Sometimes the movies made for kids can offer a greater lesson in life for the adults, and it is time to find some of those brilliant kids’ movies that every adult should watch.
Movies are something that offers a vision that can inspire everyone, and that is why kids’ movies are made to not just entertain but also to educate them with the values of life. However, adults can watch these kids’ movies too, as a lot of individuals are still lacking those values even after growing up so much. There are plenty of kids’ movies that adults can enjoy, and some of those films can have a deep impact on your mind. From animation to live action, there are various kinds of kids’ movies in every genre, and today, we are going to explore 25 of them that every adult should watch at least once.
- Fantastic Fox
English director Wes Anderson is best known for its knack for stop motion and symmetry in frame. He utilizes mind-blowing colors, props, world-building, and an intriguing storytelling, which make each of his movies a great one. This movie is based on a story by author Roald Dahl, and the director has offered poetic justice to it. The world-building of animals and personifying them to imitate human-like emotions is perhaps the best way to embark on an adventure. The voice-over actors have done a great job, and so have the animators who have physically captured each frame with years of work. This movie can teach you the real meaning of life while nurturing the beast inside you.
- School of Rock
It would be hard to find a person who does not like Jack Black, as this talented persona has single-handedly made our childhood better. One of the most remarkable kids’ movies, School of Rock, is considered to be one of the best movies of all time, which encouraged audiences to follow their hearts. The crazy energy of a school band, their fears or performance, and getting judged, fighting with parents with a rebellious spirit, embraces music through life; everything is present in this movie. Thanks to director Richard Linklater, who has always represented the sweetest slice of life through his movies.
- Wall – E
Well, a lot of people will tell you this is a sci-fi robot movie, but we call it a love story and perhaps the best love story ever made. The connection between Wall-E and Eva, and their winning after a lot of hardship, is truly incredible. However, their love story is a passive subject matter to the story as it mainly focuses on what the Earth will become without trees, and not just the Earth, but the movie also showcases how the lifestyle of adults has changed due to over-dependency on technology. However, one can take back control of life when they step up with a strong will. This remarkable movie feels like an educational treat that teaches us everything altogether, and you might cry at the end.
- The Lego Movie
Lego is the biggest innovation of the Danish Toy Line that spread all over the world, and it is highly popular among kids. Quite naturally, they loved the movie that is based on Lego elements, but more than the characters, it is the story and the delivery of the dialogue that make this movie highly engaging. The diverse characters and their internal jokes might not be easy for kids, but you can get the reference. It is highly entertaining movies that will make you go back to your childhood. Watch this movie to have a complete dose of meaningless happiness!
- Rudy
This movie has become a cult classic of all time in the history of sports movies. When the protagonist is described as “five-foot-nothin’, 100-and-nothin’… barely a speck of athletic ability”, you know that person is going to become a beast with the right training, and that is what Rudy does with his dedication. This is a true story based on the Irish legend Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger Jr., and the movie made its place in Notre Dame’s prestigious gridiron history. This is a movie about high hopes, staying true to yourself, and being consistent with your dream. Evidently, this true story can inspire every adult individual.
- The 7th Voyage of Sindbad
The adventures of Sinbad the Sailor are quite an engaging story for not just kids but also adults who have always dreamt about going on a magical voyage. Jason and the Argonauts (1963) was released a long time back, but its animation is outdated; however, the central story and representation are still quite intriguing in modern days. The monsters, the mythological references, the fights, and world-building; everything will captivate you. You can get goosebumps from this project, which is considered to be made for kids but capable of influencing grown-ups.
- The Iron Giant
Long before Iron Man and the Avengers came, there was Iron Giant, protecting kids. This is one of the earlier projects by Brad Bird from Pixar, who has put a significant amount of creativity and emotion into this animation project that embraces the bonding between a giant robot and a kid who showed him kindness. Usually, AI and robots are portrayed as evil in most movies, but in this case, the Iron Giant is a kind robot with a lot of compassion, and humans try to destroy this sentient being because they cannot control it. Despite the struggle, the Iron Giant becomes more humane than humans and ends up sacrificing itself to save the kid it loved. This movie shows how we need more kindness in life to create a better world.
- Shaun the Sheep Movie
Aardman Animation is surely good at its stop-motion clay animation projects, and Shaun the Sheep is the greatest example of that. The movie shares a story of a farmer with amnesia, and the sheep who brave the big city to find him is a genuine gem. The movie does not have dialogue, but it is not a silent movie, as you can hear animal noises, grunts, and other sounds. However, it still makes sense with its linear story and immersive moments. The movies created a new-age representation of ‘Silent’ comedy that is equally enjoyable to adults, just like the kids.
- Bad News Bears
This sports movie is made for the kids, but some would disagree, as coach Walter Matthau seems to love Budweiser a little too much. The movie is based on baseball, where the old coach teaches some of the hardest life lessons through their game and training, and you would appreciate the energy. The movie teaches that winning is not always the goal, but it is about giving your best, staying true, and participating in teamwork. Kelly Leak on a motorcycle is perhaps the most daring thing that you’ve seen on screen. It is definitely a highly enjoyable movie for people of all ages.
- Time Bandits
Snow White and the little people did not arrive when this movie was released, and today’s kids might not know about this timeless flick of adventure. Terry Gilliam’s weird, wild, and wonderful world creation included Robin Hood, giants, and the Devil, where the little people acted and time-travelling bandits. This movie feels like a fever dream of a kid where all the fantasies merge together through a single story. The genius take of this movie can easily captivate any adult with an epic adventure of life that feels evergreen.
- The Triplets of Belleville
Disney in the earlier days had some dignity, and it shows through the early period of movies with ED animation. The Triplets of Belleville is one of the most inspiring stories, which is much better than the wacky toons that the kids watch today. This movie consisted of an intriguing story that almost feels like a fairy tale. Thanks to French animator Sylvain Chomet for crafting the story of the old woman so well that it can easily intrigue children as well as adults. Starting from a kidnapping to solving the mystery, this story is a work of genius that everyone should watch at least once in their lives.
- Who Framed Rodger Rabbit?
All of the classic cartoon characters from Disney, Looney Tunes, and more in one movie, complete with a tongue-in-cheek noir mystery and an Acme barrel full of meta-jokes? Robert Zemeckis’s blockbuster comedy blends animated icons with live-action stars and wraps the whole thing up in a nice, bright bow. Warning: Exposure to Jessica Rabbit at an impressionable age may cause the premature onset of puberty.
- Yellow Submarine
A lot of people call this movie a biopic of The Beatles, but this animated flick comes with an even stronger story. The Beatles have a song with the same name, and in this movie, the members of the band could be seen embarking on an epic adventure with Captain Fred on his yellow submarine. They are on a mission to save Pepperland from the blue meanies, who do not like music. Even though it feels like a flat story for the kids, this pop-art-influenced movie is a reflection of the music industry back then, when a lot of people opposed the new emerging styles and tried to obstruct creativity. Every adult would feel inspired after watching this movie.
- Pee-wee’s Big Adventure
This is the first movie by Tim Burton that showcased the director’s vision and imagination. This movie can teach your child the meaning of self and identity. The famous dialogue of “I know you are… but what am I?” is quite philosophical and capable of making adults frown. A classic tale of boy meets bike, boy loses bike, boy travels across this great nation of ours to retrieve his beloved 10-speed — except this boy is a grown man who wears bow-ties, dances in biker bars, and lives in the greatest toy-filled house ever.
- Howl’s Moving Castle
Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli have offered many fascinating hand-drawn animation movies that can outperform today’s AI technology. Howl’s Movie Castle can be considered one of those gems that gathered much attention from the audience. Although Miyazaki makes sure to keep his movies clean, creative, and kid-friendly, it often comes with underlying layers of adulthood, and so, every adult enjoys the movies. Similarly, this movie might feel like a story of a magician and his moving castle; the protagonist is never Howl, but his partner, a normal human without magical powers, who supports Howl with her life. It is a love story that can make adults cry, and the climax is a chef’s kiss!
- The Princess Bride
William Goldman’s meta-fairy tale was adapted by Rob Reiner, and thus, this epic masterpiece was created. This is a good story that comes with great storytelling. Starting from the swordfights, six-figured men, beautiful and strong-willed princess, to Billy Crystal and Andre the Giant, this movie has everything and everyone that the story needs. There are immersive and emotional scenes as well as funny and action-packed bits, which make this flick an all-in-one project for everyone. It is highly recommended for every adult to watch this movie at least once in their lives.
- E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
This is an early creation by Steven Spielberg that inspired many directors to make similar movies in the years that followed. This movie was inspired by a story written by Satyajit Ray, but the world seems to be ignorant about it. Regardless of it, this is a great kids’ movie that introduced children to the idea of aliens without terrifying them. The movies established a beautiful bonding between a kid and an alien and showed how kindness is for everyone, and if you are selective, you are not kind at all. The movie comes with bittersweet emotions as everyone has to return home, and in the end, you can cry before your child does.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
The idea of spooky and horror does not exist among kids, as their world is bigger than reality. This animated film might feel like Tim Burton’s fever dream, as there are so many similar elements to Adam’s Family. However, this is more of a skeletal love story, which can offer you perfect movie magic on the day of Halloween. In this story, you can find a skeleton that is trying to rebrand his town’s image by kidnapping Kris Kringle, who has been producing wee Goths-to-be for more than two decades now.
- The Muppets Take Manhattan
Do go over the recent reboots, as nothing beats the classic energy of the Muppets. This is a goofy tale of Kermit the frog and his company, and the muppet story is quite engaging. The charm of Jim Henson’s felt creations is readily apparent here without feeling saccharine-sweet or vaudeville-corny, while the jokes about how horrible New York used to be, with muggers, rats named Rizzo, and ad men, and the list goes on. This epic story with puppets offers a satiric view of human lives that can intrigue adults.
- Babe: Pig in the City
This is a sequel to the movie ‘Babe’ that captivated audiences with the overload of cuteness of a pig. The sequel by George Miller takes the story a notch higher, where Babe is not just cute but also bold and intelligent enough to solve a mystery. Talking animals are always fun, and it gets even more enjoyable when these talking animals work together in a fantasyland. While you enjoy the mindless comedy, you will gradually realize there is a satirical angle to this story, which makes it highly recommended for adults. The most surprising fact is that the director of this cute movie has also made the vicious ‘Mad Max: Fury Road.’
- Bugsy Malone
Ever imagined having a Tommy gun that spews marshmallows like a grenade launcher? Bugsy Malone can fulfill the idea where kids re-create the 1930’s gangster era without the brutality. It is funny, enjoyable, and greatly intriguing as the kids imitate history. When you get to see kids playing dress-up as pinstriped kingpins, tough-talking hoods, and take-no-guff dames, you will be delighted with the cutest mob war ever made in the movies. Casting kids as gangsters might not be a wise idea, but it can still establish the story with a layer of comedic creativity.
- Elf
Will Ferrell is one of the best when it comes to comedy, and his comedic creativity can be found at its prime through this kid-friendly movie called ‘Elf’. However, there are some adult references that you might not be able to explain to your kids. It is a bona fide holiday classic that can easily capture the audiences of all ages. Will plays the character of a man-child who is raised by the Santa elves, and this man finds his true identity by embracing authenticity. Even though this movie can make you laugh out loud, there are some ‘mature’ takes by Will that embrace being yourself.
- Holes
Louis Sachar’s young adult novel, ‘Holes,’ is the inspiration for this movie that inspired generations of viewers. In the story, you will find a group of boys digging holes in a desert, but why are they doing so? This is a semi-oddball, refreshingly smart take on adolescent adventure and tween-to-teenage spirit. The story is quite wholesome, and it showcases the importance of empathy and teamwork. We have to say that Shia LaBeouf was a great child actor before he was found doing wrong stuff in adult life.
- West Side Story
Musicals, at least ones that don’t have dancing skeletons, can often be a tough sell for both preteens and adults. But this adaptation of Jerome Robbins’s Broadway smash fairly crackles with enough livewire energy, humor, and street-savvy drama to win over virtually everybody. You feel like you happen to be watching a movie in which teen gangs sing and dance their hoodrat angst rather than, you know, a musical
- Young Frankenstein
This send-up of horror movies is the perfect gateway drug for turning youngsters on to the old Universal stable of monsters and the hilarity of spot-on parodies at the same time. You might need to clarify why exactly you’re laughing at lines like “Nice knockers!” when someone raps on a castle’s front door, but when it comes to the physical comedy of, say, Gene Wilder getting caught in a secret bookcase… that crosses generations and age brackets.
