Just to be precise, when I was a young fella, kids’ movies (well, all movies) were in color, and they did have sound. I’m not that old. 

But even if you’re not from my generation, you’ve probably noticed that kids movies aren’t what they used to be. Once upon a time, animation was strictly for youngsters. Now, even movies that look like they’re for kids have themes aimed at an adult audience.

Of course, parents have always been concerned about what their kids see and hear through movies. The fact that those messages are now being streamed into your home instead of being consumed only at theaters doesn’t really change things. You’re still responsible for guarding the hearts of your children.

That makes practicing godly discernment about kids movies just as important today as it’s always been.

 

Find Kids Movies That Are Worth Watching

By God’s design, you’re the gateway for what enters your home. So, as you’re thinking about appropriate movies for your kids, keep two things in mind. First, watch the movies together. In addition to the quality time, you’ll be there to answer any questions or to shut things down if a film goes in the wrong direction. Most importantly, you have to know what to look out for as a dad as you lead your family through modern media.

Second, look for teachable moments. Since almost every movie involves a hero who builds relationships and overcomes obstacles—what’s often called the “hero’s journey”—most films offer plenty of talking points for real-life conversations.

With the alphabetic list below, I’m suggesting ten kids’ movies you can watch right now with your children. Many of them are familiar, and they aren’t perfect. For example, some include mild “bathroom humor” or some measure of violence. But they all have one common denominator: They touch on themes that can spark discussions after the final credits roll.

 

Here are 10 (clean) kids’ movies that you can watch today:

1. Charlotte’s Web (Rated G, released 2006).

Almost everyone is familiar with the classic story of true friendship between a pig and a spider. This live-action version boasts some high-end celebrities (including Julia Roberts as Charlotte) providing the voices behind the barnyard gang at the Zuckerman farm. Its major themes include loyalty, teamwork, acceptance, love, and what “beauty” really means.

 

2. Finding Nemo (Rated G, released 2003).

This Disney/Pixar partnership recounts the tale of Nemo and his overprotective dad, Marlin. And while it might be easy for parents to zoom in on the trouble that arises from showing off and disobedience, it’s also good for fathers to reflect on things like providing kids with the freedom to fail and unconditional love. Other key topics include kindness (how Marlin treats Dory), encouragement (how Dory treats Marlin), and letting go of fear.

 

3. Frozen (Rated G, released 2013).

I know . . . it’s hard to believe that this movie is now a decade old. On the other hand, you might feel like its soundtrack has been playing non-stop for every minute of those 10 years. But if you can get past all those songs you’ve heard a million times, you’ll find some great pearls in the storyline. Family and love that never gives up are major themes, along with sacrificing yourself for others. 

 

4. Inside Out (Rated PG, released 2015).

Honestly, this is one of my favorite kids movies that isn’t just for kids. The film follows the inner struggles of a young girl named Riley and reminds all of us why maintaining balance in life is so important. Like Joy, we might be tempted to put a smile on everything, but we’ve got to remember that every emotion has its place. Other teachable themes could be making memories, making wise choices, and being honest about what’s going on inside (even when things look OK on the outside).

 

5. The Kid Who Would Be King (Rated PG, released 2019).

This is the most recent kids movie on the list, but it’s essentially a retelling of the ancient legend of Arthur and Excalibur. Set in modern-day London, this film covers all the chivalrous topics you’d expect from kings and knights: loyalty, courage, honesty, and good versus evil. But it also shines a pretty bright light on the subject of bullying, which is something your child may be experiencing.

 

6. The Lego Movie (Rated PG, released 2014).

Before he started chasing dinosaurs or became a guardian of the galaxy, Chris Pratt voiced the role of Emmet Brickowski for this kid-friendly film. A construction worker by trade, Emmet is the textbook definition of ordinary and is OK with that. Only after he’s identified as “the Special” does he realize that there may be more to him than meets the eye. Some of the movie’s key themes are being content with yourself, taking risks, self-sacrifice, and using your imagination.

 

7. The Muppet Movie (Rated G, released 1979).

For a while, origin stories were the rage in Hollywood. When it comes to movies for kids, you won’t find a better origin story that this one. This film traces the rise of Kermit the Frog from his swampy home to worldwide fame, as well as how he connected with all his Muppet friends along the way. This story can make your family talk about friendship, acceptance, chasing dreams, sacrifice, and loyalty. Of course, several sequels have come and gone, but the original is still the best.

 

8. Paddington (Rated PG, released 2015).

My kids grew up reading A Bear Called Paddington, so I might be a little biased on this one. Thankfully, the movie version does justice to the book. The heart-warming tale about a marmalade-loving Peruvian bear who endears himself to a skeptical British family reminds us to be kind to those who are different (because we’re all different in some sense). We may not agree with everyone all the time, but we can show them love and respect. And, like Paddington, we can look for the best in others.

 

9. Toy Story (Rated G, released 2013).

This is another Disney/Pixar collaboration that has spun off a series of sequels. And while each has left its mark, the original sets the tone for everything that came later. Of course, the relationship between Buzz and Woody reinforces the importance of friendship and teamwork. But don’t forget that each character had to overcome a serious flaw along the way. Woody let jealousy get the best of him, while Buzz pushed the needle too far toward arrogance. This childhood classic can help you talk with your kids about contentment and the dangers of trying to be someone they’re not.

 

10. Zootopia (Rated PG, released 2016).

Judy Hopps is a rabbit on a mission, and that’s part of the beauty of watching her learn and grow throughout the movie. While she’s a great example of working hard and chasing your dreams, she and her unlikely friend, Nick, have to learn about trust, honoring authority, and fighting injustice. In a world where people are often defined by discrimination and the worst-possible stereotypes, Judy can help kids learn how to get past those definitions and see people as God sees them.

 

A Tool That Can Help

While the films on this list have some mileage, Hollywood continues to crank out kids movies steadily. Many of them blur the lines that once defined age-appropriate content, so you’ve got to stay alert.

One excellent resource that can help is Plugged In, an online culture and media guide provided by Focus on the Family. In addition to movies, Plugged In also provides reviews of music, books, games, and other media. It also comes with a blog and podcast. And, since it’s been around for more than a minute, its database can give you information on more than what’s hot right now.