Top 10 Kid’s Movies of All Time

If there’s one thing that kids of all ages love, it’s settling down to a great movie. The best kid’s movies include lots of funny moments, a heartwarming story, a happy ending (naturally!), and even the occasional scary moment! With so many fabulous options to choose from, it’s practically impossible to draw up a definitive list of the best kid's movies of all time. We may even have to leave out favourites like Bambi, Herbie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins or Annie.

This list caused a lot of debate here at VOX Cinemas, but we think we’ve come up with a pretty good representation of the top 10 kid’s movies and their IMDb scores. There’s something for everyone here, so let’s grab some popcorn and have a look at our list of the best movies for kids.

1. The Lion King (1994) 8.5/10

This tops the list of almost any list of the best kid’s movies of all time, and rightfully so. This absolute masterpiece is loved by children all over the world. The musical animation tells the story of Simba, a young lion prince who has to reclaim his rightful throne from evil uncle Scar. The animation is flawless, the songs will stay with you forever, and the emotional moments will tug at your heartstrings. This one stands up to repeated watching and is so good that a stage version of the film was even made.

2. Finding Nemo (2003) 8.1/10

Marlin the clownfish has to desperately search the ocean and beyond to find his son Nemo, after the cheeky little chap is captured and transported away by a diver. Along the way, Marlin calls on the ocean creatures to help him in his quest, with assistance from some unexpected quarters. A brilliant piece of computer animation that will mesmerise younger children and one that fully deserves its place on our list of the best kid’s movies.

3. Toy Story (1995) 8.3/10

One of the funniest kid's movies on our list, this hilarious tale of Andy’s toys and their madcap adventures is sheer brilliance. To be honest, this is one of those movies that adults love watching as much as kids do! When the humans aren’t around, the toys come to life, each with their own personality traits. Voiced by Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, the original film went on to become one of the biggest-grossing animations of all time.

4. Up (2009) 8.2/10

What happens when a young, adventurous boy and a grumpy old man decide to go and explore the South American jungle? And how do you get to a magical land so far away? Why, you attach helium balloons to your house and simply float there, of course! Up is a delight from start to finish, a superb piece of animation with a delightful tale of friendship across the generations. No matter how young or old you are, Up will capture your heart as you follow Carl and Russell on their voyage of discovery. Featuring the voices of Edward Asner as Carl Fredricksen and Jordan Nagai as Russell.

5. Home Alone (1990) 7.7/10

Not all of the best kid's movies are animated, and there’s no way we could create a list of the best kid's movies of all time and leave out Home Alone. This riotous comedy tells the story of Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, who accidentally gets left home alone on Christmas Eve. With two dopy burglars intent on robbing the house, Kevin has to fend them off in ever more elaborate and fiendish boobytraps. The perfect kid's Christmas movie, and a true classic, it will have you laughing from start to finish. Also starring Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, and Catherine O’Hara.

6. The Goonies (1985) 7.7/10

This children's classic is as bright, fresh, and funny as it was when it first came out nearly 40 years ago and definitely deserves a place on our list of the best and funniest kid's movies. A gang of kids known as the Goonies find an old treasure map that could lead them to One-Eyed Willy’s fabled booty. It could save their town, but is the treasure real? A wonderfully funny and warm caper that teaches kids about the power of friendship. Starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, and Kerri Green.

7. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) 7.9/10

“E.T. phone home!” This true classic directed by Steven Spielberg tells the story of a gentle alien stranded on Earth. He's found and befriended by Elliot, a 10-year-old boy, who not only has to protect E.T. from the attention of the government but also has to help the alien get back home again. One of the best kid’s movies of all time, E.T. is utterly charming, warm, and very funny, with iconic scenes everyone will know and love. Starring Henry Thomas as Elliott, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace, and K. C. Martell.

8. Wall-E (2008) 8.4/10

In the future, man has abandoned Earth due to the amount of trash that covers it. Robots like WALL-E are left to clean up the mess, with just a single cockroach for company. EVE, a reconnaissance bot, arrives to see if Earth can be repopulated, and WALL-E falls head over heels (or tracks!) in love. This heartwarming tale has a strong environmental message and highlights the importance of devotion and love. With the voices of Ben Burtt as WALL-E, Elissa Knight as EVE, Jeff Garlin and Sigourney Weaver.

9. The Wizard of Oz (1939) 8.1/10

One of the greatest movies of all time, The Wizard of Oz is a glorious example of the golden age of Hollywood in the 1930s and ‘40s. Starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, it’s a magical tale of witches, the wonderful Emerald City, and friendships forged on the yellow-brick road to adventure. Dorothy is whisked away during a tornado to the land of Oz, where she meets a Scarecrow in search of a brain, a Lion in search of courage, and a tin man who longs for a heart. Can the Wizard of Oz help them and get Dorothy back home, too? With iconic songs and a few scary moments along the way, The Wizard of Oz is definitely one of the best kid's movies of all time. Also starring Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke as good witch Glinda, and Margaret Hamilton in the legendary role of evil witch Miss Gulch.

10. Shrek (2001) 7.9/10

Our final offering on our list of the best kids movies of all time is the fabulously funny Shrek. All this grumpy green ogre wants to do is live quietly in his swamp, not being disturbed by anyone. But an influx of fairy tale creatures displaced by the scheming Lord Farquaad spoils his gloopy idyll. With possibly the most annoying donkey on the planet for company, Shrek sets off to try and persuade Lord Farquaad to change his mind but ends up being sent off on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona instead. It's a happy, bright, and often hilarious tale that kids of all ages will love. Starring the voice of Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, and John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad.

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