Top 10 Kids Movies of All Time
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best movies that will be enjoyed by the whole family, but will probably appeal to the youngins most. Did we mention the movie that made your childhood magical? Let us know in the comments below!
#10: “Elf” (2003)
Top 20 Greatest Animated Movies of All Time
The holidays are always a great time to gather the family and watch a wholesomely hilarious film. “Elf” perfectly fits the bill. As Buddy the Elf, a human that has been raised by Santa’s elves, Will Ferrel brings cheer and love back into the lives of the jaded adults he encounters – all with his trademark brand of humor. This character is sure to bring a smile to any kids seeing it for the first time, as well as adults returning to it each year. By juxtaposing the grungy streets of New York with the iconic stop motion animated world of the North Pole, both become somehow more magical than before.
#9: “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)
Top 10 Movies of 2010
Following the bond formed between a rather unlikely pair – Hiccup the young viking and Toothless the dragon – this movie is a beautiful tale about acceptance and compassion. After becoming the first viking to show mercy to a dragon, Hiccup discovers that there is so much more to the creatures than anyone expected. In a beautifully animated story that may just be one of the most impressive 3D feats ever, Hiccup and Toothless form an unbreakable friendship and, with it, challenge harmful societal conventions. Its message is an important one for children who will surely enjoy the ride. The tear-inducing ending shows that both physically and metaphorically, Toothless and Hiccup are incomplete without each other.
#8: “The Princess Bride” (1987)
Top 10 Movies that are Iconic to 80s Kids
Penned by storied screenwriter William Goldman and based on his novel, “The Princess Bride” was actually underwhelming at the box office upon initial release – despite its positive reception from critics. Over the years, however, it perpetually grew in esteem, with children and adults discovering it on VHS. It’s no wonder why this became such a cult classic. With swashbuckling adventure, beautiful romance, sinister villains and, of course, revenge, there’s something for everyone! The farcical fairy tale is brimming with great characters like the dashing Westley, the beautiful Buttercup, Fezzik, Inigo and Vizzini, as well as the dastardly six-fingered Count Rugen. It also may have the movie line most frequently quoted by children: "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
#7: “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (2001)
Top 10 Differences Between Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Movie & Book
If one thing grabs the attention of kids, it’s magic! While both the books and movies take a darker and more mature tone later on, the first two installments were squarely childhood fare. Imagination comes to life in the screen adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” as, for the very first time, we get to see Hogwarts outside of the confines of our heads. It sets up the twists, turns, and tragedies that would come to pass later on in the series but, for now, we get to enjoy a story that’s full of opportunity and excitement.
#6: “Toy Story” (1995)
Top 10 Movies that are Iconic to 90s Kids
In 1996, Pixar broke new ground with its technically innovative debut, “Toy Story.” As the very first computer animated feature film, much of the modern landscape of animated children’s films can trace their roots back to this original. But, being the first isn’t the reason it’s made its way onto our list. Actually, much of the film looks dated by today’s standards; however, its story and heart have stood the test of time. Woody and Buzz, both likable yet flawed characters, start at odds but, over the course of their adventure, become inseparable friends as they make their way back to their owner Andy. The whole cast of toys have become icons, spawning three sequels, tv spinoffs, shorts, and even theme park lands.
#5: “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” (2005)
In the early ‘90s, “Wallace and Gromit” helped put Aardman Animation on the map with their unique claymation style and dry British humor. With Aardman beginning to produce features in the 2000s, the time had finally come for the duo to receive a fully fleshed out adventure, and it was well worth the wait. “Curse of the Were Rabbit” sees the zany affable inventor and his silent but loyal beagle working as pest inspectors when a town’s vegetable competition is besieged by rabbits. The film uses classic horror tropes, subverting them for kids, ensuring that the lovable pair get into all sorts of delightful antics.
#4: “Mary Poppins” (1964)
Top 10 Celebrities You Forgot Were in Mary-Kate & Ashley Movies
“Mary Poppins’s” magical realism brought a sense of whimsy to the screen as the charismatic nanny drifted into the lives of a family that desperately needed her. Packed to the brim with songs by the Sherman brothers, its music, even for those who haven’t seen the film, has become a part of the cultural lexicon. With Walt Disney himself producing and overseeing much of the movie, childlike wonder is fully on display, including scenes where live action actors enter cartoon worlds and interact with real life actors. Unusual at the time for media directed at children, this film was nominated for a whopping thirteen Oscars including Best Picture and took home five of these nominations.
#3: “The Lion King” (1994)
Top 10 Dark Theories About The Lion King
Coming at the height of Disney’s Renaissance in the 1990s “The Lion King” was a sweeping epic tale based on Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Of course the film swapped Denmark for the plains and savannas of Africa, brought to life by the masterful animators at Disney. Those visuals were perfectly paired with songs penned by Elton John and Tim Rice, and supported by a rousing score from the legendary Hans Zimmer. Right from its opening shot, accompanied by the now iconic chant, audiences knew they were in for something special. “Lion King” impressed critics, taking home a slew of awards including the Golden Globe for Best Picture. It impressed audiences too, becoming the second highest grossing film of all time when it was released!
#2: “Spirited Away” (2001)
Really, any number of films from master director and animator Hayao Miyazaki could be on this list. “My Neighbor Totoro” follows two young girls who encounter the beauty of nature and a lovable troll. Meanwhile, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is a magical coming of age story. However, it’s difficult to top the astounding triumph that is “Spirited Away.” The film follows the young Chihiro as she makes her way through a fantasy world full of spirits influenced by Shinto-Buddhist folklore. This makes for some of the most stunningly beautiful animated sequences ever made showing a world that combines childlike wonder and elemental terror. The film’s themes are far-reaching; it touches on environmentalism, anti-consumerism, and a connection to the natural world.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
Top 10 Movie Gangs that Make Us Wish We Were Kids Again
A Touching Story of a Boy & His Alien
“Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse” (2017)
Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2017
A Superhero Spectacle Like No Other
“The Iron Giant” (1999)
Top 10 Animated Cult Movies
Brad Bird’s Brilliant Parable
“The Muppet Movie” (1979)
Top 10 Worst Family Movies of All Time
The Muppets Take the Show on the Road
“The Neverending Story” (1984)
Top 20 SCARIEST Scenes from Non-Disney Kids Movies
A Fantasy Epic That Makes Us Cry
#1: “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
Top 10 Terrifying Deaths in Live-Action Kids Movies
Generations of children have grown up watching this masterpiece based on the classic book by L. Frank Baum. Kids are enjoying it today just as their older siblings, parents, grandparents and maybe even great grandparents did. In fact, it’s been said to be the most watched movie ever – whether or not that’s true, it’s certainly up there with the greats. That popularity is no accident as “Oz” is filled with stunning visuals, clever storytelling, fantastical worldbuilding, and memorable characters. The moment the film transitions from the dull sepia tone plains of Kansas to the miraculous technicolor world of Oz is just as breathtaking today as it was in the 1930s.
