While the definition of happiness is far from being universal, we’re sure it doesn’t steer far away from snuggling on the couch with your little ones, popcorn in hand, and an entertaining animated movie on the TV.
With dazzling visuals and heartfelt storylines, these movies take you through a portal to an imaginary world where toys talk and meerkats and warthogs sing out life philosophies. If you want an unforgettable family movie night, check out our list of 30 kids’ animated movies.
1. Toy Story (1995)
Woody lives a comfortable life in his favorite kid’s room, Andy, with his fellow toys that come to life when Andy isn’t there.
Used to his place as Andy’s best friend, the sheriff cowboy becomes wary of change when a new toy arrives with flashy wings and a broken spaceship. With the complete conviction of being a real space ranger, Buzz Lightyear focuses on his daring mission of defeating Zurg and refuses to believe he’s another store-bought toy.
So what will Woody do when he feels like his place in Andy’s childhood is threatened by a newcomer? Watch the classic movie about toys coming to life and enjoy the star-studded cast to know the answer!
2. Frozen (2013)
Frozen tells the story of two sisters who couldn’t be more different. The older sister, Elsa, is a snow queen with an unfortunate curse that turns anything she touches to ice. Desperate to save the world from her curse, Elsa chooses introversion and hides away in the castle. Meanwhile, the younger sister, Anna, yearns to go outside the kingdom and meet new people.
With Academy Award-winning songs, breathtaking visuals, and cute sidekicks, Frozen remains one of the most loved animated movies in history and a definite winner for a family movie night.
3. The Lion King (1994)
The Lion King accounts for the first heartbreak in most of our lives, but its charismatic characters and catchy songs make it one of the best animated movies in the world.
When Simba loses his father, Mufasa, in a stampede, he has to face his evil uncle Scar and reclaim his rightful throne. With the help of Timon and Pumbaa and their iconic life philosophies, Simba embarks on an unforgettable adventure to retrieve his kingdom.
Follow the charming animals on their adventure and enjoy a movie night on the fun tones of Hakuna Matata.
4. Coco (2017)
Coco delivers an adventurous cultural experience like no other animated feature film. Taking place in Mexico, the movie follows a young boy, Miguel, who dreams of becoming a musician but can’t because his family has a ban on music that goes back many generations.
Desperate to follow his lifelong dream, Miguel takes a trip to the dazzlingly colorful Land of the Dead, meeting on the way Hector, the charming trickster. Together, Hector and Miguel embark on a phenomenal journey to unveil the truth about Miguel’s family music history.
Amidst the breathtaking visuals and colorful presentation of Mexican culture, you’ll get yourself an unforgettable watching experience.
5. Ratatouille (2007)
Ambitious and clever, Remy, the rat, dreams of steering away from his pack and becoming a renowned chef. His luck takes him to a sewer underneath one of Paris’s best restaurants, where he finally gets to act out on his passion by puppeteering Linguini, a clumsy chef.
But how long will Remy’s facade of cooking behind the scenes stand? And will he succeed in winning over the guru food critic?
The beautifully animated movie won a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film and shone a light on the French Provençal dish of the same name.
6. Peter Pan (1953)
Peter Pan is a timeless classic that all kids should see at least once in their lives. The movie follows Peter Pan, a young boy who never ages, and Tinkerbell, his sidekick pixie. When Peter Pan lands in the house of the Darling family, Wendy and her two brothers become compelled by the idea of Neverland, a place where kids don’t grow up.
Traveling through the second star to the right and straight on till the morning, the dazzled children get to fly over London, meet the Lost Boys, and roam the fantastical land. But how will they conquer Captain Hook and return home? Watch their thrilling adventure and find out!
7. Happy Feet (2006)
In an imaginary world where penguins win over their soulmates by singing melodic tones, a young emperor penguin, Mumble, is born without the ability to sing. Instead, he can tap-dance like no other penguin in the vicinity. But will he be able to dance his way to love and warmth? Or will he be deemed an outsider forever?
The gorgeous animation and heartwarming story will appeal to your whole family, from adults to young kids. So put the animated film on, and enjoy a fun movie night with your loved ones.
8. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Hotel Transylvania is your go-to movie on Halloween day after your kids come back from trick-or-treating. The Sony Pictures animation movie takes place in a monsters-only no-humans-allowed hotel owned by Count Dracula. When the Count throws a birthday party for his daughter, Mavis, he’s astonished by the arrival of a human, Jonathan, in his safe abode.
Going into an over-protective mode, Dracula tries to deter his beloved daughter from falling in love with Jonathan, which proves to be more challenging than he expected. So will he succeed? And how will he protect his hotel’s reputation from the presence of an unwanted human? Find out the answers in one of the best animated films of our time.
9. The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
Do your kids love Batman but are too young to watch Christopher Nolan’s trilogy? The Lego Movie spin-off makes for a perfect alternative with its playful plot and an array of charismatic characters.
The movie follows Batman as he tries to save Gotham City from his long-standing rival, the Joker. Only along the way the city hero is met with unexpected obstacles, one of which being the accidental adoption of Dick Grayson, also known as Robin.
With colorful scenes and an unforeseen cameo from Voldemort, the movie promises you and your family a fun time.
10. Cinderella (1950)
We all know the timeless story of how a princess bedazzled a prince and ran away before he could get her name, leaving behind an imprint on his heart and a single glass slipper.
Cinderella is a classic Disney movie that never gets old. From the magical appearance of the fairy godmother to the making of Cinderella’s dress, the film doesn’t lack bewitching scenes that your kids will love watching. Add in the questionable behavior of the evil stepmother and the charm of the prince, and you have yourself a perfect kids’ movie!
11. Moana (2016)
Revolving around girl power, Moana follows the story of a fearless heroine who sets off on a dangerous adventure in the Polynesian seas to save her island. With the help of a boisterous sidekick called Maui, Moana races time to end the curse threatening her homeland.
Dwayne Johnson’s voice performance as Maui is nothing short of outstanding, and the songs of the movie will have you on your feet in seconds, courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda. Without a doubt, Moana is one of the best animated kids’ movies you can watch, especially if you have a little girl.
12. Finding Nemo (2003)
Yearning to know what the world has to offer beyond his home in the Great Barrier Reef, Nemo ignores his father’s rules and swims too far, which ends up with him in a diver’s net. Panic-stricken and haunted by his past losses, Nemo’s father sets off on an ocean-wide search for his son, meeting Dory, a loveable but forgetful fish, along the way.
The movie follows the son and his father in parallel as they overcome obstacles and try to keep on swimming till they meet each other. But how and where will they meet? Find out by watching one of the most memorable animated movies for kids!
13. Inside Out (2015)
Inside Out shows the emotional disturbance of a young girl who has to move across the country with her parents as she gets used to new surroundings. Taking place in Riley’s mind, the Pixar family flick follows her emotions (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust) as they try to make the transition easier for her.
The complexity of the human mind is highlighted by Pixar’s talented animators in this movie. And in addition to the aesthetics, the animated film has one of the most heartwarming and exciting plots you’ll ever see.
14. Shrek (2001)
Who would’ve thought that the perfect ingredients for a fun animated film include, but aren’t limited to, a grumpy ogre, a beautiful princess, and a sarcastic donkey? Shrek tells us the story of an isolated ogre who tries to save his swamp from the flood of fairytale creatures by resorting to Lord Farquaad. Only Shrek didn’t know he was cutting a deal with the devil.
Burdened with the mission of rescuing Princess Fiona, Shrek finds himself dealing with new emotions and facing a dark secret that Fiona keeps hidden. So how will it end for the magical creatures? Watch the animated film and find out!
15. Encanto (2021)
Living in a wondrous house amidst the mountains of Colombia, the Madrigals are a charmed family where every child gets a unique gift, with the exception of one, Mirabel. When the ungifted girl starts to feel tremors and cracks around the enchanted house, she discovers that she might be her family’s last hope to save their magic.
Torn between the mysteries surrounding her and her incompetence compared to other gifted family members, Mirabel takes us on a turmoil of emotions in Encanto. Watch the Academy Award winner for the best animated film, and enjoy the stunning visuals and memorable songs!
16. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
When a sorceress curses the egotistical Prince Adam, turning him into a gruesome monster, he has no way out except by earning a young woman’s love. In the most desperate of times, a chance presents itself in the shape of a beautiful maiden called Belle.
When Belle takes her father’s place as a prisoner in the prince’s castle, the hope of turning back into a human proves real. But how can a woman love such a monster? Follow Belle and the beast as they break the superficial stereotypes of love in the Disney classic.
17. Brave (2012)
Born an archer at heart, Princess Merida insists on walking her own path in life, desperate to escape the boundaries her mother keeps building around her. But when she makes an impulsive choice and is faced with the unfortunate consequences, Merida finds herself in a pickle.
Counting on her bravery and archery skills, the rebel princess tries to undo the monstrous curse while racing against time. The movie takes place in Scotland and pays homage to many Scottish traditions. It’s hands-down one of the most beautifully animated movies for kids.
18. Monsters, Inc (2001)
In a monsters-only city called Monstropolis, Sully and Mike Wazowski work in a power company that thrives on children’s screams. But one night, an unfortunate accident leads to a two-year-old named Boo breaching the humanless grounds of Monsters Inc. Now, the daunting task of making things right falls on Sully and Mike’s shoulders.
But what will they do? Will they succeed in returning Boo to the human world, or will an evil chameleon-like villain destroy their plan? Find out what happens as the scary monsters and adorable girl embark on a hilarious and exciting adventure.
19. Up (2009)
Desperate to fulfill his and his wife’s lifelong dream to reach Paradise Falls, Carl Fredricksen embarks on an unparalleled adventure in a flying house. With the help of a countless number of balloons, Carl flies his home away from his hometown and towards his dreams, only he realizes he has company.
In his pursuit of the ‘Assisting the Elderly’ badge, Boy Scout Russell doesn’t realize he signed up for an adventure of a lifetime. Together, Carl and Russell set off on an unforgettable journey, befriending a gigantic bird along the way. Watch Up tonight to know where their journey ends, but keep a box of tissues nearby!
20. The Incredibles (2004)
The Parrs, Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, are forced out of their retirement from superheroing when their world is threatened by a looming threat. With the help of their three superhero children, they set off on a thrilling family adventure.
But will the Parrs set high expectations for all the families around the world and save the world? Or will the mad genius called Syndrome succeed in his devious plan? Watch The Incredibles tonight and enjoy the comedic dialogue and funny villains.
21. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
The clumsy yet imaginative Hiccup is let down when he’s refused by his father to participate in fighting a constant danger to their town, dragons. But excitement defeats obedience when Hiccup ignores his father’s words and ventures out right into the heart of the battle.
Unexpectedly succeeding in bringing down a Night Fury dragon, the young Viking can’t bring himself to harm it, which leads to the budding of an unusual friendship between the two. Together, Hiccup and Toothless put a new definition to friendships.
Learn the rest of their story in How to Train Your Dragon, one of the most enlightening animated movies for kids!
22. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Can you imagine a fat, lazy panda mastering Kung Fu? Neither can we! But Po proves us all wrong in Kung Fu Panda when he joins the world of martial arts and learns alongside the gurus of the field. Only Po finds himself out of depth when he’s expected to defend his world against a vengeful leopard called Tai Lung.
So will the unlikely heroic panda defy all expectations and save the world? Or will he be deemed a failure forever? Watch the animated feature with your little ones and find out how Po’s story ends!
23. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
The Mitchells vs. the Machines is one of the most recent animated films on our list, and it promises you and your kids a fun and eventful movie night. If you think you know what dysfunctional families are, then you haven’t met the Mitchells yet.
While on a road trip, they find themselves in the middle of an unforeseen robot apocalypse. Not only that, but the burden of saving humanity falls on their shoulders. So how will they get out of this pickle? Watch the movie and find out tonight!
24. A Bug’s Life (1998)
A Bug’s Life is an ideal movie to watch with your whole family. It dives deep into the lives of insects and tells the story of a colony of ants who are forced to collect all the food on their island for the annual visit of the grasshoppers.
But an unexpected accident happens and an ant called Flik tips over the humongous pile of food, angering the grasshopper leader and forcing the ants to regather the food. Flik decides to embark on an adventure outside his island and go look for warrior bugs that’ll help him fight the grasshoppers. Only, he ends up with a bunch of humorful circus performers instead.
25. Toy Story 2 (1999)
When Woody is kidnapped by an obsessive collector, he faces the danger of becoming a museum piece forever. But when he meets Bullseye the horse, Jessie the cowgirl, and Stinky Pete, he starts to entertain the idea of staying with his sidekicks. Only he doesn’t know that Buzz Lightyear and the rest of his friends are on a rescue mission to bring him back home.
With beautiful animation, an exciting plot, and the return of Disney’s beloved characters, Toy Story 2 definitely exceeds the high expectations set by the first movie.
26. Tangled (2010)
A favorite for young girls, Tangled tells the story of a kidnapped princess, Rapunzel, who’s graced with magical healing powers within the strands of her angelic golden hair. The kidnapper, Mother Gothel, stays young because of Rapunzel’s powers and plans on keeping her imprisoned in a tower forever.
Only a handsome bandit called Flynn Rider interrupts Gothel’s plans when he strikes a deal with the princess to take her out of the tower to see the floating lights. Rapunzel’s departure from the tower comes with many surprises that nobody was prepared for, and you can see how it turns out in your upcoming family movie night!
27. Despicable Me (2010)
Gru’s plan to steal the moon has to be put on hold when he realizes he’ll need the help of three cute cookie-selling girls. But the unexpected happens when the girls start to see a father figure in the supervillain.
Accompanied by a hilarious army of minions and the desire to fulfill his childhood dream, Gru becomes torn between performing the largest heist in history and fathering three orphans. So what will he decide? Watch the entertaining Despicable Me and find out the answer!
28. Ice Age (2002)
When a loyal woolly mammoth, a lazy sloth, and a cunning saber-toothed tiger unite, you can expect nothing short of a spectacle, which sums up the masterpiece that is Ice Age. The movie follows the unlikely trio as they scurry to escape the impending doom of the upcoming Ice Age. But along the way, they’re faced with new challenges that’ll bring them even closer.
With the short cameos of a squirrel named Scrat and the hilarity of the characters, Ice Age is an ideal movie for your TV screen on a heartwarming family movie night.
29. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
If you want to have a good laugh with your kids, The Secret Life of Pets is your go-to movie. It follows two dogs as they unite with other pets and try to fight an adorable yet cunning bunny called Snowball.
Kevin Hart’s voice performance as Snowball is as charismatic and funny as voice performances can go. Add to that the exciting plotline and the loveable characters, and you have yourself a perfect movie to watch with your little ones.
30. 101 Dalmations (1961)
We’ll end our list with a Disney classic that’ll have you on the edge of your seat for the night. 101 Dalmations tells the story of 15 cute Dalmation puppies that end up getting kidnapped by the ever-glamorous and cunning Cruella De Vil. Cruella’s obsession with fur drives her to the edge of insanity, and she decides to make a spotted fur coat using the skin of 99 puppies.
But how will the puppies’ owners, Pongo and Perdita, react when they find out their puppies are missing? Watch the children-favorite movie tonight and find out!
To Wrap Up
Animated movies give us a much-needed break from reality and take us on unforgettable adventures alongside superheroes, talking toys, chef rats, heroic pandas, and grumpy ogres.
Whether you’re in the mood for a good laugh or a Halloween-themed film, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our list. So prepare a large bowl of popcorn, and choose your movie for the night!