Movies made for kids offer a unique blend of fun, imagination, and important lessons.
Over the years, these films have evolved, reflecting changes in technology and storytelling styles.
This article explores some of the top kids’ movies each year, capturing the magic and creativity that captivates young audiences. By revisiting these cherished films, audiences can appreciate their impact on different generations.
1) Frozen (2013)
Frozen, released in 2013, is a beloved animated movie by Disney. It’s inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, “The Snow Queen.”
The film was directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. Jennifer Lee also wrote the screenplay.
The story follows two sisters, Elsa and Anna. Elsa has magical powers that can create ice and snow. She accidentally traps their kingdom, Arendelle, in eternal winter.
Anna, the fearless optimist, sets out on a journey to find her sister and save their home. She is joined by Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and a funny snowman named Olaf.
The voice cast includes Kristen Bell as Anna, Idina Menzel as Elsa, Jonathan Groff as Kristoff, and Josh Gad as Olaf. Their performances bring the story to life.
Frozen’s music is a standout feature, especially the song “Let It Go.” It’s both memorable and catchy. The movie’s animation is stunning, enhancing its magical feel.
The film was a major hit, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. It became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time.
One of the reasons for its success is its unique take on love and family. Instead of focusing on romance, Frozen emphasizes the bond between sisters.
Check out the trailer to see a glimpse of this magical adventure:
2) Toy Story 3 (2010)
“Toy Story 3” hit theaters in 2010 as a much-anticipated sequel in the beloved Pixar series. Directed by Lee Unkrich, it continued the adventures of Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang.
This time, the plot centers around their future as Andy heads to college, raising the question of what happens to them next.
The movie features the voices of Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, and Joan Cusack as Jessie. These iconic characters face new challenges when they’re accidentally donated to a daycare center.
There, they meet new toys, including a seemingly friendly teddy bear named Lotso.
“Toy Story 3” received high praise for its emotional depth and entertaining storyline. It explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and growing up, resonating with audiences of all ages.
The film also boasts top-notch animation, adding to its appeal.
Below is a trailer to give you a glimpse of this heartwarming adventure:
With its mix of humor, action, and emotion, “Toy Story 3” became a favorite for many and even received several awards, including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
3) Zootopia (2016)
Zootopia is a 2016 animated movie from Disney, directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Jared Bush. In this lively city full of animals acting like people, viewers meet Judy Hopps, a bunny cop. She teams up with Nick Wilde, a sly fox voiced by Jason Bateman.
Ginnifer Goodwin voices Judy, giving life to her determined and optimistic character. Their quest? Solve a mysterious case that puts the whole animal city in danger.
The all-star cast also includes Idris Elba, who plays Chief Bogo. He’s the tough police chief who doesn’t make things easy for Judy. Jenny Slate voices the sneaky Assistant Mayor Bellwether, adding more twists to the story.
Zootopia is known for its smart storytelling and humor that engages both kids and adults. It keeps audiences entertained while also delivering a meaningful message about acceptance. With colorful animation and catchy tunes, this film stands out as a must-watch.
For a closer look at this exciting adventure, check out the Zootopia trailer on YouTube.
4) Moana (2016)
Moana came out in 2016 and quickly became a favorite among kids and families. The film features a young Polynesian girl named Moana, who sets out on an epic voyage to save her island.
Auli’i Cravalho shines in her role as Moana, capturing the character’s courage and determination. Dwayne Johnson adds humor and charm as the demigod Maui. Their chemistry is engaging and fun to watch.
The movie is packed with catchy songs and stunning animation, highlighting the beauty of the ocean and Polynesian culture. It’s an adventure filled with magic, humor, and heart.
Moana’s storyline embraces themes of self-discovery and bravery. It encourages young audiences to follow their dreams and emphasizes the importance of perseverance. The film also promotes respect for nature and one’s heritage.
5) Coco (2017)
Coco is a colorful and heartwarming animated film from Disney and Pixar. It was directed by Lee Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina. Released in 2017, the story takes place in Mexico and beautifully showcases the culture and traditions of DÃa de los Muertos.
The main character, Miguel, is a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician. This passion is at odds with his family’s long-standing ban on music due to a mysterious past.
Anthony Gonzalez lends his voice to Miguel, bringing charm and emotion to the character. Other notable voices include Gael GarcÃa Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, and Alanna Ubach.
Miguel embarks on a magical journey to the Land of the Dead, where he meets his ancestors, including his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer. The adventure helps him discover the importance of family and following one’s passion.
The film features stunning animation, lively music, and a heartfelt storyline that appeals to both children and adults. Its vibrant depiction of Mexican culture is both educational and entertaining.
With its strong themes of family and self-discovery, Coco became a favorite among audiences and critics. It won several awards, including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
Coco is great for family movie night. Its mix of humor, adventure, and touching moments makes it an unforgettable watch.
6) The Lego Movie (2014)
The Lego Movie, released in 2014, is a fun and colorful animated film that captures the imagination of both kids and adults. It’s all about the adventures of Emmet, an ordinary Lego figurine who is mistakenly identified as the chosen one.
The movie features an impressive voice cast. Chris Pratt brings Emmet to life with energy and humor. Will Ferrell plays the evil Lord Business, while Elizabeth Banks voices the daring Wyldstyle. Other popular characters include Batman, voiced by Will Arnett, adding a touch of superhero fun, and Morgan Freeman as the wise Vitruvius.
The film blends humor, action, and creativity. Kids love seeing their favorite Lego characters on screen. The story encourages viewers to think creatively and embrace individuality. It’s a movie that inspires building, not just with blocks but in life too. There’s a message about teamwork and believing in oneself.
Parents and kids alike are entertained by the vibrant animation and clever jokes. The movie showcases a world made entirely of Lego bricks, sparking interest in imaginative play. With its catchy music, especially the iconic song “Everything Is Awesome,” it has become a family favorite.
Watch a trailer here to catch a glimpse of this awesome brick-filled adventure.
7) Despicable Me (2010)
Despicable Me hit theaters in 2010 and quickly became a favorite for kids and families. This animated comedy, produced by Universal Pictures, tells the story of Gru, a supervillain with a heart of gold.
Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, has big plans to steal the moon. To pull off this heist, he adopts three orphaned girls—Margo, Edith, and Agnes. The girls see Gru as more of a father figure than a villain, leading to some funny and heartwarming moments.
The film also introduced audiences to the Minions, Gru’s loyal and mischievous helpers. These little yellow characters added tons of humor to the movie and became an instant hit.
The voice cast includes Jason Segel as Gru’s rival, Vector, Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario, and Julie Andrews as Gru’s mother. Their performances bring a unique charm to the film’s characters.
With its blend of humor, action, and a touch of sweetness, Despicable Me captured the attention of moviegoers worldwide. The film’s success helped launch an entire franchise, including sequels and Minions spin-offs.
If you want to get a taste of this fun and engaging movie, check out the trailer below:
8) Inside Out (2015)
Inside Out is a standout animated film from 2015. It was made by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Pete Docter, this film takes viewers on an emotional journey inside the mind of a young girl named Riley.
The movie features the voices of Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Bill Hader as Fear, Lewis Black as Anger, and Mindy Kaling as Disgust. These emotions help Riley navigate the big changes in her life after moving from the Midwest to San Francisco.
What’s cool about Inside Out is how it shows emotions as characters in Riley’s head. Each emotion plays a unique role in how Riley feels about her new home and school. The film uses creative storytelling to explore complex feelings in a way that kids can understand and enjoy.
Inside Out was a big hit, both with critics and audiences. It won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. This film is not just entertaining, but it also offers valuable lessons on understanding and dealing with emotions.
It’s a must-watch for families looking to enjoy a smart and heartwarming movie together.
9) Finding Dory (2016)
Finding Dory hit theaters in 2016 and quickly became a favorite for kids and families. It’s the sequel to the 2003 classic, Finding Nemo.
This animated film was made by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures.
The story follows Dory, a friendly but forgetful blue tang fish. She embarks on an adventure to find her long-lost parents. Along the way, she learns about family and friendship.
The movie features the voices of some well-known actors. Ellen DeGeneres voices Dory with her usual charm and humor. Albert Brooks returns as Marlin, and Ed O’Neill plays Hank, an octopus who helps Dory on her quest.
Many fans enjoyed the heartwarming story and vibrant animation. The film is praised for exploring themes of family and identity. Dory’s never-give-up attitude is inspiring and relatable for kids and adults alike.
Finding Dory also delivers plenty of laughs. It’s filled with fun moments and quirky characters that keep the story lively. The combination of humor and emotion makes this movie a memorable experience for audiences.
10) The Incredibles (2004)
Released in 2004, The Incredibles is a fun and action-packed animated movie. It was created by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Brad Bird.
The film focuses on the life of a superhero family trying to live a normal life.
The main characters include Bob Parr, also known as Mr. Incredible, voiced by Craig T. Nelson, and his wife Helen Parr, or Elastigirl, voiced by Holly Hunter. Their kids, Violet and Dash, are also part of the heroic team.
Samuel L. Jackson voices Frozone, a family friend with ice powers. The story is set in a retro-futuristic world where superheroes are forced to hide their powers. Despite this, the family is drawn back into action when a new villain threatens the peace.
The film combines humor, heart, and lots of exciting superhero action. It’s known for its engaging storyline and unique characters. Kids and adults both enjoy the stunning animation and clever dialogue.
Here’s a look at the trailer:
With its strong voice cast and creative plot, The Incredibles remains a standout film from Pixar’s lineup. It was also recognized for its achievements and won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The Evolution of Kids Movies
Kids movies have changed a lot over the years. Advances in technology have made animation more vibrant, while the themes have become more complex and relatable, reflecting societal changes.
Technological Advancements in Animation
Computer Graphics
One major shift was the introduction of computer-generated imagery (CGI). Pixar’s Toy Story in 1995 was a groundbreaking example, being the first full-length feature film made entirely through CGI.
Improved Realism
Modern movies like Frozen showcase incredible detail, with characters and environments that seem almost real. This realism allows children to experience stories in a more immersive way.
3D Animation
The rise of 3D technology allows viewers to feel like they’re part of the action. The Lion King (2019) used advanced animation techniques to merge the classic story with cutting-edge visuals.
Changing Themes and Storylines
Diverse Characters
Recent movies often include characters from various backgrounds, promoting inclusivity. Films like Moana celebrate different cultures, giving children a chance to learn and empathize.
Complex Narratives
Storylines have become richer, tackling complex issues like friendship and identity. Movies such as Inside Out explore emotions, helping kids understand their feelings.
Empowerment and Growth
Many movies now center around empowering messages. Films like Brave and Zootopia feature strong protagonists overcoming obstacles, inspiring young audiences to be themselves and stand up for what they believe in.
Impact of Kids Movies on Pop Culture
Kids movies have a tremendous impact on pop culture, influencing toy markets and leaving lasting impressions on those who watch them. These films often inspire a wide array of products and shape childhood memories for generations.
Influence on Toys and Merchandise
Kids movies often spark trends in toys and merchandise. When a popular film is released, toy companies capitalize by creating action figures, stuffed animals, and even branded clothing.
Toy Story and Frozen are prime examples; their characters became household names, appearing on everything from backpacks to bed linens.
Movies also often lead to themed board games and video games. These keep the film’s magic alive in kids’ everyday play. For instance, LEGO sets based on Star Wars have become a staple for both young fans and collectors.
The marketing strategies behind these movies target children and their parents, ensuring that kids’ favorite characters from the big screen come home with them. This strategy keeps the movie’s characters relevant and creates a strong connection between the film and its audience.
Role in Shaping Childhood Memories
Movies like The Lion King or Harry Potter hold a special place in many people’s hearts. These films often play during family nights, sleepovers, and holiday traditions.
The stories and characters become cherished parts of growing up. Watching these movies with family or friends creates shared experiences and memories.
Kids often identify with the characters, finding role models in heroes or relating to their struggles and adventures. These films also open kids’ minds to new ideas and cultures.
As they explore magical worlds or faraway lands, kids learn to think beyond their surroundings. Such impacts show how deeply kids movies can shape views and memories that last a lifetime.
