Finding a great movie that your kids will love can be a tough job. We know the struggle of endless scrolling while you try to pick something that keeps them happy and is age-appropriate. Thankfully, we’ve sorted through all the options to make your next family movie night super easy.
We’ve put together a list of the best kids movies, perfect for streaming with your family or for letting your little ones have some TV time by themselves. This collection features awesome animated stories, fun live-action films, and even some clever movies that teach you something new.
What are the best kids movies to watch?
Sourcing the best kids movie involves a lot of consideration, but we’re here to make it easier for you. Our selection of top kids’ movies is primarily ranked by their appeal to critics and audiences alike. This gives you a clear idea of which films have already captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, making them a pretty safe bet for widespread family enjoyment.
Beyond the ranking, we’ve also included extra details for each movie. You’ll find the genre, the director behind the magic, and who the leading actor is. We’ve also noted the current streaming service where you can watch it, a brief synopsis, and its trailer. All these points are designed to help you quickly choose the ideal film for your child’s next movie time.
The Super Mario Bros Film
Animation •Family •Fantasy •Comedy •Kids
Overview
While working underground to fix a water main, Brooklyn plumbers—and brothers—Mario and Luigi are transported down a mysterious pipe and wander into a magical new world. But when the brothers are separated, Mario embarks on an epic quest to find Luigi.
Director
Aaron Horvath
Cast
Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key
Duration
92 minutes
Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado
Action •Adventure •Family •Kids •Fantasy •Comedy
Overview
Dora, Diego, and their new friends trek through the perilous dangers of the Amazonian jungle in search of the ancient and powerful treasure of Sol Dorado to keep it out of enemy hands.
Director
Alberto Belli
Duration
96 minutes
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Sci-fi •Family •Kids •Fantasy •Action •Adventure
Overview
An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliot who decides to keep him hidden in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliot, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home.
Director
Steven Spielberg
Cast
Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Robert MacNaughton, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace
Duration
110 minutes
The Flintstones
Kids •Comedy •Family •Fantasy
Overview
Modern Stone Age family the Flintstones hit the big screen in this live-action version of the classic cartoon. Fred helps Barney adopt a child. Barney sees an opportunity to repay him when Slate Mining tests its employees to find a new executive. But no good deed goes unpunished.
Director
Brian Levant
Cast
John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins, Rick Moranis, Rosie O’Donnell, Kyle MacLachlan
Duration
91 minutes
Shrek
Animation •Kids •Comedy •Fantasy •Family •Romance •Action •Adventure
Overview
It ain’t easy bein’ green — especially if you’re a likable (albeit smelly) ogre named Shrek. On a mission to retrieve a gorgeous princess from the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon, Shrek teams up with an unlikely compatriot — a wisecracking donkey.
Director
Andrew Adamson
Cast
Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent Cassel
Duration
90 minutes
Sing
Animation •Kids •Comedy •Family •Music •Musical
Overview
A pig, a mouse, a porcupine, a gorilla, an elephant and other animals gather at a koala’s theatre for a singing competition.
Director
Garth Jennings
Cast
Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly
Duration
103 minutes
Madagascar
Animation •Kids •Comedy •Family •Action •Adventure
Overview
Four animal friends get a taste of the wild life when they break out of captivity at the Central Park Zoo and wash ashore on the island of Madagascar.
Director
Tom McGrath
Cast
Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen
Duration
86 minutes
IF
Comedy •Fantasy •Family •Kids •Animation •Drama
Overview
A young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone’s imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up.
Director
John Krasinski
Cast
Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Duration
104 minutes
Despicable Me
Animation •Kids •Comedy •Crime •Family •Sci-fi
Overview
Villainous Gru lives up to his reputation as a despicable, deplorable and downright unlikable guy when he hatches a plan to steal the moon from the sky. But he has a tough time staying on task after three orphans land in his care.
Director
Chris Renaud
Cast
Steve Carell, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Elsie Fisher, Jason Segel
Duration
95 minutes
Transformers One
Animation •Sci-fi •Adventure •Action •Family •Kids •Fantasy
Overview
The untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.
Director
Josh Cooley
Cast
Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi
Duration
104 minutes
Frequently asked questions
We look for movies that genuinely appeal to children across different cultures and upbringings. Our list features films that have captured big audiences globally, meaning lots of families have already given them a big thumbs-up. We also make sure they offer a great mix of fun, heart, and sometimes even a little bit of learning, making them perfect for shared viewing.
You’ll find a delightful mix of both! While animated adventures often top the list for kids, we’ve made sure to include fantastic live-action family films as well. Whether you’re in the mood for a colourful cartoon journey or a real-life adventure, our selection provides plenty of choices to keep everyone entertained during your next movie night.
We know age suitability is super important for parents. Each movie on our list includes its official age rating to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your little ones. While many are perfect for a wide age range, you can quickly check the rating and synopsis to ensure the content and themes are just right for your youngest family members.
For your convenience, we’ve included details on which streaming service each movie is available on. This means you won’t have to go hunting around. You can simply check our list, see where your chosen film is playing, and get straight to enjoying it with your family, making movie night planning a breeze.
It’s great if you’re a family of movie buffs who have seen all the big hits! Our list focuses on global box office successes, which often means widely loved films. However, even if you’ve seen some, you might discover a gem you missed, or perhaps a classic that’s due for a re-watch. Keep exploring, there’s always a new family favourite waiting!
Absolutely! We’ve sprinkled in some brilliant educational kids’ movies that manage to be both entertaining and informative. These films subtly weave in valuable lessons about the world, history, or important life skills, often without you even realising you’re learning! It’s a wonderful way to combine screen time with a bit of brain-boosting fun.
Our list includes a mix of old-school family favourites that continue to captivate audiences, alongside some of the newer hits that have made a big splash globally. We aim to offer a timeless collection that families will enjoy for years to come, ensuring you have access to both beloved classics and fresh, exciting adventures.
Definitely! Many of the streaming movies on our list are fantastic conversation starters. They often feature themes of friendship, courage, problem-solving, or overcoming challenges, which can naturally lead to engaging chats with your kids about what they learned or how the characters made them feel. It’s a lovely way to connect beyond just watching the screen.
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