
Comedy movies bring laughter and joy to both kids and their families.
Comedies like Home Alone and Despicable Me deliver great humor with fun situations and witty dialogue.
Kids enjoy funny characters, slapstick moments, and unexpected surprises.
Comedy films are perfect for light-hearted entertainment, ensuring giggles and belly laughs throughout.
They often feature relatable situations that lead to hilarious misunderstandings or amusing predicaments.
These movies can also convey positive messages, encouraging kindness or teamwork through humor.
Whether it’s through clever jokes or silly antics, comedy helps lift spirits and create memorable family time.
Laughter truly is the best medicine, especially when shared over a funny movie.
