10 Best Kids Movies You Should Watch (2024 Updated)

Last Updated : 26 Mar, 2024

Best Kids Movies: Finding the perfect movie for family movie night can be a real adventure! From animated classics to modern masterpieces, the world of kids’ movies offers an endless treasure trove of laughter, lessons, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re looking for something to spark imagination, teach valuable life lessons, or simply entertain, there’s a film out there that will fit the bill perfectly. In this article, we will see list of the best kids’ movies that have captured the hearts of audiences around the globe and motivated kids for the good.

Best-Kids-Movies-of-All-Time

From timeless tales to recent hits that have taken the box office by storm, get ready to explore a world where magic is real, adventures are endless, and dreams come true. Perfect for kids and those who are kids at heart, these movies are not just entertaining, they’re also packed with positive messages and family-friendly fun. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let’s discover the films that make movie time the best part of the day.

List of 10 Best Kids Movies

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
Toy Story (1995)
Finding Nemo (2003)
School Of Rock (2003)
Turning Red (2022)
Hugo (2011)
Bumblebee (2018)
Shrek 2 (2004)
The Kid Who Would Be King (2019)
Frozen (2013)

Top 10 Best Kids Movies

From animated favourites via Disney, to family-friendly all-singing-all-dancing musicals, to adaptations of classic children’s literature, there’s a whole world of cinema awaiting young viewers. Here we have listed the top 10 block buster hits among the children:

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” released in 2018, is a groundbreaking animated superhero film that redefined what audiences could expect from both the superhero genre and animated storytelling. It’s not just popular among kids but has also captured the admiration of adults for a many reasons.

Spider-Man--Into-The-Spider-Verse-(2018)

Movie Plot – In “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” teenager Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man of his reality, only to discover the “Spider-Verse” where multiple Spider-People exist from different dimensions. Together, they must stop a villain who threatens to destroy the fabric of all realities. Miles learns the true meaning of heroism and that anyone can be a hero, regardless of their background

Box Office Success: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” grossed over $375 million worldwide, making it a significant success considering its approximately $90 million budget.
Awards: It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 91st Academy Awards, among numerous other accolades, highlighting its exceptional quality and impact.
Innovative Animation: The film utilized a unique animation style that combined traditional hand-drawn comic book techniques with CGI, creating a visually stunning experience that feels like a comic book come to life.

Toy Story (1995)

Release Date: November 22, 1995.
Director: John Lasseter.
Production Companies: Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures.
Box Office: Grossed over $373 million worldwide.
Milestones: “Toy Story” is recognized as the first feature-length film made entirely with computer-generated imagery (CGI).
Awards: Received a Special Achievement Academy Award and was nominated for three Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay.

Toy-Story-(1995)

The movie introduces iconic characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and a diverse cast of toys, each with distinct personalities and emotional depth. Kids and adults alike find these characters relatable and endearing, fostering a deep connection with the story.

Movie Plot – “Toy Story” unfolds the tale of Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll who enjoys being Andy’s favorite toy until Buzz Lightyear, a new space ranger action figure, arrives and threatens his top spot. As jealousy takes root, both Woody and Buzz are accidentally left behind during Andy’s family move. Through a series of misadventures, they must navigate the outside world to return home. Along the journey, they move from rivals to friends, learning the importance of teamwork and the true meaning of being a toy

Finding Nemo (2003)

“Finding Nemo” is a beloved animated film that has captivated audiences since its release in 2003. Produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, this heartwarming tale of adventure and familial bonds set under the vast and colorful expanse of the ocean has become a classic in the world of children’s cinema.

Finding-Nemo-(2003)

Release Date: May 30, 2003
Directors: Andrew Stanton, with co-direction by Lee Unkrich.
Box Office: The film was a massive success, grossing over $940 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing animated movies at the time.
Awards: “Finding Nemo” won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and it received three additional nominations, including one for Best Original Screenplay.
Critical Acclaim: The movie has a high rating on review aggregation sites, with critics praising its animation quality, voice performances, and emotional depth.

Movie Plot – “Finding Nemo” is about a little clownfish named Nemo who gets captured by a diver and ends up in a fish tank in a dentist’s office. Nemo’s worried dad, Marlin, goes on a big adventure across the ocean to find him. Along the way, Marlin meets a forgetful fish named Dory who helps him on his journey. Together, they face challenges and make new friends as they travel the sea to bring Nemo back home.

School Of Rock (2003)

“School of Rock” (2003) is a beloved comedy film that resonates with audiences of all ages, particularly among kids, for its infectious energy, memorable music, and inspirational message. Directed by Richard Linklater and featuring a standout performance by Jack Black, the movie has become a cult classic, celebrated for its unique blend of humor, heart, and rock ‘n’ roll.

School-Of-Rock-(2003)

Director: Richard Linklater
Main Cast: Jack Black (Dewey Finn), Joan Cusack (Principal Rosalie Mullins), Mike White (Ned Schneebly), and Sarah Silverman (Patty Di Marco). The film also features a talented cast of young actors as the students, including Miranda Cosgrove (Summer Hathaway).
Release Date: October 3, 2003
Box Office: “School of Rock” was a commercial success, grossing over $131 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $35 million.
Music: The soundtrack, which plays a pivotal role in the film, includes classic rock hits from bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who, and AC/DC, alongside original songs performed by the cast.

Movie Plot – “School of Rock” is about Dewey Finn, a rock musician who pretends to be a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Discovering the musical talents of his straight-A students, Dewey forms a secret rock band with them to compete in the Battle of the Bands contest. Along the way, Dewey and the kids learn important lessons about friendship, confidence, and following their dreams, all while rocking out and having the time of their lives

Turning Red (2022)

“Turning Red” is a 2022 animated feature film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Domee Shi, who made history as the first woman to solo direct a Pixar feature film, “Turning Red” introduces audiences to Mei Lee, a 13-year-old girl who magically transforms into a giant red panda whenever she experiences strong emotions. The movie is set in Toronto, Canada, in the early 2000s, offering a refreshing cultural backdrop.

The movie provides a window into Chinese-Canadian culture, offering representation that many kids crave and appreciate. It celebrates diversity and inclusivity, making it a hit among a wide audience. The magical transformation of Mei Lee into a red panda is a visually stunning and unique concept that captures the imagination of viewers. It symbolizes the tumultuous changes of adolescence in a creative and memorable way.

Movie Plot – “Turning Red” is about a 13-year-old girl named Mei who turns into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited or stressed. She’s trying to balance her school life, friendships, and her duties at home while dealing with this big secret. Mei learns that her panda transformation is part of her family’s heritage. Throughout the movie, she figures out how to accept herself and manages to navigate the ups and downs of growing up.

Hugo (2011)

“Hugo” is a captivating adventure film directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 2011. It’s based on Brian Selznick’s novel “The Invention of Hugo Cabret.” The film is notable for its rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and a heartfelt homage to the early history of cinema.

Hugo-(2011)

Release Date: November 23, 2011.
Director: Martin Scorsese.
Starring: Asa Butterfield as Hugo Cabret, with notable performances by Chloë Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Jude Law.
Awards: “Hugo” received critical acclaim and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning 5, including Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Visual Effects.
Budget and Box Office: The film had a budget of approximately $150-170 million and grossed around $185.8 million worldwide.

Movie Plot – “Hugo” is about a young boy named Hugo who lives secretly in the walls of a Paris train station, maintaining the clocks. He tries to solve the mystery left by his father, involving a broken automaton. With the help of a friend, Isabelle, Hugo discovers secrets about his family and the history of movies. Their adventure leads them to restore the legacy of Isabelle’s grandfather, a forgotten film pioneer

Bumblebee (2018)

Directed by Travis Knight rather than Michael Bay, who helmed the first five Transformers movies, “Bumblebee” offers a more intimate and character-driven narrative.

Bumblebee-(2018)

Box Office: “Bumblebee” grossed over $465 million worldwide, showcasing its global appeal and the franchise’s enduring popularity.
Critical Reception: The film received positive reviews from critics, earning praise for its heartwarming story and the performances of its cast, particularly Hailee Steinfeld, who plays the protagonist, Charlie Watson.
Ratings: It holds an approval rating of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-rated Transformers film on the platform.

Movie Plot – In “Bumblebee,” a young girl named Charlie finds a damaged robot named Bumblebee hidden in a junkyard. The two quickly form a close friendship. However, they soon find themselves on the run from government agents and other Transformers. Together, they embark on an exciting adventure to save the world, learning about courage and friendship along the way.

Shrek 2 (2004)

Shrek 2,” released in 2004, is the highly successful sequel to the original “Shrek” film and has become an iconic entry in the world of animated movies. Directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon, this film continued the adventures of Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey, introducing new characters like Puss in Boots, which only added to its charm and appeal.

Shrek-2-(2004)

Voice Cast: The film features an impressive voice cast, including Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, and Antonio Banderas in the scene-stealing role of Puss in Boots.
Soundtrack: “Shrek 2” boasts a memorable soundtrack that features a mix of original songs and cover tracks, including the Counting Crows hit “Accidentally in Love,” which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Movie Plot – In “Shrek 2,” Shrek and Fiona return from their honeymoon to find an invitation from Fiona’s parents, who want to meet Shrek. Upon arriving at the kingdom of Far Far Away, they face challenges fitting in and dealing with Fiona’s past. The Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming plot to separate them, leading to a series of adventures. With the help of Donkey and a new friend, Puss in Boots, Shrek fights to win back Fiona’s love and save their marriage.

The Kid Who Would Be King (2019)

“The Kid Who Would Be King” is a modern twist on the classic Arthurian legend, directed by Joe Cornish. Released in 2019, this film combines the ancient tale of King Arthur and his sword Excalibur with the life of a modern-day teenager, Alex, who discovers that he is the rightful heir to Arthur’s throne. This blend of fantasy, adventure, and contemporary settings makes it a unique and appealing movie for kids and families alike.

The-Kid-Who-Would-Be-King-(2019)

Director: Joe Cornish, known for his work on “Attack the Block.”
Cast: Includes Louis Ashbourne Serkis as Alex, Dean Chaumoo as Bedders, Tom Taylor as Lance, and Angus Imrie as Merlin, with Patrick Stewart also playing an older Merlin.
Release Date: January 25, 2019.
Budget: Estimated at $59 million.
Box Office: Grossed approximately $32 million worldwide.

Movie Plot – In “The Kid Who Would Be King,” a young boy named Alex finds the mythical sword Excalibur and learns he’s the heir to King Arthur’s throne. With the help of his friends and the wizard Merlin, Alex must overcome his fears and lead a fight against the enchantress Morgana, who threatens to destroy the world. Along their journey, they learn the importance of courage, friendship, and honor. It’s a modern adventure where an ordinary kid discovers his true potential and the power of unity in facing evil.

Frozen (2013)

“Frozen” (2013) is a groundbreaking animated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, especially among kids.

Frozen-(2013)

Release Date: November 27, 2013.
Directors: Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.
Box Office: “Frozen” was a commercial juggernaut, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing animated film at the time of its release.
Awards: The movie won two Academy Awards — Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Let It Go.”
Soundtrack: The soundtrack was phenomenally successful, with “Let It Go” becoming a global anthem for children and adults alike. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

Frozen” features strong, relatable characters like Elsa and Anna, who break the traditional mold of princesses. Their struggles, fears, and triumphs resonate with children, making them relatable heroes.

Movie Plot – “Frozen” is the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who live in the kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa has magical powers that allow her to create ice and snow, but after accidentally hurting Anna with her powers, she isolates herself. When Elsa’s powers inadvertently trap the kingdom in eternal winter on her coronation day, she flees. Anna sets off on a journey to find Elsa, mend their relationship, and bring summer back to Arendelle, making new friends and facing challenges along the way.

Conclusion

The journey through the magical world of best movies for kids, it’s clear that these films are more than just entertainment. They are gateways to imaginations, teaching valuable lessons, and sparking joy in the hearts of children and adults alike. Whether it’s the enchanting story of sisterhood in “Frozen” or the adventurous quests in other beloved classics, each movie brings its own unique flavor of magic and moral lessons.

Remember, the right film can inspire, educate, and entertain, making movie time an invaluable experience for family bonding. So next time you’re planning a family movie night, consider diving into one of these timeless tales. They’re not just movies; they’re memories in the making, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on the young and the young at heart.