MovieKids: Top Kids’ Movies of All Time

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Updated: August 20, 2024 | Published:

Kids’ movies are a great way to introduce your children to new things, teach them valuable lessons, and help them develop their imagination and creativity.

The best children’s movies are those that are entertaining and educational. It’s important to make sure that the movie you choose is appropriate for your child.

You don’t want your child watching a movie that has language or violence that could be inappropriate for them.

Moviekids - Top Movies for Kids

We’ve compiled a list of the top kids’ movies (moviekids) that are both entertaining and educational. Whether you’re looking for some quality time with the kids or a fun movie night, here are some of the best kids’ movies to check out.

The Greatest Children’s Films Ever Made: MovieKids Edition

The Jungle Book

If you are looking for a movie to watch with your kids, consider watching “The Jungle Book”. This is a classic that even young children will enjoy.

It incorporates everything we love about movies – adventure, friendship, feeling good, learning lessons, and of course, animals.

Based on Mowgli from Rudyard Kipling’s novels, it was adapted into a screenplay by Richard Farry. It was directed by Louis Leterrier and stars Neel Sethi, Awkwafina, Chelsea Lopez, Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bush, Gal Gadot, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Chris Pine, Salma Hayek, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

One of the most famous kids’ movies is Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory from 2005. This movie follows young Charlie Bucket as he develops a friendship with the chocolate factory owner, Wilbur Whizzcracker (played by Johnny Depp).

Throughout his experience at the chocolate factory, Charlie learns that even though childhood experiences are wonderful, they don’t last forever.

At the end of the film, Charlie decides what he wants to do next in his life and how he wants to continue pursuing his dreams. The entire movie has an encouraging message for children — if they choose to believe in themselves.

This is one lesson that many children need to hear.

Inside Out

It’s hard to imagine a more perfect film for adults to watch with small kids.

The movie is built around six-year-old memory inspector Riley who, through an amazing set of events, finds herself in a broken-down house at night.

She sees lights and hears voices coming from somewhere upstairs, but otherwise, there are no grown-ups about.

So Riley tries to find her way out — while also finding all sorts of lost children along the process.

They see things that they want to forget (like putting new batteries in a toy), experiences they don’t remember (moments when she was happy or sad), or things that used to make them feel secure (holding hands, being hugged).

Riley recognizes these parts of their experience by showing emotions such as regret, awe, hope, gratitude, and determination.

By the end of the film, both mom and son have left the house knowing each other again.

The Lion King

Honestly, if you want your kids to appreciate a movie, just let them watch it by themselves at some point. You don’t have to rent or buy their copies, but once they see it, watch it with them!

The Lion King is one of the most popular family films ever made. It holds up its still rank as one of the best-animated movies out there.

If you need a reason to watch it yourself, here are all the reasons you should.

But first, know that it was released in 1994, which means it has enough power to cool anyone off. Also, this film teaches us a lot about being human, something every kid can understand.

Here are all the themes this film brings to the table.

Pay attention to how each character treats others. Look for patterns of behavior. How do these characters compare to ones you may be familiar with?

Notice anything different about any of the characters and try to put your finger on what makes them so unique. Are they eccentric? Or normal? Take notes if you fail to pinpoint any distinctive traits.

This will prepare you for watching the rest of the movie and getting a deeper understanding of those characters. By taking note of individual differences you will find it easier to connect with the story and certain characters.

Plot-wise this movie doesn’t progress much. But what it does well is it tells a true tale through

Beauty and the Beast

Film versions of this classic story have won universal praise, including from Disney themselves who cited it as the film that started their foray into CG animation.

The original 1988 version was produced for television, but fortunately, you can watch an entire 48-minute movie entirely composed of CGI beauty and the beast!

How the film stays true to the novel is incredible; everything about it feels real and fresh despite its overhyped fantasy elements. The pacing is quick, the action is intense, and the romance between Belle (voice of Olivia Cooke) and Beast (Dan Stevens) is subtle yet passionate.

There’s also great chemistry between the leads. It’s easy to see why everyone loves these two characters—the script captured something essential from the novel.

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Moviekids Top Franchise – Harry Potter

If you’re looking for a movie to watch with your kids, there are a lot of great choices in the wizarding world.

There is a whole franchise worth of movies based on J.K. Rowling’s stories about magic and wizards.

If you prefer more age-appropriate films, there are still a few options you can watch together.

The Lego Movie is full of funny jokes and interesting characters; Princess Buddleja teaches important lessons around kindness, empathy, and helping others; and Ratatouille inspires children to think about how they can cook up new ideas,” said Laura Norton, founder of Parent & Child: Connected Learning Communities.

Ratatouille, which was adapted from Andrew Meyers’ 2006 novel of the same name, deals with many themes that often appear in kid-friendly fares, like food and cooking.

Sleeping Beauty

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who always dreamed of having a child of her own. She would wake up in bed with her mother every night.

One day, she met a prince who fell in love with her. He asked for her hand in marriage. But first, he must face a trial by fire.

So, the prince married the princess and had two children. They lived together happily ever after – until they were old and couldn’t have kids anymore. Then came the hardest thing the princess ever had to do.

She had to tell the king that no one wanted to marry her because she wasn’t ready to give herself to anyone. And even though she loved him dearly, she could not be with someone else.

And so, the princess became alone again. When she looked at other people’s faces, their smiles sometimes made her feel like throwing up.

But the most important thing the Princess taught her children was how to let go of their dreams and trust God with the things that matter.

He has a way of making your wishes come true!

Star Wars

George Lucas created this film series about 30 years ago, which means your kids can watch them now without feeling like they’re missing out. Plus, there are so many different versions of Star Wars these days that it feels like you can pick and choose what character or storyline you want to see.

Some people criticize Disney for “changing” Star Wars too much with the films, removing their true essence.

But I read an interview somewhere with Lawrence Kasdan (writer of Empire Strikes Back and X-Men) where he said that in his opinion, nothing is beyond a revisionist look into the past, including historical events.

He believes that filmmakers today can show things more clearly than previous generations, giving us insight that was never available before. It’s up to us to decide how we use that information to view historical events.

The Dark Crystal

Like Matryoshka dolls, this movie is about making up stories (in this case fantasy stories) that include both good and bad elements.

However, it doesn’t require as much effort to watch as it does to count how many dolls are in the picture! But if you do need to focus, try focusing on the visuals and imagining yourself in the story.

How many kids are there? What is their relationship with each other? Are they friends or enemies? Find out what happens when they grow up – maybe your children will enjoy watching these movies too! – and see if you can fit them somewhere within the plot.

These are all questions that hopefully you have helped educate your children regarding the choices that they make. It also provides an opportunity to discuss options with them, so that they understand the consequences of their actions.

The Little Mermaid

A lot of people don’t like this movie because it’s too romantic, but I love it. It’s so interesting watching these two extremes clash together especially.

I can compare it to healthy vs. unhealthy relationships. There are many bad things about being in a relationship with someone unhappy or depressed. These emotions are very painful for someone who is already suffering from an illness like depression.

It takes a strong person to be able to stay happy while their partner is going through hard times.

But what if we told you that you could enjoy some of the benefits of being in a dysfunctional relationship by actually looking at it as a beautiful film? You would take back all those angry feelings because you would see the beauty in them.

The same goes for individuals whose greatest happiness is found in the connections they make with other people. Even though it may not feel good now, there are still several ways you can benefit from viewing this film.

Look into your own experiences around others who share your pain or sickness. Perhaps you have never experienced true compassion before, which is why stories such as these can help.

These represent situations where empathy is shown through action instead of words. By doing something kind for another human being, you are showing them sympathy and understanding. Stories such as these can also teach you how to handle conflict better.

If one problem exists in a relationship, then do

Pirates of the Caribbean

How about taking your children (ages 2-12) on a pirate adventure?

Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most popular family films with both kids and adults. The movie has fun themes, great action, and interesting characters.

It’s easy to understand then how it became one of the top 40 movies ever made. At only 106 minutes long, there’s plenty of room to take them beyond the scenes that they can see.

Let them play games like “which character are they closest to?” or “who did they ride away on?” Sure, we all know pirates were nasty killers, but there’s no reason these kids can’t learn more about them.

Decorate the house for Christmas with candy canes, bells & piraty things!

Top Holiday Movies To Watch With Kids (For Thanksgiving and Christmas)

The Polar Express

Many families enjoy watching this Christmas movie together. The story is simple but telling, and stars one of Hollywood’s most popular children’s acting teams (Kids), Owen Wilson and Amy Poehler.

Wilson plays an ex-jock who tries to help a homeless boy make new friends after his father buys him a train ticket from Antarctica to deliver flowers to his mother for Father’s Day. On the way, he meets a wild elf who teaches him about life.

Poehler provides the voice of the main character’s smart and sassy friend Olivia. Other stars include Danny Glover as the driver of the train and Bill Murray as the wacky owner of the flower shop where the kid works. This film is perfect for adults with a playful sense of imagination and humor.

For younger kids, there’s another option that also features a young hero fighting to save someone whose life matters to them. Much like “The Polar Express,” this movie was written by Dave Ellingson and it’s called “Rolie Polie Channels”.

It focuses on a group of little girls who have band techniques they can learn to play to pass their music exam. A villainous woman named Polina runs the choir while her dad owns the bank holding the little girls’ money.

The Peanuts Movie

This year, for the first time, there is going to be a “Peanuts” movie that doesn’t involve Charles M. Schulz’s characters. That can only mean one thing: Linus must have played some sort of role in its creation, right?

Well, as it turns out, yes! And not just any old role — but the same one he had 20 years ago in the second season of the original TV show. Yep, back when his accent was thick, his attitude wasn’t so cheery, and everyone wanted to kick him out of the peanut gang. (Hey, it happened to me!)

So whether you see this film with your family or watch it alone, I recommend getting into the Christmas spirit while enjoying all of these great holiday classics. After watching one or two, start a debate about which ones you think are the best so you can watch them together.

A Christmas Carol MovieKids

This classic Christmas movie from 2009 stars Jim Carrey. It’s got toys, games, and mayhem in equal measure.

It’s an over-the-top hilarious whirl of eccentric characters and it’s really fun to watch. Plus, it has that great traditional sound of jingling bells!

The Grinch

Many people view “The Grinch” as a classic Christmas story. The movie is about a green-skinned alien who hates celebration more than anyone else, and whose heart has been changed by Whovians (the secret subscribers of a cult television show called Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?).

When he learns that someone is going to ruin Christmas without notifying his wife or using logic, he tries to put up a fight, until one of his pets tricks him into saying something along the lines of ‘Oh no! Not again!’

Upon discovering there are never any other holidays in December, young Victor tries several different strategies to convince everyone outside of Christmastime that he loves their holiday, too.

If you have kids, or if they’re age-appropriate, watch them see this film for the first time. It’s hilarious.

A Christmas Story

Each year, fans wait for “A Christmas Story” to air so they can watch it on TV. The movie is full of dry humor and jokes that some people don’t understand. But if you go into the viewing expecting simple storylines and puns, you will be pleasantly surprised!

The story follows Ralphie as he waits in line for his one true love, a ticket to “The Nutcracker.” However, his mom makes him buy candy instead because she doesn’t want to pay double at night.

Later, when he tries to hook a ride home from a homeless shelter, the man refuses to let him ride for free. Forced to walk, Ralphie meets up with an old friend who offers him a chance to steal money from rich men’s wallets.

This drama revolves around young Ralph trying to impress his favorite girl, and his attempts to win her affection lead to more comedy moments. She teaches him about faith, which plays a major part in the film. As the two talk through the course of the evening, viewers are treated to another lesson.

In the end, we see how all these lessons helped Ralph move forward and learn to embrace life and its challenges. This film will have audiences laughing throughout the entire performance span.

Moviekids Top Selection – Home Alone

Millions of people watch “Home Alone” every year because it is such a fun movie. Even if you have never seen the film, you probably know someone who has.

The popularity of this Christmas tale makes it easy to pick a favorite holiday movie. For me, I would choose Home Alone by far over any other moviekids (to be fair, most fans will agree with me).

This comedy family film takes place during an entire week before Christmas and involves six-year-old Kevin (played by actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt) accidentally sending all his loved ones away for the weekend by complaining that they are making too much noise.

As he deals with being alone on Saturday night, he learns how to cope with loneliness. The humor in the film comes from both Kevin’s misunderstanding of what it means to be lonely and also everyone else’s explanations of why their actions are acceptable.

It may seem like a small thing, but showing your vulnerability can keep you safe in a world where things often feel out of control. Acting independently or taking care of yourself is a great way to start building confidence.

By the end of the film, everything has been solved through simple acts including turning off the lights, going to sleep, and counting down the hours until Mom and Dad get home.

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Mrs. Doubtfire

“Mrs. Doubtfire” is one of the funniest movies ever made. It’s also a really good movie for kids.

Why? Because it deals with mental illness- specifically, autism. This movie takes place in an idyllic suburban home where Robbie Mills (Robin Williams) lives with his wife Elise (Sarah Silverman) and two children.

Robbie is extremely protective of his family, which sometimes makes him act like a kid himself. He won’t watch TV or go anywhere without being completely involved in something.

When he hears about a new psychiatric hospital that lets outpatients via television, he sees only one option for receiving treatment: Dr. Panglossian, whose office is filled with incredibly plastic models of rooms and hospitals.

Love, Actually

This Christmas movie is about love and family. It was written by Richard Curtis (the creator of “Cupid”) who knows how to write comedy centered around relationships.

The plot revolves around London townhouse seller Michael getting roped into a wedding ring sale from an anonymous buyer.

Through various flashbacks, we learn that this was a lost cause from the beginning for Michael. His ex-fianceéed Rachel sold her jewelry collection to buy this precious ring out from under him.

But then… things start happening. The next chapter of their story plays out across several lands over seven years, where they both find themselves faced with the same question — deciding not to marry the man that they loved.

Actor Mark Williams takes on the role of Michael as he tries to convince his ex to give their relationship another chance. At last, she agrees. The same goes for Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe playing one of Michael’s friends who also gets together with the woman he loves.

It may seem strange at first but the rest of the movie explores similarities between these two couples. When you add them up, it becomes clear that everyone wants what all these men want — happiness with someone they can call wife or girlfriend.

Top Halloween Movie for Kids (Scary Movies)

Hocus Pocus

Everyone loves a good story when they are kids, but sometimes it can be hard to find stories that are easy to understand. The movie Hocus Pocus is an excellent example of this!

This movie has it all – scary witches, magic spells, and even some cute characters and plot twists.

It’s also one of the best (and simplest) movies you will ever see if you are looking for a fun way to kick-start your children’s love of reading.

And while most people know about the title track, there are three different songs on the soundtrack. All are catchy, with the original having become quite popular over time.

What makes these tracks such great reads for young readers is that they’re lyrical jumbles, meaning that the words seem like they don’t make sense put together, but once you start putting them together, their meanings finally come into place.

The Evil Dead

For ages 18 years and above, let’s just say you may still be somewhat traumatized by this movie.

Created by Sam Raimi in 1974, the film was hugely popular due to its shocking ending. It starred Bruce Campbell as our hero and Emily Stevens as his girlfriend.

We follow Ash as he returns to his home in California after fighting evil in India. Upon his arrival, he finds that some crazy old man has been there already, leaving notes about how he killed people and explaining why.

Ash then leaves with his friend Debbie (played by Emilia Rose) to go back to her place. Once there, they find more dead bodies and see another weirdo who predicts future events and believes that someone is coming to take over the world.

Stuff like this happens continuously and it puts an eerie feeling into the scene. You never know if something is going to jump out at you or not. This fear makes even the simplest tasks seem scary.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Nothing is better than a good scary movie for kids! Especially if you show it to kids, they will love it or not depending on their fear level. If you want to get them into movies that are still scary, but in a different way, try watching some Netflix movies

If you aren’t sure what to watch, look up all the Halloween-themed options available. Some of the best creepy choices include ‘It Follows’, ‘Tucker & Dale vs Evil’, and ‘Witches’.

There are so many things to choose from, there has never been a reason not to see a film.

Ginger Snaps

Some people may know about this movie from its controversial status, but few know about it from its core story or how well it was received.

Set in Montreal, “Ginger Snaps” follows 16-year-old Ginger (played by Emily Hampshire) as she works to cope with her anxiety disorder and puberty.

A Canadian production, “Ginger Snaps” was released straight to DVD and had a limited theatrical run earlier this year. But thanks to Netflix, there’s an extended version available now.

The Fog

Once upon a time, there was a town where we were very happy living with ease of mind. They had peace within them and without. But then they found themselves locked in a nightmare scenario that would continue forever…

Foggy days turned into nights where people couldn’t find each other, cars ran out of gas, and nobody knew what was happening. It became more than just a fog; it became a monster that stole lives and loved ones.

Many tried to make their way through this nightmare, but few survived. This is how The Fog begins –- slowly killing anyone who gets caught in its path.

There are many versions of this horror story spanning several cultures across the world. What makes these stories so scary is the lack of justice. Those who survive seem lucky to be alive, while those who don’t suffer horrible consequences.

Here are some examples from real life: diseases that spread faster, people getting hurt or even killed because others didn’t listen or ignored the warnings, people ignoring common sense, not spending enough time thinking about safety, etc.

Are you picking a movie for your kids? Or choosing to live life in fear?

An American Werewolf in London

Jack Goodman is attacked by a werewolf on a city street late at night. His friend, David Jenkins, finds him lying in the middle of the road, breathing heavily and wearing nothing but his boxer shorts.

After helping Jack get home, Jenkins goes to check on Jane, who had met up with friends earlier.

Hearing her phone ring, she answers it briefly before realizing it’s still playing “Ring Ding!” (a movie quote from the original Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim’s “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”) and dropping the call without hanging up.

Meanwhile, back at the hospital where Jack is being treated, Dr. Quintessus has just happened to be stepping out for a minute. Having heard about the werewolves that have been going around, he thinks there might be a connection.

He wonders if there’s any way they could use science to stop them. One of the nurses recalls a story told to her by her mother about when she was a little girl and how she ‘strangled’ a monster in a dream.

So Doctor Quintessus takes her into another room, sits down with her, and starts asking questions. Had she seen anything like this before? Any other visions? She describes what it felt like, trying to figure out why she had strangled someone instead of a monster. Then she tries to put herself in its shoes, feeling pain

MovieKids – Top Kids Movies On Netflix

The Lego Movie

If you haven’t seen it yet, you better run to your theater as soon as possible!

If you watch just one movie this year, make it “The Lego Movie”.

I couldn’t put it more simply;). This is an incredibly funny movie with incredible performances from Chris Pratt (Star-boy), Will Arnett (Amber Waves), Bruce Campbell (Ashley O’Connor), Carrie Fisher (Babaaaaius!), David Justice (Cheeseburger), Emily Blunt (Anabelle Pennyworth), Jack Gleason (Olivier Plexit), Jerry Seinfeld (Zeek Magnus), Katrina Howard (Jessie Rottenberg)), and Wan (Vicarious).

There are also many references to other movies such as ‘Spider-Man’, ‘Superman’, and ‘Harry Potter’.

For older fans, there are even some pop culture jokes from old TV shows or films too.

Mr. Mom

If you watch TV, then you probably know about Mike McCormack. He is that guy who tries to motivate himself through public speaking and occasionally drops some money while doing so.

Well, he turned “kids’ shows” into art, and now he’s got a movie called “Mr.Mom.” Written by Jeff Franklin (writer of Disney’s hit show “Big Shots”) and directed by Drew Barrymore (“Florence Foster Jenkins”), it features an all-star cast including Tim Daly, Molly Shannon, Jerry O’Connell, Chris Elliott, Jonathan Banks, Crispin Glover, and Elizabeth De Razzo.

It tells the story of a couple named Mitchell and Roberta who find out they are having a baby, Mr. Mom. With Roberta unable to have children, this turns out to be something of a blessing for her. However, things aren’t as easy for Mitchel.

He suddenly has a child he doesn’t want and can’t care less about, and he has to learn to love Mrs. Kidney Bean whom he does like but can only kiss in the film.

The movie explores the idea that marriage is supposed to be a partnership, with both parties accepting their limitations and working hard to collaborate despite them.

According to Rolling Stone, which gave the film a rating of RS–watchable, there are five scenes in the movie that will make your gut churn. But overall, it’s a nice family movie that reminds us that sometimes life.

Let’s Be Cops

This is one of the most popular kid movies on Netflix. It’s fun, action-packed, and features a great ensemble cast (including police officers).

It gets its humor from the idea that kids can be cops. The movie gives children a chance to play the part of an officer’s job; allowing them to experience what it takes to be a cop without getting too gritty or serious.

There are lots of funny scenes, like when the boys go beat up a little boy for being stolen in the subway station. They also talk about all the things they did while growing up which makes them feel more grownup than their parents!

This movie will help your child understand what it means to put others before themselves. It tells the story of two young people who are forced to grow up too quickly, where each has to learn how to become a productive member of society with jobs that require paying responsibility.

Top Kids Movies On Amazon Prime

The Incredibles

If you’re looking for a movie to watch with your kids this weekend, we have a wide variety of movies suitable for all ages. One of our most popular options is The Incredibles, which may be worth adding to your list if you are looking for a family-friendly film.

The Incredibles is an animated comedy superhero flick from Pixar that was released in June 2004. It follows a normal couple who must put up one of their son’s greatest achievements after his birth as superheroes.

This way they can make some much-needed time for romance in their relationship.

Although the children will enjoy it, parents will probably need help deciding what toys should be allowed at birthday parties. A lot of the action in the moviekids takes place inside a shopping mall, so many stores including FAO Schwarz would potentially work great for party ideas.

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Ready Player One

A teen gets plugged into virtual reality in this blockbuster film from 2018.

This science-fiction adventure follows three main characters who are obsessed with digital culture, including video games, books, films, and music. They dream of finding an Easter egg hidden within these interactive stories that connect them to an imagined world.

The director employs tricks such as having the game change every few minutes and having the score keep changing so you’re not bored during what should be a very long movie. The acting is great, but the trailer doesn’t give you any clues about how the plot will end.

If you like thrillers or if you’re a big fan of fantasy novels, then this is your ticket. There have been many similar movies coming out recently, with surprising results.

Ice Age

If you want to teach your child about life, then the ice age trilogy is one of the most important movies you will show them. With titles like “Iceage”, “Iglsai”, and “Service”, this movie series has everything; adventure, heartbreak, discovery, and perseverance.

Starring Crocker, the main character in all three films. This series is perfect for kids between the ages of 6 and 10.

The stories are easy to follow and understand, making them ideal for beginners as well as those who have already watched the film.

There are 39 reviews on IMDb with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Many parents praise its simplicity and how easily it develops young children’s language skills.

Moviekids Top Animated – Toy Story

If you are looking for a movie to watch with your children, there is no better choice than “Toy Story”. It’s one of the best kids’ movies of all time and features some amazing animation.

The story follows Woody, an old toy cowboy straight out of childhood fantasies, and Buzz, his mechanical friend who helps him discover new possibilities.

Though the plot might sound simple, the message it sends is very powerful. The film teaches responsibility and optimism, and that friendship is priceless.

This tale of bravery, trust, and belonging will have young viewers laughing until the tears stream down their faces. They will identify strongly with either character and feel comfort in knowing they are not alone.

There are several sequels including “Toy Story 2” and “Toy Story 3”. However, the first film remains the most popular version.

These films were so successful that Disney continued the franchise, creating spin-offs such as “Monsters, Inc.” and “Finding Dory.”

In 2010, Pixar collaborated with Walt Disney Pictures and Disney Interactive to produce a digital adaptation of the film called “Disney Dream.”

Why Movies Matter: Building Imagination, Education, and Fun for Kids

  • Developing Empathy: Movies often present diverse characters and situations, helping children understand different perspectives.
  • Spark of Learning: Movies can introduce kids to historical periods, and scientific concepts, or inspire curiosity about the world (“Hey, where do penguins live? Can we watch a movie about that?”).
  • Emotional Regulation: Movies can provide a safe space to explore feelings like fear, sadness, and joy, helping kids identify and process their own emotions.
    Family Bonding: “Movie nights” create shared experiences and inside jokes that strengthen family connections.

Moviekids by Age: Finding the Perfect Fit

Finding the right movies for your child makes all the difference. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best moviekids experience based on your little one’s age:

Toddlers (1-3 years old): Keep it simple and sweet!

Look for: Bright colors, catchy songs, talking animals, and positive messages.
Our Picks: Disney classics like “Dumbo” and “Winnie the Pooh”, Studio Ghibli’s charming “My Neighbor Totoro”, or the gentle adventures of “Peppa Pig”.

Preschoolers (3-5 years old): They’re ready for stories and silliness!

Look for: Gentle humor, lovable characters, and themes of friendship and kindness.
Our Picks: “The Gruffalo”, “Paddington”, Pixar’s “Wall-E”, or the delightful world of “Sesame Street”.

Elementary Kids (6-10 years old): Adventure awaits!

Look for: Exciting storylines, overcoming challenges, relatable friendships, and maybe even a touch of magic.
Our Picks: “How to Train Your Dragon” series, “The Princess Bride”, “Harry Potter” films, or Marvel’s kid-friendly superhero flicks.

Know your child! Some kids are more sensitive than others, so even within these age ranges, pay attention to movie ratings and consider watching trailers together beforehand.

Remember: Movie nights are special. Make it fun with popcorn and cozy blankets, and let those imaginations soar!

Elements that can make a Movie Perfect for Kids

  1. A relatable and likable main character: A movie that features a main character that kids can relate to and empathize with will be more enjoyable.
    For example, in the movie “Up,” the main character, Carl, is a grumpy old man struggling to come to terms with his wife’s death. Despite his gruff exterior, kids can see that Carl is a kind and loving person who wants to be happy.
  2. A clear and engaging plot: A movie should have a clear plot that is easy to follow and keeps kids interested.
    For example, in the movie “Moana,” the plot is easy to follow and full of action and adventure. Moana, the main character, is on a quest to save her island and becomes friends with the demigod Maui.
  3. Fun and engaging action or adventure: Kids love movies that are exciting and full of action or adventure.
    For example, in the movie “The Incredibles,” the main characters are a family of superheroes who must work together to save the world from an evil villain. The movie is full of action and adventure, as the characters use their powers to fight off bad guys and save the day.
  4. Positive themes and messages: A movie with positive messages can be especially appealing to kids.
    For example, in the movie “Toy Story,” the main theme is the importance of friendship and teamwork. The characters must work together to escape an evil toy store and return home to Andy, their owner.
  5. Memorable and catchy music: Kids love movies with catchy and memorable music that they can sing along to.
    For example, in the movie “Frozen,” the main characters, Elsa and Anna, sing several memorable songs that kids love to sing along to. The movie’s hit song, “Let It Go,” has become an anthem for kids and adults alike.
  6. Likable and relatable supporting characters: A movie with likable and relatable supporting characters can help make it more enjoyable for kids.
    For example, in the movie “The Lion King,” the main character, Simba, has several likable and relatable supporting characters, including his best friend, Timon, and his love interest, Nala. These characters provide fun and support for Simba as he embraces his role as the future king.
  7. Good humor and comedic moments: Kids love funny movies with comedic moments that make them laugh.
    For example, in “The Lego Movie,” the main character, Emmet, is a regular Lego Minifigure who becomes the hero of his world. The movie is full of jokes and comedic moments that kids will love, including a scene where Batman sings about how awesome he is.
  8. Good pacing and balance of action and downtime: A movie should have a good balance of action and downtime so kids don’t get too bored or overwhelmed.
    For example, in the movie “Zootopia,” the main character, Judy Hopps, is a bunny who becomes a police officer in a city full of animals. The movie has a good mix of action and downtime as Judy investigates a crime and takes time to relax and enjoy her new life.

Conclusion

This list contains movies that were made for children but were also very popular among adults. Some of these movies are classics, while others have only recently been released.

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The list includes both animated and live-action films, and we’ve tried to include every great film that we could find.

We’ve tried to include movieskids that have been made over the last 100 years, so you’ll find many movies that are older than you think.

If you have any suggestions for movies to be added to the list, please let us know in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions about MovieKids

  1. What are some good movies for kids?

    Many great movies are suitable for kids, including animated films like “Up,” “The Lion King,” “Toy Story,” and “Moana,” as well as live-action movies like “The Goonies,” “Harry Potter,” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”

  2. Are there any movies that are too scary for kids?

    Some movies may be too intense or frightening for younger children. It’s always a good idea to read reviews or watch a movie yourself before showing it to your child to gauge whether it might be too scary for them.

  3. Can I find movies for kids on streaming platforms?

    Many streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, have a selection of movies suitable for kids.

    You can usually find a variety of animated and live-action movies, as well as TV shows, on these platforms.

  4. Are there any educational movies for kids?

    Many movies can be both entertaining and educational for kids. These might include documentaries, biographies, or movies based on historical events or scientific concepts.

  5. Can kids watch movies with subtitles?

    Kids can often understand and enjoy movies with subtitles, especially if they are familiar with the language spoken in the film.

    However, younger kids may have more difficulty following along, so it’s important to consider their age and attention span.

  6. Is it okay for kids to watch movies rated PG or PG-13?

    Movies rated PG (Parental Guidance) or PG-13 (Parental Guidance 13) may have themes or content that are more appropriate for older kids or teens.

    It’s always a good idea to check the rating and content of a movie before showing it to your child to ensure it is age-appropriate.

  7. How can I find age-appropriate movies for my child?

    Several resources are available to help you find age-appropriate movies for your child.

    The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rates movies based on their content and assigns a rating of G (General Audiences), PG, PG-13, R (Restricted), or NC-17 (Not suitable for children under 17).

    You can also read reviews or watch a movie before showing it to your child to determine if it is appropriate.

  8. Is it okay for kids to watch movies with violence?

    Some violence in movies may be suitable for kids, depending on the child’s context and age. However, it’s important to consider the level of violence in a movie and whether it is appropriate for your child.

  9. Can kids watch movies in a different language?

    Kids can often enjoy and learn from movies in a different language, especially if they are familiar with or interested in it.

    However, younger kids may have more difficulty following along, so it’s important to consider their age and attention span.

  10. How can I encourage my child to watch age-appropriate movies?

    One way to encourage your child to watch age-appropriate movies is to involve them in the selection process.

    Ask them what they are interested in and show them a list of movies suitable for their age. You can also watch movies together and discuss them afterward to encourage critical thinking and conversation.

  11. Where can I find high-quality versions of my favorite movies to watch with my family?

    There are many great ways to find and enjoy HD movies for the whole family! Here are some popular options:
    Streaming Services: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu often have a wide selection of kids’ movies in HD quality. They frequently add new titles and even offer holiday specials throughout the year.
    Online Movie Stores: Services like iTunes, Google Play Movies & TV, and the Microsoft Store let you rent or purchase individual movies for streaming, often in HD.
    Don’t Forget: Check out your local library! Many offer DVDs and Blu-rays for borrowing, including recent releases and classic favorites.

Amy

About Amy T. Smith

Amy is the co-founder of AmyandRose and has been sharing her expertise on parenting, health, and lifestyle for several years. Based in Portland, she is a mother to two children—a teenager and a five-year-old—and has a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University.

Amy's writing offers practical advice and relatable stories to support parents through every stage, from pregnancy to the teenage years.

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This blog post is provided "as is" [and should not replace professional advice]. Although AI assists in content creation, all articles are thoroughly checked by a team of human editors. Read full disclaimer.