There’s something magical that happens when little fingers turn the pages of a good book—the words and illustrations within reveal a world of imagination that isn’t visible on a screen. We’ve gathered 24 classic children’s books that belong on the bookshelf of every young reader. From books where the weather is a little, well, unique, to page-turners about wizards and interplanetary travel, these stories transport readers into a world where animals talk and even the hardest life lessons are easy to understand. So unplug the tablet and introduce the kiddos to the classics that shaped our own childhoods.
Classic Children’s Books for Little Kids
1. Goodnight Moonby Margaret Wise Brown There’s a reason nearly every newborn baby is given a copy of Goodnight Moon as a gift. The engaging text (“goodnight room, goodnight moon”) and the soothing illustrations have kept this story a bedtime staple for generations. The simple nature of the story makes it a great first book when little ones start becoming readers too. Age range: 1 and up. Buy it here.
2. Love You Forever by Robert Musch We’d be remiss if we didn’t include this simple story about the unconditional love that is always present between a mom and her little one. From baby to toddler, and from tween to teen, Love You Forever illustrates that a mother’s bond with her kiddo will never break. Age range: 1 and up. Buy it here.
3. Animaliaby Graeme Base
The illustrations alone are worth adding this classic kids’ book to the shelf. Top it of with each picture being a letter of the alphabet and plenty of hidden games and riddles, and your kids will be enthralled for hours. Ages: 2-8. Buy it here.
4. The Little Engine That Couldby Watty Piper Behind this story about the little engine who was small but mighty is the lesson that anything can be accomplished if you believe in yourself and put your mind to the task. We think this is an important lesson for all kids to learn. What better way to teach it than through the words of the beloved blue train? Today’s self-help gurus have nothing on this famous tale of motivation and positive thinking. Age range: 3 and up. Buy it here.
5. Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
What little kid hasn’t imagined being swept away into an imaginary world where all his problems disappear? This classic book may have been written in 1963, but its theme is still relatable to today’s young readers. Let your kiddo’s imagination soar as she follows the adventures of Max as his bedroom turns into a jungle full of wild things. Age range: 3-5 years. Buy it here.
6. Corduroy by Don Freeman
Who can resist this sweet brown bear whose only desire is to be taken home by a friend? Locked in a department store overnight, this fun book follows the adventures of a teddy bear named Corduroy. Your kids will love this classic children’s book, and like many of our fellow childhood peers, might even name their teddy bear after Dan Freeman’s protagonist. Age range: 3-5 years. Buy it here.
7. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
All timid bull Ferdinand wants to do is sit under his cork tree in the shade and smell the flowers. But a case of mistaken ability leads Ferdinand to the bullfights in Madrid, where he comes face to face with the Banderilleros, Picadores, and the brave Matador who, try as they might, just can’t get him to fight. Ages 3-5. Buy it here.
8. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats Explore a tranquil winter wonderland with Peter, an African-American boy who dons a rather iconic red suit. Keats’ illustrations have a humble and peaceful aura that makes us eager for winter. Ages 3-5. Buy it here.
9. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Dayby Judith Viorst
Looks like Alexander’s got a case of the “Mondays.” He’s got gum stuck in his hair; he gets the hump seat on the ride to school; He’s served lima beans at lunch. What else could go wrong? Find out when you read this classic kids’ book. Ages 3-7. Buy it now.
10. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballsby Judi Barrett
Who can forget the legendary bedtime story (or was it?) about the tiny town of Chewandswallow? Yup, the place where the weather is a drizzle of orange juice, a drift of mashed potatoes, and drifts of hamburgers. It’s when the food gets larger and more intense that the story gets really interesting. This classic children’s book is just as good as when it was published in 1987. Ages: 3-7. Buy it here.
11. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans In this old house in Paris all covered in vines, lived the wonderful story of Madeline. Kids love the stories about this famous orphan and how her bravery helps her face fierce tigers, little mice, and even a burst appendix. Madeline’s individuality makes her a classic and modern-day heroine for younger readers. Age range: 3-8 years. Buy it here.
12. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Harold and his big imagination take a purple crayon out for a walk under the moon one night. As he draws his adventures, he comes across a pie-only picnic, a monster guarding an apple tree, and a friendly policeman who finally points him in the right direction—back home to the comfort of his bed. It’s a classic for a reason. Ages 4-7. Buy it here.
13. Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys, and Their Monkey Businessby Esphyr Slobodkina This humorous story of a peddler chasing after mischievous monkeys for his hats will have your teeny rascal holding their stomach in stitches. A twist on the saying, “Monkey see, monkey do,” Caps for Sale is a timeless read-aloud with repetitive sentences that invite listeners to join in. Ages 4-8. Buy it here.
14. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Princess Elizabeth has a very nice life until a dragon burns it all (including her clothes) to the ground and takes off with her prince. Follow along as the spunky and brave protagonist dons a paper bag and rescues the prince (who turns out to be a dud) instead of waiting to be rescued herself. This classic children’s book has a strong feminist message and is a lot of fun. Ages 4-7. Buy it here.
15. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Let’s get one thing straight. Dragons love tacos. All kinds of tacos. And not just on Taco Tuesday. But, be forewarned, serving a dragon a spicy taco never ends well. This must-have classic children’s book has been delighting readers of all ages for well over a decade. Age 2-5. Buy it here.
The beloved tale of a little house that watches the seasons go by year after year, until the big city, (which she always wondered about) expands into her rolling hills and apple orchards. Built sturdy by her first owner, she watches as the buildings grow taller and taller until one day, she’s rescued and restored to the country. A beautiful story about appreciating what you have and the loyalty of family, this Caldecott Medal winner is a classic children’s book everyone will love. Age 2-7. Buy it here.
Classic Kids’ Books for Older Children
17. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White A box of tissues is recommended to accompany this classic story of Wilbur the pig, Charlotte the spider, Fern, and all their beloved barnyard friends. This story is, at its heart, about the power of friendship and words, and how those things can truly change someone’s life for the better. Age range: 6-11 years. Buy it here.
18. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
While we’re totally #teamgenewilder when it comes to film adaptations, there’s nothing quite like reading the original. You’ll get more of Charlie’s backstory, and the details of the chocolate factory are a treat for the imagination. Age range: 6-9. Buy it here.
19. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stoneby J.K. Rowling
When J.K. Rowling wrote the sentence, “Every child in our world will know his name,” in the first chapter of The Sorcerer’s Stone, no one had any idea those words would ring so true. While kids love Harry, Hermione, and Ron’s adventures at Hogwarts, we like that at the root of these books is the lesson that nothing is stronger than the bond of friendship. Age range: 7 and up. Buy it here.
20. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Kids will love this world filled with magic and imagination. Find out what happens when four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, step through the doorway from their wardrobe into the magical world of Narnia. While there are certainly more books that make up The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is probably the best-known in the series. Age range: 8 years and up. Buy it here.
21. Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery
While the books were originally published in 1908, we bet your little ones will still delight in the young orphan, Anne Shirley’s adventures as she makes her way at Green Gables. Her feisty spirit, outspoken nature, and sense of humor make Anne a great role model for young girls and teach them that it’s okay to speak up and be yourself. Age range: 9 years and up. Buy it here.
22. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
While this book is geared more toward the older reader, it still deserves to be on the list of classic kids’ books. Young readers will love following Mary Lennox and her adventures in a secret garden that soon changes not only her life but the lives of the new friends she makes. We love seeing Mary’s transformation from sad to happy and nature’s role in that change. Age range: 9 and up. Buy it here.
23. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle Travel between universes and go on an adventure that digs into the meaning of family bonding and friendship in this classic children’s book. Note to sensitive bookworms: The plot can get dark and teems with unsavory characters. Ages 10 & up. Buy it here.
24. The Giver by Lois Lowry
The first of a three-book series, this Newbery Award-winning novel is the tale of 12-year-old James, who lives in a utopian society. When he receives his life assignment (his job), he begins to see the darker underside of a seemingly perfect world. When he needs to save someone he loves, his own power will be put to the test. Ages 10 & up. Buy it here.
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Escaping the real world is best when you’re also building memories
There are dishes in the sink, clothes in all the hampers, and groceries on the counter. And all you and your family want to do is get away. We have the perfect solution: escapism. A great fantasy movie has the power to transport you from anywhere and drop you into world-building wonderlands inhabited by fire-breathing dragons, spell-wielding wizards, and charming Cockney performers just by pressing play. So forget the chores for now, and instead, escape on an adventure with your family with our list of the best fantasy movies. If you want something to watch when the kids go to sleep, be sure to check our list of the best fantasy shows for parents.
"Slumberland"
Netflix
Families went nuts over Slumberland, a visually stunning fantasy movie starring Marlow Barkley and Jason Momoa when it hit screens in 2022. They loved the story about the little girl named Nemo who traverses an enchanted dream world hoping to reunite with her late father. And we're pretty sure you and your family will love it too. Heads up, though, this one includes some heavy themes—as the characters grapple with grief and loss. Perhaps this one would be best appreciated with older kids.
Way back in 1977, the very first Star Wars film, A New Hope, hit theaters and ignited a sci-fi fandom that would never flicker out. Decades later, there's a wealth of sequels, series, and spin-offs about the galaxy far, far away. And for good reason. Star Wars is a saga the whole family can enjoy. Not only does it feature the classic good vs. evil narrative, making it an easy setup for kids to follow, but there are iconic characters, thrilling space battles, and epic musical interludes courtesy of John Williams that make watching any installment in the franchise a whole experience.
Rating: PG to PG-13
Where to Watch: Disney+
"Harry Potter" Series
Warner Bros.
Eight Harry Potter movies trail your favorite wizards and muggles through their time at Hogwarts battling demons, bullies, and puberty. The series is brimming with strong role models for kiddos, beginning with The Sorcerer's Stone and ending with the two-part Deathly Hallows. That being said, the Potterverse is vast, and it includes the Fantastic Beasts trilogy prequel, so if you don't have Harry's ability to manipulate time and watch all the above, go with our fave: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban directed by Alfonso Cuarón.
Rating: PG to PG-13
Where to Watch: Max and Peacock
"Bridge to Terabithia"
Walt Disney Pictures
Before The Hunger Games, Josh Hutcherson was starring in this family-friendly fantasy with AnnaSophia Robb. The two play Jess and Leslie, best buddies who spend their time after school putting their imaginations to work in the great outdoors. Together, they imagine a magical land called Terabithia, where they rule as king and queen and revel in supernatural powers. Heads up: Serious plot twists pop up, but levity comes in the form of friendship, courage, and creativity.
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Disney+
"The Lord of the Rings" Series
Warner Bros.
It's the granddaddy of all fantasy movies, so we'd be silly to leave it off a fantasy movie roundup. But because of the franchise's complexities, both in world-building and character development, it might be best to share this spectacle with the older kids in the household. About a sincere Hobbit who sets out with his friends to destroy a malevolent gold ring and save Middle-Earth, the series offers a guiding moral compass wrapped up in a thrilling grand adventure.
Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Max
"Where the Wild Things Are"
Warner Bros.
Based on the 1963 classic children's book written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak (the same one you read with a flashlight under the covers as a kid), this fantasy creature feature tags along with a little boy named Max as he trades the comforts of home for an island an ocean away where the Wild Things play. Parents will appreciate the emotional resonance from writer/director Spike Jonze; the little ones will love the gentle giants Jonze borrowed from Jim Henson's Creature Shop.
The 1993 adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's same-name novel stars Maggie Smith alongside Kate Maberly for a lovely and rewarding film we imagine would make Burnett proud. The story begins with Mary Lennox (Maberly), an orphan, being sent to live in a mansion in England with a cold housekeeper (Smith). To occupy her time, she befriends a bedridden boy and explores a secret garden. If the enchantment doesn't win over hearts, the themes of empathy, love, and kindness will.
Rating: G
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV
"Mary Poppins"
Walt Disney Pictures
Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke make this Walt Disney classic jump off the screen as the magical Mary Poppins and the oh-so-charming Bert. Together, they whisk two children, who have been a bit neglected by their parents, away on a string of whimsical adventures–their sunny dispositions and joyful tunes infectious from the very first note. If ever there was a film that could inspire a sense of wonder in kid viewers and wake up the dormant spark in the older ones, it's this timeless gem.
Rating: G
Where to Watch: Disney+
"The Wizard of Oz"
Warner Bros.
No one is too old or too young for a trip down the yellow brick road. As captivating, entertaining, and, well, bizarre today as it was upon first viewing, this musical fantasy just gets better with age. Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum, the tale unfolds with protagonist Dorothy getting dropped by a twister in the middle of a Technicolor dream. From there, the story offers some of the most timeless tunes, iconic characters, and valuable lessons about self-discovery.
Rating: G
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime, and Hulu
"The Neverending Story"
Warner Bros.
A story within a story, this '80s classic begins with a kid who retreats to the attic of his school to get lost in a book about a fantasy land called Fantasia. Inhabited by wondrous creatures like Nighthobs, Nothings, Luckdragons, and Rockbiters, this other-world casts a spell on its reader, requiring the reader's interaction to save the characters in the book. But the best part of TNS is that it has cross-generational appeal. Parents who grew up with Atreyu and Falkor can now share them with their kids.
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Vudu, and Apple TV
"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"
Paramount Pictures
Any classic adapted from a Roald Dahl tale will do when you want a good fantasy to enjoy with your family: The BFG, The Witches, Matilda. But nothing beats Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Especially if you pair the 1971 film about a poor boy whose luck changes when he finds one of five golden tickets with a spread of whipples, fudgemallows, and everlasting gobstoppers. Plus, there's no time like the present to introduce your little ones to the zany genius that is the late Gene Wilder.
Rating: G
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime
"Stardust"
Paramount Pictures
Love makes people do crazy things. For Tristain, the hopeless romantic at the center of this Neil Gaiman fantasy, this translates to venturing into a neighboring magical realm to retrieve a fallen star for his true love. Brimming with star power—Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Claire Daines—Stardust was a bit of a sleeper hit when it was released in August 2007 and has remained under the radar since. But if you ask us, it belongs at the top of the pantheon of great family-friendly fantasies.
When you really want to wow the family unit, queue up Martin Scorsese's only family-friendly film, Hugo. A love letter to cinema, this feast for the eyes and heart is set in a 1930s Parisian train station and follows an orphan boy named Hugo on a mysterious journey through his past. Because of the setting, there are definitely historical and educational elements for little ones, but even better, Hugo encourages young dreamers to revel in their passions and always believe that anything is possible.
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime
"Wolfwalkers"
Cartoon Saloon
You can probably guess that we were trying to stay away from animation for this roundup—talk about Alice in a fantastical rabbit hole —but Wolfwalkers, animated Irish folklore, is too good not to tout. Awash in vibrant greens and oranges, the story follows Robyn, a young apprentice hunter, who happens upon a magical wolf pack and befriends a little wolf girl named Mehb. The story, so beautiful in its execution, offers an emotional take on the power of female friendship and caring for Mother Nature.
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Apple TV
Guillermo Del Toro's "Pinocchio"
Netflix
Filmmakers have tried and tried again to craft a tale as magical as Disney's original Pinocchio, an animated adventure about a wooden doll who wants to be a real boy. Finally, we have a winner. Guillermo Del Toro (The Shape of Water, Pan's Labyrinth) reimagines Italian writer Carlo Collodi's classic story, delivering a brilliant new iteration that embraces the original, elevates diverse voices, and paints a more multidimensional take of Pinocchio the whole family will love.
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Netflix
"Jungle Cruise"
Walt Disney Pictures
Can't make it to Disneyland? Here's the next best thing! And bonus, it comes with two of the screen's biggest stars: Emily Blunt and Dwayne "The Rock'' Johnson. Jungle Cruise is an action-packed fantasy comedy inspired by the theme park's eponymous ride, but the fun, humor, and charm are all thanks to the film's winsome pair. About an English botanist and a cocky skipper who ventures down a supernatural Amazon River, this exciting riverboat cruise from the comfort of your couch is exactly what the family ordered.
There are plenty of things your kids wish they could ban. Broccoli for instance. Or bedtimes. But we’re guessing books wouldn’t make their list. Promote the power of “yes” by pulling these banned children’s books off the shelf and into your evening reading routine. You won’t be disappointed, and neither will the kids! Looking for other books for kids? Check out our collection of classic children’s books, our favorite bedtime stories, and books that feature diverse protagonists.
When you read this book title as a directive, rather than as an innocent and undeniably catchy rhyme, it’s easy to see why a Toronto father’s rights advocate challenged the wildly popular Dr. Seuss book. But pulling it from library shelves because it “encouraged children to use violence against their fathers” was only the tip of the iceberg for his 2014 challenge. He also thought the library should fork over some cash to cover “damages resulting from the book.”
Ages 3-7
If you haven’t read this story about humble, radiant Wilbur (a.k.a. Some Pig) then you’re in for a treat. Although a group of concerned parents disagreed in 2006. They tried to have this book banned from classrooms because they found the book’s talking animals to be disrespectful to God.
Ages: 8-12
Let’s be honest. This book is every parent’s fantasy. After all who doesn’t want a song-activated magic pot that cooks them dinner? The late Tomie dePaola’s classic tale of the Grandma Witch has been banned in several U.S. school libraries for promoting witchcraft.
Ages: 4-8.
It seems a certain 1987 version of this book would have fared better in Europe than it did in the States, where it was banned in both Michigan and New York in the mid-1990s. Although the story behind finding the now-infamous “nude bather,” that caused the version to be pulled from the shelves, has since been lost, we’re guessing it had something to do with one reader’s relentless search for Waldo.
Ages: 5-9
When it comes to dystopian novels, tweens, and teens just can't get enough of them. And Lois Lowry's Newbery Award-winning classic continues the trend. But parents in Blue Springs, Missouri grew concerned over "twisted" and "lewd" content in the book and tried to have it removed from an eighth-grade reading list in 2003. The good news is, the compelling story is continued on in three more books in the series.
Ages: 12 & up
Readers the world over love Harriet the Spy, because not only does she tells it like it is, she also rides a dumbwaiter, and who wouldn’t want to try that? Over the years, the book has been banned in school libraries because parents are concerned it teaches children to “lie, spy, talk back and curse.”
Ages: 8-12
Kids have loved the quirky drawings and odd poetry of Shel Silverstein for generations. But in 1986, the West Allis Milwaukee School District banned this particular poetry collection because of “drug reference, suicide, death and a disrespect for truth and authority.” Shortly after, a school district in Pennsylvania did the same.
Ages: 6-8
Magical wardrobes, talking lions and evil queens: Narnia’s got dibs on some of the best fantasy elements ever written. But the first book in this popular series was first banned in 1990 because adults were concerned by its “graphic violence, mysticism and gore.” Then in 2005, a group focused on the separation of church and state tried banning the book from Florida’s public schools after then-Governor, Jeb Bush, promoted it in a statewide reading contest.
Ages: 8 & up
The 10th most challenged and banned book of 2017, I am Jazz is an autobiographical picture book chronicling the early years of transgender reality TV star, Jazz Jennings. It first appeared on the banned list when a group of Wisconsin parents objected to its reading at school. They were concerned about sex education, language and offensive viewpoints.
Ages: 4-8
You’ve read this one to your sidekick so many times, you’ve got it memorized. But when this classic hit the scene in 1963, it caused quite a stir. Banned in many southern states for depicting child abuse (the no-go supper for Max), it’s also been challenged for being “too dark” and showing supernatural elements. If you’re looking for more books to put on your nighttime reading list try one of these all-time faves.
Ages: 4-8
The surprisingly dark tales spun by the Brothers Grimm have been challenged many times. But we bet the specifics behind this particularly gruesome classic will surprise you. Was it because of images of cannibalism? Or perhaps because it promoted unhealthy eating habits or tooth decay? Nope. In 1992 two witches challenged this book claiming it painted witches in a bad light.
Ages: 5 & up
This Newbery Award winner’s been challenged a few times for undermining religious beliefs, and in 1985 it was challenged at a Florida elementary school for promoting witchcraft, crystal balls and demons.
Ages: 10-14
First came Roy. Then came Silo. Then came a baby and made their family complete. Based on the true story of two male penguins at New York’s Central Park Zoo, this ALA Notable Children’s Book made its way onto the banned book list for featuring a same-sex relationship.
Ages: 2-5
More a case of mistaken identity than concern over content, Bill Martin’s classic children’s book was banned by the Texas State Board of Education in 2010. It turns out that the children’s author didn’t also pen Ethical Marxism: The Categorical Imperative of Liberation. Oops!
Ages: 2-5
If you think your house is filled with drama, you haven’t been to middle school lately. Get a refresher with this tween graphic novel that follows theater geek Callie as she strives to build a Broadway-worthy set and figure out … well, boys. But the real drama for this book came when it hit the banned children's book list in one school district and two school libraries in Texas because it features LGBTQ characters.
Ages: 10-14
We dare you not to shed a tear over this touching story of a selfless tree who loves a boy. But it was a cynical interpretation of the tree’s selfless giving as “sexist content” that landed this Shel Silverstein classic on a Colorado library’s banned book list in 1988.
Ages: 1-8
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series has been translated into 68 different languages, distributed in over 200 different territories worldwide, and has sold over 450 million copies at last count. And the number of challenges and bans on this series, usually for depicting witchcraft and wizardry and promoting anti-family themes, is also impressive. By 2000, it had been challenged about 650 different times.
Ages: 8 & up
Another Newbery Award-winner, this story of friendship and loss is a definite tearjerker. But it wasn’t the tragic death of a friend that led the New Brighton Area School District in Pennsylvania to remove it from their 5th-grade classrooms. They were concerned about the disrespect, foul language and confusion that could be created when kids read about Terabithia, the fantasy world dreamed up by BFFs Jesse and Leslie.
Ages: 9 & up
Roald Dahl is no stranger to the banned book list. James and the Giant Peach is on there. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is too. But it’s his classic tale of a boy-turned-mouse and his cigar-smoking grandmother who fight against witches that continues to find its way onto the list again and again and again. It was challenged at least ten times in the late 1980s and early 1990s for things like “being too sophisticated” and “not teaching moral values.”
Ages: 8-12
Families coming in all shapes, sizes and colors is the theme of this popular Todd Parr book. But concerns over depicting families that have two moms or two dads kept this bold and colorful paperback off the shelves in the Erie School District in Illinois in 2012.
Ages: 5-6
One of Avi’s lesser-known works, it’s the story of 13-year-old Jonathan, who wants to fight beside his brother and cousin, against the British, during the Revolutionary War. This ALA-notable book was banned at the Bay District school library in 2008 over parent concerns around the use of profanity.
Ages: 9 & up
If your kid has read the book, watched the movie and bought the T-shirt, then you’re not alone. But you might be surprised to find that this popular Dave Pilkey series was at one time the most banned book in the country. In the early books, concerns were raised over content that wasn’t suited for the age group and encouraging disobedience. The release of the 12th book caused new concerns over references to Harold being gay.
Ages: 7-10
The powerfully poignant diary of Anne Frank, who spent two years hiding from the Nazis, with her family in the cramped “Secret Annexe” of an office building, often shows up on the banned book list. Although concern over sexually explicit material is the reason usually cited, once in 1983 the Alabama State Textbook Committee tried to ban it because they thought the diary was “a real downer.”
Ages: 10-13
This story of a donkey who wishes himself into a rock set off alarm bells with the Illinois Police Association. In 1977 they challenged the book because the police are depicted as pigs in the story. In the aftermath, it was banned in many parts of the U.S.
Ages: 3-7
If you cringe every time you read Junie B. Jones to your kids and she “runned speedy quick” or “did a shrug” or commits some other crime against grammar, you’re not alone. Most of the challenges to this series are about Junie’s speech patterns and the fact it might encourage young readers to follow suit.
Ages: 6-9
This book has been banned by a North Carolina school district claiming that the book taught children to be transgender. Jacob's New Dress is actually about acceptance and anti-bullying when Jacob wants to wear a dress to school.
Ages: 4-7
Maus has been banned in a Tennessee county for profanity, nudity, violence, and suicide, although it presents the argument of how to honestly portray the Holocaust without those things. Maus is a Pulitzer-prize-winning graphic novel that follows Spiegelman's parents' traumatic internment at Auschwitz.
Ages: 11 & up
'New Kid' was written by author Jerry Craft about his own life experiences, then a Texas school district banned it for "Critical Race Theory and Marxism." When Jordan Banks starts at a new private school, he was one of the only students of color, and he discovers this new struggle of fitting in when there is very little diversity. This banned children's book is the winner of the Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize for Young Reader's Literature.
Ages: 8-12
The story of 13-year-old Lakshmi, a Nepalese girl who is sold into sexual slavery is a powerful, but not easy, read. Banned in multiple states for depictions of violent sexual content, this book is not for the faint of heart. Still, it's an important topic about a very real subject that affects humans all over the world. Ages: 14+
Christopher Paul Curtis' iconic historical fiction book tells the tragic true story of the 1963 church bombing in Birmingham, AL, through the eyes of 10-year-old Kenny, on a trip to see his grandma. Although it is a Newbery and Coretta Scott King Medal winner, it was banned in Utah and challenged in other states for what was deemed "offensive language." Ages 10 & up.
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This list includes some of the best movies for kids of all time. How many have you seen with your family?
Looking for the best movies for kids? With the endless array of TV and movie options out there (including free full-length options on YouTube), it’s hard to pick a flick that the whole family will love. Well, bicker no more. From The Karate Kid to The Incredibles, we’ve made the decision easy with a definitive list of must-see childhood movies for children under 12. So grab some fun snacks and get that family movie night started!
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. 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.
5. Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019) This Disney classic (and its sequel) is definitely one of the best movies for kids. The films about sisterhood, family, and love will surprisingly warm your hearts, fill your home with song, and should come with a disclaimer: For months afterward, your kids won’t sing anything but Let It Go, Into the Unknown, and Do You Want to Build a Snowman.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
6. Soul This family movie from Pixar and Disney follows 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 the wonderful music are just a few of the reasons to love this movie for kids.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
Walt Disney Studios
11. 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.
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Princess Bride (1987) Part comedy, part romance, part adventure, part fantasy and 100% perfect—Princess Bride is the ultimate family movie for storytime lovers, big, small, boy, or girl. And yes, there is some kissing.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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 family movie night with the kids. It’s got unforgettable songs, enchanting characters, and, best of all, a happy ending.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
23. Home Alone (1990) This perfect Christmas moviewill 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.
24. 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 little helper feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
25. Spider-Man (2002) If you're looking for a good starter superhero movie, this 2002 origin story 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.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. Wadjda (2013)
The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this story is 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.
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. 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!
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. 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.
39. 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) can be a little scary.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
40.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.
41. 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.
42. 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." One of the most classic family movies of the '80s, it's just as sweet today as you might remember.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
43. 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.
44. 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.
45. 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.
46. 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.
47. 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, that they might even shed a tear or two for Willy.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
48. 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.
49. Spy Kids Adventure-loving kids will love this rollicking action movie 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.
50. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) Golden ticket. Chocolate factory. Everything candy. Your sugarplum will remember the zany world of Willy Wonka for the rest of their life, though sensitive kids may be frightened by some scary moments.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
51. 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.
52. Lassie (1994) Loyal, brave, and affectionate… your youngest will 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.
53. 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 keep an eye on your tiniest animal lovers.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
54. Enchanted (2007) Fairytale characters are thrown into the modern world in this 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.
55. 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.
56. 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 film 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.
57. ELF Will Farrell is at his best in this classic holiday film about a boy raised as one of Santa's elves but sets out at age 30 to find his real father in New York City.
58. 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.
59. 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.
60. Hook (1991) For all the inspiration that Peter Pan gives 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.
61. BIG (1988) For every kid who talks about growing up all the time, have them watch BIG because 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.
62. 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.
63. 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.
64. 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.
65. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) Another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, this family movie 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.
66. 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
67. 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.
68. 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.
69. 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.
Disney Studios
70. 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.
71. 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.
72. 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.
73. 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, great Robin Williams, who will entertain the grown-up viewers almost more than the kiddos.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
74. 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.
75. 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.
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, this family movie has lots of heart and a sweet ending.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
77. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) In a realm known as Kumandra comes the Oscar-nominated mythical tale of when dragons and humans fought together to fight the Druun. Fast forward hundreds of years, and one girl is determined to find the last dragon to join the fight again. The imagery and strong female protagonists, not to mention a funny water dragon, make this a great movie for kids of all ages.
78. 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.
79. 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.
80. 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.
81. 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.
82. 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.
83. 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.
84. 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.
85. 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.
86. 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.
87. 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.
88. 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.
89. 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.
90. 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
91. 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.
92. 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.
93. 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.
94. 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 classic family movie.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
95. 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.
96. 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.
97. 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.
98. 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.
99.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.
100. 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.
Ever wondered how Willy Wonka got his start? The second trailer for the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel just dropped and it’s even better than the first
If anyone needs an origin story, it’s the fascinating, enigmatic, sometimes creepy Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. And the universe heard our plea because it’s coming—Wonka, the long-awaited prequel movie set to be released later this year will explore how the famous chocolate maker got his start.
Warner Bros. just dropped the second official trailer, and to say it got us excited to check this movie out is an understatement. We get a glance at the beginnings of one of Wonka’s infamous chocolate-making machines and a better look into the world that is Loompaland (and more of Hugh Grant’s Oompa Loompa).
The film comes from the same writer and director as Paddington, so you know it’s going to be special. The trailer already hints at music, magic, and just a little bit of mayhem. Also, Timothée Chalamet stars as Wonka, and he seems perfectly cast in the role.
The film’s official synopsis reads, “Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, Wonka tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician, and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.”
According to the trailer, that involves Willy learning to make chocolate, setting up his first store, defeating the “Chocolate Cartel,” and meeting the infamous Oompa Loompas (starting with a very pint-size and orange-faced Hugh Grant). There’s sure to be plenty more surprises when the movie hits theaters, though—and we’ll certainly be there. Wonka is only in theaters nationwide on Dec. 15.
These classic ’90s movies will take you back to your childhood
The Roaring Twenties. The Swingin’ Sixties. The Nostalgerific Nineties. Okay, that last one is not an official title for the decade following The Goonies but preceding Harry Potter. But if we were gonna peg our favorite decade with a phat nickname, well, there you go.
It’s the decade that gave us All That’s big-screen spinoff, Good Burger; Emilio Estevez’s claim to hockey fame, The Mighty Ducks; and the fantastic slew of animated gems that make up the Disney Renaissance, including Mulan, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast. It’s also the decade that celebrates humor, heart, and family-friendly entertainment.
Ahead, we’re rounding up our favorite ’90s movies for kids. Like a nostalgic time capsule, our list includes animated adventures, heartwarming tearjerkers, and even Oscar-worthy dramas, ensuring that not only will the little ones stay entertained, but the parents in the room won’t be tempted to reach for their earbuds.
Beauty and the Beast
Walt Disney Pictures
A tale as old as 1991, Beauty and the Beast was the first full-length animated feature to be nominated for Best Picture. Though that may not be much of a selling point for the kiddos in the room, the hospitable dinnerware that can sing and dance, the enchanting tale of a bookworm befriending a cursed prince, and the intriguing mysteries hiding around every corner of the beast’s French Rococo castle certainly are.
It’s always a good time when auteurs with elevated resumes take a break from more mature content and give kids fare a go. Gore Verbinski, the helmer of highbrow horror like The Ring and A Cure for Wellness, and the Pirates franchise, takes on this fun comedy about two unlucky brothers who inherit a crumbling mansion, along with the headstrong critter who already calls it home. A clever mix of humor and visual appeal, Mouse Hunt is the crowd-pleaser you’re in pursuit of.
After their winning sketch comedy series, All That was followed by their own titular spinoff, Kenan & Kel, it was only natural that stars Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell would get their time to shine on the big screen. Enter: Good Burger. A feature-length comedy adapted from the guys’ popular recurring skit on All That, the fast-food frenzy sees the two in peak goofball form as they try and keep their burger joint from going under. Pro tip: You definitely want fries with that.
When her secret notebook is discovered by her friends, an 11-year-old master spy risks losing her close buddies and her secret identity. Michelle Trachtenberg makes her film debut in Nickelodeon’s very first movie, and if you have little ones who love a good sleuthing, then we spy a winner here. Beyond good-humored espionage for the pint-size, the role model relationships on display, especially the sweet bond between Harriet and her nanny, will surely engage the adults in the room.
The House of Mouse cranked out animated gems like a well-oiled machine in the ’90s. Enjoying what cinephiles like to call a “golden era,” Disney graced us with Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, Toy Story, and Hercules, but my goodness, when Simba, Nala, and Mufasa welcomed us to Pride Rock and taught us all about the circle of life, a new animated king was crowned. A roaring adventure engrained with Shakespearean nods and Elton John tunes, this classic ’90s movie for kids is a master of its domain.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches, The BFG: The works of Roald Dahl run deep with pure imagination. With this fanciful tale, adapted for the screen by Danny DeVito, whimsy comes in the form of a 6-year-old girl whose wit and intelligence confound her parents but enthuses her peers, as she leads a spirited rebellion against her school’s mean old headmistress. With themes of courage and compassion embedded in a tale of magic and enchantment, Matilda is A+ fare.
Action film extraordinaire Brad Bird caps off the decade with an animated Cold War fable about a nine-year-old boy, the steely alien he befriends, and the untrusting government officials determined to destroy that which they don’t understand. Bird’s film is actually quite the emotionally hefty cartoon, with themes of empathy, prejudice, and sacrifice at play. So, a post-movie conversation might be in little ones’ best interest.
Children of the ’90s can all relate to the joy this gift from the film gods brings: a rom-com with not one, but two Lindsay Lohans! Not only did this Disney remake launch the career of its leading dual-role actress, but it’s had millennials living La Vita Lohan ever since. For today’s youth, the farfetched plot of estranged identical twins reuniting and then hatching a plan to rekindle their parent’s flame may be outdated, but the movie’s summer camp pranks and sisterly bonds never get old.
Every family-friendly movie from the ’90s comes with a lesson. Some spill sage advice still useful today (hakuna matata forever), while others elevate their stories with morals that hit it out of the park. With The Sandlot, you get just that. One of the most classic coming-of-age ’90s movies for kids that plays ball with Smalls, Benny “The Jet,” and the rest of their Sandlot crew through an eventful summer of 1962, this underdog gem proves legends aren’t just made in the majors, but off the bats of anyone who dares to dream big.
The court’s most legendary baller, Michael Jordan, teams up with the animated realm’s looniest toon, Bugs Bunny, for a sports comedy that blends live action, slapstick comedy, and hand-drawn animation into one star-studded romp. The zany action tips off when Bugs, MJ, and company take on the Monstars, a team of space goons equipped with the talent of the NBA’s finest. Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, and more grace the screen. Our favorite cameo, though? Granny Webster!
“Quack, quack, quack!” Nope, that’s not the flock that forgot to fly south; it’s actually the onomatopoeic cheer that roars louder as everyone’s favorite underducks go from being a nameless peewee hockey team to the high-flying Mighty Ducks. Led by Coach Bombay (played by Emilio Estevez), this team of ragtag slapshooters learn that determination, teamwork, and friendship are how you win on and off the ice.
If you’re not including a John Candy flick in your roundup of classic ’90s movies for kids, you’re not doing it right. That said, John Candy isn’t even the best part of this Jon Turteltaub crowd-pleaser. That superlative goes to Leon, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, and Malik Yoba, the actors who portray the Jamaican bobsleigh team at the heart of the film. Loosely based on the country’s 1988 Winter Olympics debut, this sports comedy is not only an easy watch, but it’s a burst of pride and glory.
Robin Williams is a national treasure. And even though the comedic genius has left this world, his work on screens big and small lives on. A fun way to introduce littles to the actor’s varied talents is to queue up Mrs. Doubtfire, a charmer about a divorced father going incognito as a busty housekeeper to spend time with his kids, who live with their mom. It costars Sally Field, another huge plus, and gives Williams the floor to show off his impressions, energy, and rapid-fire wit.
Strength knows no gender in this animated classic ’90s movie for kids. Mulan, a 16-year-old maiden who disguises herself as a soldier to join the Chinese Army in her ailing father’s place, battles her way to warrior status and solidifies her character as one of the greatest heroines in the pantheon of Magic Kingdom legends. Of course, it wouldn’t be Disney without a few laughs. So, count on Eddie Murphy’s Mushu, a little red dragon with a whole lot of attitude, to keep them giggling.
The bittersweet nostalgia of youth takes the form of a precocious 11-year-old named Vada Sultenfuss in this essential coming-of-age tearjerker. A budding writer, Vada grapples with some pretty heavy complexities, particularly death. Her mom died right after giving birth to her, so now she lives with her father who runs a funeral home out of their abode. Worry not, though, the serious stuff finds balance with lighter fare, namely adventures with the adorable Thomas J.
Set in ancient Japan, Princess Mononoke tells the story of Ashitaka, a young Emishi prince on a quest to find the cure for a curse put on him while fighting for his village. This journey leads him to uncover the truth behind the conflict between humans and forest spirits, who are led by an enigmatic wolf girl named San, a.k.a. Princess Mononoke. This one comes from Studio Ghibli, Japan’s premier animation studio, so you can expect vibrant animation and a thematically rich watch.
The first African American child to attend an all-white elementary school, Ruby Bridges became a civil rights icon at the wee age of six, with bows in her hair and buckles on her Mary Janes. This pick, an ABC made-for-television movie that was just one of several Wonderful World of Disney small-screen productions, takes place in New Orleans in November 1960 and chronicles that time a little girl paved the way for desegregation in schools across the nation.
Curiosity and imagination are given room to bloom in this adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s same-name novel first published in 1911. About a little girl who is sent from India to England to live on her uncle’s estate after her parents are killed in an earthquake, this enchanting tale sees her unlock the best-kept secrets Mother Nature has up her floral sleeve. Adventure, mystery, and magic abound—and trust us, it’s enchantment that will grow on both girls and boys.
Once upon a time, Brandy and Whitney lit up the screen as the time-honored belle of the ball and the fairy godmother who gets her there in this Disney retooling of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic fairy tale. There’s singing and dancing that will keep the younger set entertained, and comedic stylings from industry greats like Whoopi Goldberg and Bernadette Peters parents will appreciate. It’s a win-win. Just watch it before midnight, or the kiddos might turn into pumpkins.
Christina Vidal stars as Angie Vega, a spunky kid with street smarts who’s about to make Mikey (Michael J. Fox), a former child actor now running a talent agency, a lotta dough. It all begins when Mikey spies Angie on the streets of the Big Apple turning on the charm to get out of some pickpocket trouble. Sure she could be the next big star he’s looking for, he talks her into auditioning. And the rest, as they say, is a wrap. Lots of laughs, lessons, and Nathan Lane to enjoy with this one.
The grown-ups in the room will appreciate this little nugget of film trivia: A Little Princess was not only directed by the stellar Alfonso Cuarón but it was also nominated for two Oscars in 1996, cinematography and art direction. As for the littles? They’ll enjoy the story about Sara, a little girl forced to work as a servant after her father is presumed dead from war. Sounds harsh, but it’s here where she finds compassion, friendship, and the family she deserves.
Adventure is always better with the Muppets. So, hop aboard the Hispaniola with Kermit, Gonzo, and the rest of Jim Henson’s felted friends for a swashbuckling journey to find sunken treasure. The bones of the story are, of course, based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, a literary classic, but because we are dealing in the Muppetverse here, you and yours can expect more of a bonkers high-seas musical that shivers the timbers and tickles the funny bone.
We’re not crying, you’re crying; okay, everybody’s crying. Disney’s Pixar Studio is a master class in transcendent animated films that tug at the heartstrings. Perhaps its biggest case-maker is this 1995 gem. Tom Hanks lends his voice to Woody, a pull-string cowboy whose favorite-toy status is being threatened by a chatty space ranger that comes with all kinds of bells and whistles. The first in a five-movie franchise, Toy Story is one of the best representations of the passage of time.
Some of us had our formative years in the ’80s, and let’s just say it was a different time. There was no such thing as helicopter parenting or attachment parenting or any other parenting “style”—there was a whole lot more freedom and a whole lot less of any real exploration into the kind of media we were consuming. This is why there are a ton of nostalgic kid movies that may not really, actually be for young kids.
You may have some great memories of some nostalgic kid movies from your childhood—from ET to Gremlins to My Girl. But in case you’ve forgotten how disturbing scenes from some of these movies are, here’s a list of reasons why you may want to think twice before letting your kid (at least the littler ones) enjoy a movie night featuring one of them. And yes, some of the below were rated R, but that did not stop our parents.
Gremlins
Rated PG
A dad brings home a special gift for his son after last-minute shopping in Chinatown. He ends up with an adorable little creature called a Mogwai and is warned very sternly not to feed him after midnight or let him near water! Of course, he gets fed, which turns him into a terrifying creature called a Gremlin. Water multiplies the creatures, and all hell breaks loose. You may remember the adorable Gizmo, but let me remind you of the way some of the Gremlins perished in the movie: one mom chops up a Gremlin with a kitchen knife, another dies by blender, and yet another dies in a scene that has stayed with any kid from the ’90s or early ’90s—death by microwave.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Rated G
This nostalgic kid movie from the late ’60s was still very much in circulation when we were kids in the ’80s. It told the story of a family with a magical car, and honestly, it’s pointless to even get into the plot because it is wildly confusing. But the one thing that stayed in my mind after all these years was the villainous “Child Catcher,” which is honestly probably where the warning “never take candy from a stranger” comes from. This man skips around town with lollipops in an attempt to trap children, all while wearing an incredibly suspect outfit and top hat. I realize this does not sound terrifying, so just watch the YouTube clip above to understand why under no circumstances you should give your young children this nightmare fuel.
ET
Rated PG
I recently convinced my nine-year-old to watch ET. It’s one of the first movies I remember seeing in the theater, and I was nine at the time, too. Well, it turns out that we must have been exposed to a lot more movie “death” back then because she was absolutely destroyed by the scene where everyone thinks ET is dead. I mean, not just upset, but actually angry at me that I let her watch it. I believe her exact words were, “How could you?” So maybe rewatch the near-death scene before you let your kids watch. Oh, and that first scene where all the tweens are sitting around the table playing cards? There’s a smoking cigarette sitting in the ashtray in the middle of the table—implying one of them was smoking. Ahh, the ’80s.
The NeverEnding Story
Rated PG
The NeverEnding Story starts out as a relatable tale of a young boy (Bastion) ducking into a bookstore to avoid bullies. There, Bastion finds a book called The NeverEnding Story, and for some reason reads it in his school’s attic. The lines between fantasy and reality become blurred when Bastion reads a description that sounds eerily similar to himself and begins to believe the magical land in the book, Fantasia, needs him to survive. There is an impending dark gloom that acts as the villain in this movie, which is basically just a dark cloud that envelops everything it passes, called the Nothingness. If that terror wasn’t enough, Bastion’s beloved and gorgeous white horse Artax dies, and no child of the ’80s has ever recovered from that scene.
My Girl
Rated PG
“Do you want to go tree climbing, Thomas J?” Oh my god. The 1991 movie My Girl destroyed kids everywhere. Destroyed them. Vada is a tomboy whose mother died while giving birth to her, and if that weren’t morbid enough, her dad runs a funeral service out of their house. She’s an outcast with only one friend (MacCauley Culkin). They have the sweetest little friendship, and a lot of other things happen, but the main thing is that he runs into the woods to find a mood ring Vada lost and gets swarmed by bees and dies. Vada sees him in his casket and has a breakdown because he’s being buried without his glasses on, and “he can’t see without his glasses!” Ugh. I’m crying just thinking about it. Never let your child watch this movie.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Rated G
Ok, hear me out. The scene on the boat in the tunnel when they leave the wonderland of the factory entrance to go into the different parts of the factory is the most terrifying one-minute of film I saw my entire childhood—full stop. It was the point of the film where you realize the children are definitely not safe in Mr. Wonka’s hands—and their parents wouldn’t be able to help them either. And there’s a worm crawling all over someone’s face. No thanks.
The Wizard of Oz
Rated G
Okay, why is this Rated G, and is this considered a nostalgic kid’s movie again? Side note: The Wicked Witch from this movie was so terrifying that when she visited Sesame Street in character, the episode that featured her was banned from syndication for frightening children. So, yes, the Wicked Witch is terrifying. But she doesn’t hold a candle to those flying monkeys that haunted my dreams for years after I saw them—with their creepy vests, coifed mohawks, and eerily stiff tails. Don’t even get me started on the noises they made.
Stand by Me
Rated R
I was 13 when I saw this in the theater, and I’m still scarred. It was such a great movie, though, and therein lies the difficulty in making some of these decisions; our kids are so much more sheltered than we were in so many ways. After finding out a stranger has been killed near the town where they live, a group of tween boys set out to go look at the body. Wil Wheaton, Jerry O’Connell, River Phoenix, and Corey Feldman played the group of friends who go on an adventure that ends up totally changing the way they look at life. There’s so much swearing in this, and the matter of the dead body, but this is one that is so, so good—as long as you think your child is mature enough. Watch it again first before you decide.
Forget Frozen. Try something from our list instead
When it comes to picking an all-around crowd-pleaser for family movie night, the struggle is real. After all, finding a foolproof family friendly flick that’ll entertain kids and parents alike is often like a Goldilocks dilemma: Choosing the perfect film that’s not too infantile, not too mature, but just right for all audiences. From animated gems to reimagined classics, check out our picks of 16 movies for kids and parents.
Cruella (2021)
For a younger generation that has grown up watching Descendants, it’s not difficult for them to reimagine classic Disney villains with streaks of humanity that are deeper and more colorful than their backstories. For grownups accustomed to seeing the world in black and white, it can be harder for us to root for the bad guys. That said, as villain origin stories go, Emma Stone’s portrayal of Cruella de Vil is a masterclass in flamboyance, pathos, and originality, and this daring and complex live-action retelling of the Disney animated classic will leave the entire family wanting more Cruella.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
For many parents and grandparents, watching the 1971 movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder and retitled Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, will elicit pangs of nostalgia. However, movie auteur Tim Burton’s polarizing 2005 remake is less sentimental, truer to the source material’s surrealistic conceit, and arguably better than its predecessor. Johnny Depp’s loopy performance as Willy Wonka is, in equal measures, sinister and sincere, and the candy-coated set and yummy costume designs are a visual feast to behold.
Enchanted (2007)
When it comes to various tropes about princesses and damsels in distress, the original Walt Disney Studios undoubtedly can be credited with (or blamed for) creating virtually all of them. But that doesn’t mean modern-day Disney also can’t subvert the unrealistic, happily-ever-after vibes that they established back in the day, either. Enchanted’s smart and self-referential take on fairy tales will delight wide-eyed kids as well as the most-jaded parent who might doubt that true happy endings are still possible.
While there have been plenty of cinematic and television retellings of the “Little Orphan Annie” story, the 2014 remake starring Quvenzhané Wallis in the title role breathes new life into this oldie but goodie by bringing the American musical classic into the social media age. The star-studded cast features Jamie Foxx as tech entrepreneur Will Stacks (a modern-day interpretation of Daddy Warbucks), Cameron Diaz as a cranky-but-lovable Miss Hannigan, and celebrity cameos from Sia, Rihanna, and Ashton Kutcher, among many others. Mixing songs from the original Annie songbook with contemporary tunes will have kids and parents singing and bopping along.
Harry Potter Movie Series (2001–2011)
Few movie franchises have created a world of such adventure, depth, and complexity as the Harry Potter movie series. JK Rowling’s fantastical literary vision of a wizarding world has captured the attention and hearts of millions of children and adults worldwide, and every one of the movie adaptations of the beloved books is as engaging and intriguing as the next.
Freaky Friday (2003)
There’s nothing freaky about this most recent remake of the 1976 Disney classic movie. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis rock as daughter and mother who switch bodies and come to realize that their respective lives aren’t always as easy as they might seem to the other. Kids will sympathize with Curtis as Lohan’s knock-out performance as a petulant-yet-precocious child trapped in an adult body, while adults will resent (but understand) having our aged looks compared to the crypt keeper.
Elf (2003)
SNL-alum Will Ferrell has seemingly cornered the market on joyously hilarious giant man-child roles, and his turn as Buddy the Elf is no exception. At turns charming and ridiculous, Elf is a new holiday classic that’s fun to watch year-round for anyone who still believes in the magic of Christmas—no matter how old (or tall) they are.
Years before Shrek came along, The Princess Bride was the original family friendly movie about a beautiful maiden kidnapped by an evil king who desires to marry her. Set as a story within a story, Gen X and elder Millennial parents have long swooned over this enduring fairy tale classic, which hits all of the right notes of comedy, romance, adventure, and satire. Featuring a pitch-perfect cast of good guys and bad guys as well as a luminous Robin Wright as the titular princess, The Princess Bride offers fun entertainment for little ones and plenty of quotable lines for adults. Inconceivable!
School of Rock (2003)
Actor-musician Jack Black was no slacker when it came to nailing his tailor-made performance as a down-on-his-luck musician who picks up a side gig as a substitute teacher at an uptight elementary school to help pay off personal debt. School of Rock’s mix of precocious kids and social satire makes this a fun movie for kids and parents.
Aside from Frozen, which every parent has probably watched at least a bajillion times with their little ones, Moana is quite possibly the most sing-along-able Disney movie of all time. Thanks in large part to music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and transcendent performances by Auli’i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Moana pulls at heartstrings while also tickling funny bones.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Director Hayao Miyazaki’s anime masterpiece is both magical and melancholy, and for many viewers, serves as the gateway to other terrific Studio Ghibli animated films like Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service. The subtleties and details of My Neighbor Totoro are acquired only through multiple viewings, preferably without the kids.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Best-known for helming quirky and beautifully composed cult films like The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, writer-director Wes Anderson’s first foray into animation resulted in the quirky and beautifully composed stop-motion animated movie Fantastic Mr. Fox. Based on the beloved and similarly titled Roald Dahl book, and featuring an all-star cast led by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, and Owen Wilson, this visually stunning, whimsical, and heartfelt film will elicit smiles from viewers of all ages.
With so many modern classics in its stellar film catalog, it’s nearly impossible to pick just one Pixar movie for kids and parents to include on this list. Inside Out makes the cut because while it’s ostensibly a kids’ movie about a young girl’s journey to getting in touch with her feelings, the sincerity and emotional depth of the movie will resonate with adults even more.
Sing (2016)
Set in a world of singing anthropomorphic animals, one of the great joys of watching Sing is hearing your favorite pop songs as performed by some of your favorite movie stars, including Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taren Egerton, and Jennifer Hudson. And, if you haven’t seen Sing 2 yet, it’s a must-watch movie for kids and parents too!
Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017)
Everyone loves bears, and Paddington is arguably the most beloved of them all. The two contemporary film adaptations of the 1958 children’s book, A Bear Called Paddington, combine computer-generated graphics and live action to great effect. Charming and entertaining, children will marvel at all of the adventures that a little bear can get himself into, while parents will want to take care of the little bear themselves.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
The Spider-Man character is a lot like the Energizer Bunny: Sequels, prequels, and reboots just keep going and going and going. While Spider-Man fatigue could have easily set in with so many Spidey options, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse surprised audiences by being an animated movie that kids and adults thoroughly enjoyed. With its clever storyline, plenty of inside jokes and references, and eye-popping comic-book animation design, this Spider-Man lived up to its well-deserved hype.
Where can you find an albino alligator? What is the most crooked street in SF (hint: it’s not what you think!)?
If you’ve ever had a kid rattle off a million facts about seagulls, you know they are total sponges for any sort of trivia. These fun and weird facts about San Francisco will give the kids a little knowledge about the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s most famous ice cream sandwich, the iconic PIER 39 sea lions, and more. Share these over your next family dinner!
1. The average speed of a cable car is 9.5 mph. Better hold on tight!
2. Popular in Chinese cuisine, the fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco by the Japanese Hagiwara family at Golden Gate Park's Tea Garden. It's free to visit the Golden Gate Cookie Factory in SF but it will cost you 50 cents to take pictures!
3. The famous 1906 earthquake and the fire that followed destroyed much of San Francisco but Redwood trees helped salvage the city. Redwood trees take in a lot of water and have a low resin content. When the fire reached a building made of Redwood, it didn't burn as quickly because the resin is what makes wood flammable.
4. The sea lions moved into their home at PIER 39 after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. You can check them out via their webcam. How can you tell the difference between sea lions and seals? Sea lions have flaps for outer ears (while seals have none) and sea lions are far more vocal than their seal cousins.
5. The Golden Gate Bridge isn't really red (or golden for that matter). The official color is International Orange and it was not supposed to be the permanent color of the bridge. Suggestions of black and yellow stripes as well as candy cane red and white stripes were made by the U.S. military. But the architect Irving Morrow chose International Orange as it was able to be seen in the fog and contrasted nicely with the surrounding landscape.
6. Ghirardelli Chocolate was started by Domenico Ghirardelli in 1849 when he was selling chocolate and other goods to gold rush miners. He moved to San Francisco in 1852 to open his chocolate factory. Ghirardelli is the largest, continuously-operated chocolate producer in the U.S. There are three chocolate shops in Ghirardelli Square and you are always welcomed with a free piece of chocolate when you visit.
7. The San Francisco Municipal Railway has quite a collection of streetcars that run along Market Street. You can ride vintage streetcars from Portugal, England, Japan, Australia, Italy, and more!
Ameer Basheer via unsplash
8. Lombard Street is known as the most crooked street in San Francisco. It was designed in 1922 when it was determined that the street's 27% grade was too steep for cars and pedestrians. But did you know that there's another street in SF that should probably take the title for the most crooked street? Potrero Hill's Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd has even tighter curves than Lombard.
9. For an epic view of San Francisco and beyond, visitors often head to Twin Peaks. You can walk up the wooden stairs to the top of both peaks and see all the way to Marin. Did you know that the peaks have names? The north peak is "Eureka" and the south is "Noe."
10. Golden Gate Park stretches over 1,000 acres. It was designed by a 25-year-old civil engineer and the park's tallest monument is a 64-foot cross hidden somewhere behind Rainbow Falls, one of the park's two waterfalls.
Kate Loweth
11. While you are aware that Alcatraz holds a spot in history as the island prison to house Al Capone, do you know how Alcatraz got its name? The island of Alcatraz was first discovered in 1775 by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, who named it "La Isla de los Alcatraces," or the "Island of the Pelicans." It was later anglicized to "Alcatraz." It's actually believed that this name was meant for nearby Yerba Buena Island but maps of the day were less than accurate.
12. There used to be an aerial tram called the "Sky Tram" that passed over the Sutro Baths between the Cliff House and Point Lobos. It closed in 1965.
13. The iconic ice cream treat Its-Its were created in San Francisco. A scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies and dipped in chocolate, Its-Its come in many flavors and you can purchase them all at the Burlingame factory store.
14. Have you noticed that many San Francisco street names are stamped into the concrete (often with misspellings)? While it is largely believed that these came about after the 1906 earthquake to provide orientation when street signs were destroyed, the practice actually started in 1905 and street signs weren't common until the 1920s.
15. When the Bay Bridge opened in 1936, the toll was 65 cents.
16. Made popular by the opening credits of Full House, Alamo Square's Painted Ladies are Queen Anne Victorians designed to show off the wealth of the gold rush period with turrets, excessive windows, and decorated roof lines.
17. The most popular resident of the California Academy of Sciences is Claude, the albino alligator.
Do classic books need “sensitivity edits” to make them more palatable for modern audiences? Roald Dahl is now at the center of this debate—and it’s getting heated
If there’s anything that’s guaranteed in this life, it’s that cultural norms will change over time. That’s apparent any time you read a piece of classic literature—so many wonderful, valuable books are filled with language and references that evoke cringes from today’s readers. But does that mean those books should be edited to remove potentially offensive language? That’s a big, loaded question—and one that now centers around some of Roald Dahl’s classic stories.
According to The Telegraph, new printed editions of Dahl’s books will now include hundreds of small edits meant to make the books more inclusive but critics are saying just make them “woke.”
For example, in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Augustus Gloop is no longer described as “fat”; instead, he’s “enormous.” Oompa-Loompas have been made gender-neutral and less problematic, too. In The Witches, new text has been added about the villains’ baldness, reading, “There are plenty of other reasons why women might wear wigs and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.”
The copyright pages in the edited books now include a note from Dahl’s publisher, Puffin Books, that reads, “The wonderful words of Roald Dahl can transport you to different worlds and introduce you to the most marvellous characters. This book was written many years ago, and so we regularly review the language to ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by all today.”
Puffin says the changes were implemented by sensitivity readers who focused on weight, mental health, gender, and race. The Roald Dahl Story Company, which owns the rights to Dahl’s collective works, defended the changes.
“When publishing new print runs of books written years ago, it’s not unusual to review the language used alongside updating other details, including a book’s cover and page layout,” the Roald Dahl Story Company told the Associated Press. “Our guiding principle throughout has been to maintain the storylines, characters, and the irreverence and sharp-edged spirit of the original text.”
Sensitivity edits are nothing new, but they’ve always been controversial. In particular, some critics on the right are likening the changes to Dahl’s books to “censorship” by “woke bullies” (an interesting opinion coming from some of those who threatened teachers with jail time over not complying with book bans in schools).
Any time edits are made to classic literature, whether they’re cheered or reviled depends on who you ask, said nonprofit PEN America.
“Amidst fierce battles against book bans and strictures on what can be taught and read, selective editing to make works of literature conform to particular sensibilities could represent a dangerous new weapon,” they said in a statement. “Those who might cheer specific edits to Dahl’s work should consider how the power to rewrite books might be used in the hands of those who do not share their values and sensibilities.”
