Even if the term “best animated movies for kids” may sound overused, anyone who has studied animation in depth understands that not all of its depictions are suitable for young audiences. Furthermore, even kid-friendly films may be difficult for adults to watch, as any parent will attest to. Not these films, that is.
We’ve compiled a list of 27 animated films that are sure to appeal to almost all age groups. Classic Disney films, contemporary masterpieces from Pixar and beyond, and absurd comedy that will make everyone on the sofa giggle are all available. When you stream one of them for family movie night, everyone in the home will have an amazing and captivating time.
27 Little-Known Fantasy and Animation Films Your Family Will Love!
1. Coco (2017)
- Ideal for: Children six years old and up; PG
- Timing of run: 105 minutes
This Oscar-winning movie chronicles Miguel’s journey to become a professional musician in spite of his family’s music ban. He ends up in the Land of the Dead after a string of bad events, where he meets some intriguing people and discovers the dark history of his family. A wonderful film that thoughtfully addresses a challenging issue.
2. Lyle, Crocodile, Lyle (2022)
- Ideal for: Children 8 years old and up; PG
- 106 minutes of running time
Meet Josh, a young child who recently moved to New York City and is having trouble adjusting. When he makes friends with Lyle, a singing crocodile (voiced by Shawn Mendes), everything changes.
3. 2017’s The Greatest Showman
- Ideal for: Children 8 years old and up; PG
- Timing of run: 105 minutes
For at least an hour and forty-five minutes, this family-friendly musical will keep everyone enthralled, so cuddle up with some popcorn and warm clothes. In this film, Hugh Jackman portrays P.T. Barnum, the renowned showman from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, chronicling his ascent to prominence in the entertainment industry. We forgot to highlight Zac Efron’s stardom.
4. 2016’s Moana
- Ideal for: Children five years and up; PG
- Timing of run: 103 minutes
This musical adventure, the first of many Disney films on our list, gets bonus points for having a fierce heroine who doesn’t need a prince to save her and a terrific soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda. In order to save her island, heroic Moana sets off to explore the Polynesian seas with the assistance of her demigod companion Maui (Dwayne Johnson). Follow her journey. #feminist (Note: Younger viewers may wish to skip the somewhat frightening scene with the sputtering volcano at the conclusion.)
5. Annie (2014)
- Ideal for: Children 8 years old and up; PG
- Play duration: 118 minutes
When your children see what Annie (Quvenzhanè Wallis) has to put up with, they won’t be able to grumble about performing their duties as much. Though there have been several iterations of this musical rags-to-riches tale, we believe the best one is from 2014 because of its endearing characters and upbeat songs.
6. The Lego Movie (2014)
- Ideal for: Children six years old and up; PG
- Duration: one hour
This animated film, which was inspired by the well-known toys, has a great ensemble that includes Will Ferrell, Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Neeson, and more. Is it possible for the common construction worker Emmet Brickowski to stop the wicked Lord Business from gluing—or Kragling—the Lego universe? Watch to learn more.
7. Princess and the Frog (2009)
- Ideal for: Children six years old and up; PG
- Length of run: 97 minutes
Tiana encounters Prince Naveen, who was transformed into a frog by the villainous Dr. Facilier, delaying her dream of opening a restaurant.
8. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Ideal for: Children 8 years old and up; PG-13
- Duration: 115 minutes [ ]
The timeless science fiction tale of an alien left behind on Earth, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a work of cinematic brilliance. Little ones will like the charming E.T. and his bond with his earthling family, while parents will enjoy the nostalgia flashback (a baby-faced Drew Barrymore), albeit be aware that there is some minor profanity and some heartbreaking scenes. Reese’s Pieces are a must-have when watching, too.
9. The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
- Recommended for: Children 13 years and up; PG-13
- 114 minutes of running time
Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) visits a small South Carolina community in an effort to find out more information about her late mother. She meets the Boatwright sisters—Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, and Queen Latifah—while she is there, and they take her in and teach her beekeeping.
10. Hugo (2011)
- Ideal for: Children nine years and up; PG
- 127 minutes of running time
Even though your children are too young for Goodfellas, they will still enjoy this family-friendly Martin Scorsese film. Kids of all ages will be captivated by the lovely Parisian setting of this tribute to cinema, which offers plenty of intrigue, adventure, and humor.
11. Daddy Day Care (2003)
- Ideal for: Children five years and up; PG
- 92 minutes of running time
Charlie (Eddie Murphy) takes the bold choice to open a daycare center out of his house after losing his job.
12. Stand By Me (1986)
- Recommended for: Children 12 years and up; R
- Duration: 89 minutes/day
This touching narrative of friendship, maturation, and doing the right thing centers on four 12-year-old boys in 1950s Oregon. This touching movie, which is ideally suited for teens and up due to its deeper themes, finds the perfect mix of adult drama, youthful adventure, and an adorable Jerry O’Connell.
13. Toy Story (1995)
- Adored by children aged 6 and up; rated G
- 81 minutes of running time
This animated picture about toys coming to life is ideal for family movie night, and it has plenty adult inside jokes. It’s so fantastic that it inspired multiple spin-offs and three sequels, giving you plenty to do over the following few weekends.
Read more: 27 Must Watch Movies that are Inspiring and Motivating!
14. The Karate Kid (1984)
- Ideal for: Children 8 years old and up; PG
- 126 minutes of running time
The new student at the school is Daniel (Ralph Macchio). He enlists Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki “Pat” Morita), a repairman who also happens to be a master of martial arts, in an effort to protect himself from bullies.
15. Aladdin (1992)
- Ideal for: Children five years and up; Grade: G
- Duration: ninety minutes
Another iconic Disney film. Who doesn’t adore this musical adaptation of Arabian Nights, which stars Robin Williams in one of his most famous roles to date? Get the carpet in your living room cleaned, then gather the family to sing “A Whole New World.”
16. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
- Recommended for: Children 12 years and up; PG
- A duration of 119 minutes
A group of close friends are getting ready to go apart for the first time this summer. To keep in touch, they arrange a custody plan—for a pair of jeans, that is.
17. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
- Recommended for: Children ten years and up; PG
- Length of run: 101 minutes
In a dreamy setting, filmmaker Spike Jonze retells the beloved children’s tale while examining themes of uneasiness and loneliness. Give your five-year-old a read of the book; reserve the movie for your tween.
18. Enchanted (2007)
- Ideal for: Children five years and up; PG
- 107 minutes of running time
Amy Adams plays a fairy-tale princess attempting to live happily ever after in Andalasia, and she excels in this endearing musical comedy. Until her wicked mother-in-law sends her to actual New York City, that is. Adams can sing and dance, is there anything she can’t do?
19. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993))
- Ideal for: Children five years and up; Grade: G
- Length of run: 84 minutes
As adorable puppies Shadow and Chance and kitty cat Sassy travel across the nation to be reunited with their humans, make place on the couch and invite your animal pals to watch this inspirational adventure movie with you.
20. (2012) The Hunger Games
- Recommended for: Children 12 years and up; PG-13
- Length of run: 144 minutes
Inspired by the wildly successful Young Adult novel series, Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of the fearless Katniss Everdeen serves as an ideal role model for adolescent girls, as she valiantly battles the terrible Panem nation.
21. Finding Nemo
- Adored by children 4 years and up; rated G
- Duration: one hour
Indulge in this charming underwater film that will make you laugh a lot and teach you valuable lessons about teamwork, embracing your individuality, and how a little bit of willpower can go a long way. It is suitable for younger audiences as well. Don’t miss Finding Dory, the equally charming sequel.
22. (2015) Inside Out
- Ideal for: Children six years old and up; PG
- Timing of run: 102 minutes
We follow young Riley as she is forced to relocate to a new city after being ripped from her childhood home in this heartwarming Pixar film. Her feelings—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—try to help her get through this trying time, but being an 11-year-old girl in a foreign location is not easy.
23. All The Harry Potter Films (2001 – 2010)
Looking back on J.K. Rowling’s enchanted tale of a young wizard against the terrible Voldemort is one of the best things about being a parent. Sort of joking here. First, read the books, and then curl up for several weekends of top-notch entertainment (eight films, plus a ton of spin-offs in development).
24. Remember the Titans (2000)
- Recommended for: Children ten years and up; PG
- Play duration: 113 minutes
Read more: 24 Best Places in Singapore to Chill!
The ultimate sports film, based on a true tale, about a high school football team in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971 that had just become integrated. With its highs and lows, this all-star film (yes, that includes a young Ryan Gosling singing in the locker room) provides a chance for parents to have a conversation with their children about racism and discrimination. Moments that teach, people.
25. Home Alone
- Ideal for: Children 8 years old and up; PG
- Timing of run: 103 minutes
Even though it’s unthinkable to leave your eight-year-old behind for a trip, you’ll be glad the McAllisters unintentionally did. There are plenty of entertaining antics in this holiday classic, which is ideal to watch all year round, to keep the whole family laughing.
26. The 1996 Matilda
- Ideal for: Children six years old and up; PG
- Final length: 98 minutes
This tale of a telekinetic young girl, which is based on the same-titled Roald Dahl book, will teach your children that anything is possible for them if they put in the necessary effort and read a lot. Who wouldn’t want to instill that in their children?
27 (2001) Spirited Away
- Ideal for: Children 8 years old and up; PG
- 125 minutes of running time
Young audiences will be enthralled with Studio Ghibli’s stunning and strange animation about a young girl trying to save her family after they have all been turned into pigs by an evil witch (you might even appreciate it more than your kids).
Final Remarks
Having a big bowl of popcorn, a funny movie, and your small ones curled up on the couch is perhaps the ideal way to spend quality time with your family. However, choosing a movie that everyone enjoys is difficult (cue the arguments between siblings). This collection has something for everyone, whether you’re searching for a cheerful movie like The Greatest Showman or Coco, or a classic movie like The Goonies or The Karate Kid.
