The Absolute Best Movies/Shows For Kids
Many movies aimed toward children can contain troublesome content, as is the case with all media, whether subtle or not, like violence, racism, sexism, and homophobia, etc. Now I've grown up with an ambivalent attachment to some of these movies. Here's a list of movies you and a child can love without worrying as much of exposing children to harmful messages, or where you can see more representation of people like you!
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- DirectorHayao MiyazakiStarsHitoshi TakagiNoriko HidakaChika SakamotoWhen two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.A true favorite of mine among all films. As other Hayao Mayazaki films do, many of which I also recommend, this film includes elements of mysticism and nature. It centers around two young female protagonists. The film promotes being connected and kind to nature. And Totoro is simply so lovable! (So lovable that I own a Totoro doll...)
- DirectorDon HallChris WilliamsStarsRyan PotterScott AdsitJamie ChungA special bond develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who together team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.This film was so charming and funny. It is quickly becoming one of my favorites. The racial representation of characters is diverse, with an Asian boy as the main character. There is not much very significant female representation though.
- DirectorDean DeBloisChris SandersStarsDaveigh ChaseChris SandersTia CarrereA young and parentless girl adopts a 'dog' from the local pound, completely unaware that it's supposedly a dangerous scientific experiment that's taken refuge on Earth and is now hiding from its creator and those who see it as a menace.An excellent film with a native Hawaiian female protagonist. The filmmakers who were not native Hawaiians referred to native people's knowledge of their culture to make the film. However, there may still be flaws to this representation made by outsiders.
A review proclaiming that Lilo & Stitch is the most feminist-friendly Disney film: http://feministdisney.tumblr.com/post/11134614957/lilo-and-stitch-proof-that-disney-can-get-it-right - CreatorRebecca SugarStarsZach CallisonDeedee MagnoMichaela DietzA team of intergalactic warriors fights to protect the Earth, but the combination of three highly trained beings and one quirky young boy leaves the team struggling to overcome the dangerous scenarios that are put in front of them.Multiracial, many women, and canon lesbian and non-binary characters! An amazing and touching show.
- DirectorHayao MiyazakiStarsDaveigh ChaseSuzanne PleshetteMiyu IrinoDuring her family's move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches and spirits, and where humans are changed into beasts.Another beautiful creation from Miyazaki. This film certainly contains one of the most elaborate and creative plots of his movies, if not the most. As many of his movies do, this film also contains meaningful messages of appreciation, loyalty, and love. Love is often at the core of his films, as he praises it in its many forms. There is a little bit of blood and scary imagery.
Here is a review that praises Miyazaki's portrayal of a female protagonist and the depth and dimension he gives the supposedly "bad/evil" characters, which many films directed towards children lack: http://feministdisney.tumblr.com/post/9576935276/so-i-know-its-not-technically-a-disney-film-but - DirectorMark AndrewsBrenda ChapmanSteve PurcellStarsKelly MacdonaldBilly ConnollyEmma ThompsonDetermined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.I highly enjoyed this film, especially with its beautiful animation and imagery. Pixar finally created a movie with a female protagonist! Along with feminist messages, this film also contains messages about following one's heart and compassion. What made this film especially refreshing is that there was no emphasis on straight romance for the protagonist.
I can also see Miyazaki's influence, who is a huge inspiration to Pixar, upon this movie with its elements of mysticism and nature. - DirectorChuck JonesBen WashamStarsHans ConriedJune ForayChuck JonesHorton The Elephant struggles to protect a microscopic community from his neighbours who refuse to believe it exists.I just adore Dr. Seuss's whimsical, yet profound, stories. I haven't yet seen the version of this made quite recently, but I doubt it is better than this version that sticks close to the book. I also love the message within this movie, which is that all forms of life, especially all human beings, but even beyond that, are equal in value.
- DirectorSanjay PatelStarsBrent SchraffSunny Singh AttarArun RaoSanjay loves cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into his Hindu traditions. Reluctance turns into awe-inspiring adventure as the boy embarks on an amazing journey, returning with a new perspective they can both embrace.I have not yet seen this but have heard good things about it as Pixar's first film featuring a protagonist of color. The film includes Hindu religious elements.
- DirectorDean DeBloisChris SandersStarsJay BaruchelGerard ButlerChristopher Mintz-PlasseA hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed.Encourages nonviolence yet a rather violent movie. Lacks female representation. But has some representation of disabled characters!
- StarsMegan FollowsColleen DewhurstRichard FarnsworthAn orphan girl, sent to an elderly brother and sister by mistake, charms her new home and community with her fiery spirit and imagination.A sweet series with a lovely female protagonist who has an amazing imagination. Future sequels may not appeal to children as much, but they are still enjoyable.
- DirectorTim JohnsonStarsJim ParsonsRihannaSteve MartinAn alien on the run from his own people makes friends with a girl. He tries to help her on her quest, but can be an interference.The film has a black female protagonist and messages of anti-imperialism and friendship.
- DirectorHayao MiyazakiStarsCate BlanchettMatt DamonLiam NeesonA five-year-old boy develops a relationship with Ponyo, a young goldfish princess who longs to become a human after falling in love with him.Another excellent Miyazaki movie! Once again, there are messages about the importance of respecting nature and nature having a sentient quality.
- DirectorHawley PrattStarsEddie AlbertBob HoltAthena LordeA ruined industrialist tells his tale of his environmentally self-destructive greed despite the warnings of an old forest creature.Another lovely story by Dr. Seuss. This story, however, is probably the most political, overtly at least. This film criticizes human's greediness that parasitically exploits Earth's resources. With an environmental message, this movie also empowers its audience by telling us that we all have the power to change the world for the better.
Quote from the film: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing's going to get better. It's not." - DirectorMatthew DiamondKenny LeonStarsCommonAmber RileyUzo AdubaA live production of the 1975 Broadway musical, "The Wiz," which put a modern spin on the classic "Wizard of Oz" tale with a cast of African-American actors.A recent live theatrical rendition of The Wiz, a retelling of The Wizard of Oz that centers black characters and aesthetics. Amazing cast, fantastic visuals. Very enjoyable. I loved that there was a voguing scene in Emerald City and that there was a female Wiz.
- DirectorDuwayne DunhamStarsDebbie ReynoldsKimberly J. BrownJudith HoagWhen a young girl living with her secret witch mother learns she too is a witch, she must help her witch grandmother save Halloweentown from evil forces.A favorite of mine growing up. Many women characters. However, little representation of people of color. Includes allegorical messages about oppression and inclusion.
- DirectorDanny DeVitoStarsDanny DeVitoRhea PerlmanMara WilsonA girl gifted with a keen intellect and psychic powers uses both to get even with her callous family and free her kindly schoolteacher from the tyrannical grip of a sadistic headmistress.I dislike that the villain must be socially considered "ugly," while the good person must be socially considered pretty. I also dislike that the movie negatively portrays masculine women, possibly even queer-coding, meaning an association of gay with bad, through the villain.
Still a good movie though that promotes Matilda leaving a rather emotionally abusive household. - DirectorAbdul NdadiStarsAbdul NdadiLakita PizzaroRooted in African myth, Orisha's Journey is about a little girl and the power of imagination. Orisha, who doesn't believe in fables finds herself in one. After meeting a lost flower spirit, she must journey though the world of spirits and the depths of her imagination to return the lost flower to the 'Walking Forest!'Created by a Ghanaian American animator, this film draws on African culture with a young black female protagonist.
- DirectorAndrew StantonStarsBen BurttElissa KnightJeff GarlinIn the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.One of my favorite Pixar films. This film is just so touching and endearing and includes an environmental message.
And from a feminist lens, Pixar refreshes the dynamic in the typical heterosexual romance between Wall-E and Eve by having her being the one to come to Wall-E's rescue. Eve's character is not as central as Wall-E's though. - DirectorWill GluckStarsQuvenzhané WallisCameron DiazJamie FoxxA foster kid who lives with her mean foster mom sees her life change when business tycoon and New York City mayoral candidate Will Stacks makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in.A modern, race-bent retelling of Annie with black leads. Some critics found this movie to not be as good as the original. I still enjoyed it a lot.
- DirectorRobert IscoveStarsBrandy NorwoodBernadette PetersVeanne CoxAlthough mistreated by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella is able to attend the royal ball through the help of a fairy godmother.I haven't watched this in many years, but it seems promising as a race-bent retelling of Cinderella with a multiracial cast.
- DirectorChuck JonesBen WashamStarsBoris KarloffJune ForayDal McKennonA grumpy hermit hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville.
- DirectorPete DocterDavid SilvermanLee UnkrichStarsBilly CrystalJohn GoodmanMary GibbsIn order to power the city, monsters have to scare children so that they scream. However, the children are toxic to the monsters, and after a child gets through, two monsters realize things may not be what they think.Though I haven't seen this movie in its entirety in quite some time, I still recall loving it. This is another creative and funny movie made by Pixar. Of course, I also love the message within the movie which challenges prejudice and promotes love and acceptance.
- DirectorClyde GeronimiWilfred JacksonHamilton LuskeStarsKathryn BeaumontEd WynnRichard HaydnAlice stumbles into the world of Wonderland. Will she get home? Not if the Queen of Hearts has her way.Such an enjoyable, surreal journey!
- DirectorAndrew StantonLee UnkrichStarsAlbert BrooksEllen DeGeneresAlexander GouldAfter his son is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish sets out on a journey to bring him home.Perhaps Pixar's funniest film. But more than just that, this is another touching, captivating Pixar creation. This movie encourages acceptance, appreciation, and understanding.
- DirectorPete DocterBob PetersonStarsEdward AsnerJordan NagaiJohn Ratzenberger78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.Oh my goodness, this movie was just not at all what I was expecting. This might be Pixar's most serious, emotional movie. This movie just contains so much meaning. It portrays the difficulty people go through with any loss and grieving. It also reveals the waste in resulting isolation and bitterness and the risk that's completely worth it when someone opens up to the world again. I don't know if children would fully appreciate this movie, but it's still great.
- DirectorHiromasa YonebayashiStarsBridgit MendlerAmy PoehlerWill ArnettThe Clock family are four-inch-tall people who live anonymously in another family's residence, borrowing simple items to make their home. Life changes for the Clocks when their teenage daughter Arrietty is discovered.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHenry ThomasDrew BarrymorePeter CoyoteA troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape from Earth and return to his home planet.A touching classic.
- DirectorRon ClementsJohn MuskerDon HallStarsAuli'i CravalhoDwayne JohnsonRachel HouseIn ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the demigod Maui reaches Moana's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out Maui to set things right.