Best Children's Movies
Pass the Popcorn! The 50 Greatest Kids' Movies of All Time
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After a long week, there is something so nice about curling up on the couch and watching a family-friendly film with the kids. These films, with their adorable characters and silly songs, instantly make our kids smile and help us reconnect with our own inner child. While there are plenty of kid flicks to choose from, we believe some are a bit more magical and meaningful than the rest. From classic films to more modern movies, here are our picks for the best children's movies of all time.
Did we miss your family's favorite film? Let us know!
1 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
"Is there a greater movie about discovery and friendship? I just showed E.T. to my 8- and 4-year-olds for the first time, and they can't wait to watch it again!" — Rebecca Gruber, editorial director, POPSUGAR Moms
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial ($15)
2 Cinderella
"A Disney classic that no family's library should go without. It may feel old-fashioned, but it's also incredibly charming and sweet." — Lisa Horten, contributing editor, POPSUGAR Moms
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Cinderella ($30)
3 A Little Princess
"This movie will move anyone to tears. Sara's journey to find her father teaches kids all about hope and determination." — Leah Rocketto, assistant editor, POPSUGAR Moms
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: A Little Princess ($13)
4 The Red Balloon
"This beautifully touching movie is music to a mama's ears — literally, there are virtually no spoken words." — Denise Stirk, contributing editor, POPSUGAR Moms
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: The Red Balloon ($15)
5 Annie
"Kids will fall for the rags-to-riches story and irresistible music, while adults will appreciate the outstanding and hilarious cast, including Carol Burnett and Tim Curry." — Nancy Einhart, executive editor, POPSUGAR Network
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Annie ($10)
6 Shrek
"A feel-good flick with the important message not to judge a book by its cover (and the best music!)." — LH
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Shrek ($20)
7 Little Women
"This adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott classic is best saved for older girls who'll be able to appreciate the intricate plotline and historical context."— LH
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Little Women ($15)
8 Peter Pan
"One of my favorite Disney flicks of all time! The story of a boy who refuses to grow up is a must-see classic — though the Tinkerbell-Wendy-Peter love triangle may go over kids' heads!" — RG
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Peter Pan ($30)
9 Stuart Little
"I just love this movie, and so do both my kids. Stuart Little is so stinking cute, I wish I could add him into my family too." — DS
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Stuart Little ($15)
10 The Mighty Ducks
"A fabulous first sports movie for kids! Yes, the ending is predictable, but the kids' trials and tribulations along the way are both silly and educational." — RG
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: The Mighty Ducks ($15)
11 Toy Story
"Truly one of the most creative movies to come out of Disney and Pixar, Toy Story is a favorite in our household. My kids still dream about their toys coming alive at night." — RG
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Toy Story ($30)
12 Babe
"Even though the beginning of this movie scares the crap out of my kiddos, they still absolutely love the rest." — DS
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Babe ($15)
13 Harriet the Spy
"Like Harriet, I was adventurous, bright, and a bit too curious for my own good. That's probably why I become a writer!" — LR
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Harriet the Spy ($6)
14 The Little Rascals
"This is easily one of the cutest movies of all time! I especially love how it teaches the importance of friendship without being too cheesy." — LR
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: The Little Rascals ($10)
15 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
"My all-time favorite! It's pretty crazy that this one dates back to 1937, but it still appeals to a young audience. The Evil Queen is one of the scarier villains in Disney's repertoire, so keep that in mind when viewing with little kids." — LH
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ($32)
16 Akeelah and the Bee
"Entertaining and inspiring, Akeelah teaches kids that you can overcome any obstacle or adversity that life throws your way." — LR
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Akeelah and the Bee ($10)
17 The Sandlot
"My dad and I bond over all things baseball, so this movie holds a special place in my heart. Not to mention the s'mores bit is hilarious!" — LR
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: The Sandlot ($15)
18 Secretariat
"Not your traditional kid flick, but one that our family loves. If you don't already know the story of the greatest racehorse that ever lived, you will be on the edge of your seat. Plus, it has a great girl-power story!" — RG
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Secretariat ($20)
19 The Jungle Book
"From 'The Bare Necessities' to 'I Want to Be Like You,' the music in this flick is fabulous!" — RG
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: The Jungle Book ($30)
20 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
"This is definitely a movie that gets better as you age. Kids love it for the fantasy, and adults love it for the message about family." — LR
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ($10)
21 Hugo
"He's not known for kids' flicks, but Martin Scorsese does an amazing job bringing this children's book to the big screen." — LR
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Hugo ($6)
22 Pippi Longstocking
"Pippi Longstocking is a great role model for girls and boys! She's fearless, fun, and doesn't let anyone stand in her way. Definitely a must see." — LR
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Pippi Longstocking ($10)
23 Robin Hood
"Not your typical fairy-tale storyline, Robin Hood addresses issues of class and charity with a great romance, to boot!" — LH
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Robin Hood ($27)
24 The Karate Kid
"How to deal with bullies — 1980s style. This one just keeps getting better with age." — LH
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: The Karate Kid ($10)
25 The Parent Trap
"Some people may favor the Lindsay Lohan version, but I prefer Hayley Mills's portrayal of two twins set on getting their parents back together." — LR
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: The Parent Trap ($15)
26 WALL-E
"Another kids' movie with virtually no words! And yet your kiddos will still follow the story and fall in love with this adorable robot's tale." — DS
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: WALL-E ($20)
27 The Goonies
"An awesome adventure movie that led to many treasure hunts in my own backyard." — LR
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: The Goonies ($6)
28 Heidi
"It may not be Shirley Temple's most memorable film, but it's my favorite. I still tear up when Heidi is torn away from her grandfather." — LR
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Heidi ($15)
29 Star Wars: Epsidoe IV
"Forget the new ones, Star Wars: Episode IV is a classic that every child should see!" — RG
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Star Wars: Episode IV ($22)
30 Finding Nemo
"Hands down, my favorite animated movie of all time. You can bet my family will be first in line for Finding Dory in 2016!" — DS
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Finding Nemo ($30)
31 The Black Stallion
"A horse is not your typical pet, but The Black Stallion still shows how strong the bond between kids and animals can be." — LR
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: The Black Stallion ($10)
32 Hook
"Probably one of the most underrated kids' flicks out there, Hook is a must see for any tot who loves Peter Pan! Robin Williams as grown Peter and Julia Roberts as Tink are perfect!" — RG
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Hook ($15)
33 The Muppet Movie
"Don't get me wrong, The Muppets with Jason Segel was great, but you can't beat the original." — LR
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: The Muppet Movie ($20)
34 Mary Poppins
"The tea party on the ceiling may be the most magical moment in movie history. If only it could really happen." — LR
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Mary Poppins ($30)
35 Free Willy
"OK, so your kids might not ever enjoy going to the aquarium again, but aspiring marine biologist and animal-lovers should see this flick!" — DS
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Free Willy ($6)
36 The Lion King
"I still can't watch this one without crying — Disney's brilliant interpretation of the circle of life will move kids and parents alike. And the setting may be animated, but it's magnificent." — LH
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: The Lion King ($40)
37 The Princess Bride
"The Princess Bride has a cult following for good reason! It'll bring back great memories for parents who grew up in the '80s, and we're confident that once they're old enough, your kids will get a kick out of the Cliffs of Insanity too." — LH
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: The Princess Bride ($20)
38 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
"It's hard to go wrong with a movie about chocolate, right? Gene Wilder's performance as the eccentric Willy Wonka is perfection!" — LR
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory ($6)
39 Despicable Me
"Steve Carell does a great job as the voice of the big bad villain turned softy — and those minions always get serious belly laughs out of my kiddos." — DS
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Despicable Me ($30)
40 The Fox and the Hound
"Though it can be dark at times, this film has an adorable way of teaching kids what friendship really means." — LR
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: The Fox and the Hound ($30)
41 The Love Bug
"I admit, I wanted a Volkswagen Beetle for years after seeing this movie. Somehow I settled for a minivan." — LR
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: The Love Bug ($15)
42 The Little Mermaid
"When I was a child, this movie got me sent home from a friend's house because it taught me that brushing my hair with a fork was cool, which my pal's mom wholeheartedly disagreed with. No hard feelings though! I still have a lot of love for Ariel and the gang." — DS
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: The Little Mermaid ($30)
43 My Girl
"My Girl manages to take two of the toughest topics — love and loss — and make them relatable to kids. I definitely think kids can see it before they turn 13." — LR
Movie Rating: PG-13
Click to Buy: My Girl ($10)
44 The Secret Garden
"As a kid, I loved exploring, partly in the hopes that I'd stumble upon a secret garden. This heartbreaking but uplifting movie appeals to our love of orphan stories — what's up with that? — and the allure of secrets." — NE
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: The Secret Garden ($6)
45 Up
"I love that this movie stars two nontraditional protagonists — an old man and an awkward kid — and if you can make it through the first few scenes without crying, it's stunning to look at and uproariously funny." — NE
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Up ($30)
46 The Sound of Music
"Every child deserves an early introduction to Maria and the von Trapps!" — LH
Movie Rating: G
Click to Buy: The Sound of Music ($35)
47 Remember the Titans
"I will never watch a football game, but I will watch this football movie every time it's on." — LR
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Remember the Titans ($30)
48 A Christmas Story
"I have probably seen this movie 500 times, and I never get sick of it. It has a Wonder Years-like nostalgic appeal and is a good reminder that families don't have to be perfect to be wonderful." — NE
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: A Christmas Story ($20)
49 Frozen
"Frozen puts a twist on the typical princess tale all while tackling love in a way that we've never seen from Disney before. And along with every other child on the planet right now, I kind of love it." — DS
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: Frozen ($30)
50 The Wizard of Oz
"Easily my favorite film of all time. To this day, I can recite the entire Munchkinland scene. But be warned — those flying monkeys may give you nightmares!" — LR
Movie Rating: PG
Click to Buy: The Wizard of Oz ($17)
