The 50 Best Movies for Kids

By Erika Milvy and Karen Cicero
Shutterstock
Check out some of the best kid-friendly films of all time.
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Priscilla Gragg

When planning a family movie night, nothing spoils the fun like arguing over what's appropriate to watch. We've taken the guess work out of the equation with this comprehensive list of the best movies for kids of all time. Pick one, press play, and enjoy!

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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

What kid doesn't want a magic chariot, an inventor dad, and a "Truly Scrumptious" stepmom? This high-flying feature film makes wishes come true – and delivers some of the best music in children's movies. (Ages 4 and up; available on Amazon)

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Dumbo

Courtesy of Amazon

Great music, charm, and a trainload of animals make this feature a timeless classic. The 1941 tale of a baby elephant ostracized because of his unwieldy ears teaches tots about the upside to uniqueness. (Ages 4 and up; available on Amazon)

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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Courtesy of Amazon

Steven Spielberg's masterpiece gets new life in the digitally altered update (police guns are replaced with less-frightening walkie-talkies). Big and little viewers will be moved by Elliott's friendship with the homesick alien. (Ages 5 and up; available on Amazon)

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My Neighbor Totoro

Courtesy of Disney

This 1988 Hayao Miyazaki film is just as beautifully animated as the more popular Spirited Away, but not as scary. It focuses on the friendship of two girls, ages 4 and 10, as they move into a new home in the countryside. (Ages 5 and up; available on Amazon)

  • RELATED: 10 Best Movies for Siblings to Watch Together

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The Looney Tunes Golden Collection

Courtesy of Amazon

With this four-disc set, Bugs Bunny fans will take delight in a simpler time when duck-on-pig violence was all in good fun and falling off cliffs never truly spoiled your day. (Ages 4 and up; available on Amazon)

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The Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh

Courtesy of Barnes & Noble

Introduce your kids to author A. A. Milne's original Pooh stories. Whether he's in pursuit of honey or braving the blustery elements, this 1977 collection captures the big heart of the "willy-nilly, silly old bear."  (Ages 2 and up; available on Barnes & Noble)

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The Red Balloon

Courtesy of Amazon

In this beautiful, wordless 1956 tale of friendship and loss, a helium-filled balloon magically follows a lonely boy through the streets of Paris. (Ages 4 and up; available on Amazon)

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The Black Stallion

Courtesy of Walmart

Movie critic Pauline Kael called this possibly "the greatest children's movie ever made." Kids will envy the unbreakable bond that forms between a young castaway and a wild horse. (Ages 7 and up; available at Walmart)

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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Courtesy of Amazon

Based on the classic books, this collection of cartoon shorts brings the ABCs to life. Kids will learn and laugh as 26 childlike letters scamper up a coconut tree to a funky beat. (Ages 3 to 5; available on Amazon)

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Chrysanthemum . . . and More Kevin Henkes Stories

Courtesy of Best Buy

In this collection of animated shorts, Meryl Streep narrates the title tale of a tenderhearted mouse teased because of her unusual name. Sarah Jessica Parker and Mary Beth Hurt narrate Henkes' other tales of mice scampering toward self-acceptance. (Ages 5 to 8; available at Best Buy )

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Clifford Tries His Best

Courtesy of Amazon

Enjoy 90 minutes of canine fun with this larger-than-life dog, voiced by the late John Ritter. Little kids will be tickled by the notion that Clifford is the master of the house. (Ages 2 to 7; available on Amazon)

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Goodnight Moon and Other Sleepytime Tales

Courtesy of Best Buy

Vocal talent rules in these animated shorts, as Susan Sarandon warmly narrates Margaret Wise Brown's bedtime classic, Natalie Cole shares Tar Beach, and Billy Crystal livens up There's a Nightmare in My Closet. (Ages 1 to 5; available at Best Buy)

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Harry the Dirty Dog . . . and More Terrific Tales

Courtesy of Amazon

Like all Weston Woods titles, these beautifully done shorts are a welcome change from many of today's fast and loud media that leaves little to the imagination. This series has four funny stories about dogs and a darling one about rats. (Ages 2 to 8; available on Amazon)

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Courtesy of Amazon

Pop in the 2001 film—starring a young Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson—after your wizards-in-training have finished the first book in J.K. Rowling’s much-beloved series. (Ages 7 and up; available on Amazon)

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Paddington Live Action

Courtesy of Amazon

In this movie featuring celebs like Nicole Kidman and High Bonneville, Paddington, a beloved bear from picture books, travels to London in search of a home. (Ages 6 and up; available on Amazon)

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The William Steig Video Library

Courtesy of Amazon

The work of beloved picture-book author William Steig is brought to dazzling life in this collection that includes enchanting masterpieces such as The Amazing Bone and Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. (Ages 3 to 5; available on Amazon)

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Brave

Courtesy of Amazon

There’s no tiara for the princess in this Pixar film. Bow-and-arrow-wielding Merida will inspire your mighty girl. (Ages 8 and up; available on Amazon)

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Finding Nemo

Courtesy of Barnes & Noble

A boatload of critters inhabits a breathtaking seascape in this Oscar-winning film. Your whole family will root for a clown fish who goes on a daring mission to find his lost spawn. The best part: Ellen DeGeneres is a hoot as a forgetful fish. (Ages 6 and up; available on Barnes & Noble)

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Frozen

Courtesy of Amazon

You may have grown tired of this 2014 mega-hit, but the kids haven’t: And who could blame them given the fantastic music (shout-out to Idina Menzel), super-cute snowman, sisterly drama, and refreshing message, “You can’t marry a man you just met.” (Ages 5 and up; available on Amazon)

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The Incredibles

Courtesy of Target

It’s actually pretty incredible that with all of today’s comic book-inspired movies, this decade-old Pixar flick about a family of superheroes is still a hit with kids. Make sure to check out the sequel, too! (Ages 7 and up; available at Target)

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Inside Out

Courtesy of Amazon

This Pixar gem—which focuses on the feelings living inside a hockey-playing 11-year-old—is both hysterical and heart-wrenching. With voice actors like Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith, you won’t mind watching with the kids. (Ages 6 and up; available on Amazon)

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The Land Before Time Anniversary Edition

Courtesy of Barnes & Noble

The first and best of the popular 10-title series follows the exciting adventures of Littlefoot, an orphaned brontosaurus. Teaching cooperation and tolerance, Littlefoot joins forces with other baby dinosaurs. (Ages 5 to 12; available at Barnes & Noble)

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The Lego Movie

Courtesy of Target

Everything is awesome in this film that brings some of kids’ favorite Lego minifigures to life thanks to voice cast consisting of Will Ferrell, Chris Prat, and other A-listers. (Ages 6 and up; available at Target)

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Monsters, Inc.

Courtesy of Amazon

Kids everywhere will love the film's notion that "big, scary" monsters are actually afraid of them. Funny and reassuring, the cartoon is also a satire on corporate greed. (Ages 5 and up; available on Amazon)

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Shrek

Courtesy of Amazon

Forget Prince Charming! In this hip, kooky take on fairy tales, an ogre and his donkey sidekick save the princess. Kids won't get all the pop-culture jokes, but they just might learn that good looks are only skin-deep. (Ages 6 and up; available on Amazon)

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Toy Story 2

Courtesy of Barnes & Noble

Favorite toy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) discovers he's a celebrity: a collector's item from a classic TV show. This sequel surpasses the original by combining fantasy and action with a soul-searching theme as Woody must choose love or fame. (Ages 5 and up; available on Barnes & Noble)

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101 Dalmatians

Courtesy of Amazon

Small children love puppies, and classic film delivers in spotted spades. While Cruella De Vil's lust for a dog-skin coat may scare little ones, older kids will love her outrageous antics. Check out the 1961 Disney animated flick and the 1996 live-action version starring Glenn Close. (Ages 6 and up; available on Amazon)

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Charlotte's Web

Courtesy of Amazon

Take a peek at the poignant 1973 cartoon that stays faithful to E. B. White's lovely and touching book. With the help of a motherly spider, Wilbur the pig puts on a show to avoid becoming bacon. Then, rent the 2006 live-action version starring Julia Roberts and Dakota Fanning. (Ages 4 and up; available on Amazon)

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Doctor Dolittle

Courtesy of Amazon

Being able to talk to animals would be a dream come true for most kids. But the vintage 1967 movie shows that things can get out of control when a horse wears glasses, a chimp tries to be a chef, and the bizarre Pushmi-Pullyu is on the loose. Catch the Eddie Murphy version released in 1998 for even more laughs. (Ages 4 and up; available on Amazon)

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Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Courtesy of Barnes & Noble

You simply can't miss the 1966 animated television special-turned movie! Old-time horror star Boris Karloff stars as the holiday grouch. But don't forget to rent Jim Carrey's 2000 live-action version either. It's over-the-top fun! (Ages 3 and up; available at Barnes & Noble)

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Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat

Courtesy of Amazon

Based on the 1957 book by Dr. Seuss, both the 1971 tongue-tangling original film and the 2003 Mike Myers remake will be true kid classics for generations to come. (Ages 3 and up; available on Amazon)

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Where the Wild Things Are

Courtesy of Amazon

This book-turned-animated classic made new waves in 2009 when the film was remade into a live-action blockbuster. Though the book was first published in 1963 and the animated cartoon was released in 1973, the charming story about little monsters will continue to stand the test of time. (Ages 5 and up; available on Amazon)

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Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Courtesy of Amazon

Charlie's awe of the chocolate factory becomes our own in this wonderfully original classic based on Roald Dahl's novel in the 1971 hit starring Gene Wilder. See the story with a modern twist in the 2005 version, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," starring Johnny Depp. (Ages 6 and up; available on Amazon)

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Beauty and the Beast

Courtesy of Amazon

Cracking the mold of Disney princesses, Belle rolls her eyes at "Prince Charming" in favor of inner beauty. Add singing tableware, and you have one unique musical. (Ages 6 and up; available on Amazon)

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The Jungle Book

Courtesy of Target

Set in a jungle full of dangerous animals, the film is cushioned by the lighthearted humor and friendship of an orphaned boy and a bear. The madcap monkey business is set to jazz, swing, and groovy vocals from bandleaders Louis Prima and Phil Harris. (Ages 4 and up; available at Target)

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The Lion King

Courtesy of Barnes & Noble

The laws of the jungle meet Shakespeare's Hamlet as a lion cub realizes he must avenge his father's death, claim the throne, and complete the circle of life. It can be heavy stuff at times. But Elton John's music and the vivid animation pack a powerful emotional punch worth experiencing. (Ages 6 and up; available at Barnes & Noble)

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The Little Mermaid

Courtesy of Amazon

When Sebastian sings the sea's praises in a showstopping calypso number, it's easy to see why this 1989 film is credited with reviving Disney. While Ariel is Disney's first modern leading lady, her dad and Prince Eric still have to rescue her. (Ages 6 and up; available on Amazon)

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Mary Poppins

Courtesy of Amazon

The sheer joy and wonder of Mary Poppins give the musical its timeless appeal. Julie Andrews is magical as the flying nanny whose adventures fuse live action with animation. With genius songs like "A Spoonful of Sugar," it's a movie kids will watch again and again. (Ages 4 and up; available on Amazon)

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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Courtesy of Amazon

This Grimm's fairy tale became the 1937 hit that made Disney synonymous with childhood wonder. The wicked witch will likely scare tykes, but there are seven jolly reasons and loads of catchy songs to end all worries. (Ages 4 and up; available on Amazon)

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Blue's Big Musical Movie

Courtesy of Amazon

Parents and preschoolers will bop along with Blue while a Ray Charles-voiced character teaches kids about musical notes, tempo, and soul in the TV show's first feature film. (Ages 2 to 6; available on Amazon)

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The Fantasia Anthology

Courtesy of Amazon

Long before Baby Mozart married classical music and whimsical motion, Disney imagined that folks would enjoy watching stunning visuals set to songs. With works from Beethoven and Bach, Fantasia takes kids on a magical journey where they can hear the pictures and see the music. (All ages; available on Amazon)

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