Looking to entertain children during the long summer holidays? Guardian writers have compiled a list of the 50 best-ever movies for kids, ranging from classics to modern hits. The selection includes toe-tapping musicals, psychedelic adventures, and heartfelt animations that are sure to amuse, move, or thrill young viewers.
Among the highlighted films is The Jungle Book, described as the ultimate child-friendly cartoon musical, with songs like 'The Bare Necessities' and 'I Wan’na Be Like You' hailed as classics. Yellow Submarine is praised for its bewitching Technicolor vision and simple plot that even little ones can follow. Aardman's Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is noted for its 'cackling horror' and guest voice stars Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes.
Other notable entries include Studio Ghibli's My Neighbour Totoro, which combines joy and aching sadness, and Disney's Encanto, which tackles generational trauma with colour and a banging soundtrack. The list also features Shaun the Sheep Movie, Pixar shorts for the under-2s, and Captain Underpants, adapted from Dav Pilkey's novels, which 'your kids will love'.
