The best kids films that adults will actually enjoy

Kids films that you'll want to watch again and again.

Family watching films on projector

by Jade Moscrop |
Updated on

Let's face it, we're all spending a lot more time in front of the TV screen these days to entertain ourselves. But let's look at it in a positive light - we get to spend some quality time with the family, making memories and cuddling up, right?

Well, that is until the kids scream to watch the same episode of Peppa Pig for the 19th time that day, won't stop wriggling during cuddle time and end up wandering off to play in the garden, leaving you and Peppa to your own devices.

With Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+ at the click of a button, there's a wealth of amazing cinema at our fingertips which is sure to keep their attention, make them laugh and stay with them forever.

We've put together a list of some of the best children's films to snuggle up and watch this weekend that adults will enjoy, too. From classic Disney to awesome new Pixar adventures, educational masterpieces and those that'll make you sing along, there's a bit of everything in here.

Why not turn your living room into a den, play the film on a projector and grab some popcorn, too? You can create your very own cinema experience at home. Magical!

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Best kids films

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs1 of 29
CREDIT: Amazon

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Inventor Flint Lockwood's latest contraption seems like a total bust, until it starts raining delicious food from the sky, that is! But when spaghetti tornadoes and giant meatballs threaten the world, can Flint and weather girl Sam Sparks stop the machine in its tracks? This is funny, heart-warming and exciting, time and time again.Grab this one on DVD or buy it from Prime Video for £5.49.

Babe2 of 29
CREDIT: Netflix

Babe

Family classic, Babe, will have the whole family aww-ing, giggling and crying the whole way through. We love that little piggy!Available on Netflix.

Brave3 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney/Pixar

Brave

The story of Merida is one that'll warm your cockles and get you fired up. After unleashing a dark force, she must journey to reverse the curse and discover the real meaning of bravery.Available on Disney+.

Cars4 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney/Pixar

Cars

Lightning McQueen is up there as one of the most popular characters to come out of Pixar. This amusing tale follows the car as he learns a hard life lesson and makes some new best friends.Available on Disney+.

E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial5 of 29
CREDIT: Amazon

E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial

Phone home! E.T. is a classic, loved by countless generations. Let your kids experience the magic of Elliott and a lost alien, whose adventure and friendship knows no earthly bounds.Available on DVD, or to buy on Prime Video for £7.99.

Frozen6 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney

Frozen

Yes, the song was stuck in your head for about 12 months straight, but enough time has passed that we can fall in love with Frozen again. No hard feelings, Elsa.Available on Disney+.

Happy Feet7 of 29
CREDIT: Amazon

Happy Feet

Happy Feet is a story about an Emperor Penguin who loves to dance, much to the dismay of his family and fellow penguins. Cast aside from society, he embarks on a journey to find himself. You'll be tapping your feet to this one! Available on Prime Video.

Harry Potter Films 1-88 of 29
CREDIT: Amazon

Harry Potter Films 1-8

The tales of Harry Potter have been cherished by millions ever since their release in 1997. You can relive the magic over and over again with this eight film collection. Accio popcorn!Available on DVD and on Prime Video from £9.99.

High School Musical9 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney

High School Musical

We're all in this together, literally. No one can deny how addictive this film is, so just give in and sing/dance along. Available on Disney+.

Hotel Transylvania10 of 29
CREDIT: Netflix

Hotel Transylvania

An all-star cast comes together for this quirky film, centring around Dracula and his luxury resort for monsters. When Dracula's daughter falls for a human backpacker, he does what any normal dad would do... right? As much of a lesson for the parents as it is for the kids, this one's a keeper.Available on Netflix.

Honey, I Shrunk The Kids11 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney

Honey, I Shrunk The Kids

Despite being released in 1989, this film is still a corker. Following the story of Wayne, whose shrinking machine has an adventure in store for his kids, it's utterly ridiculous and totally lovable.Available on Disney+.

Inside Out12 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney/Pixar

Inside Out

A brilliant film to teach children about their emotions, Inside Out will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.Available on Disney+.

The Jungle Book13 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney

The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book has stood the test of time, a classic story that's still loved today. Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera learn the bare necessities of life and friendship as they travel to the man-village. Available on Disney+ - along with the new live action remake.

Kung Fu Panda14 of 29
CREDIT: Amazon

Kung Fu Panda

Teaching us to never give up on our dreams, Po the panda desires the life of a kung fu master, not life in a restaurant! When he's chosen as the dragon warrior, Po teaches us all to find our inner power in this super-entertaining, hilarious film.Available on DVD.

Madagascar15 of 29
CREDIT: Netflix

Madagascar

One of the most quotable films to come out in recent years, Madagascar is an adventure jam-packed with every creature you can think of - especially lemurs. Available on Netflix.

Mary Poppins16 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney

Mary Poppins

This iconic tale will have you singing along, feeding the birds and wishing you had one of those amazing Mary Poppins bags. A great one for teaching the kids about not judging people on their appearance, the importance of housework and, of course, taking your medicine. Available on Disney+.

Matilda17 of 29
CREDIT: Netflix

Matilda

Matilda is a very special girl with very special powers, who comes to the defence of those who have been victimised, teaching bullies where to go once and for all. You may have to pretend your kids have magical powers for a few weeks after watching this one, just FYI.Available on Netflix.

Moana18 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney

Moana

Moana will make you sob, laugh, sob some more and then feel like you can do anything. The determined Moana, daughter of chief Tui, embarks on a journey to save her island, after its livelihood is threatened.Available on Disney+.

Shark Tale19 of 29
CREDIT: Netflix

Shark Tale

Wholly underrated and super cool, Shark Tale is about unlikely friendships and not judging a book by its cover. With a killer soundtrack and some big names, you'll be glad you revisited it. Available on Netflix.

Ratatouille20 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney/Pixar

Ratatouille

Remy the rat aspires to become a renowned French chef, but he's up against the bad rap of his own species. Proof that no matter how small you are, you're capable of big things.Available on Disney+.

Pocahontas21 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney

Pocahontas

One that will no doubt have kids asking big questions, but an important watch, Pocahontas is the original badass princess story. Available on Disney+.

Sing22 of 29
CREDIT: Amazon

Sing

This film will have you beaming from ear to ear, we promise! Featuring over 60 songs from some of the biggest artists on the planet, join Buster Moon as he hosts a singing competition to save his struggling theatre.Available on DVD or to buy on Prime Video for £4.99.

Tangled23 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney

Tangled

The story of Rapunzel is brought back to life in Disney's retelling. When a trapped Rapunzel meets the good-hearted thief, Flynn, their adventure begins.Available on Disney+.

The Prince of Egypt24 of 29
CREDIT: Amazon

The Prince of Egypt

DreamWorks' reimagining of the biblical tale of Moses can be a little scary for younger kids, but we all remember it as an amazing watch. And the soundtrack is just sublime.Available on Prime Video.

Toy Story25 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney/Pixar

Toy Story

You'll find every single one of the Toy Story films on Disney+, but there's something about the first one that just makes us feel fuzzy and warm inside. Join Woody and the gang again and again and spark your child's imagination. Available on Disney+.

Shrek The 4-Movie Collection26 of 29
CREDIT: Amazon

Shrek The 4-Movie Collection

Grab yourself all four Shrek movies and be prepared to laugh, sing and cry all the way through. Kids and adults love Shrek, the grumpy Ogre, and the films will be celebrated for years to come.Available on DVD.

The Greatest Showman27 of 29
CREDIT: Amazon

The Greatest Showman

The Greatest Showman features an all-star cast, an amazing soundtrack and some show-stopping performances. Inspired by the story of P.T. Barnum and the birth of the circus, this film will inspire you no end.Available on DVD.

The Lion King28 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney

The Lion King

The original Lion King should, in our opinion, be watched at least once every six months in every household as standard. Perfect in every way, enjoy the story of Simba and his pride forevermore. You can also catch the sequel, spin-offs and live-action version, too.Available on Disney+.

Up29 of 29
CREDIT: Walt Disney/Pixar

Up

One of the sweetest and most heart-warming films on Disney/Pixar's roster, Up is the tale of Carl, an old widower, who goes off on an adventure in his flying house. Unbeknownst to him, though, he has a stowaway or two, and hilarity ensues.Available on Disney+.

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