The 180+ Top Kids Movies

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Updated August 30, 2023 247.2K votes 14.3K voters 374.0K views
Over 14.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 180+ Top Kids Movies
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Top children's films suitable for young audiences

If you have kids, you know you are always on the lookout for a kids movie that they will love and that you can sit through without clawing your own soul out. These are famous kids movies that transcend the whole kids-are-idiots-and-therefore-must-be-talked-down-to trap that many movie makers seem to fall into when it comes to family fare. This list of the best movies for kids offers some great suggestions for keeping the little ones happy. And who knows? You might enjoy them, too! Be sure to vote for the kids' movies you like the most, and vote down any you don't.

What makes a great kids movie? Two words: Great animation. Many of the best children's movies ever are animated films, with wonderful characters, a great story line and outstanding animation work. Several movies listed here are among the top 50 greatest animated films of all time (not surprisingly).

Need examples? Choose any Pixar movie. No, really, *any* movie ever made my Pixar. The greatest Pixar characters are instant classics, beloved by children young and old. Another great example: holiday movies. Check out this list of the best Halloween movies for kids, and you'll see.

If you're looking for other ideas, you might find success with some well-known and popular children's books with movie adaptations. Don't forget that the best Disney princess movies are all great for children of all ages, too. And of course, some of the greatest animal movies ever made are often fantastic children's films.  Many of these movies are also popular kids movies on Netflix. Now, check out the list of best kids movies below and vote up those you think deserve the top spots. 

Most divisive: Dinosaur
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  • Monsters, Inc. Franchise
    1

    Monsters, Inc. Franchise

    2001 - Present
    2,439 votes
    • Actors: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi
    • Directed by: Pete Docter, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich
    Monsters, Inc. is a CGI animated film series and Disney media franchise that began with the 2001 film, Monsters, Inc., produced by Pixar and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. The original film was followed by a prequel film, Monsters University, released in 2013.
  • Ratatouille
    2

    Ratatouille

    2007
    1,994 votes
    • Actors: Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn
    • Directed by: Brad Bird
    In the animated movie Ratatouille, Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt), a rat with an exceptional palate, dreams of becoming a chef. Living in Paris, he stumbles upon Gusteau's restaurant and forms an unlikely alliance with Linguini (Lou Romano), a clumsy garbage boy. Together, they defy societal norms and culinary traditions to serve up delectable dishes that challenge the status quo. Directed by Brad Bird, this Pixar production is an Oscar-winning blend of comedy and adventure that explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the joy of cooking.

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  • Aladdin
    3

    Aladdin

    1992
    2,009 votes
    • Actors: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, Frank Welker
    • Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker
    Aladdin, a 1992 animated feature film, is a magical adventure packed with wit and warmth. Aladdin (voiced by Scott Weinger), a street-smart commoner, dreams of a life beyond the confines of his desert town. Enter Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin), who yearns for freedom from her royal obligations. The narrative escalates when Aladdin stumbles upon a magic lamp housing an all-powerful Genie (Robin Williams). As Aladdin navigates palace intrigue, love, and his own self-doubt, he must use this newfound power wisely. This Disney classic won two Academy Awards for its memorable music.

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  • Moana
    4

    Moana

    2016
    1,335 votes
    • Actors: Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i Cravalho, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement
    • Directed by: John Musker, Ron Clements
    In the animated adventure Moana, we meet Moana (Auli'i Cravalho), the strong-willed daughter of a chief from a Polynesian village. Chosen by the ocean itself, she embarks on an epic journey to save her people. Guided by her own determination and the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), they traverse the vast seas, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. This Disney film, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, is a delightful blend of mythology and animation that won two Academy Awards for its captivating music and vibrant visuals.

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  • Toy Story Franchise
    5

    Toy Story Franchise

    1995-Present
    3,244 votes
    • Actors: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, John Ratzenberger
    • Directed by: John Lasseter
    Toy Story is a CGI animated film series and Disney media franchise that began with the original 1995 film, Toy Story, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The franchise is based on the anthropomorphic concept that all toys, unknown to humans, are secretly alive, and the films focus on a diverse group of toys that feature a classic cowboy, Sheriff Woody, and modern spaceman, Buzz Lightyear.
  • Madagascar Franchise
    6

    Madagascar Franchise

    2005 - Present
    1,509 votes
    • Actors: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith
    • Directed by: Tom McGrath, Eric Darnell
    Madagascar is a computer-animated franchise produced by DreamWorks Animation. Voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith are featured in the films. It began with the 2005 film Madagascar, the 2008 sequel Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, and the third film Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted in 2012. A spin-off film featuring the penguins, titled Penguins of Madagascar, was released in 2014. A fourth film, Madagascar 4, was announced for 2018, but has since been removed from its schedule due to the studio's restructuring.