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This is a safe space to admit it: You are an adult, and you still watch cartoons. Ever since Shrek challenged Disney’s family-friendly throne by turning the fairy tale genre on its head in 2001, kid-friendly films have increasingly catered as much to parents as to their intended audience of tots and tweens. There need no longer be any shame in turning on a children’s film when you have the house to yourself.
To help you plan your next movie night, here are 19 of the best kid movies that adults will appreciate too.
Labyrinth (1986)
This collaboration between George Lucas, Muppeteer Jim Henson, and the late, great David Bowie is an eye-catching fantasy film for kids. But let’s face it: a movie about a girl responsible for her baby brother’s kidnapping by her evil crush has all the makings of your favorite Lifetime movie.
Where to stream: Peacock, Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, Digital rental
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)
This classic film, a mix of live-action and animation, will get a few laughs out of your kids, but its plot, revolving around a cartoon framed for murder, has all the makings of a noir, complete with (sort of) sex, violence, and murder.
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
Coraline (2009)
This adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s book about a girl who finds a hidden world in her home, directed by The Nightmare Before Christmas‘ Henry Selick, was marketed for a family audience because of its eye-catching stop-motion animation. However, its horror elements are why parents watch the movie after the kids go to bed.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Who knew a stop-motion children’s film about a clever fox who steals from three farmers could make such a statement about the effects of greed? Well, it was directed by art-house darling Wes Anderson, who also brought his signature theme on the dynamics of family, which he first explored in The Royal Tennebaums, to this Roald Dahl adaptation (the first on this list).
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
Hugo (2011)
Older children will love Martin Scorsese’s visually stunning adaptation of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Movie buffs will watch for the references to film history the esteemed director placed throughout the film.
Where to stream: Hoopla, Digital rental
Paddington 2 (2018)
When Michael Bond authored the first book about Paddington, he said it wasn’t written specifically for children. Maybe that’s why the second film based on his stories about a talking bear from Darkest Peru is so beloved by adults. It might also be because Hugh Grant turns in one of his best performances as the villainous Phoenix Buchanan.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Any Disney cartoon will capture your child’s attention. However, this dark and sophisticated adaptation of the classic Victor Hugo novel of the same name will also engage adults, even if the gargoyles talk.
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Speaking of sophisticated animated films, this Oscar-winning take on the web-slinger (and its sequel) is perfect for older kids and their nerdy comic-book-loving parents.
Where to stream: Fubo, Digital rental
The Incredibles (2004)
It’s another animated movie about superheroes, but at the heart of this Pixar film is a very human story about a dysfunctional family trying to hold the world (and themselves) together.
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
The Witches (1990)
Our second Roald Dahl adaptation is a warped tale about a young boy who discovers a coven that wants to turn the world’s children into mice. Children will identify with the idea of the small and meek battling against an evil enemy, and adults will enjoy its elements of horror and camp.
Where to stream: Digital rental
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
My Neighbor Totoro, about two sisters who discover magical creatures living near their new home, is the perfect film to introduce young ones to animator Hayao Miyazaki’s work. Come to think of it, it’s also the ideal film to introduce uninitiated parents to Studio Ghibli’s critically acclaimed output.
Where to stream: Max, Digital rental
Time Bandits (1981)
Chances are your children will be more interested in this fantasy film’s practical special effects than its zippy plot about a young boy who joins the titular characters in their quest to steal treasure from historical events. Adult fans of the British comedy team Monty Python will delight in the film’s dry sense of humor and seeing many of the troupe’s stars.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel
Nimona (2023)
Your (older) kids will love seeing the mischievous titular teenage hero change into different creatures, including a whale and a rhinoceros, in her quest to help a knight prove his innocence in murdering a queen. Parents will enjoy the film’s subversive script and unique animation style.
Where to stream: Netflix
Ernest and Celestine (2012)
This beautifully animated French film about a mismatched bear and mouse gives off some Zootopia vibes, which young kids will find appealing. However, unlike its Disney counterpart, it deals with some real-world issues in a way that doesn’t feel condescending, which will capture the interest of adult viewers.
Where to stream: Tubi, Digital rental
Matilda (1996)
The last Roald Dahl adaptation on this list, this dark film, directed by Danny DeVito, is about a girl who uses her intelligence and special powers to give the abusive adults in her life what they deserve. It sounds a little like a Stephen King film, but it’s visually fun for adults and, sadly, way too relatable for some parents.
Where to stream: Netflix, Fubo, Digital rental
Wolfwalkers (2020)
The stylish hand-drawn animation is reason enough for anyone to watch this movie. Its plot centers around a girl named Robyn who meets someone from a magical tribe. It’s simple enough for kids to enjoy and understand. When the friendship gets complicated for Robyn, the film takes on an emotional poignancy that parents will appreciate.
Where to stream: Apple TV+
Wall-E (2008)
Most Pixar films cater to parents, but this film about robots who fall in love feels more like a Jacques Tati film than something advertised on a Happy Meal. The dialogue is minimal, and most of its comedy falls into the visual realm. In short, it’s brilliant.
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
Marcel the Shell With Shoes On (2022)
Is this stop-motion film, based on the YouTube shorts created by Dean Fleischer-Camp and Jenny Slate, a weird adult comedy about a talking shell or an emotional family movie? The answer is yes.
Where to stream: Netflix, Paramount+ with Showtime, Hoopla, Kanopy, Digital rental
The Iron Giant (1999)
This animated classic about a kid who befriends an alien robot gives off major E.T. vibes, which is why adults, myself included, share it with their kids 25 years later.
Where to stream: Paramount+ with Showtime, Digital rental
