We all know how enthralled kids become with seeing movies. Some kids will sit and watch their favorite movie over and over again, day after day. It’s enough to drive a parent crazy, but kids will stick to their favorites and each viewing is as enjoyable as the first time they saw it. As parents, it is our job to filter the movies that our children have access to, even when it can be challenging to do so. There are many movies to watch as a family, so to help you choose, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kids movies, fun enough for parents to enjoy, but definitely made for kids!
Top 10 Movies For Children (and parents!)
 Toy Story
What better way to watch a movie than to watch a child’s toys come alive. One of Pixar’s first films, Toy Story debuted in 1995. There have since been many sequels, all of which are as big a hit as the first. Follow the story of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and several other characters as they try to make their way back home to the little boy who owns them – Andy. A cute movie for all ages, even parents adore this film. |
 Monster Inc.
Most of us at one time or another has been scared of the monsters that live under our beds or in our closets. Instead of breaking out the “Monster B-Gone,” put this flick on for your kids and let them learn how funny, warm and fuzzy monsters can truly be. While the monsters first intentions may be to scare the kids, they are truly terrified of being contaminated by kids. When a child enters Monstropolis, Sulley and Boo find their world turned upside down. |
 Ice Age
A flash back to the ice age with now extinct species, this movie revolves around an unlikely troop of allies searching for an infant baby. A wooly mammoth, a sloth and a sabertooth tiger encounter hilarity in trying to return the infant baby to its tribe. Children of all ages will enjoy this epic journey where unlikely friends come together to save the life of one. |
 Cars
Lightning McQueen is a race car driver who is so convinced he is a hot shot that nothing else matters except reaching the finish line. When he accidentally damages a road in his journey to the race, he is required to fix it. It is during his stay at Radiator Springs where McQueen learns that there is more to life than just reaching the finish line. The journey and all who are along for the ride are the important ones. |
 Land Before Time
Take a journey back to the dinosaur age with Littlefoot, Cera, Petri and their friends. This movie, while entertaining, shows the journey that these friends take together after becoming separated from their parents and grandparents during the great divide. Along the way, the friends fight and have moments where they storm off. Tempers fade, however, and the group of friends comes back together to finish the journey. The end of the movie is bittersweet as the young dinosaurs are finally reunited with their families in the Great Valley. There are many versions after the original which showcase the lives of the young friends after their trip, but the original is by far, one of the best movies I’ve ever introduced to my daughter. |
 E.T. the Extra Terrestrial
Who can resist a young Drew Barrymore in this 1982 flick? One of the first movies of its time, E.T. follows the journey of an Alien from outer space who is trying to find his way home after being stranded on Earth. Two young kids try to help him and in the meantime become quarantined for having contact with E.T. At the end, however, the friendly alien finally makes it home for a happy ending. |
 The Little Rascals
Talk about a flashback to the 1950s! This movie, made in 1994, is based on a young group of boys who are sworn to hate girls. They even have a club “The He-Man Women Haters Club.” Alfalfa, however, has different ideas about women as he is courting a sweet little girl named Darla. His friends and fellow club members find out about his courtship and the sanctity of the club is threatened. A wonderful film for boys and girls alike, this movie is full of sweet and hilarious moments. |
 The Wizard of Oz
This musical is one of the timeless classics ever to grace the television screen. When a tornado sweeps through Kansas and carries Dorothy and her little dog, too – Toto – away, Dorothy winds up in the land of Oz. Searching for the Wizard of Emerald City who can take her back home, Dorothy meets three friends who help her along on her journey: Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man. With lots of up-tempo music and dancing scenes, along with a wicked witch, your kids are sure to be enthralled. |
 Finding Nemo
When Nemo is caught in the wide open sea, despite warnings from his father, Marlin, the search is on for Marlin to find his son. Nemo is taken to a dentist office to be put on display in a fish tank, of all places. Scheming with the other fish in the tank, Nemo does his best to escape before being taken home as a pet. Marlin, on the other hand, along with his scatterbrained friend Dory, searches for his son Nemo in the Sydney Harbor. Father and son are reunited at the end of the movie for a happy ending. |
 Horton Hears A Who
This movie, featuring Jim Carrey as the voice of Horton, is based on the book by Dr. Seuss. In this tale, Horton –an elephant — is trying to save an entire community who lives on a clover. His friends refuse to believe that there could be a community so small that they live on a clover and are convinced that Horton is going a little loony. The community rallies as Horton is trying to save them and at the end, a lesson is learned by all – no matter how big or small you are, you matter. |
These 10 movies not only have good storylines, but they teach valuable lessons as well, even if they do tend to be subtle. With action packed adventures and family themed events, these movies are sure to please even the pickiest child.
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