The Best Cat Movies for Kids

Over 70 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Cat Movies for Kids
Voting Rules
Vote up the best cat movies for kids to watch.

If dogs are that kid from school that gets along with everybody, then cats are probably the kids that are too cool for school. That's not to say, of course, that cats aren't affectionate, sweet and lovable. Watch any of the movies on this list of cat movies for kids, and see if your heart doesn't melt a little bit.

While cats are a little more withdrawn than dogs, they have been shown to be good pets for children. They can calm down anxious kids, combat depression, and help younger kids form social connections. No wonder we love watching stories about them.

So if you've ever asked yourself "what cat films can kids watch," take a look at our list of the best cat films for children! Vote up the titles you like and don't forget to add other top examples of appropriate cat movies for kids.

And remember what Leonardo da Vinci said: "The smallest feline is a masterpiece."

Ranked by
  • Oliver & Company
    1
    Joey Lawrence, Bette Midler, Billy Joel
    52 votes
    • Released: 1988
    • Directed by: George Scribner
    In the animated musical film Oliver & Company, an orphaned kitten named Oliver (Joey Lawrence) gets lost in New York City. He finds unexpected companionship with a street-smart dog named Dodger (Billy Joel), and his ragtag group of canine friends. As Oliver navigates through adventures and dangers, he unexpectedly stumbles upon a wealthy little girl, Jenny (Natalie Gregory), who adopts him. However, their bond attracts the attention of a nefarious character, Sykes (Robert Loggia). The movie is known for its vibrant animation and memorable soundtrack, including Billy Joel's hit song Why Should I Worry?

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  • The Aristocats
    2
    Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Sterling Holloway
    50 votes
    • Released: 1970
    • Directed by: Wolfgang Reitherman
    In the animated Disney classic, The Aristocats, Duchess (Eva Gabor) and her three kittens, Marie (Liz English), Berlioz (Dean Clark), and Toulouse (Gary Dubin), live a life of luxury in Paris with their wealthy owner. The family's idyllic existence is disrupted when they're catnapped by the greedy butler, Edgar (Roddy Maude-Roxby), who has his eyes on the family fortune. Stranded in the countryside, they meet alley cat Thomas O'Malley (Phil Harris). With his help, they embark on an adventurous journey home, encountering a jazz band of alley cats and dodging countless dangers along the way. This film is a lighthearted melding of adventure and comedy that remains a timeless classic.

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  • Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
    3
    Don Ameche, Michael J. Fox, Sally Field
    45 votes
    • Released: 1993
    • Directed by: Duwayne Dunham
    Embarking on a thrilling adventure in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, three beloved pets take the lead. Shadow, a wise old golden retriever (voiced by Don Ameche), Sassy, a witty Himalayan cat (voiced by Sally Field), and Chance, a reckless American bulldog (voiced by Michael J. Fox), are left in the care of a family friend. When they mistakenly believe their owners have abandoned them, they set out across the rugged Sierra Nevada terrain to reunite with their family. Battling treacherous conditions and wild animals along the way, their determination is tested at every step. This heartwarming tale underscores the power of friendship and loyalty in this family-friendly adventure film.

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  • The Secret Life of Pets 2
    4
    Patton Oswalt, Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart
    39 votes
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Chris Renaud
    Explore the emotional lives of pets and the deep bond between them and the families that love them as Max, Gidget, Snowball and the rest of the gang take on new adventures and push themselves to find the courage to become their own heroes.
  • The Secret Life of Pets
    5
    Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart
    51 votes
    • Released: 2016
    • Directed by: Chris Renaud
    Max (Louis C.K.) is a spoiled terrier who enjoys a comfortable life in a New York building until his owner adopts Duke, a giant and unruly canine. During their walk outside, they encounter a group of ferocious alley cats and wind up in a truck that's bound for the pound. Luckily, a rebellious bunny named Snowball swoops in to save the doggy duo from captivity. In exchange, Snowball demands that Max and Duke join his gang of abandoned pets on a mission against the humans who've done them wrong.

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  • Puss in Boots
    6
    Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis
    49 votes
    • Released: 2011
    • Directed by: Chris Miller
    Long before meeting Shrek, Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) -- just named a hero for saving a woman from a charging bull -- is run out of town on suspicion of bank robbery, even though the real villain is Puss' friend, Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis). Though there is still animosity between them, Puss and Humpty reunite to steal a goose that lays golden eggs. Joining them for the adventure of nine lifetimes is notorious cat burglar, Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek).

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