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The Best Movies to Watch with Your Kids (That You’ll Actually Love Too)
I’ve spent a lot of time searching for the best movies to watch with kids. You know the ones I mean—films that aren’t just tolerable but actually good. Movies that entertain the kids without making you want to check your phone every 10 minutes. Movies with heart, wonder, maybe even a few laughs for the grownups. Movies you end up thinking about long after they end.
Below are some of our favorites. We’ve watched these as a family, rewatched some, and recommended them to others. They’re grouped by vibe—because sometimes you want quiet and reflective, and other times you want magical chaos. All of these are thoughtful, imaginative, and emotionally rich in their own way.
Quiet & Reflective
These are the movies for slower weekends, cozy nights, or when you just want something beautiful and meaningful to land a little deeper.
- Flow
A black cat drifts through a flooded world, finding moments of connection and survival. It’s told without words—and it doesn’t need any.
- Robot Dreams
A dog and a robot become best friends in 1980s NYC. No dialogue, just feeling. A stunner.
- The Wild Robot
A robot learns to live in the wild and care for a gosling. Based on the book—great for starting big conversations about nature and empathy.
- Boyhood (for older kids/teens)
Filmed over 12 years with the same actors. A quiet, intimate portrait of growing up. Not flashy, just real.
- Whale Rider
A girl in a Maori village fights to break tradition and claim her place. Powerful, soulful, and unforgettable.
- The Little Prince (2015)
A modern reimagining with stop-motion touches. Deeply poetic, with a lot to say about childhood, loss, and what matters most.
Fantastical & Weird (In the Best Way)
These films are pure imagination—full of magical realism, whimsy, and that feeling of stepping into a completely different world.
- Spirited Away
A girl stumbles into a spirit world bathhouse. Strange and stunning in every way.
- My Neighbor Totoro
Two sisters move to the countryside and befriend a massive forest spirit. Nothing much happens—and it’s perfect that way.
- Kiki’s Delivery Service
A young witch delivers packages and figures out her place in the world. Gentle, warm, and empowering.
- The Secret World of Arrietty
Tiny people living under the floorboards, surviving off the scraps we leave behind. Lush animation, big heart.
- Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
A talking shell in a tennis shoe becomes an internet sensation and searches for his family. Yes, it’s weird. Yes, it’s perfect.
- The Iron Giant
A boy and a giant robot during the Cold War. A beautiful take on identity, sacrifice, and peace.
- Coco
Colorful, musical, and packed with emotion. It’s about family, memory, and Día de los Muertos—and it's a tearjerker in the best way.
Fun, Warmhearted, and Wholesome
These are great for anytime. Fun enough for movie night, rich enough to stick with you.
- Secondhand Lions
A boy spends a summer with his two mysterious uncles in Texas. Tall tales, life lessons, and a whole lot of heart.
- The Sandlot
Baseball, friendship, and one legendary summer. A classic.
- Holes
A juvenile detention camp, a mystery involving buried treasure, and a family curse. Quirky and oddly brilliant.
- Paddington 2
The bear in the duffle coat. Kindness, marmalade, and one of the best-reviewed movies of all time.
- Ratatouille
A rat who wants to cook in Paris. Pure Pixar joy.
- Inside Out
Emotions take the wheel inside an 11-year-old’s head. Smart, funny, and a great way to talk about feelings.
- Soul
A jazz musician falls into the afterlife and learns what it really means to live. A beautiful reset button.
- The Mitchells vs. The Machines
Chaotic road trip meets robot apocalypse. Hilarious and unexpectedly touching.
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Still magical. Still moving. Still one of the best family films ever made.
Special Mentions: Not Movies, But Still Magic
Some things just stick. These two shows became part of our family rhythm—shows we didn’t just watch, but looked forward to.
- All Creatures Great and Small
Set in the English countryside, full of gentle humor, lovable animals, and kind-hearted people. It’s slow in the best way—perfect for winding down.
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Not for little kids, but a huge hit in our house. Goofy, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt. We quote it all the time.
We’re always adding new favorites to the list, but these are the ones we return to. Some make us laugh, some make us cry, and some just leave us sitting quietly after the credits roll—exactly how I want movies with my kids to feel.
Pro tip: A movie night in our house isn’t complete without a bowl of air-popped Rancho Gordo Crimson Popcorn—small, nutty, and seriously addictive. We keep it simple with olive oil and flaky salt, but I’ve got a few variations too. [Here’s how we make it.](insert link to your popcorn recipe blog post)
Got a favorite I should check out? Leave a comment—I’m always searching.
Got a favorite I should check out? Leave a comment—I’m always searching.
“Know what’s enough. Build what matters.”
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