At this point, it doesn’t feel fair to call something a “kids” movie, because let’s be frank, they have no business being as good as they are. The best part about movies that are targeted towards kids is that instead of talking down to them, they pack humor, emotions, and life lessons all into one neat package (like, why am I sitting here watching a movie and suddenly rethinking my entire life? That definitely wasn’t part of the plan.)
Most kids movies are colorful and tell stories in a way that are easy to follow. They’re hilarious without being cringey and meaningful without sounding preachy (I promise I didn’t mean to rhyme here), in a way that maybe you put it on as white noise, but end up watching it all the way through even if you’ve watched it 20 times before.
This is in no way an exhaustive list; there are so many fan favorites like Hotel Transylvania, Moana, etc, that I’ve left out for now. From a personal standpoint, here are ten movies for kids that I think are genuinely worth your time. So whether you’re watching with your kids, younger siblings, or by yourself for a fun escape (no judgement, it’s probably what I’d do), there’s something here you might connect with, available to watch on Disney+, Prime Video, and more. Let’s dive in!
Inside Out (2015)
It’s rare for a kids movie to make you actually think about how your brain works while making you laugh at the same time, but Inside Out manages to do just that. The film follows 11-year-old Riley and the five personified emotions in her mind, Joy, Anger, Sadness, Disgust, and Fear, as they help her navigate her life in a new city.
Inside Out untangles the emotional upheavals of life beautifully and explains how emotions that are deemed ‘negative’ have value, making it perfect for kids who are just starting to understand their feelings (and even for adults who are still trying to figure out theirs, because let’s be honest, it’s a lifelong journey.) If you’ve seen Soul, then Inside Out tries to tackle ‘big ideas in a kid-friendly way’ in the same vein. If you love movies with character-driven storytelling done in an introspective yet accessible way, then Inside Out should be your next watch; it might just leave you understanding yourself a little bit better.
Toy Story (1995)
I refuse to believe that the first Toy Story movie was released in 1995, because what do you mean it’s been 31 years and the franchise is still going strong? When Andy brings a new toy, Buzz Lightyear, into the house, cowboy toy Woody and Buzz navigate rivalry and jealousy, ultimately leading to friendship (what a timeless duo). Inside Out dives within, but Toy Story is all about character relationships and external adventures, and for anyone who enjoys witty dialogues and toys bursting with personality, with lessons about loyalty and growing up sprinkled in, then this movie is an easy win.
All the Toy Story movies have heart, but my personal favorite is the incinerator scene in Toy Story 3, which still brings tears to my eyes. Sure, the earlier movies may look a tad bit dated (we’re not going to pretend otherwise), but when it comes to heart and nostalgia, Toy Story is hard to beat. If you’re a Toy Story enthusiast and have finished all the sequels, short films, and other content, then Toy Story 5 is just around the corner; patience, grasshopper (or you could just make your way through the entire franchise while you wait as each movie is endlessly rewatchable.)
Matilda (1996)
If there’s one movie that feels like it’s made specifically for the smart, quiet kids who are wildly underestimated by the people around them, it’s Matilda (the one directed by Danny DeVito because in my book that’s the only version that matters.) If you’re someone who hasn’t been validated for their intelligence while growing up, then you’ll find a lot in common with Matilda Wormwood.
Some of the adults in the film are so over-the-top that it’s hard to take their characters seriously (I’m looking at you, Miss Trunchbull) but honestly, that’s what made her so memorable in a ‘we love to hate her’ way. It has the same magical, slightly dark tone that the Harry Potter movies do, with both our protagonists having been treated harshly and not being valued by their families. Fans of quirky, offbeat movies with Roald Dahl’s signature brand of humor, like in The Witches, will also love this. Matilda has a deeply satisfying ending where the kid wins, and should be your go-to movie if you enjoy watching underdogs triumphing against the odds, or evil adults getting their comeuppance.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
I don’t think there’s anyone out there who hasn’t heard of the Harry Potter movies and how they defined an entire generation. Well, maybe the younger kids today aren’t familiar with the original movies, but that should be rectified with the arrival of the Harry Potter HBO Max series. While I can’t attest to how the new series will be just yet, the original 8 movies remain a classic and are worth giving a try if you’ve never had the chance to.
Harry’s world is upended (in a good way) when he finds out he’s a wizard, thus leading to tales of facing dark forces, making friends, and finding your place in the world. Other than the fact that the actors are all iconic and still remembered for their roles today, the movies themselves created an immersive and intricate world we all found solace in. It’s a full scale universe that’s impossible not to get pulled into compared to something more personal and contained like in Matilda. If magical stories with clever mysteries is what you love, then Harry Potter (beginning with The Sorcerer’s Stone) will welcome you into Hogwarts’ hallowed halls. Perfect to watch around spooky season (or whenever, really), Harry Potter is one magical ride you wouldn’t want your kid to miss.
Tangled (2010)
A fun, modern fairytale about a girl stuck in a tower, an evil ‘mother,’ a charming thief, and a frying pan? (We can’t forget the frying pan.) Sign me up. Tangled follows Rapunzel, a princess with long, golden hair with the ability to keep people youthful, as she embarks on an adventure with Flynn Rider, our aforementioned thief. The movie talks about self-discovery, freedom, and courage, all in a humorous and musical way. And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the sweet romance that blossoms between our leads.
The execution of the movie is so fun and the characters are all really well thought out; you really cheer for Rapunzel, find Flynn’s mix of sarcasm and charm endearing, and even love to snark on Mother Gothel and root for her downfall. If you enjoyed Frozen for its musical numbers and strong heroine, then Tangled will hit those same notes. It’s a feel-good story that’s bound to leave you laughing and warm by the end. And, I don’t think anyone will fight me on this, but Flynn Rider might be one of Disney’s best and funniest heroes. I said what I said.
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
This one’s an adorable watch if you have siblings, pets, or both (and I speak from personal experience). Lilo & Stitch follows Lilo, a lonely girl in Hawaii, who thinks she’s adopting a dog, but is actually a mischievous alien experiment called Stitch. What follows is a heartwarming story about love, friendship, and belonging, making this a perfect choice for those who gravitate towards found-family tropes.
Lilo & Stitch does something interesting: it’s definitely a classic Disney movie, but it’s a film as much about an alien who absolutely shouldn’t be left unsupervised as it is about a wholesome look on family. Another highlight of the movie is Lilo’s relationship with her older sister Nani, which, as an older sister myself, I resonated with. So if you want your animated movies with quirky characters and surprisingly tender moments, add this one to your watch list immediately. What makes this movie stand out in this list is its commitment to unpredictability; you never know what Stitch will get up to next, giving it a unique charm and honesty which is a joy to watch.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010)
As a huge fan of Jeff Kinney’s books, I was thrilled when it was announced they would be adapted to live-action movies. In Diary of a Wimpy Kid, middle-schooler Greg Heffley gives us a hilarious and sometimes overly dramatic look at his life with his family, school, and best friend Rowley. This is the most realistic film on this list (really, there’s no magic and no aliens, only some awkward sixth graders.) There are four live-action movies and four animated movies which are equally delightful. While they can be watched as standalones, I highly recommend watching them consecutively.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is aimed at older kids and pre-teens who understand and relate to the ups and downs of school life—annoying brothers, crushes, social mishaps, and arch-enemies. The ninety-something minutes of pure, unadulterated fun will have you chuckling. Let me just say this: the movie isn’t thought-provoking as such, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you won’t find it here. However, if what you’re seeking is something absurd but in a way where you can’t look away, then congratulations, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect movie that spotlights relationships and gives a refreshingly honest take on surviving the daily disasters of growing up.
Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)
Talking chipmunks are cool, but talking and singing chipmunks are even better. Alvin and the Chipmunks is a kid movie through and through, and it makes no pretense to try and cater to an older audience; it’s all music, mischief, and over-the-top antics (though I’m just as hooked rewatching this as an adult as I was back then.) Is the plot kind of thin? Sure, there are no world-ending stakes, but it’s the most turn-your-brain-off, carefree movie on this list.
The third movie in the franchise, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is still as zany as its predecessors, but this film had a bit of higher stakes as the chipmunks get stranded on an island with no way to get back home to civilization. The best part about all four movies (yes, there are four thus far) is the extremely catchy chipmunk versions of pop songs (Bridgerton’s string quartet covers don’t hold a flame to these tunes!) Sometimes you want a family-friendly movie with tinges of emotion that you can just kick back and watch without making too many deductions, and Alvin and the Chipmunks is exactly the high-energy watch you need.
Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang (2010)
After a slew of titular nannies from Mary Poppins and Mrs. Doubtfire, we now have Nanny McPhee, a mysterious and slightly terrifying nanny who randomly shows up to take care of five unruly children who are forced to live together. There’s no love lost between the kids, and Nanny McPhee uses clever tactics to navigate that family chaos. Fans of Matilda and other child-centered whimsical movies will love Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang.
The movie isn’t all mischievous shenanigans though, it’s surprisingly heartwarming and emotional, especially when it comes to the storyline of the kids’ army father, and how they form an unlikely team to help each other out at the end. Even though the movie does have a bit of a slower-pace, the plot, humor, and characters more than make up for it. It’s light-hearted and meaningful without being punitive, and is an entertaining watch for kids and adults alike about growth and the ways guidance turns up in our lives when we least expect it. For more adventures of our nanny with a magical cane, check out Nanny McPhee, the 2005 film where she makes her first appearance.
The Incredibles (2004)
Who knew a superhero movie that’s somehow also about jobs and family dinners would be this iconic? The Incredibles follows the Parr family, a group of superheroes each with unique powers living undercover as ordinary citizens. When a new antagonist who used to be a fan threatens the world, they’re drawn back to action and thus unfolds superhero action and villain showdowns. Fans of fast-paced adventure and smart humor will find plenty to love here; the scenes involving Frozone are especially hilarious (hey Pixar, how about a Frozone movie next?)
Of course, being an animated film, it's primarily made for kids, but The Incredibles is also adult-smart, with dialogues and character dynamics that adults will appreciate as well. Much like a kid-friendly version of The Avengers, The Incredibles’ plot is filled with an entertaining mixture of humor, powers, and personalities, though it contains some loud explosions and action sequences which might not appeal to really young viewers. Personally, I feel this is one of the best animated superhero movies out there, and if you’re craving more of the Parr family excursions (see: adventures), then fly on over to watch Incredibles 2 (and play some of the video games based on the movie while waiting for Incredibles 3 which is set to release in 2028.)