Kids’ movies have a special sort of magic about them. The best ones capture our imaginations, make us belly laugh, and tug on our heartstrings. They teach timeless life lessons in ways children understand and provide entertainment parents enjoy too. When considering the greatest kids’ films of all time, several classics rise as must-watches for children and inner children alike. Here are six of the best kids’ movies ever made.
1. Toy Story
The first fully computer-animated feature film, Toy Story revolutionised animation and introduced the world to iconic characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the mischievous Sid. Hilarious, heartwarming and utterly original, it tells the tale of a pull-string cowboy doll who feels threatened when a high-tech space ranger toy arrives in the playroom. Its themes of friendship, loyalty and belonging make it relatable for kids and grownups alike.
2. The Lion King
Disney struck gold again with its majestic coming-of-age story about a young lion cub named Simba who just can’t wait to be king. Set in the African savanna with an Elton John and Tim Rice soundtrack, The Lion King delivers adventure, comedy and tragedy through memorable characters like the wise mandrill Rafiki, evil Uncle Scar, comical meerkat Timon and lovable warthog Pumbaa. The Circle of Life scene gives you goosebumps every time. If you’re fostering children from thefca.co.uk, this is a great one for movie night. Kids of all ages will love it.
3. Frozen
This magical icy tale of two royal sisters, Anna and Elsa, took the world by storm with stunning visuals, memorable musical numbers, lovable characters and messages of courage and the power of love. Elsa has magic powers over ice and snow but struggles to control them until her sister shows her that perfect love casts out fear. Olaf the silly snowman provides plenty of comic relief for kids in Frozen, plus teaches valuable lessons adults need reminding about the meaning of true love.
4. Finding Nemo
Pixar knocks it out of the park again with this touching father-son story that takes place among the stunning coral reefs of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. After his son Nemo gets fish-napped by a diver, timid clownfish Marlin embarks on an epic ocean journey with friendly but forgetful blue tang fish Dory to find his missing boy. With humour, heart and breathtaking animation, Finding Nemo beautifully portrays a parent’s unconditional love.
5. Shrek
Once upon a time, a grumpy ogre named Shrek who simply desires to live alone in his swamp gets dragged against his will on a quest to rescue feisty Princess Fiona for despicable Lord Farquaad. Along the way, Shrek forms an unlikely friendship with Chatty Donkey that makes him realise that maybe ogres aren’t meant to be alone after all. Equal parts fairytale satire for parents and fart jokes for kids, Shrek ultimately shows that beauty and goodness lie beneath the surface.
6. Inside Out
Trust Pixar to create sheer brilliance out of complex emotional concepts. Inside Out visualises the interior of 11-year-old Riley’s mind as five personified emotions – Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger – directing her thoughts and actions from headquarters. When Riley’s family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco, conflict arises among her emotions, causing Joy and Sadness to get displaced accidentally. The imaginative film provides kids and grownups alike insight into emotions and why it’s essential to feel and process the full range of them.
Plan a movie night this weekend and see which one of these great movies your kids want to watch. You’re guaranteed to love them too.