Looking for the best movies for kids? With the endless array of TV and movie options out there, it’s hard to pick a flick that the whole family will love (you included!). Well, bicker no more. From The Karate Kid to The Incredibles, we’ve made the decision-making easy with a definitive list of must-see kids movies for children under 12. So let’s get that family movie night started! Grab the popcorn and keep scrolling.
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1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
There's a reason people still watch this holiday classic year after year: Parents to tweens will appreciate this timeless tale of a once-hopeless man realizing the value of his own life with the help of a guardian angel.
Not rated.
Recommended for ages 9 and up.
2. E.T. (1982)
Still one of the best science fiction movies ever, E.T. is all about friendship and childhood. From Reese’s Pieces to the classic phrase “E.T. phone home,” every moment of this movie will live with your extraterrestrial forever.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
3. Spirited Away (2002)
This animated film is a magical adventure and is considered to be one of Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces. It stars a strong female protagonist but parents of younger kids beware: there are scary creatures, the parents turn into pigs, and in one scene a river dragon lingers on the verge of death.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
4. The Greatest Showman (2017)
Your kids will want to join the circus after seeing this uplifting musical that loosely tells the story of P.T. Barnum. Be prepared to hear "This is the Greatest Show" on Alexa over and over again.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 10 & up
5. Coco (2017)
Based on the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, and your kids will love the whimsically colorful, melodic story!
A note for parents—this movie deals with the concept of mortality and could be slightly upsetting for young kids.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
6. Frozen (2013)
Snow cold fun and adventures in Disney song! This movie about sisterhood, family and love will surprisingly warm your hearts, fill your home with song and should have come with a disclaimer: For the next five months, your princess won’t sing anything but Let It Go or Do You Want to Build a Snowman.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
7. Star Wars Series (1977-)
Now is as good a time as any to introduce this epic space opera. Your space lover will be on the edge of his or her seat during this story of lightsabers, telepathic powers, space-flight adventures and the biggest plot-twist in cinematic history. Our inner geek is giving this PSA: Please remember to start your Jedi with A New Hope and not The Phantom Menace.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
8. A League of Their Own (1992)
If your kids ever ask you why girls don't play Major League Baseball, you can tell them, "They did"—and then show them this film, which tells the real-life story of the 1940s All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Tom Hanks shines as the grumpy coach.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & older
9. Willow (1988)
For today's Harry Potter generation, a viewing of Willow will surely be of interest. The adventure is easy to follow and full of school-age humor, and two forest fairies provide comedy with their slapstick, strange voices and snappy one-liners. Lucas' fantasy has interesting-looking characters and villages, gothic castles and, most of all, magic. Willow is an excellent choice to give young kids a taste of fantasy.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & older
10. Tangled (2010)
Get lost in Disney’s retelling of Rapunzel, which is a lot more exciting than the original story. Hint: She gets to leave the tower and goes on a thrilling journey of magic, song, and self-discovery.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
11. Finding Nemo (2003)
Laugh until your tummy hurts as this timid clownfish dad searches the great ocean for his son. Every underwater creature has a catchphrase that’ll become your guppy’s new mantra. Just keep swimming … just keep swimming!
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
12. Princess Bride (1987)
Part comedy, part romance, part adventure, part fantasy and 100% perfect—Princess Bride is the ultimate movie for story time lovers, big, small, boy or girl. And yes, there is some kissing.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
13. The Little Mermaid (1989)
Ignore the original Hans Christian Andersen (that ending is unfortunately not very happily ever after), and opt for Disney’s The Little Mermaid for a movie night in with the kids. It’s got unforgettable songs, enchanting characters and, best of all, a happy ending.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
14. Home Alone (1990)
This perfect Christmas movie will give your tots a movie dose of bravery, when it comes to being by themselves, as they watch a smart-aleck eight-year-old defend his home from a pair of bumbling burglars. Note: There is some sibling squabbling that isn't all that nice.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
15. The Sandlot (1993)
Your short stuff will definitely relate to Scotty as he makes new friends on a ragtag baseball team and goes on grand adventures involving tree houses, rival groups, a legendary ball-eating dog and all the things that childhood memories are made of.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
16. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
No movie portrays the spirit of Christmas better than Miracle on 34th Street. Save this one for the holidays because it’ll definitely make your lil’ helper feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
17. Spider-Man (2002)
If you're looking for a good starter superhero movie, this 2002 origin story that follows Peter Parker (Toby Maguire) as he gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes the witty hero we all know and love. Some explosions and tense Green Goblin moments may frighten sensitive viewers, but most tweens will love every bit of it.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 11 & up.
18. Toy Story 1, 2, 3, 4 (1995 - 2019)
Every kid will love the iconic warm-hearted tale of the secret life of toys. From the very first film to the fourth, which hit theaters in 2019, follow the saga of Woody, Buzz, Jessie and their fellow toys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of being Andy's toys. Each film is special in its own right.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
19. Whale Rider (2003)
Before Moana set out on the seas on a quest to save her village, a courageous girl named Pai did it first. The film is set in the Maori community of New Zealand, where modern culture threatens to quell ancient traditions. Twelve-year-old Pai sets out to prove that even though she is not the male heir her father wanted, she has the bravery, wisdom and skill to lead. There are some adult themes (including a mother and child who die during childbirth, as well as some references to marijuana), but tweens and parents will appreciate the inspiring message.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 11 & up.
20. The Sound of Music (1965)
How else is your musical tot going to learn the lyrics to Do-Re-Mi? The Sound of Music is completely captivating with equal parts song, romance and family bonding.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
21. Wadjda (2013)
The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this story of a spunky, independent 11-year-old girl who wants to ride a bike, wears Converse sneakers and loves to compete against her (male) best friend. Beautifully done, the film explores topics such as religious traditions and laws, but it's also an incredible study of female empowerment. Follow along, and cheer for Wadjda as she fiercely makes a place for herself in the world.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
22. Despicable Me, 2 & 3 (2010, 2013, 2017)
Kids and adults alike will love this bad-guy-turns-good-guy fairy tale about a curmudgeonly villain who learns to love an orphaned trio of little girls. The sequels are just as much fun as the original.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
23. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Follow the adventures of the reluctant dragon-slayer Hiccup, who after capturing the rarest dragon of all—the Night Fury—befriends it instead of killing it. Raucous adventures follow as Hiccup shows his fellow Vikings that not all dragons are dangerous. Note: Sensitive kids may be troubled by the initial scenes of violent dragons attacking the village.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
24. The Karate Kid (2010)
This remake of the 1984 classic is geared toward a slightly younger audience with the help of the talented Jaden Smith, who stars as the new kid on the block who struggles to learn karate to fend off bullies and win the girl.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
25. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s delightful holiday fantasy film redefines Christmas for all our lil’ lovers of spook. Get carried away into a new world that celebrates two holidays in one—candy and presents? Every tot’s dream.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
26. Moana (2016)
Girl power is at its best in this modern Disney classic that puts a strong-hearted young girl on a mission to return the "heart of the ocean" to its rightful owner. Besides the memorable songs and moving story, this film stands apart from most Disney flicks in that there are no princes (or romances of any kind) to be found during the whole 113 minutes.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
27. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
The "tale as old as time" gets a modern retelling that stays true to its trademark Disney sweetness, with Emma Watson starring as a Belle every little girl will want to be. Note: Because it's live-action, some of the scenes (like the ones with the wolves chasing Belle toward the beginning of the film) can be a little scary.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
28. Spellbound (2003)
Kids will be spelling out E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G after watching this fun documentary that follows a group of elementary school students across America as they prepare for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The uplifting film shows the value of hard work and studying (your kids' teachers will approve!).
Rated G
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
29. Freaky Friday (1976)
Like mother, like daughter—the hilarity that ensues when this mom and daughter duo switch bodies also gets across the important lesson of family bonding.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
30. The Secret of Nimh (1982)
This movie has some scary parts, but kids ages eight and up will love the tale of extraordinary courage. The story centers around a group of super-intelligent rats who escape an animal laboratory and a family of field mice who enlist their help.
Warning: Sensitive children may find some scenes disturbing (including a sword fight that ends in the death of one rat).
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
31. An American Tail (1986)
Long before Nemo and his dad were separated by oceans, a lanky immigrant mouse named Fievel journeyed to find his family "somewhere out there."
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
32. Space Jam (1996)
Animation, live action, comedy, and sports—it’s time to introduce your sports fan to the legend that is Michael Jordan and his greatest achievement … Space Jam.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
33. Free Willy (1993)
Animal lovers will enjoy seeing this feel-good film about a boy becoming best friends with an orca. Your swimmers will be so engaged, they might even shed a tear or two for Willy.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
34. Free To Be You And Me (1974)
In a compilation of shorts that were edgy at the time of this film's release, Free To Be You And Me explores things like gender roles, working mothers, and racial stereotyping with the help of celebrities including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Marlo Thomas, and a young Michael Jackson.
Not rated.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
35. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Your magical creatures won’t be able to get enough of the Harry Potter adventures. Everything from the food to the spells is a unique discovery. Start off with The Sorcerer's Stone, which introduces the wizarding world. The film series is completed, but the rest of the films skew for an older audience.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
36. Fern Gully (1992)
If you were a '90s kid, then you'll know (and probably love) this classic eco-toon. Featuring the voices of some of the most famous actors of the time (Samantha Mathis, Christian Slater, Robin Williams, Tim Curry), join fairy-queen-in-training Cyrsta as she resues surfer-dude Zak from falling trees, and himself. Featuring a strong environmental message, it's a wonderful way to help show kids the value of a strong ecosystem. And, the music rocks, too.
Note: There are a few scary parts, in particular when Hexxus is released from the tree.
Rated G
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
37. Spy Kids
Adventure-loving kids will love this rollicking action movie, which is about Carmen and Juni, the children of two infamous spies (who have gone undercover as boring parents). When their parents are kidnapped, the resourceful kids must summon their courage and jump into action.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
38. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Golden ticket. Chocolate factory. Everything candy. Your sugarplum will remember the amazing, zany world of Willy Wonka for the rest of his or her life, though sensitive kids may be frightened by some scary moments.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
39. Charlotte’s Web (1973)
This animated musical about Wilbur, the runt of the litter, and Charlotte, a friendly spider, is as touching as the novel by E.B. White. Prepare a package of tissues for the ending: It’s both sad and happy.
Note: We also love the 2006 remake, which features an adorable Dakota Fanning as Fern.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
40. Lassie (1994)
Loyal, brave and affectionate … your youngest is going to want a Collie after seeing all the extraordinary feats Lassie can do, from saving his owner from a mountain lion to snuggling with him all night.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
41. Babe (1995)
Perseverance, friendship and making your dreams come true—who knew a pig could teach us all that? Psst … at the start of the film, there is a bit of frightful honesty about animals being used for food, so true tiny animal lovers beware.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
42. Enchanted (2007)
Fairytale characters are thrown into the modern world in this wonderful live-action musical that shows what happens when a young maiden from the fictional "Andalasia" falls in love with a jaded New York City lawyer. Julie Andrews narrates this infectiously-sweet story. Note: There is a scary part at the end featuring a fire-breathing dragon that may rattle sensitive tots.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
43. Up (2008)
An upbeat boy and a grumpy old man make an unlikely team … inside a floating house. They go on a journey that has a little bit of danger, a lot of humor and a grander story of love.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
44. Newsies (1992)
This Disney musical inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 follows a group of street-savvy kids who form a union and go on strike against the money-hungry newspaper typhoons of their time. The movie features catchy music and energetic dance numbers—and inspired the 2012-2014 Tony Award-winning Broadway show.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
45. Hook (1991)
For all the inspiration that Peter Pan gives as a rambunctious child, Hook shows how grown-ups can still have fun. Your Lost Boy (or Girl) will be hugging you tight throughout this movie.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
46. BIG (1988)
For every kid who talks about growing up all the time, have them watch BIG. Jumping from 12 years old to 30 years old is only a good idea in theory … and on film.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
47. Labyrinth (1986)
Set in a bizarre world that’ll delight the most imaginative kiddo, Labyrinth will captivate your imagination with Muppets, riddles and a lighthearted sense of danger.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
48. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
This animated Spidey film follows a teen who becomes a new Spider-Man and meets a slew of other Spider-people from parallel universes. It's a little less intense than the live-action Spider-Man iterations, making it a better choice for younger viewers. Still, there is a lot of violence, including weapons, and two major characters are killed—so be wary if you don't want your kids to be exposed.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
49. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Everyone loves this classic tale of a little girl who falls asleep and gets whisked into a nonsense world where "Everyone is mad." Alice grows bigger and smaller and encounters all sorts of wild characters—some of which are mildly inappropriate (like the hookah-smoking caterpillar and a head-chopping queen), but all in all this tale of silliness is fun and engaging.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 4 & up
50. LEGO Movie (2014)
An ordinary LEGO minifig must save the universe from a tyrannical business lord. Forget Frozen, your LEGO maniac will be singing Everything is Awesome even before the movie ends.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
51. Mary Poppins (1964)
A magical nanny uses her unique brand of lifestyle to bring a family back together. If your munchkins loved Sound of Music, this one is a must-add to their movie list.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
52. The Dark Crystal (1982)
Fantasy lovers will jump right into the dark world of The Dark Crystal. Think of it as a more family-friendly version of Lord of the Rings—it’s a hero’s story about an elf-like creature on a quest to restore balance to his world.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
53. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, this one is appropriate for all ages. Two girl protagonists move to the countryside in 1950s Japan and are befriended by the magical creature, Totoro, who helps them when they have a problem related to their mother, who is dealing with a long-term illness.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 4 & up.
54. The Red Balloon (1956)
Even though the film is in French, there’s not much dialogue so even your youngest one will be able to enjoy the simple story about a balloon and boy becoming best friends.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
55. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
A twist on the classic tale: A beautiful girl kisses a frog (who is actually a prince) and instead of him getting turned back into a human, she gets turned into a frog! With a jazzy New Orleans vibe keeping things cool, this modern fairy tale is also the first Disney movie to feature an African-American heroine, Tiana. Also unlike Disney's long-ago damsels, Tiana is strong and hardworking and doesn't need a man to get by in the world (though she doesn't mind having one as a friend).
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
56. Ghostbusters (1984)
So your tiny Ghostbusters may not be old enough to appreciate Bill Murray, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start now! It’ll be hard to find a “scary” movie that’ll have you crying from laughter like this one.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
57. The Parent Trap (1961/1998)
A pair of twins set out to reunite their separated parents. Cue the chaos, humor and aww moments! We’ll leave it up to you to decide to show the classic 1961 or 1998 one—both are that good.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
58. Aladdin (1992)
Disney's retelling of the classic Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, is filled with memorable music and a wise-cracking genie voiced perfectly by the late Robin Williams who will entertain the grown-up viewers almost more than the kiddos.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
59. Cinderella (1950)
Bippity-bobbity boo! A story of a love so simple that even the smallest slipper wearer can watch this Disney classic in one sitting.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
60. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Ruby red slippers, flying monkeys, catchy songs and the breathtaking transition from a world of black-and-white to color, The Wizard of Oz is a timeless story that’ll inspire your kiddo for ages.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
61. Matilda (1998)
Tiny magic-lovers will be entranced by this film, based on the classic Roald Dahl book about a brilliant little girl who uses her special powers to right the wrongs in her school and at home.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 and up.
62. Fly Away Home (1998)
Anna Paquin stars in this inspiring story of a motherless little girl who learns to fly an ultralight aircraft so she can fly her adopted flock of geese south for the winter. Note: The death of the girl's mother at the beginning of the film may be upsetting for kids.
Rated PG.
Recommended for kids 6 & up.
63. Akeela and the Bee (2006)
A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
64. Inside Out (2015)
Kids may not understand the big concepts at the heart of the movie (that they're watching the personified emotions inside a little girl's brain), but they'll be entertained just the same. We think the real value is for Mom and Dad, who may actually learn a little something about what's going on in their kids' crazy little heads.
Rated PG.
Recommended for kids 7 & up.
65. Peter Pan (2003)
This live-action remake has magic galore and will be a hit with big kids who have graduated from cartoons.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
66. Wall-E. (2008)
While there is minimal dialogue throughout the whole movie (not a word is spoken in the first 22 minutes of the film), the lovable little robot who is stranded on a trash-filled future Earth will steal your family's heart and make you think twice about your recycling habits. Messages about environmentalism—as well as our reliance on technology—ring loud and clear, even without words.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
67. The Incredibles (2004)
Superhero family. Pixar. What more can we say? This spectacular animated film is simply made for a movie night with mom, dad, sis, brother, and babe.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
68. Ratatouille (2007)
Kids will love this cute story about a French rat who wants to be a gourmet chef; grown-ups will appreciate the jokes intended only for them. Overall, this tale about a little rodent defying the odds is fun and inspiring. And, if you're lucky, it'll teach your tot a thing or two about food.
Rated G
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
69. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
Sing-a-long adventures in a flying car! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a comical adventure with a dash of danger. Fun fact: The script was co-written by Roald Dahl.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
70. Chronicles of Narnia (2005)
If your reader is devouring the book series, the movies are pretty captivating too. Your Narnian won’t believe that Azlan is made up of special effects and not a real lion.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
71. Cinderella (2015)
Disney's remake of its 1950 classic is just as magical with dazzling special effects and a live-action spin. Younger princesses may still prefer the original (this one has no songs), but parents longing to revisit the Cinderella story with their kids will find it to be a faithful and gorgeous retelling.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
72. Monsters Inc. (2001)
Middle-of-the-night monsters won't be so scary anymore after kids watch this film and learn that they're the ones who have all the power.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
73. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
For enthusiastic readers with a wild imagination, The Neverending Story will take them for an exciting ride as a young boy tries to save the world of Fantasia.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
74. A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969)
This was the first of the Peanuts movies, and it introduces Charlie Brown as the sweet and sensitive little boy who can't seem to get anything right. The movie follows him as he works to compete in a national spelling bee with the help of his faithful buds, Linus and Snoopy.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 4 & up.
75. ELF
Will Farrell is at his best in this sweet-hearted holiday film about a boy who was raised as one of Santa's elves but sets out at age 30 to find his real father in New York City.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
Rated G.
76. Big Hero 6 (2014)
Disney's adaptation of the Marvel comic about a boy named Hiro and his robot creation, a "personal health companion" named Baymax, will delight little robot fans. But be forewarned: Much of the film deals with the idea of grief since the boy's older brother dies at the beginning of the film. Despite the sad beginnings, the film has lots of heart and a sweet ending.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
77. Superman (1978)
Sure, special effects have improved since the '70s, but this superhero movie is still as good as it gets—without too many scares to ruin the family fun. There are a few close calls (a school bus almost falls off the Golden Gate Bridge), but Superman always saves the day.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
78. Pete's Dragon (2016)
Disney's dragon flick gets a special effects overhaul with this dazzling remake. Note: The first scene features a car accident that kills young Pete's parents, so if you want to avoid sad questions, skip ahead a few minutes.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
79. Trolls (2016)
With an awesome pop rock soundtrack that you'll want to download, like, asap, this light-hearted flick is about a duo of trolls (Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick) who partner up to rescue their friends from the troll-hungry bad guys.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
80. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
From rags to riches, it’s the story of King Arthur in true to Disney style. Your lil’ knight will be giggling, dancing and bopping to the wizarding whimsy of this animated musical.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
81. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
A shrink ray accidentally goes off and sets a group of kids on a journey back home (even though they never leave their backyard) while their parents search high and low for them.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
82. Cool Runnings (1993)
Everything seems stacked against these athletes who are completely unprepared for the cold, let alone bobsledding. Loosely based on a true story of the Jamaica national bobsled team, Cool Runnings is a real inspirational film for young dreamers.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
83. The Black Stallion (1979)
This Francis Ford Coppola-directed film about a boy stranded on a desert island with a wild stallion who saves his life is a must-see, whether or not you're into horses. The film morphs from a wilderness survival tale to a root-for-the-underdog horse race. Note: The beginning shipwreck scene may be disturbing, even for adults, so feel free to skip to the island and go from there.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
84. Happy Feet (2006)
This inspiring story about a penguin who can't find his song—but sure can dance—has a killer soundtrack and an uplifting message. Basically, you be you, penguin. There are also some not-so-subtle messages about environmental stewardship, as the penguins find themselves in a perilous race against a dwindling food source.
Note: Some scenes with a particularly vicious sea lion might scare younger viewers.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
85. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Three loyal pets escape and journey through the West Coast to find their beloved owners in San Francisco. Your sidekick is going to be asking for a furry family addition after this movie.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
86. Cars (2006)
Every kid who loves going "vroom vroom" with his toy cars will love this fast-paced film about a smooth-talking race car who learns the meaning of true friendship and the joy of the open road when he gets stuck in the small town of Radiator Springs.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
87. The Absent-Minded Professor (1961)
A classic family-friendly film that features a befuddled professor who, at the expense of his own wedding, manages to create an amazing compound he calls flubber. You'll root for the Professor to outwit the greedy Alonzo Hawk, and the silly stunts (like basketball players that can jump to crazy heights) will make the whole family laugh.
88. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
If your budding athlete loves the sports-movie formula of losers becoming winners, then she'll love this movie that follows a ragtag hockey team as they shape up and learn the value of teamwork and friendship.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
89. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
A perfect movie for the littlest film-goers, this endearing film follows A.A. Milne's classic bear as he bumbles about Hundred Acre Wood learning lessons on friendship. There's no offensive or scary content in the film, which makes it great for younger kids.
Rated G
Recommended for ages 3 & up.
90. Shrek (2001)
One unforeseeable plot twist on the classic fairytale? Coming right up! An ogre sets out to rescue a princess with a talking donkey—plus all the characters from your cupcake’s bedtime stories.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
91. The Muppet Movie (1979)
Way before Jason Segel starred in the 2011 Muppet movie, there was The Muppet Movie, which goes way, way back to before Kermit the Frog was in show business. Fans of those classic fuzzy puppets will love watching this origin story.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
92. The Lion King (1994)
Grab a tissue for that one scene (you know which one we’re talking about), but after that, the rest of the movie is all song, dance, and excitement for your lil’ monkey.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
93. Zootopia (2016)
After an otter goes missing, it's up to bunny cop Judy Hopps and her fox-with-a-criminal-record sidekick Nick Wilde to solve the crime. Along the way, the duo meets some of the unique citizens that make up Zootopia and learn to appreciate (love, actually) each other's differences.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
94. The Incredibles 2 (2018)
The nearly 20-year-long wait for the sequel to one of Pixar's most popular movies was worth the wait. Watch Mrs. Incredible (aka Elastagirl) go back to work and leave Bob (Mr. Incredible) at home with a moody tween, homework and a baby with multiple powers. Look for the return of fan-favorite Edna, and fellow superhero Fro-Zone. Some violence might be scary for younger kids, but the all-around message of teamwork is a home run for families.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
95. The Kid Who Would Be King (2019)
This modern retelling of the legend of King Arthur has been described as a mixture of "Goonies" and "Lord of the Rings." The story follows a schoolboy who is chosen to save the world with the help of the mystical sword. There are some scary moments—including tense battle scenes and the destruction of a school—but older tweens will love it.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
96. Bedknobs & Broomsticks (1971)
Starring the legendary Angela Landsbury and Mary Poppins' alum David Tomlinson, this classic Disney film focuses on three siblings who are evacuated from London during World War II and end up in the care of an apprentice witch. Chaos ensues, and there's a fun animated section where they all end up on the island of Naboombu. While the slow parts may bore young children, and the presence of Nazi invaders might bring up questions, all and all, this is a fun classic film for families.
Rated: G
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
97. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Julie Andrews fans can rest assured that this remake by Rob Marshall is an ode to the near-perfect original. Emily Blunt charms, Lin-Manuel Mirada shines, and the sequel plot means that viewers will see how Jane and Michael are faring some 20 years after Mary Poppins first came into their lives. Be on the lookout for a very special cameo from the one and only Dick Van Dyke!
Rated: PG
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
98. The Willoughbys
The 2020 Netflix movie stars the voices of Will Forte, Maya Rudolph and Ricky Gervais. While it's filled with plenty of humor, adventure and family-friendly fun, it also has neglectful parents and kids on the run, so it's best for older kids.
Rated: PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up
99. Walking with Dinosaurs (1999)
Excellent BBC six-part series that takes viewers on a journey from the beginning of dinosaurs to their demise. Educational but fun, this is perfect for older dino lovers.
Rated: NR
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
100. Bend it Like Beckham
Featuring a diverse cast, this story of a British girl of Indian descent who hides her passion for the game of soccer from her parents is ultimately a wonderful show in strength and determination to go after your dreams.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
101. Soul
The newest movie from Pixar and Disney, follow jazz musician and teacher Joe as he travels from life to the Great Before (instead of the Great Beyond). He's not ready for his life to be over, so he's determined to make it home. The first-rate cast including Jaime Foxx and Tina Fey, the amazing animation and wonderful music are just a few of the reasons why the whole family will love this movie.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
102. Yes Day
Inspired by the beloved children's book by the same name, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a "Yes Day," where there's no saying no to anything the kids ask for or to do (within reason). Chaos ensues, and it becomes clear that all yes all the time isn't always the best idea
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
103. Luca
Travel two Italy where you'll meet two sea creatures who love a Vespa and want to explore life on land. They befriend a human girl and set about to train for the "Italian triathlon" which is comprised of cycling, swimming and pasta eating.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
104. Vivo
A fun romp with fantastic music from Lin-Manuel Mirada, this story is about a monkey who travels from Cuba to Miami in the name of love, and "one last song" will have everyone singing from the start.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 5 & up
105. Encanto
Another hit collab from Disney and Lin-Manuel Mirada, this movie tells the tale of the magical Madrigal family and their village hidden in the mountains of Columbia. When the magic is in danger, the only member of the family to not receive a magical gift, Mirabel, might be their last hope.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
—Melissa Heckscher with Cristal Yuen
Feature photo: iStock
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