Finding fun movies for kids to watch can sometimes be straightforward. Then there are times you need help choosing the perfect film. Here’s my list, which is worth sharing with your kids.
Exciting Movies for Kids
Finding simple, fun, and memorable holiday or seasonal movies for kids can be challenging. But look at these classics and pick a couple for the kids to watch. Some are old, and some are modern, but kids of all ages find them entertaining.
“Ferdinand” (2017)
In a classic story, Ferdinand is a massive bull with an even larger heart. People think he is a dangerous beast. He gets captured and taken away from his home. Set on returning to his family, he hooks up with a crazy team of characters. Together they go on a wild adventure.
Walt Disney’s “Peter Pan” (1953)
Walt Disney’s Peter Pan is one of the most timeless and adventurous movies ever on the silver screen. Kids can watch the story over and over because Peter Pan never grows old. He will always be a boy. The story teaches kids about friendship, responsibility, faith, and trust.
“Early Man” (2018)
Nothing could be more timeless than a movie about a prehistoric person. Award-winning claymation studio Aardman produced Early Man. They mastered claymation in film. Aardman made Shaun the Sheep, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, and Chicken Run.
Early Man follows Dug, voiced by Eddie Redmayne. Dug is a caveman who has super-goofy friends. They brave their invaders by challenging them to a soccer game. It is the only way they can get their home back from Lord Nooth, voiced by Tom Hiddleston. Lord Nooth is the ruler of the Bronze Age City.
“Smurfs: The Lost Village” (2017)
Smurfs: The Lost Village is an animated movie.
Magical creatures occupy the forest, and the kids will find them fascinating. Smurfette and her pals must locate a secretive lost village ahead of the wicked wizard named Gargamel.
The movie is like a roller coaster ride, and the kids will enjoy the journey as the Smurfs face danger and experience plenty of action.
“The Little Prince” (2015)
The Little Prince is a timeless movie. The story subtly teaches kids about what is essential in life as a fable of loneliness, loss, friendship, and love.
I have to confess that the movie trailer is so charming and pleasing. Netflix is streaming some noteworthy movies, which are worth the subscription.
With the voice acting talents of Ralph Fiennes, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, and Rosario Dawson, The Lego Batman Movie is timeless. Kids can watch it repeatedly.
Chris McKay directed this super-silly movie, and it features one-liners and a visually gratifying story that is fun. The kids can play with the Legos before or after they watch the film. Parents, make sure you have your own set of Batman Legos.
“The Sandlot” (1993)
The Sandlot is a magical movie that kids will watch repeatedly. The story takes place during the 1960s when Scotty arrives in the neighborhood. Denis Leary and Karen Allen play with his parents. They are brilliant, helping Scotty come to terms with himself and trying to fit in with the other boys from the sandlot. He doesn’t know how to play baseball, but that’s about to change.
The movie follows Scotty and his friends as they spend a summer retrieving a baseball, facing crazy adventures and scary situations, and sharing a first kiss. All nine boys grow and become best friends. The movie is a fun and enchanting comedy.
“Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” (1976)
Though the story doesn’t seem like it’s for kids, they will still enjoy the animation and exaggerated characters. Even the adults will chuckle at the thought of Frosty the Snowman’s marriage being threatened by a jealous Jack Frost, voiced wickedly by Paul Frees.
The 1976 movie features two screen legends, Andy Griffith, best known as Andy Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show, and Shelley Winters, who won two Oscars for A Patch of Blue and The Diary of Anne Frank. Griffith is the narrator, and Winters is the voice of Frosty’s wife.
“The Smurf’s Holiday Celebration” (2011)
The Smurfs are bound to put a smile on any kid’s face during the holiday season with The Smurf’s Holiday Celebration. They are so cute, but their stories are full of action. The creatures that threaten the lovable Smurfs might not make some of the youngest kids too happy. Though parents may want to keep a watchful eye, a happy ending will put a pleasant smile back on the kids’ faces.
“Twas the Night Before Christmas” (1974)
Twas the Night Before Christmas begins with the children of Junctionville’s letters to Santa Claus being returned unopened. So Santa didn’t read what they wanted for Christmas. Nobody knows why they didn’t get delivered. Alas, a bitter soul has angered Saint Nick by claiming Christmas is a myth.
The skeptical rodent, Albert Mouse, must be humored and turned around to believe in Santa. Following the story of Albert being persuaded to change his mind about Santa makes it fun for the kids because Santa returns to Junctionville.
The ending is charming and inspired by Clement Moore’s poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Joel Grey, George Gobel, Tammy Grimes, and John McGiver add their voices to the 1974 movie.
“Frozen” (2013)
Frozen is genuinely a timeless movie for all ages. “Let It Go” unleashes our desires to let our worries go. The song won an Oscar because it adds much to the fateful tale of two sisters longing for their rekindled relationship. The frozen spell keeps the movie suspended in time as a lovable snowman offers his charm. There is also a reindeer acting like a domesticated dog.
Kids can watch the movie repeatedly. It is so much fun for kids because most DVDs have a sing-along version with captions for each song’s lyrics. Frozen II, the sequel, is now available to stream and on Blu-ray or DVD.
“Love is putting someone else’s need before yours.” Olaf
Peanuts movies are timeless. They started in the 1970s with It’s Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown, and There’s No Time for Love, Charlie Brown. They continued to the 1980s with It’s Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown, and It’s an Adventure, Charlie Brown. The franchise has over 45 movies and counting. My favorite is A Boy Named Charlie Brown.
It’s a blast to watch Snoopy fly in his doghouse while dogfighting as the Red Baron, wearing legwarmers, and dancing to the current music. Kids never tire of such antics. They also like to wonder if Charlie Brown will succeed at his chosen goal, like winning the spelling bee or getting his first kiss.
I can’t go without mentioning all the quirky friends who support Charlie Brown, no matter how many times he fails. From Linus to Peppermint Patty, you can’t help but feel the love. These are such cherished characters and stories.
“Bernie the Dolphin” (2018)
Bernie the Dolphin isn’t a well-known kids’ movie like Disney movies, but it’s about two kids with a heart of gold.
Kevin and Holly spend a lot of time swimming and diving with Bernie. Bernie is a dolphin. He goes missing, and the two kids try to find him. While looking for Bernie, they discover a potential threat to baby sea turtles.
The kids’ goal is to stop the development and protect Bernie.
Disney Classics
Let’s not forget the Disney classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first animated feature film, and Peter Pan. Walt Disney worked with some of the best animators of the time. All these movies were pretty much hand-drawn. Though the adults will appreciate the artists’ talent, the antics and colorful characters will mesmerize the kids in each classic.
Kids Movies on Netflix and Amazon
You can catch some of these timeless movies on Netflix or Amazon. Even local libraries rent these movies on Blu-ray and DVD. Either way, it’s best to plan their movie night and let the kids join their friends and enjoy watching a fantastic film.
