Top 10 Disney Movies That Will Make You Feel Like a Kid Again

Top 10 Disney Movies That’ll Make You Feel Like a Kid Again

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Disney films that bring us back to our childhoods!

#10: “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” (1989)

One of the best parts of being a child is that sense of wonder. Even the most mundane moments and objects seem magical. Especially when you’re a quarter-inch tall! OK, so that only really applies to the kids in this Joe Johnston film. After a scientist accidentally shrinks his kids, they go on an epic journey through the house and yard - befriending a friendly ant on the way. When you’re older it can be easy to get caught up in life. This film is a great reminder to appreciate the little things just as much as the big ones!

#9: “Finding Nemo” (2003)

The first day of school is a special one for many kiddos. After all, you’re venturing off into unknown territory. But Nemo’s first day goes awry when he’s captured by scuba divers after venturing too far out. Nemo’s father, Marlin, embarks on a quest to rescue his only child. Though the premise is pretty gut-wrenching, the film itself fills us with hope. While Nemo faces real peril, Marlin learns from his son that sometimes you have to venture beyond your comfort zone. Risks are a part of life. Watching this movie encourages us to try something new! Maybe not being captured as a pet, though.

#8: “The Parent Trap” (1998)

For many of us, playing matchmaker as a kid is a core memory. Devising plans to get two people together was almost always fun. Nick and Elizabeth have identical twins but divorce soon afterwards. Each parent gains sole custody of one of the children. Fast forward 11 years later to the sisters accidentally reuniting and deciding to get their parents back together. The mischievous schemes the two girls think of to execute their plan make us feel young again. And then there’s that glorious handshake. We don’t think we’re alone in having rewound that scene over and over again to memorize it!

#7: “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” (1977)

This compilation of previous films embodies the coziness of childhood. Who wouldn’t be charmed by such a whimsical cast of characters? Pooh’s soft spoken voice and Tigger’s cheerfulness makes us feel nice and safe. Not only do the scenarios invoke a youthful innocence within us but the storylines are easy to digest. Plus the friendships are incredibly heartwarming. Whenever life gets chaotic, we can relax and romanticize life again after watching this flick. The animation makes us think of a kid opening up their favorite book. No wonder this featurette was so successful!

#6: “The Princess Diaries” (2001)

As kids, we all wonder what it would be like to live out our fairytale dreams. Luckily for us, we get to see Mia experience them firsthand. After discovering she’s actually a princess, the teenager must decide whether she’ll accept the throne. Down to earth, and a stranger to the trappings of royalty, Mia is relatable to a lot of us. Seeing her become more confident inspired us as kids to believe that we could become whoever we wanted to be. The soundtrack still has us getting out of our seats and grooving away. You’ll have a silly smile on your face the entire time.

#5: “Monsters, Inc” (2001)

When we’re kids, the world can seem pretty scary! Especially the big bad monsters that we imagine lurking in our rooms after bedtime. This film takes the concept a step further by showing things from the perspective of the monsters themselves, who fuel their city with the screams of children. The plot sounds way scarier than it actually is. At its core, the movie is really a wonderful tale about friendship. The lengths that Sulley and Mike are willing to go in order to help their human pal is freaking adorable. It’s a fantastic reminder of how powerful childhood relationships can be.

#4: “The Lion King” (1994)

Inspired by “Hamlet”, this Disney masterpiece follows a young lion cub, Simba, whose father is tragically killed. Believing himself to be the cause, Simba wanders off to live in exile - but a larger destiny awaits. Despite the serious themes, Simba’s journey to become king mirrors what it’s like growing up. We see him make fast friends, struggle with inner turmoil, and come to terms with his past. Let’s not forget the awkwardness of teenage romance! It may be a movie about talking animals, but this tale really connected with audiences, and still takes us back to our childhoods.

#3: “Pinocchio” (1940)

In this timeless tale, a puppet magically comes to life and sets out to become a real boy. A lot of the obstacles that Pinnochio faces center on moral choices. Learning what’s right and wrong is an important element of being a kid. We all remember what it’s like getting in trouble. Or trembling in fear while we await our punishment. Mind you, some of the consequences in this film were more extreme than what we faced! We’re glad we never got turned into donkeys for misbehaving. While these darker parts do recall core memories, there are also plenty of whimsical moments that remind us of what it’s like to be a kid.

#2: “Toy Story” (1995)

Playing with toys is a quintessential memory for kids. Even when we’re older we can’t help but have a soft spot for our favorite figurine. In the beloved classic, cowboy doll Woody is upset when space figurine Buzz Lightyear threatens his place as Andy’s favorite toy. As kids, toys occupy special places in our hearts; and it represents a turning point when we change toys, or decide to part with our playthings. “Toy Story” allows us to watch a kid navigate all this from their point of view. The wave of nostalgia that hits us is insane when watching this film.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Enchanted” (2012)
The Fairytale Elements Remind Us of Our Favorite Childhood Stories

“James and the Giant Peach” (1996)
The Childlike Wonder in This Film Transports Us to a Time When We Thought Anything Was Possible

“Lady and the Tramp” (1955)
A Love Story Between Adorable Animals? We STILL Love It!

“Hocus Pocus” (1993)
Shivers Will Go Down Your Spine as You Remember How Scary Witches Once Seemed

#1: “Mary Poppins” (1964)

We wish that this fun-loving nanny had been our caregiver when we were younger! Everything about this movie embodies the happy feelings associated with being a kid. It’s enchanting and full of so much life, encouraging both the characters and audience to find joy in the mundane. The message is pretty simple: a positive mindset goes a long way! Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we should sacrifice our sense of childlike wonder! If you need to discover ways to bring more amusement into your life, look no further than this musical!


Which of these evokes your childhood nostalgia the most? Let us know in the comments!