The 20 Best Kid’s Movies Ever Made: Stories That Grow With Us
What makes a great kids’ movie? Is it bright colors and slapstick humor? Catchy songs that refuse to leave your head? Or is it something deeper—stories that speak to children while quietly offering wisdom to the adults watching alongside them?
The very best kids’ movies do all of this at once. They entertain without talking down, explore big emotions without overwhelming, and often reveal new layers each time we revisit them at a different stage of life. These films don’t just pass the time on a rainy afternoon; they shape imaginations, teach empathy, and become lifelong companions.
Below is a carefully curated, unranked list of the 20 best kids movies ever made—films that have stood the test of time, crossed generations, and proven that “family-friendly” does not mean simplistic. Whether animated or live-action, whimsical or profound, each of these movies earns its place by respecting its audience, no matter their age.
1. Toy Story (1995)
Pixar’s Toy Story didn’t just revolutionize animation; it redefined what a kids’ movie could be. On the surface, it’s a playful adventure about toys that come to life. Beneath that, it’s a thoughtful meditation on jealousy, friendship, and the fear of being left behind.
Woody and Buzz Lightyear’s rivalry-turned-bond is immediately relatable to children, while adults recognize the deeper anxieties about relevance and change. Nearly three decades later, Toy Story remains as emotionally sharp and endlessly rewatchable as ever.
2. The Lion King (1994)
Few kids’ movies feel as epic as The Lion King. Inspired loosely by Hamlet, Disney’s animated classic tackles grief, responsibility, and identity with surprising gravity. Simba’s journey from carefree cub to reluctant king resonates across cultures and generations.
Its music, visuals, and characters—especially the balance of tragedy and humor—make it unforgettable. For many children, this is their first encounter with loss in storytelling, handled with sensitivity and honesty.
3. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro is proof that a kids’ movie doesn’t need a villain or high-stakes conflict to be magical. The film follows two sisters adjusting to a new home and their mother’s illness, finding comfort in gentle forest spirits along the way.
Totoro is about childhood wonder, patience, and quiet joy. It captures how children process fear and uncertainty—not through dramatic speeches, but through imagination. It’s soothing, beautiful, and timeless.
4. Finding Nemo (2003)
Finding Nemo works as a thrilling ocean adventure, a heartfelt family story, and a surprisingly mature exploration of anxiety and overprotection. Marlin’s journey across the sea to find his son is as much about learning to let go as it is about rescue.
The humor keeps kids engaged, while adults recognize the deeper message: loving someone means trusting them to face the world, even when it’s terrifying.
5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Steven Spielberg’s E.T. captures childhood loneliness and friendship with rare sincerity. The bond between Elliott and the stranded alien is pure, wordless, and deeply emotional.
Seen through a child’s perspective, the film treats adults as distant and overwhelming, making its young characters feel truly central. Few kids’ movies balance wonder and heartbreak as gracefully as E.T., and its final act still leaves audiences misty-eyed.
6. Spirited Away (2001)
Often cited as one of the greatest animated films ever made, Spirited Away is a richly imaginative coming-of-age story disguised as fantasy. Chihiro’s journey through a mysterious spirit world mirrors the confusion and fear of growing up.
The film trusts children to handle ambiguity and complexity. There are no easy explanations—only experiences. That confidence in its audience is what makes Spirited Away extraordinary.
7. Paddington 2 (2017)
Few sequels surpass their originals, but Paddington 2 manages something remarkable: it’s kinder, funnier, and more emotionally resonant than anyone expected. At its heart, it’s about decency, community, and choosing kindness even when the world is unfair.
The film’s gentle humor works for kids, while its sincerity and optimism feel like a warm hug for adults. It’s proof that goodness can be entertaining—and deeply moving.
8. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Decades later, The Wizard of Oz remains a cornerstone of children’s cinema. Its blend of fantasy, music, and emotional honesty continues to enchant new audiences.
Dorothy’s journey through Oz is ultimately about self-belief and the idea that what we’re searching for is often already within us. Few films have contributed as much to the shared language of storytelling.
9. Up (2009)
Up begins with one of the most emotionally devastating montages ever put in a family film—and somehow transforms that grief into a story about healing, adventure, and chosen family.
Kids connect with the talking dogs and colorful balloons; adults connect with Carl’s journey through loss and rediscovery. It’s a film that teaches children empathy without ever preaching.
10. The Incredibles (2004)
Brad Bird’s The Incredibles blends superhero action with family drama in a way that feels effortlessly smart. At its core, it’s about balancing individuality with responsibility—how to be special without losing connection.
The film respects children’s intelligence and adults’ experiences, offering thrilling set pieces alongside sharp commentary on conformity, parenting, and self-worth.
11. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel is equal parts whimsy and menace. Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka is playful, unsettling, and endlessly fascinating—a reminder that kids’ movies don’t need to be sanitized to be meaningful.
The film explores greed, entitlement, and humility, rewarding kindness over indulgence. It’s strange, musical, and unforgettable.
12. Matilda (1996)
Matilda is a love letter to clever, curious children who feel misunderstood. Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, the film champions intelligence, kindness, and quiet resilience.
Its villains are exaggerated and cartoonish, but the emotional core—finding adults who listen and believe in you—is deeply real. For many kids, Matilda feels like permission to be themselves.
13. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
What if the things children fear are just as scared as they are? Monsters, Inc. flips the idea of monsters under the bed into a story about misunderstanding, compassion, and emotional energy.
Boo’s innocent bond with Sulley is pure and sincere, while the film’s humor and world-building make it endlessly watchable.
14. The Iron Giant (1999)
Often rediscovered rather than remembered, The Iron Giant is one of the most emotionally powerful kids’ films ever made. Set against Cold War paranoia, it tells a story about friendship, choice, and nonviolence.
Its message—that you are who you choose to be—is delivered with quiet confidence and devastating impact. Few animated films trust children with such profound ideas.
15. Shrek (2001)
Shrek changed the tone of kids’ movies by poking fun at fairy-tale conventions while still embracing their heart. Its humor works on multiple levels, with jokes for kids and sly commentary for adults.
At its core, Shrek is about self-acceptance and love beyond appearances—a message wrapped in irreverence and surprisingly genuine emotion.
16. The Princess Bride (1987)
Adventure, romance, comedy, and sword fights—The Princess Bride has it all. The film’s framing as a story told to a child allows it to wink at its own tropes without losing sincerity.
Its dialogue is endlessly quotable, but its enduring charm lies in its belief in true love, courage, and storytelling itself.
17. Inside Out (2015)
Inside Out does something rare: it gives children a language for their emotions. By personifying feelings like Joy, Sadness, and Anger, the film helps young viewers understand that all emotions have value.
For adults, it’s a deeply moving exploration of memory, identity, and mental health. It’s educational without ever feeling like a lesson.
18. Mary Poppins (1964)
Practically perfect in every way, Mary Poppins blends live-action and animation with music, magic, and emotional warmth. Beneath its whimsy lies a story about family connection and the importance of play.
Its optimism feels timeless, and its songs continue to echo across generations.
19. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
This beautifully animated film tells a story about empathy, courage, and challenging tradition. Hiccup’s bond with Toothless is tender and transformative, showing how understanding can replace fear.
The film respects its audience by allowing real consequences and emotional growth, making it one of the most satisfying modern kids’ movies.
20. Wall-E (2008)
WALL-E opens with almost no dialogue—and somehow becomes one of Pixar’s most profound achievements. It’s a love story, an environmental warning, and a meditation on loneliness and connection.
Children are drawn to its adorable protagonist; adults recognize its quiet critique of consumerism and isolation. It’s bold, patient, and deeply human.
Why These Movies Endure
The best kids’ movies don’t underestimate children. They trust young viewers to feel deeply, think critically, and engage with complex ideas. At the same time, they offer adults a chance to reconnect with wonder, nostalgia, and emotional honesty.
These films endure because they grow with us. What we laugh at as children, we understand differently as adults—and that’s the magic. They remind us that great storytelling isn’t defined by age, but by empathy, imagination, and truth.
In the end, the greatest kids’ movies aren’t just for kids at all. They’re for anyone who remembers what it felt like to see the world with open eyes—and believes it’s still worth doing.