A place where animals speak, enchanted kingdoms come alive and everybody and every object has a secret life of their own – Welcome to the world of animation – where fun and imagination have no limits.
With riveting narratives and unforgettable characters, animated movies appeal to children and adults alike. They have the extraordinary capability to generate joyous giggles along with life-enriching lessons in the life of young viewers.
In this blog, we will present the top 20 best-animated movies for kids that deserve a special spot in your family movie night repertoire.
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1. “Finding Nemo” (2003)
This Pixar Studios classic received the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2004. The movie imparts a significant lesson about letting go and fostering independence. Parents, represented by Marlin, learn to ease their protective instincts and allow their children, depicted by Nemo, to grow independently, overcome challenges, and learn from their experiences. The movie is a story about trust, mutual respect, and understanding, values which are essential elements of a healthy parent-child relationship.
2. “The Lion King” (1994)
With memorable music, an engrossing plot, and family values, this movie is the story of Simba’s journey to claim his place as the rightful king. The film highlights the importance of facing adversity. The movie promotes the importance of self-identity and finding the unique you.
3. “Toy Story” (1995)
A trailblazer in computer animation, this Pixar film presents a heartwarming tale about the secret lives of toys when humans are not around.
Spanning four successful series, the film teaches the importance of friendship, loyalty, and embracing change.
4. “Spirited Away” (2001)
This entrancing Japanese animated film from Hayao Miyazaki is the journey of a girl navigating a supernatural realm.
The animated fantasy film teaches the importance of courage, kindness, and persistence through the central character, Chihiro.
5. “Frozen” (2013)
The movie emphasises the importance of family relationships, particularly sibling bonds. The protagonist, Elsa, learns to control her magical abilities, teaching kids about self-mastery and emotional recognition. “Frozen” offers a poignant lesson about accepting one’s individuality and loving oneself.
6. “Shrek” (2001)
This film won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The movie encourages children to look beyond superficial impressions to define one’s worth. Also, Shrek exemplifies that fear and misconceptions can lead to isolation and prejudice.
7. “Kung Fu Panda” (2008)
This animated martial arts comedy delivers a fun, engaging journey about self-belief and determination. It reminds children that true strength comes from within. The movie teaches about resilience, hinting that failure is a perfect stepping stone to success.
8. “Inside Out” (2015)
This Pixar film personifies emotions to deliver an inventive, touching story about growing up. It teaches kids that it is okay to feel sad and it is ok to express emotions. It highlights the importance of recognising emotions and being emotionally intelligent to face the challenges of life.
9. “Ratatouille” (2007)
“Ratatouille” features an unlikely hero – a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a chef. The film is a lesson on the fact that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve greatness if they are passionate and dedicated. It also teaches the importance of being true to oneself, not belittling others’ dreams and the power of teamwork.
10. “The Incredibles” (2004)
A brilliant blend of superhero action and family comedy, the film showcases the extraordinary adventures of a regular family with extraordinary powers. It emphasises the importance of family unity as the Parrs grow stronger together despite adversities.
11. “Moana” (2016)
An ode to the Polynesian culture, this Disney film inspires with its story of a brave young girl going on a daring ocean voyage. Moana inspires children to follow their dreams unyieldingly and shows the empowering journey of self-discovery.
12. “Coco” (2017)
This vibrant Pixar film celebrates Mexican culture and its emphasis on the importance of family. Coco educates children about the significance of family, heritage, and following one’s passion.
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13. “WALL-E” (2008)
This post-apocalyptic robot romance delivers a powerful environmental message wrapped in a touching story of love and yearning. This film provides a warning against environmental degradation and consumerism in a fun, engaging manner.
14. “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)
This enthralling adventure saga about a young Viking and his unlikely dragon friend emphasises the importance of friendship, understanding, empathy, and the courage to be different.
15. “Tangled” (2010)
This refreshing take on the Rapunzel fairy tale underlines the values of courage, honesty, and self-assertion, and suggests that these can lead to personal growth and the achievement of one’s dreams.
16. “Zootopia” (2016)
A witty society cleverly addresses issues of prejudice and diversity. Zootopia encourages kids to stand against stereotypes and promotes the importance of unity in diversity.
17. “Despicable Me” (2010)
This family comedy about a supervillain who adopts three little girls teaches children to value relationships above materialistic pursuits and to remain open-hearted to the potential for positive transformation.
18. “Brave” (2012)
This Pixar film centres on Princess Merida defying conventional expectations to carve her path. ”Brave” inspires kids to challenge traditions, explore freedom, and value family connections.
19. “Big Hero 6” (2014)
This charming superhero movie, inspired by a Marvel Comics series, is a story about loss, friendship, and innovation. The film emphasises the power of friendship and teamwork in overcoming hardships and it shows that even in moments of severe loss, life continues and one must adapt to the change
20. “Paddington 2” (2017)
This film is about a marmalade-loving bear’s adventures that offer wholesome lessons on kindness and empathy.
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Conclusion
These animated films resonate with children not just because of their visual appeal, but also due to the universal values they uphold. Each movie is a gateway into an awe-inspiring journey of joy, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart.
At EuroSchool we use animated movies to take learning beyond the classroom. An animated film not only imparts life lessons to students, but it also ignites their imagination, nurtures their critical thinking, and opens doors to boundless creativity.
